Which place is cheaper, Salento or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Tulum or Salento?
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 Salento 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 Salento?
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.
Salento
Founded in 1850, Salento is one of the oldest towns in Quindio. This colonial Colombian town has retained much of its old world charm, with its colorful buildings, large square and, of course, the obligatory church. Because the main route between Cali and Bogota which used to pass through Salento was diverted, the town didn't develop as quickly as others in the Quindio region. This gave Salento the opportunity to evolve into a thriving community of craftsmen and artisans as well as remaining one of the region's most prolific coffee producers. Salento is located 24 km northeast of the departmental capital Armenia. However, unlike its colorful neighbor, Armenia itself has very little to offer tourists. Salento attracts those wishing to learn about the coffee regions and for those who simply admire breathtaking scenery, and especially the stunning Cocora Valley.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.
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Tulum Prices
Mexico PricesSalento Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $140Salento $46
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $140, while the average daily cost in Salento is $46. 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 Salento in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $57Salento $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $114Salento $26
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Salento
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Salento? 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 Salento Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $27Salento $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Transfer from Hotel and Airbnb to Tulum Airport: $63
- Tulum Airport Private Transfer to Hotels and Airbnbs: $73
- Xcaret to Tulum - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $81
- Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $112
- Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $118
- Tulum Airport to Riviera Maya Private Transfer: $120
- Tulum to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $130
- Private Transfer Tulum to Chiquila Holbox with Flexible Stops: $138
- One way private transfer Bahia Principe area: $145
- Departure Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan - Minibus: $155
- Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport – Safe & Comfortable: $158
- Tulum Archaeological Zone and El Jaguar Park, with Transfer and Lunch: $163
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salento
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salento:
- Private Pereira Airport Transfer: To/From Salento: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Salento?
Prices for flights to both Salento 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 $57Salento $19
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$2.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Salsa Class,Mezcalita Workshop & Mexican Dinner: $87
- Yucatecan cooking class with a local chef in Tulum: $89
- Tortilla & Taco Cooking Class – Mexican Cuisine from scratch: $93
- Tulum Vegan Food Tour: $96
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch in a Local Home in Tulum: $100
- Mexican Cooking class experience in Tulum: $138
- Private Authentic Mayan Cooking Class with Tulum Hotel Transfers: $280
- Private Mayan Food Cooking Class, Cenote and Coba Ruins: $289
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more): $299
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salento
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salento.
- Cooking Stories - Cocinando Historias: $46
- Cooking Classes Food and Cocktail Tasting: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $30Salento $14
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Tickets to 4 cenotes turtle house 2 caverns and 2 outdoors: $15
- Tulum Cenote Tour 5 Cenotes and Awaken Your Senses: $29
- Cenotes Casa Tortuga Guide Tour with Ticket: $29
- Cancun: ATV Jungle Adventure, Cenote and Tulum Ruins Tour: $32
- Tulum Extreme Mayan Adventure with ATV, Zipline and Cenote: $38
- Tulum Area Experiences E-Bike Daily Rental: $45
- From Cenote Tour with Mayan Ceremony & Buffet Brunch: $52
- Chichen Itza Basic Tour With Chihikan Swim & Valladolidfrom Tulum: $54
- Chichén Itzá, Cenote Chichikan & Valladolid Tour from Tulum Bal: $55
- Chichén Itzá Tour+Cenote Chichikan & Valladolid From Tulum Bal: $55
- Chichen, Cenote Chichikan & Valladolidbal Tour From Tulum: $55
- Tour Chichen Itza One ofthe Seven Wonders & Chichikan- from Tulum: $55
Tours and Activities in Salento
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salento are as follows:
- Coffee Tasting: A Sensory Brewing Experience in Salento: $15
- Tour of the Don Elías Coffee Farm (Guide in English/Spanish/French): $19
- Salento-Ocaso Farm Coffee Tour – English Tour: $21
- Coffee Tour at Finca El Ocaso, Traditional Farm – English: $21
- Salento Plant Sightseeing Tour: $24
- Walking Sightseeing Tour with Local Tastings: $29
- Magical Garden Fruit Juice Experience with Colombian Fruit Tasting: $47
- Coffee tour in the heart of the coffee region: $50
- Coffee Cupping Experience: Taste Coffee Like a Professional in Salento: $52
- Coffee Experience & Coffee Tasting at El Jazmín Farm: $54
- Coffee Master Roasting, Brewing and Tasting Tour: $56
- Traditional Coffee Tour with Jeep Willys Ride: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $24Salento $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Salento, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Salento much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and Salento 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 Salento would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salento 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 Salento.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Salento Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Salento?
Tulum has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Salento. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Salento, 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.
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.