Introduction
1, Cancun vs Tulum
Cancun: Cancun is a city in Mexico’s southeast. This city was founded on April 20, 1970. The name of the city has two meanings: one is a ‘nest of snakes’ and the other is ‘places of the golden snake,’ but the latter is incorrect. The city is spelled cancoon in the old English language.
At the time of its development in the year 1970, this city had only three residents, but it now has 117 residents in its surrounding areas. However, the population of this city has grown to more than 8 lakhs, and as the population has grown, so has the city’s development.
The city started as a tourism project in 1974, with only 9 hotels at the time. And that hotels were financed by the government as a result of investor bets. This city also has an international airport, which opened in 1974. It is Mexico’s second busiest airport and America’s third busiest airport.
Tulum: Tulum is located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. It is compact and one of the most well-preserved coastal sites in the world. This city’s beaches are very well maintained, clean, and perfect as they should be. Tulum’s ruins are Mexico’s third most visited archaeological site.
According to the report, there were 2.2 million tourist visitors in 2017 and the number is rapidly increasing. It has also become a source of increasing contention. During the peak season, the hotels and guesthouses in this city are completely booked. Hotels near beaches, in particular, that are luxurious.
The archaeological site, the townsite, the hotel areas, and the biosphere reserve are the four major areas of the tourist destination. Tulum’s architecture is historical, and certain walls in this city are well-known.
And if you want to take a virtual tour of these cities, check out the YouTube video on Cancun vs Tulum below.
Cancun vs Tulum – Similarities
The cities have very few similarities, which is obvious. Both cities cater to different types of people, as you will learn further in the blog. But, for the time being, let’s look at some common things that will be useful when you visit here.
Both cities have public bus options, which makes your trip easier and allows you to explore the city for less money than a private taxi. And the street vibes of both cities are nearly identical; you will see people walking around, and the building structures around the road are nearly identical.
If you visit these cities, make sure your budget is not too tight because you will be charged more than you expect, and both cities are expensive to travel to, as detailed below. Hotel, food, beer, and clothing prices are nearly identical in both cities.
The best part is that there are no shortages of beaches here; the coastlines of both cities are vast, and you can participate in all beach activities. And all of the beaches here always have a party vibe, and the nightlife on the beaches is also very appealing to tourists.
Cancun vs Tulum – Travel Expense
Both cities use the same currency because they are in the same country. And if you come here, you won’t have to worry about finding a place to stay because there are so many hotels, resorts, and guesthouses.
However, it is recommended that you find a hotel locally rather than booking your room online, as doing so will be more expensive. Finding a hotel in your area will be simple and inexpensive; you can haggle with them.
Cancun: The 5-star luxurious hotels here start at 270$ per day and are located near the beaches. 70-80$ per day for mid-priced hotels that are popular and in high demand among tourists. If your budget is limited, you can stay in a guesthouse for as little as $20 per day.
Delicious local street food will cost you around $4, while mid-range restaurant food will cost you around $15. If you want to rent the apartment, it will cost you at least $350 per month.
Tulum: The cost of a day at a 5-star luxurious hotel starts at $400 USD. The most demanding hotels charge $80 per day for mid-range accommodations. And for those on a tight budget, there’s a guesthouse for $30.
Normal street food will cost you $5-6, while a meal in a restaurant will cost you $15 or more. If you want to rent an apartment, it will cost you at least $500 per month.
Cancun is clearly the winner, as shown above. Cancun is less expensive than Tulum, which is the most expensive part of Mexico. Cancun’s average daily expenditure is between $50 and $60, while Tulum’s daily expenditure is between $80 and $90.
Cancun vs Tulum – Things to do
Things to do in Cancun
1, Dolphin Discovery
Dolphins are the friendliest animals on the planet, and spending time with them while planning your trip is the best thing you can do. There are numerous activities that you can engage in with dolphins. And also manatees and sea lions. There are package options available, and you can get even more discounts if you purchase your tickets through Groupon.com.
It’s a lot of fun to watch these animals perform cool tricks. The only drawback to this place is that they charge you an additional $60 for photos. However, the photos are very professionally taken, and you will receive approximately 20-25 photos.
The staff and trainers are extremely helpful and will provide you with excellent guidance. It is certified with human swimming with dolphins and includes a lunch buffet. Before you go, keep in mind that you will have less opportunities to use the restroom.
Details of the place
Call: +52 998 193 3360
Address: Km 6.5, Blvd. Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
2, Xoximilco Cancun by xcaret
It’s a place where you can party on a boat, or rather play drinking games on a boat. Because this place offers a variety of drinking games with strangers, and it doesn’t matter if you come here alone, as a couple, or as a family. The people on the boat are here for the same reason you are: to have fun.
Along with the activities, this location is beautifully lit up, and being in the middle of the sea gives off a very relaxing vibe. They serve a delicious dinner while playing loud music. It’s a great place to commemorate milestones like birthdays and anniversaries.
The only thing that is recommended is that you book your tickets in advance through the link provided below so that you are not inconvenienced at the end. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, and the guides are both entertaining and helpful.
Details of the place
Site: https://www.xoximilco.com/en/
Call: +52 998 883 3143
Address: Chetumal Km. 282, Juárez, 77580 Puerto Morelos, Q.R., Mexico
3, La Isla Shopping Village
It is a large modern shopping mall with a variety of stores and restaurants. There are numerous options for clothing stores and high-end stores. This mall has a little bit of everything, so you can find whatever you’re looking for. It is the most popular with tourists.
It has a Ferris wheel, which is unusual in a mall. There was also an aquarium and a dolphin shot. Overall, you’ll need more time to fully explore this location. There are numerous restaurants to choose from, all of which are excellent places to eat lunch.
The only issue with this location is that it is an open-air shopping centre, so there will be no air conditioning. And it is extremely difficult to stay inside during the rainy and summer seasons. Aside from that, you can also rent a boat to have some fun. This place is very beautiful because of the fountains and bridges.
Details of the place
Site: https://m.facebook.com/LaIslaCancun
Call: +52 998 883 5025
Address: 5 Lt 18-10, Blvd. Kukulcan km 12.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
4, Xavage Park
This is Cancun’s only theme park with the most daring rides and activities. There are activities to do in the air, on land, and on water. The park is clean, well-kept, and family-friendly. This place will take you nearly a full day to fully explore.
Jet boat, rope course, zipline, rafting, monster truck, ATV, waterpark, gift shop, book store, and snack area are all available. This is the best thing to do in Cancun because it is all in one location. The park also offers a food buffet, which has received rave reviews from visitors.
The only things it lacks are thrill activities like jetboating and rafting, which have separate admission fees. You can buy your tickets online by clicking on the link provided below. Make sure to bring extra clothes and a towel, as they do not provide them here.
Details of the place
Site: https://www.xavage.com/en/
Address: 77565 Quintana Roo, Mexico
Things to do in Tulum
1, Mexico Kan Tours
This travel agency wishes to highlight the country’s incredible diversity of cultures and biodiversity. They want your trip to be enjoyable and memorable. This is one of Mexico’s largest protected areas.
Visiting here is the ultimate experience, and the activities available will astound you. There are also many archaeological sites here, many of which have an interesting history. The water here is crystal clear, and when the lights shine down from above, it glows.
The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable; they are constantly sharing the history behind everything, and you are welcome to ask them questions. Overall, it is the best location for boat tours, water sports, tours, outdoor activities, and many other activities. It also includes a variety of animals.
Details of the place
Site: https://www.mexicokantours.com/
Call: +52 984 140 7870
Address: Avenida Tulum S/N. Entre Orion y, C. Centauro Sur, Centro, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
2, Temple of Doom
It is also known as a natural sink, and jumping into it is very refreshing. It’s also a deeper diving cenote than the others in town. Because diving is several metres up, it is not suitable for children. It is the ideal location for swimmers and snorkelers.
The highlight of this location is where saltwater meets freshwater and a line can be seen between them. Some areas are blurry due to Halocline, which you will notice while swimming. The entrance fee is 200 pesos, which is reasonable for a natural cenote. This location has three holes through which you can jump into the water.
The jump is from a considerable height above, so make sure you have some prior experience. There are also a lot of bats under the cave. The best thing about this location is that it is not at all crowded. Overall, it’s an exciting experience.
Details of the place
3, Jungla Maya Native
It is the world’s longest underground river, and swimming inside is an unforgettable experience. This location combines rappelling, zip lining, and snorkelling. It is a popular destination for professional snorkelers and cave divers.
If you know how to dive and snorkel, or if you like to visit adventurous and thrilling places, this is the place for you. It has a lovely culture and environment. The best part is that it is close to the city and hotels, making it more convenient for tourists.
The only tip for exploring this place is to go early if you don’t want to deal with crowds and lines. The staff here are extremely helpful, and they will also take high-quality photographs of you for a fee. They also serve lunch here. Overall, the reviews are positive, and people enjoy visiting here.
Details of the place
Site: https://alltournative.com/
Call: +52 984 803 9999
Address: Carretera Federal Chetumal-Puerto Juarez Chemuyil Km 240, Tulum 77776 Mexico
4, Dolphinaris Tulum
Dolphins are an animal that everyone adores, and it is said that dolphins are man’s best friend. And you can experience friendship with the trained dolphins here. Because it is located within the Bahia Principe resort, it has all of the amenities.
The resort is also lovely and luxurious. They also have a free 10-minute show every day at 12 p.m., and one lucky person gets to play with and pet the dolphins. There are a total of 7 dolphins here; you can also take high-quality photos with them, but you will have to pay for it. It’s also a little pricey, but the entrance fee is reasonable.
It is advised that you purchase your tickets offline because there is a risk of fraud with online tickets. Overall, this place is fantastic, and the reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Details of the place
Site: http://www.dolphinaris.com/locations/tulum/
Call: +52 998 881 3030
After so much information about Cancun vs Tulum, we will conclude this blog by saying that Tulum is the best place for a vacation if you have a large budget, and if you have a small budget, you should definitely go to Cancun.
So these are some of your best options for Cancun vs Tulum. If you want, you can take a virtual tour of the locations to get a better idea of how to get there.
Also do checkout our other blogs related to things to do in and travel guides