Which place is cheaper, Tulum or Punta del Este?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Punta del Este or Tulum?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este or Tulum?
Punta del Este
Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPunta del Este $98Tulum $122
The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, 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 Punta del Este and Tulum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPunta del Este $55Tulum $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPunta del Este $110Tulum $120
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Tulum
Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Punta del Este $22Tulum $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este
Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30
- Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
- Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
- Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
- Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
- Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
- Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
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:
- Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM - up to 9 pax: $299
- Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $254
- Transfer from Tulum airport to Bacalar: $233
- Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
- Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $210
- Private Transfer From Cancun Airport - Tulum: $208
- Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Akumal, Tulum: $191
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182
- Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun International Airport: $160
- One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $160
- Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Punta del Este or Tulum?
Prices for flights to both Tulum and Punta del Este 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 dayPunta del Este $31Tulum $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.Punta del Este $11Tulum $32
Tours and Activities in Punta del Este
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.
- La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
- Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
- Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
- Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset in Casapueblo: $30
- Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
- Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
- Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
- Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
- Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
- Private - Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $120
- Punta del Este Shore Excursion: Private Sightseeing Tour of Punta del Este: $127
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 dayPunta del Este $7.70Tulum $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:
- Wine Tasting: $42
- Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $158
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 Punta del Este and Tulum, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Punta del Este much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta del Este Expensive? and Is Tulum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Tulum?
Tulum has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Tulum?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Tulum in the Summer?
Both Tulum and Punta del Este during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Punta del Este is cooler than Tulum. Typically, the summer temperatures in Punta del Este in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Tulum averages at about 28°C (83°F)in July.
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Punta del Este. In the summer, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Tulumin July. Punta del Este gets 296 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun.
Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in January than Tulumin July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 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 JulyPunta del Este 23°C (73°F)Tulum 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Tulum in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Tulum. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In April, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Tulumin October. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 17°C (63°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during autumn. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Tulumin October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberPunta del Este 17°C (63°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Tulum in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Tulum. Additionally, most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Punta del Este is much colder than Tulum in the winter. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 10°C (50°F) in July, and Tulum fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. In the winter, Punta del Este often gets less sunshine than Tulumin January. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun.
Punta del Este usually gets more rain in July than Tulumin January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 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 JanuaryPunta del Este 10°C (50°F)Tulum 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Punta del Este or Tulum in the Spring?
Both Tulum and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Punta del Este is much colder than Tulum. Typically, the spring temperatures in Punta del Este in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Tulum averages at about 27°C (81°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Tulum. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta del Este. Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during spring. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Tulumin April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. 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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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilPunta del Este 16°C (61°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Tulum and Punta del Este
| Punta del Este | Tulum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 67 mm (2.6 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.