A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Port-of-Spain for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tulum or Port-of-Spain?

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 Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain?

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.

Port-of-Spain

Located on the northwest coast of Trinidad island, Port of Spain is the capital of the Caribbean island nation Trinidad & Tobago. It is a hub of activity, especially during the celebration of Carnival for which the island nation is famous.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Port-of-Spain or Tulum?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Port-of-Spain is $174. 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 Port-of-Spain in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tulum $60
    Port-of-Spain $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tulum $120
    Port-of-Spain $160
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Port-of-Spain

Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Port-of-Spain? 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 Port-of-Spain


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 Port-of-Spain Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tulum $28
    Port-of-Spain $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum

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


  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Port-of-Spain?

Prices for flights to both Port-of-Spain 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 $34
    Port-of-Spain $54
Typical Food Prices in Tulum

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


  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tulum $32
    Port-of-Spain $59

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tulum $25
    Port-of-Spain $22

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 Port-of-Spain, we can see that Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tulum or Port-of-Spain?

Port-of-Spain has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Port-of-Spain, 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 Port-of-Spain?

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

Should I visit Tulum or Port-of-Spain in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Port-of-Spain. The summer months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Port-of-Spain attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Port-of-Spain. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Port-of-Spain fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Port-of-Spain this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Port-of-Spain during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Port-of-Spain receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Port-of-Spain receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tulum usually receives less rain than Port-of-Spain. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tulum 28°C (83°F) 
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Port-of-Spain in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Port-of-Spain. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Port-of-Spain throughout the year.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Port-of-Spain in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Port-of-Spain fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Port-of-Spain. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the autumn, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Port-of-Spain. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Port-of-Spain receives 207 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Port-of-Spain. Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets less rain in October than Port-of-Spain. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 199 mm (7.8 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Port-of-Spain in the Winter?

Both Port-of-Spain and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Port-of-Spain because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Tulum is around the same temperature as Port-of-Spain. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Port-of-Spain averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Port-of-Spain. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Port-of-Spain during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Port-of-Spain receives 241 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Port-of-Spain. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tulum 23°C (74°F) 
    Port-of-Spain 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Port-of-Spain in the Spring?

Both Port-of-Spain and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Port-of-Spain year-round.

In April, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Port-of-Spain. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Port-of-Spain fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Port-of-Spain, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Port-of-Spain. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Port-of-Spain receives 238 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Port-of-Spain. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 51 mm (2 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Port-of-Spain and Tulum

Tulum Port-of-Spain
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (74°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 25°C (78°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)