Which place is cheaper, Basse-Terre or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or Basse-Terre?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Basse-Terre can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Tulum or Basse-Terre?
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.
Basse-Terre
In Guadeloupe there is Basse Terre the city and Basse-Terre the island - the city is the capital of Guadeloupe, and the island is Guadeloupe's western half of the main island. As a whole, the place is very green, featuring lush vegetation and a mountainous landscape with a sulfuric volcano.
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 dayTulum $122Basse-Terre $164
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Basse-Terre is $164. 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 Tulum and Basse-Terre in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Basse-Terre $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Basse-Terre $194
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Basse-Terre
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Basse-Terre? 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: Tulum Hotel Prices and Basse-Terre Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Basse-Terre $8.67
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:
- Chetumal City to Chetumal Airport CTM Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Tulum to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $70
- Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Xcaret to Tulum - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $82
- Private Transfer in Vehicle from Tulum to Cancun Airport : $91
- Horseback Riding in the Jungle w/ Transfers and Lunch: $100
- Tulum Hotels to Merida Rejon Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $113
- Departure Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan - Minibus: $117
- Tulum to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $121
- EV Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport: $135
- Private Transfer: Tulum to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $138
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Basse-Terre?
Prices for flights to both Basse-Terre and Tulum 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 dayTulum $34Basse-Terre $50
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
- Tulum Vegan Food Tour: $90
- Gourmet Experience: 5 Course Dinner, Cocktail Class and Wine Pairing: $159
- Mayan Night Guided Tour, Cenote Swim and Mayan Dinner: $210
- Private Mayan Food Cooking Class and Cenote: $289
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32Basse-Terre $50
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Audioguide Tulum, Audioguide-App Mayastadt Tulum, Tour Tulum Archaeological Site: $4.29
- Skip-the-line Admission Ticket to Tulum Archaeological Zone: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Return Home: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Coba Ruins: The trail of the Mayas: $10
- Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $12
- Tulum Archeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
- Self-Guided Mayan Ruins Tour: $13
- Explore Coba: The Ultimate Self-Guided Audio & Map Tour: $15
- Archeological Guided Walking Tour in Tulum: $20
- Archaeological Site Guided Walking Tour: $20
- Tulum Mural Tours: $36
- Playa del Carmen: ATV, Cenote, and Zipline Tour with a Meal: $41
Tours and Activities in Basse-Terre
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basse-Terre are as follows:
- Full day tour: the best of the island w/photos drone sunset: $213
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Basse-Terre $14
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 Tulum and Basse-Terre, we can see that Basse-Terre is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and Basse-Terre is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Basse-Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basse-Terre than you might in Tulum.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Basse-Terre Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Basse-Terre?
Basse-Terre has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Basse-Terre, 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 Tulum or Basse-Terre?
Tulum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Basse-Terre experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tulum or Basse-Terre in the Summer?
Both Basse-Terre and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Basse-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Tulum is around the same temperature as Basse-Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Basse-Terre fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Basse-Terre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Basse-Terre during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Basse-Terre receives 245 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives around the same amount of rain as Basse-Terre. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Basse-Terre 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Basse-Terre in the Autumn?
Both Basse-Terre and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Basse-Terre year-round.
In the autumn, Tulum is around the same temperature as Basse-Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Basse-Terre averages at about 27°C (80°F).
In Basse-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Basse-Terre. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basse-Terre receives 217 hours of full sun.
Basse-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets less rain in October than Basse-Terre. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Basse-Terre 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Basse-Terre in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Basse-Terre. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Basse-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Basse-Terre. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Basse-Terre fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basse-Terre this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Basse-Terre during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Basse-Terre receives 236 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Basse-Terre. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Basse-Terre 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Basse-Terre in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Basse-Terre. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Basse-Terre throughout the year.
Tulum is around the same temperature as Basse-Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Basse-Terre fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basse-Terre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Basse-Terre. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basse-Terre receives 240 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Basse-Terre. Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Basse-Terre. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Basse-Terre receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Basse-Terre 26°C (78°F)
Typical Weather for Basse-Terre and Tulum
| Tulum | Basse-Terre | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.