Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or La Fortuna?
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 La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna?
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.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is in San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela. It is the closest town to Arenal Volcano, and the area is often simply refered to as Arenal. The volcano itself is active and has been constantly erupting since 1968. It erupts on average 41 times a day. This area of northern Costa Rica is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122La Fortuna $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in La Fortuna is $104. 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 La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60La Fortuna $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in Tulum and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or La Fortuna? 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 La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28La Fortuna $21
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:
- Tulum to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $70
- Xcaret to Tulum - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $76
- Tulum to Xcaret - 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
- Departure Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan - Minibus: $117
- Tulum to Bacalar - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $153
- Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $160
- Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun International Airport: $160
- One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $160
- Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- La Fortuna or Monteverde: One-Way Boat Transfer: $39
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Arenal La Fortuna San Carlos: $42
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Arenal La Fortuna: $42
- White Water Tubing Tour with Guide and Transfers: $55
- Scenic Transfer to Monteverde via Arenal Lake: $56
- One-Way Transfer from La Fortuna to Monteverde through Arenal Lake: $57
- Arenal lake boat transfer from to Monteverde from La Fortuna: $60
- Arenal La Fortuna to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $63
- Sloth Watching Tour with Transfer and Snacks: $68
- From Lake Arenal Kayaking Trip with Transfer: $90
- One Way Private Transfer - La Fortuna to your Selected Location: $128
- Direct Transfer From La Fortuna to San Jose, English Speaking Driver: $153
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna 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 $34La Fortuna $27
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- 2 Hours Private Cooking Class in La Fortuna: $38
- Organic Farm Visit & Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: $45
- Cooking Class and Sugar Cane Experience: $45
- Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
- Costa Rica Cooking, El Fogon de Chela: $50
- Costa Rican cuisine Cooking Class at Rancho Don Lelo: $60
- Cooking Class "Cook Like a Local" La Fortuna: $63
- Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner from La Fortuna: $65
- 3-Hour Costa Rican Cooking Class with Dinner: $68
- Private typical cooking class with a Costa Rican family: $70
- Private cooking class in organic farm at La Fortuna: $75
- Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class: $77
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32La Fortuna $44
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
Tours and Activities in La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- Two Destinations Tour - La Fortuna Top Destinations : $20
- Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket: $20
- Arenal Volcano Hike Experience (not guide included): $23
- Arenal Observatory Trails Admission Ticket: $29
- San Carlos: The Art of Chocolate Making Tour at Don Olivo: $30
- 1-Hour Private Sloth Tour in the Rainforest from Costa Rica: $30
- Private Sloth and Monkey Wildlife Tour: $30
- Rainforest Chocolate Tour: $30
- arenal fortuna city tour: $30
- Don Olivo Chocolate Tour: $30
- Sloth Tour: $30
- Night tour through the Tropical Forest at Tifakara : $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25La Fortuna $11
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 La Fortuna, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is La Fortuna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and La Fortuna is in Central 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 La Fortuna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or La Fortuna?
Tulum has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and La Fortuna, 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 La Fortuna?
Tulum has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but La Fortuna experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tulum or La Fortuna in the Summer?
Both La Fortuna and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Tulum is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives less rain than La Fortuna. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTulum 28°C (83°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tulum or La Fortuna in the Autumn?
Both La Fortuna and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.
In October, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than La Fortuna. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun.
La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 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, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tulum or La Fortuna in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and La Fortuna. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tulum is cooler than La Fortuna in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Fortuna this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than La Fortuna during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than La Fortuna. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTulum 23°C (74°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tulum or La Fortuna in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as La Fortuna. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
In the spring, Tulum is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 29°C (85°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun.
Tulum usually gets more rain in April than La Fortuna. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 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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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Tulum
| Tulum | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.