Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or Tulum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tulum or Valdivia?
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 Valdivia 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 Valdivia?
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.
Valdivia
Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $122Valdivia $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $122, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $69. 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 Valdivia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $60Valdivia $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $120Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Valdivia
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Valdivia? 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 Valdivia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $28Valdivia $8.08
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:
- 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 Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Valdivia?
Prices for flights to both Valdivia 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 $34Valdivia $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 $32Valdivia $13
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 Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
- Private City Tour: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $25Valdivia $4.79
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 Valdivia, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Valdivia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and Valdivia 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 Valdivia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdivia 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 Valdivia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Valdivia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Valdivia?
Valdivia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Valdivia 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 Valdivia in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Valdivia. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Tulum is much warmer than Valdivia in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Valdivia fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Valdiviain January. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun.
Tulum receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Valdiviain January. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryTulum 28°C (83°F)Valdivia 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Valdivia in the Autumn?
Both Valdivia 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.
In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Valdiviain April. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 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 in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilTulum 27°C (81°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Valdivia in the Winter?
Both Valdivia 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.
In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Valdiviain July. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Valdiviain July. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun.
Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Valdiviain July. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyTulum 23°C (74°F)Valdivia 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Tulum or Valdivia in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Valdivia. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Tulum is much warmer than Valdivia in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in October.
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.
Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Valdiviain October. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 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. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberTulum 27°C (81°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Valdivia and Tulum
| Tulum | Valdivia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.