A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Terre-de-Haut for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tulum or Terre-de-Haut?

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 Terre-de-Haut 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 Terre-de-Haut?

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.

Terre-de-Haut

Les Saintes (also known as Iles des Saintes) is a small archipelago of Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory in the Caribbean. The islands here are best known for their tropical beauty, untouched beaches, and bayside villages. Only two of the nine are inhabited.

Terre-de-Haut of Les Saintes is the most popular island to visit. It is known for the Pain de Sucre, a small bay lined with coconut trees and an ideal location for snorkeling, in addition to white sandy beaches like the Plage de Pompierre. There is also a nineteenth-century fort which can be reached on foot for striking views of the surrounding area.

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, Terre-de-Haut 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 Terre-de-Haut is $150. 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 Terre-de-Haut in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tulum $60
    Terre-de-Haut $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tulum $120
    Terre-de-Haut $146
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Terre-de-Haut

Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Terre-de-Haut? 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 Terre-de-Haut


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 Terre-de-Haut Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tulum $28
    Terre-de-Haut $47
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:

  • Round-trip Private Transfer Cancun Airport to TULUM - up to 9 pax: $299
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $269
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $254
  • Transfer from Tulum airport to Bacalar: $233
  • Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
  • Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $210
  • Private Transfer From Cancun Airport - Tulum: $208
  • Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Akumal, Tulum: $191
  • Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $182
  • Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun International Airport: $160
  • One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $160
  • Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Terre-de-Haut

Also for Terre-de-Haut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Guadeloupe to Pointe-a-Pitre Airport - Private Departure Transfer: $79
  • Private Transfer from Deshaies or Trois Riviers to Pointe a Pitre Airport by SUV: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Terre-de-Haut?

Prices for flights to both Terre-de-Haut 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
    Terre-de-Haut $48
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Terre-de-Haut

For Terre-de-Haut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Grilled Lobster and Fish Private Cooking Tour with Lunch Included: $231

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tulum $32
    Terre-de-Haut $21

Tours and Activities in Tulum

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:

  • Private Tour - The best Cenotes in Yucatan - Suytun & Oxman: $195
  • Romantic tour in Tulum: $169
  • 4-Hour Cenotes Tour with Hotel Pickup in Riviera Maya: $109
  • 5 Hours Mayan Snorkeling Experience in Tulum: $90
  • 5x1 Deluxe Tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote Transportation from Tulum: $88
  • 5x1: Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Mayan Village Full Day Tour: $99
  • ATV Cenote and Zipline Adventure from Tulum: $119
  • ATV Extreme Adventure Single with Ziplines and Cenote Swim: $137
  • ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote & Tulum Pickup: $75
  • ATV Tour with Ziplines and Cenote Swim Experience in Quintana Roo: $59
  • Adventure Tulum: $105
  • Adventure in the Mayan Jungle with ATV and Zip Line in Tulum: $90

Tours and Activities in Terre-de-Haut

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Terre-de-Haut.

  • Small Day Cruise (Ilet caret, mangrove, coral reef: $103
  • Private Shooting Tour Around Soufrière: $106
  • Sailing and Snorkeling Day Tour to Les Saintes: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tulum $25
    Terre-de-Haut $47

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



When is the best time to visit Tulum or Terre-de-Haut?

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

Should I visit Tulum or Terre-de-Haut in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Terre-de-Haut. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Terre-de-Haut throughout the year.

In the summer, Tulum is around the same temperature as Terre-de-Haut. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Terre-de-Haut averages at about 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Terre-de-Haut. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Terre-de-Haut. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Terre-de-Haut receives 245 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Terre-de-Haut. Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Terre-de-Haut. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Terre-de-Haut receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tulum 28°C (83°F) 
    Terre-de-Haut 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Terre-de-Haut in the Autumn?

Both Terre-de-Haut and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Terre-de-Haut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Terre-de-Haut. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Terre-de-Haut fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Terre-de-Haut. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Terre-de-Haut during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Terre-de-Haut receives 217 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Terre-de-Haut. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives less rain than Terre-de-Haut. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Terre-de-Haut receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Terre-de-Haut 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Terre-de-Haut in the Winter?

Both Terre-de-Haut and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Terre-de-Haut year-round.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Terre-de-Haut in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Terre-de-Haut fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

In Terre-de-Haut, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Terre-de-Haut. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Terre-de-Haut receives 236 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Terre-de-Haut. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Terre-de-Haut receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tulum 23°C (74°F) 
    Terre-de-Haut 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Tulum or Terre-de-Haut in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Terre-de-Haut. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Terre-de-Haut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Tulum is around the same temperature as Terre-de-Haut. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Terre-de-Haut averages at about 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Terre-de-Haut this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Terre-de-Haut during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Terre-de-Haut receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

Terre-de-Haut receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Terre-de-Haut. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Terre-de-Haut receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Terre-de-Haut 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Terre-de-Haut and Tulum

Tulum Terre-de-Haut
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (74°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 25°C (78°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)