Which place is cheaper, Puerto Montt or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or Puerto Montt?
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 Montt 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 Montt?
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 Montt
The Lake District is a region of snow capped volcanoes, pale green lakes and endless miles of virgin and ancient forests. Found 1,016 km away from Santiago de Chile, Puerto Montt is famous for its beautiful lakes and its germanic architecture, old wooden houses and its legendary Iglesia Catedral, found on the town's main square, la Plaza de Armas. The monument, entirely built with alerce (cypress) wood, is the oldest building of the city. The capital of the Lake Region is a good starting point for many memorable excursions in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Puerto Montt $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Puerto Montt is $89. 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 Montt in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Puerto Montt $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Puerto Montt $122
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Puerto Montt
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Puerto Montt? 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 Montt Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Puerto Montt $6.43
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 Montt
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Montt:
- Puerto Montt Airport(PMC) to Frutillar - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
- Puerto Tepual Airport (PMC) to Puerto Varas - Arrival Transfer: $21
- Puerto Montt Airport(PMC) to Frutillar - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Puerto Montt Airport Arrival Transfer to Hotel in Puerto Varas: $24
- Private Transfer from Puerto Montt Port to Puerto Airport (PMC): $27
- Private Transfer from Puerto Airport (PMC) to Puerto Montt Port: $31
- Private Transfer from Puerto Montt Port to Puerto Airport (PMC): $31
- Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) to Puerto Varas City- Arrival Transfer: $33
- Puerto Montt Shuttle Transfer: $34
- Puerto Montt Airport to Puerto Varas - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $42
- Puerto Airport (PMC) to Frutillar - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $42
- Cruce Andino Office Private Transfer from Puerto Montt: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Puerto Montt?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Montt 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 Montt $21
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 Montt $14
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 Puerto Montt
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Montt are as follows:
- Frutillar Tour: $31
- Half day Llanquihue and Frutillar City tour : $44
- Private Tour: Puerto Montt Sightseeing: $47
- Frutillar & Llanquihue Tour from Puerto Montt: $56
- Osorno Volcano and Petrohué Falls Guided Tour: $62
- Osorno Volcano Tour+Petrohue Falls / Cruises / Spanish: $68
- Alerce Andino National Park/Alerce Millenario/Cruises: $77
- Private. City Tour Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas: $92
- Austral / Hornopiren Road Tour: $102
- Frutillar & Llanquihue Private Tour from Puerto Montt: $128
- 6 Hours Shared Tour in Calbuco and Millennial Forest : $130
- Tagua Tagua Lake and Wild Patagonia Tour: $133
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Puerto Montt $4.49
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 Montt, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Montt much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and Puerto Montt 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 Montt would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Montt 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 Montt.
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 Montt Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Puerto Montt?
Puerto Montt has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Puerto Montt, 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 Montt?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Puerto Montt 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 Montt in the Summer?
Both Puerto Montt and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Tulum is much warmer than Puerto Montt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Puerto Montt averages at about 16°C (60°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Puerto Montt. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Montt during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Montt receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Puerto Monttin January. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryTulum 28°C (83°F)Puerto Montt 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Puerto Montt in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Montt and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.
In October, Tulum is generally much warmer than Puerto Monttin April. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Montt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Puerto Monttin April. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Montt receives 104 hours of full sun.
Puerto Montt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Puerto Monttin April. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 143 mm (5.6 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. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Puerto Montt 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Puerto Montt in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Puerto Montt. Many travelers come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Tulum is much warmer than Puerto Montt in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Puerto Montt fluctuates around 7°C (45°F)in July.
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Montt during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Montt receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.
Puerto Montt receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Puerto Monttin July. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyTulum 23°C (74°F)Puerto Montt 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Puerto Montt in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Puerto Montt. Many visitors come to Tulum in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Tulum is much warmer than Puerto Montt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Montt averages at about 11°C (51°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Puerto Monttin October. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Montt receives 151 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Montt. Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Monttin October. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Montt receives 121 mm (4.8 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, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Puerto Montt 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Montt and Tulum
| Tulum | Puerto Montt | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4.1 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.