Tulum is the stuff postcards are made of. White sand beaches, turquoise waters and Mayan ruins are just a few of the draws of this beachside oasis. Tucked away on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum is often referred to as a resort town, complete with 5-star lodging and fancy beachfront bars. But intermixed among the fancy hotels are adventure options aplenty.

Picture perfect. Photo: Jonathan Kemnitz

When we visited Tulum, we took the road less traveled. We camped on the beach, dined at local taquerias and explored the famous cenotes dispersed throughout the jungle. We conversed with locals in broken Spanish, used public transportation and took a trip back in time with a lesson in Mayan history. It’s been said before that money doesn’t buy happiness — exploring Tulum on a budget is living proof of that.

In this edition of Cheap and Deep, we share some of our favorite places to stay, eat and explore in this seaside town – because one price doesn’t fit all.

Camp in Style

Ditch the resorts and camp in the jungle. Photo: Courtesy of Turquesa Tulum Jungle Camping

When it comes to lodging, Tulum has something for travelers of all budgets. The beaches are lined with 5-star resorts but mixed in among the fancy hotels are a number of affordable options. Located 100 meters from the beach is Turquesa Tulum Jungle Camping. Tents cost $30 per night and include a queen-sized mattress with linens and breakfast at the onsite restaurant. The campsite is nearby all the action but is quiet in the evenings, making it a best-of-both-worlds accommodation.

If you’re looking to stay in town, there are affordable options there, too. Endless Airbnb’s are on offer, ranging from funky to fancy. There are also dozens of hostels to choose from, some costing as little as $9 per night. Our personal favorite is The Weary Traveler Hostel, located on the outskirts of town and featuring a plunge pool, onsite bar and free breakfast. A bunk in a group room runs about $15 per night, while private rooms start at $60 per night.

Dine on A Dime

Homemade tortillas make for mouth-watering quesadillas. Photo: fancycrave/Unsplash

If you’re a fan of authentic, delicious Mexican food then Tulum is your jackpot. While there are a number of fancy bars and restaurants lining the beach, there are also quite a few hole in the walls and taquerias that will give you the most bang for your buck. In general, dining in town is a lot more affordable than dining on the coast.

Las Quekas is perhaps Tulum’s best-kept secret. They offer quesadillas and tortas made from homemade tortillas and fresh ingredients. The best part: both cost less than $1. Another hidden gem is Taqueria Honorio. This taqueria isn’t anything fancy but they make tacos, tortas and other classic Mexican dishes at an affordable price. If you’re looking to do some cooking yourself, swing by the local supermarket and pick up some meat, cheese and bread for a cheap meal on the go. Do yourself a favor and add some pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread) to your cart. You won’t be sorry.

Source: Adventure Sports Network

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