Which place is cheaper, Huaraz or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or Huaraz?
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 Huaraz 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 Huaraz?
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.
Huaraz
Huaraz is a large town in the Cordillera Blanca region of Peru's Central Sierra. Huaraz stands tall at 3100m; travellers from Lima might need a day or two to acclimatize to the change in atmosphere. Nearly wiped out by the earthquake of 1970, the town of 100,000 blends a mix of modern and native culture. Huarez is first and foremost a trekking metropolis. During high season the streets buzz with hundreds of backpackers and adventurers freshly returned from arduous hikes or planning their next expedition. The town has many markets, shops, quality restaurants and hopping bars catering to tourist and local needs. Mountain adventures in the off-season can be equally rewarding, but the vibe is calmer and some places go into hibernation once the rains set in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Huaraz $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Huaraz is $50. 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 Huaraz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Huaraz $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Huaraz $40
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Huaraz
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Huaraz? 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 Huaraz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Huaraz $10
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:
- Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Akumal, Tulum: $191
- Departure Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan - Minibus: $117
- One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $160
- Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
- Private Transfer From Cancun Airport - Tulum: $208
- Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun International Airport: $160
- Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $210
- Private Transfer in Vehicle from Tulum to Cancun Airport : $91
- Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM - up to 9 pax: $299
- Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $254
- Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
- Tulum to Bacalar - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $153
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huaraz
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Huaraz are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$2.17
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Huaraz?
Prices for flights to both Huaraz 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 $34Huaraz $18
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
Typical Food Prices in Huaraz
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Huaraz:
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Lunch$5.97
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Chips$1.49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32Huaraz $19
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: $4.31
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Return Home: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Coba Ruins: The trail of the Mayas: $10
- Tulum Archeological Site Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
- Skip-the-Line Entrance 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
- Entrance tickets to swim in 4 Cenotes in Casa Tortuga Park: $42
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huaraz
Here are a few typical costs in Huaraz for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Climbing Gear$17
Tours and Activities in Huaraz
Here are a few actual costs in Huaraz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Traditional Picante de Cuy Gastronomy Tour in Huaraz: $15
- 69 Lake Tour of Peru: $26
- Glacier Pastoruri and Puya Raimondi Full Day Tour: $28
- Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $30
- From Huaraz || Full day tour Laguna 69 in -Cordillera Blanca: $36
- From Tour to Llanganuco Lakes (Chinancocha Lake): $37
- From Tour to Archeological Complex of Chavin: $38
- Ancash: Nevado pastors and puyas Raymondi Tour | Full Day |: $40
- Lake 69 Full-Day Hiking Tour from Huaraz: $40
- From Lake 69 Trek Day Tour - White Mountain Range: $46
- From Chavín de Huantar fullday tour: $56
- From Llanganuco Lagoon fullday tour: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Huaraz $15
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 Huaraz, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Huaraz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and Huaraz 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 Huaraz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huaraz 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 Huaraz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Huaraz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Huaraz?
Huaraz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Huaraz, 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 Huaraz?
Tulum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Huaraz experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tulum or Huaraz in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Huaraz. Many visitors come to Tulum in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Huaraz attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Huaraz can be very cold during summer. Tulum is much warmer than Huaraz in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Huaraz fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Huaraz. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)Huaraz 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Huaraz in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Huaraz. Most visitors come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Huaraz throughout the year.
The weather in Huaraz can be very cold. In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Huaraz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Huaraz averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Huaraz. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 85 mm (3.3 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. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Huaraz 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Huaraz in the Winter?
Both Huaraz and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Tulum because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Huaraz because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Huaraz. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Huaraz fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Huaraz. In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Huaraz. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)Huaraz 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Huaraz in the Spring?
Both Huaraz and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Huaraz year-round.
Tulum is much warmer than Huaraz in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Huaraz fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Huaraz. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Huaraz receives 93 mm (3.7 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. 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)Huaraz 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Huaraz and Tulum
| Tulum | Huaraz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 112 mm (4.4 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.