Which place is cheaper, Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso?
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 Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso?
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.
Valparaiso
Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.
Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.
Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Tulum Prices
Mexico PricesValparaiso Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTulum $133Valparaiso $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $133, while the average daily cost in Valparaiso is $82. 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 Valparaiso in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTulum $54Valparaiso $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTulum $108Valparaiso $72
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Valparaiso
Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Valparaiso? 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 Valparaiso Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tulum $25Valparaiso $4.83
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Airport Transfer One Way - Cancun / Tulum - Private or Luxury: $140
- Economy Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport – Safe: $139
- Luxury Mercedes Benz Private Transfer–Riviera Maya-Cancun Airport: $161
- Luxury SUV Private Transfer from Riviera Maya to Cancun Airport: $261
- Luxury Tulum Transfer from Tulum Airport: $220
- One Way Private Transfer Tulum Zone - Cancun Int Airport: $170
- One Way Private Tulum Transfers to or from Cancun Airport: $145
- One way private transfer Bahia Principe area: $165
- Private Airport Transfer to Tulum: $117
- Private Luxury SUV Transfers from Tulum Airport : $195
- Private Luxury Transfer Tulum to Cancun Airport: $220
- Private Roundtrip Transfer from Tulum Airport (TQO): $135
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Valparaiso are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:
- Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
- Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $110
- Transfers from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to Santiago: $120
- Private transfer from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to San Antonio : $133
- Small group transfer from Valparaiso/S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago: $140
- Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso: $142
- Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago Hotels: $208
- Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $260
- Private Valparaiso Visit William Cole Winery & Transfer to Hotel: $270
Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Valparaiso?
Prices for flights to both Valparaiso 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 $54Valparaiso $38
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$2.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Salsa Class with Mezcalita Workshop & Mexican Dinner in Tulum: $71
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $88
- Tulum Vegan Food Tour: $92
- Temazcal Mayan Ritual Tour and Cenote Swim with Yucatecan Dinner: $120
- Mexican Cooking class experience in Tulum: $131
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Valparaiso
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Valparaiso:
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Empanada$1.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valparaiso.
- Cooking Classes in Viña del Mar Learn to Make Tapas and Desserts: $65
- Learn to Cook Like a Local: Private Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $102
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tulum $29Valparaiso $18
Tours and Activities in Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Ruins in Tulum Walking Tour with Audioguide (no ticket): $8.35
- Coba Ruins: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour in Mexico: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Return Home: $10
- Entrance tickets to swim in 4 Cenotes in Casa Tortuga Park: $22
- Salsa Dance Experience at Tulum Beach: $22
- Coba Mayan Ruins and Cenote Swim Tour: $25
- Snorkel 2 reef point, 1 hour 20 minutes tour : $29
- ATV Cenote and Ziplines Adventure in Tulum from Riviera Maya: $30
- Tulum Jungle Experience with ATV, Ziplines, and Cenote: $35
- Tulum Wild Adventure Tour with ATV, Ziplining and Cenote : $35
- Tulum Extreme Mayan Adventure with ATV, Zipline and Cenote: $38
- Guided Day Tour to Chichén Itzá, Cenote Swim and Valladolid: $38
Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso
Here are a few typical costs in Valparaiso for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Boat Tour$4.19
Tours and Activities in Valparaiso
Here are a few actual costs in Valparaiso for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- The Tour of Valparaiso in French on foot and in a small group: $18
- Shared Tour in Street Art, Funiculars and Port: $30
- Valparaiso Private Walking Tour with a Local: $32
- 2 Hour Walking Tour in Valparaiso: $35
- Valparaiso : Private Custom Tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $36
- Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
- Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
- Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
- Walking Tour Valparaiso, History & Art - Private Optional: $42
- Explore Valparaíso and Viña del Mar Tour: $58
- Private Gastronomic Tour Valparaiso: $70
- Valpo in 1 day: Authentic + Famous! Semi-private walking tour & public transport: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTulum $23Valparaiso $7.78
Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
- 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Valparaiso are as follows:
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Beer$0.99
Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:
- A Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour Service from Casablanca : $75
- Private Wine Tour in Valparaiso: $250
- Santiago: Valparaíso Walking Tour & Casablanca Wine Tasting: $320
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Valparaiso, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Valparaiso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum is in North America and Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Valparaiso Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tulum or Valparaiso?
Valparaiso has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Valparaiso, 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.