Which place is cheaper, Tulum or Asuncion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Asuncion or Tulum?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion or Tulum, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Asuncion or Tulum?
Asuncion
Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.
Tulum
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAsuncion $68Tulum $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $68, while the average daily cost in Tulum is $122. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Asuncion and Tulum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAsuncion $22Tulum $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAsuncion $44Tulum $120
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Tulum
Looking for a hotel in Asuncion or Tulum? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Asuncion Hotel Prices and Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Asuncion $8.82Tulum $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion
Also for Asuncion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20
- Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
- Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $29
- Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $29
- RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52
- RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Xcaret to Tulum - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Transfer from Tulum airport to Bacalar: $233
- Horseback Riding in the Jungle w/ Transfers and Lunch: $100
- Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $82
- Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $160
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182
- Tulum to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $70
- Tulum to Bacalar - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $153
- Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $254
- Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM - up to 9 pax: $299
Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Tulum?
Prices for flights to both Tulum and Asuncion change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAsuncion $17Tulum $34
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$3.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $86
- Vegan Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $87
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
- Mayan Night Guided Tour, Cenote Swim and Mayan Dinner: $209
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Asuncion $16Tulum $32
Tours and Activities in Asuncion
For Asuncion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Asuncion: $34
- Walking Tour with a Local in Asuncion "The Mother of Cities": $35
- Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
- Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $85
- Golden Triangle Tour: $110
- Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
- Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour from Asunción: $160
- Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185
- Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $207
- Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
- Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Private Tour - The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman: $195
- Romantic tour in Tulum: $169
- 4-Hour Cenotes Tour with Hotel Pickup in Riviera Maya: $109
- 5 Hours Mayan Snorkeling Experience in Tulum: $90
- 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $88
- 5x1: Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Mayan Village Full Day Tour: $99
- ATV Cenote and Zipline Adventure from Tulum: $119
- ATV Extreme Adventure Single with Ziplines and Cenote Swim: $137
- ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote & Tulum Pickup: $75
- ATV Tour with Ziplines and Cenote Swim Experience in Quintana Roo: $59
- Adventure Tulum: $105
- Adventure in the Mayan Jungle with ATV and Zip Line in Tulum: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAsuncion $10Tulum $25
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:
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Beer$1.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
- 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
- Wine Tasting at Pan y Vino Tulum: $58
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asuncion and Tulum, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Asuncion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Asuncion is in South America and Tulum is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Asuncion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asuncion and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Tulum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tulum than you might in Asuncion.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asuncion Expensive? and Is Tulum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Tulum?
Asuncion has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion and Tulum, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Asuncion or Tulum?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Asuncion is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Tulum has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Asuncion or Tulum in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as Tulum. Also, many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Asuncion is around the same temperature as Tulum in the summer. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 29°C (84°F) in January, and Tulum fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asuncion this time of the year. In the summer, Asuncion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tulumin July. Asuncion gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tulum. Asuncion receives a lot of rain in the summer. Asuncion usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Tulumin July. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAsuncion 29°C (84°F)Tulum 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Tulum in the Autumn?
Both Tulum and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Asuncion is cooler than Tulum. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Asuncion in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Tulum averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Tulum. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during autumn. Asuncion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. It's quite rainy in Asuncion. In April, Asuncion usually receives less rain than Tulumin October. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAsuncion 24°C (75°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Tulum in the Winter?
Both Tulum and Asuncion during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In July, Asuncion is generally cooler than Tulumin January. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 19°C (66°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Asuncion often gets less sunshine than Tulumin January. Asuncion gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun.
Asuncion usually gets less rain in July than Tulumin January. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAsuncion 19°C (66°F)Tulum 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Asuncion or Tulum in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and Tulum. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Asuncion is around the same temperature as Tulum in the spring. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In Asuncion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during spring. Asuncion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.
Asuncion gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Tulumin April. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAsuncion 25°C (77°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Tulum and Asuncion
| Asuncion | Tulum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 29°C (84°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.