Which place is cheaper, Puerto Madryn or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or Puerto Madryn?
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 Puerto Madryn 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 Puerto Madryn?
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.
Puerto Madryn
Puerto Madryn is mostly known as the gateway to Peninsula Valdes, welcoming tourists who come for whale watching. The Peninsula Valdes is a nature reserve designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site; 97 km long and 63 km wide, it is connected to the continent by an isthmus of 35 km from which we can see both gulfs, San Jose at north and the Nuevo at south.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Argentina, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Puerto Madryn $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Puerto Madryn is $14. 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 Puerto Madryn in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Puerto Madryn $5.25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Puerto Madryn $11
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Puerto Madryn
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Puerto Madryn? 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 Puerto Madryn Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Puerto Madryn $3.28
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 Puerto Madryn
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Madryn:
- Trelew Airport Shuttle Transfer To Puerto Madryn : $47
- From Punta Tombo Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Puerto Madryn?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Madryn 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 $34Puerto Madryn $5.69
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 $32Puerto Madryn $5.77
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 Puerto Madryn
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Puerto Madryn are as follows:
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Whale Watching for Two$0.35
Tours and Activities in Puerto Madryn
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Madryn are as follows:
- Kayaking adventure in Puerto Madryn: $60
- Excursion to Punta Loma and Puerto Madryn for Cruisers: $60
- From City and Punta Loma Tour: $70
- Shore Excursion: Punta Loma+City Tour, for cruise passengers: $70
- Punta Loma Shore Excursion with City tour: $75
- Punta Loma Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $75
- Full Day Peninsula Valdes Experience - optional Whale Watching : $87
- Peninsula Valdes Full Day Tour: $88
- Punta Tombo Tour, the Penguin Experience: $88
- Full Day Peninsula Valdes Experience: $90
- Shore Excursion Punta Loma Sea Lions Reserve Including Puerto Madryn City Tour : $95
- Wonderful Punta Tombo Penguin Rookery Tour : $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Puerto Madryn $3.13
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 Puerto Madryn, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Madryn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and Puerto Madryn 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 Puerto Madryn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Madryn 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 Puerto Madryn.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Puerto Madryn Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Puerto Madryn?
Puerto Madryn has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Puerto Madryn, 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 Puerto Madryn?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Puerto Madryn 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 Puerto Madryn in the Summer?
Both Puerto Madryn and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Puerto Madrynin January. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Puerto Madrynin January. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryTulum 28°C (83°F)Puerto Madryn 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Puerto Madryn in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Madryn and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Tulum is much warmer than Puerto Madryn in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Puerto Madrynin April. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 14 mm (0.6 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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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Puerto Madryn in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Puerto Madryn. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Puerto Madryn. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Puerto Madryn averages at about 7°C (45°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Puerto Madryn this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto Madryn during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Madryn receives 209 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than Puerto Madrynin July. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyTulum 23°C (74°F)Puerto Madryn 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Puerto Madryn in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Puerto Madryn. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Puerto Madrynin October. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Madryn fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Puerto Madrynin October. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Madryn receives 20 mm (0.8 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. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Puerto Madryn 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Madryn and Tulum
| Tulum | Puerto Madryn | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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.