Which place is cheaper, Pucon or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or Pucon?
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 Pucon 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 Pucon?
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.
Pucon
A popular hub for adventure tourism, Pucon is a town in the Lake District of the South American nation of Chile. Located on Lake Villarirca with the snowcapped Villarrica volcano looming above and plenty of forested valleys below, the town has become a home base year-round for a full range of outdoor activities.
Check out our ultimate guide to Traveling in Patagonia.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Pucon $100
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Pucon is $100. 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 Pucon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Pucon $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Pucon $86
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Pucon
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Pucon? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Pucon $19
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pucon
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pucon:
- Private Transfer Pucon Thermal Resorts to Temuco Airport: $49
- Pucon to Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) -Departure Transfer: $114
- Pucon Temuco Airport Private Transfer: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Pucon?
Prices for flights to both Pucon 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 $34Pucon $38
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $32Pucon $37
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 Pucon
Here are a few actual costs in Pucon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3-Hour Rafting Experience in Pucon: $60
- Private 3-Hour Canyoning Experience on the Correntoso River: $68
- Sightseeing Tour in Pucon and Villarica: $93
- Half Day Tour to The Eyes Of Caburgua from Pucon: $93
- Private Half Day Andean Lakes Experience with pickup: $110
- Full Day Private Tour Ascending Sollipulli Volcano: $140
- Local Chile-Bavarian Culinary Pretzel Baking Experience n Sausage: $149
- Full Day Excursion Tour to Quetrupillán Volcano: $177
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Pucon $27
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 Pucon, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Pucon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and Pucon 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 Pucon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pucon 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 Pucon.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Pucon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Pucon?
Pucon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Pucon, 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 Pucon?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Pucon is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Tulum has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Tulum or Pucon in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Pucon. The summer months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Tulum is much warmer than Pucon in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Pucon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pucon this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Pucon during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Puconin January. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryTulum 28°C (83°F)Pucon 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Pucon in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Pucon. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.
In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Pucon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Pucon averages at about 11°C (52°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Puconin April. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 132 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Pucon. Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Puconin April. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 133 mm (5.2 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 October and AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Pucon 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Pucon in the Winter?
Both Pucon 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.
In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Puconin July. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Pucon fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Pucon during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Pucon receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pucon. In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Puconin July. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyTulum 23°C (74°F)Pucon 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Pucon in the Spring?
Both Pucon 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.
Tulum is much warmer than Pucon in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Pucon fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Puconin October. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pucon receives 198 hours of full sun.
Pucon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Puconin October. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Pucon receives 109 mm (4.3 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 April and OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Pucon 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Pucon and Tulum
| Tulum | Pucon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.