A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Bogota for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tulum or Bogota?

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 Bogota 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 Bogota?

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.

Bogota

Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Tulum?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $133, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $61. 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 Bogota in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tulum $54
    Bogota $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tulum $108
    Bogota $52
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Bogota

Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Bogota? 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.

Hotels in Tulum


Hotels in Bogota


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 Bogota Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tulum $25
    Bogota $8.57
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:

  • Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $114
  • Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $120
  • Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $206
  • Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $250
  • Tulum to Cancun - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $190
  • Tulum Hotels to Merida Rejon Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $215
  • Tulum Archaeological Zone: Cenote, Lunch & Transfer: $191
  • Tulum Archaeological Zone and Jaguar Park With Transfer and Lunch: $152
  • Tulum Airport: One-Way or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $144
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
  • Round Trip Transfer from Tulum Airport to Hotels: $158
  • Private Transfer to Tulum from Tulum Airport: $150

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $7.39
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.38
  • 2 Bus Passes
    $0.87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota

Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Bogota Airport (BOG): $11
  • Private Transfer to Bogota Airport (BOG): $11
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport: $13
  • Transfer to and from El Dorado airport in Bogota: $14
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Bogota: $15
  • Private Hotel to Airport Transfer service in Bogota: $17
  • Private Bogota Airport - Hotel Transfer: Safe, Fast, and Reliable: $21
  • Private Transfer from Bogota Hotels to El Dorado Airport: $22
  • Downtown Hotels to Bogota Airport BOG Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Salt Cathedral Zipaquira: Private Transfer Service from Bogota: $24
  • Private Transfer from Aeropurto to Bogota Hotels: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Bogota?

Prices for flights to both Bogota 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tulum $54
    Bogota $23
Typical Food Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Lunch
    $2.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.

  • Salsa Class with Mezcalita Workshop & Mexican Dinner in Tulum: $83
  • Mexican Cooking from Scratch in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
  • Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $88
  • Temazcal Mayan Ritual Tour and Cenote Swim with Yucatecan Dinner: $120
  • Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299

Typical Food Prices in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $1.54
  • Hot Dog
    $0.90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
  • PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
  • Food Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $60
  • Flavors of Colombia: Chapinero Street Food Tour: $73
  • Food Tour in Historic Downtown with a Food Scholar and Tastings: $75
  • Colombian Cooking Class in Bogota with a Local Chef: $102
  • Tropical Abundance: Interactive Cooking Class in Bogota: $176
  • Bogotá Food Tour. Exotic Fruits and local Cuisine.: $180
  • Gastronomic Tour and Cooking Workshop: $213

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tulum $29
    Bogota $13

Tours and Activities in Tulum

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:

  • Chichen Itza & Cenote Chichikan Bus Tour Experience from Tulum: $71
  • Full Day Tour from Tulum to Rio Lagartos: $229
  • Private Tour - The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman: $195
  • Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Guided Tour: $220
  • Tulum Extreme Mayan Adventure with ATV, Zipline and Cenote: $38
  • 2 Cenotes Private Tour – VIP Adventure with Expert Guide: $154
  • 2 tanks Cenote Diving Adventure in Tulum for Certified Divers: $200
  • 3 in 1 Experience in Tulum: $111
  • 5 Hours Mayan Snorkeling Experience in Tulum: $94
  • 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $88
  • ATV Adventure and Horseback Ride with Ziplines, Cenote from Tulum: $82
  • ATV Cenote and Ziplines Adventure in Tulum from Riviera Maya: $30

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Beer
    $1.28

Tours and Activities in Bogota

For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Theatron Party-Tour, 20 Clubs, Map, cocktail, bottle, After-party: $5.00
  • Botanical Garden José Celestino Mutis Photo Tour in Bogota: $5.80
  • Bogotá: La Macarena to Parque Nacional Walking Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Traditional Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part II: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part I : $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Paranormal Candelaria: $10
  • Armed Conflict and Violence Tour in Bogotá, Colombia: $12
  • Shared Tour Colombian Conflict: war, drug trafficking and peace: $13
  • Bogota Shared Gastronomy Tour in the Historic Center: $13
  • Shared Walking Tour of Bogotá's Historic Center Candelaria: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tulum $23
    Bogota $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:

  • 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
  • Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

  • Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $25
  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $25


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Bogota, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Bogota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and Bogota is in South 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 Bogota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bogota 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 Bogota.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Bogota Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tulum or Bogota?

Bogota has a larger population, and is about 850 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Bogota, 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 Bogota?

Tulum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bogota experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Bogota in the Summer?

Both Bogota and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round.

Tulum is much warmer than Bogota in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Bogota. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tulum 28°C (83°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Bogota in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Bogota. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Bogota. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Bogota averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Bogota receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Bogota. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 110 mm (4.3 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 in Tulum is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Bogota in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Bogota. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.

In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Tulum usually gets more rain in January than Bogota. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tulum 23°C (74°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Bogota in the Spring?

Both Bogota and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Tulum is much warmer than Bogota in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Bogota fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Bogota. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 90 mm (3.5 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. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Bogota 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Bogota and Tulum

Tulum Bogota
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (74°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 25°C (78°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)