Tulum, located two hours south of tourist paradise Cancun in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, is one of the country's most celebrated archaeological sites. Situated on a clifftop overlooking the beautifully turquoise sea, the remains of the ancient Mayan settlement should be near the top of the to-do list of any visitor to Mexico. The area includes the site itself, the town and a hotel zone.
While the Yucatan Peninsula is known for its popularity with rich holidaymakers (most things are priced in U.S. dollars, rather than Mexican pesos), there is also plenty of accomodation available to suit those on a tighter budget. Many of the cheap hotels and hostels are located on the beach or nearby and are fairly rustic.
The Papaya Playa Hotel in Tulum offers rooms from $39 a night and consists of cabins laid out along the beach. Although reviews on Travellerspoint.com have been mixed, it is an option for the more cost-conscious traveler.
Also close to the sea, and with slightly more positive customer feedback, an ensuite double room at the Yoga Shala Hotel costs $44 a night.
The Om Tulum Cabanas is rather more expensive, but probably the most luxurious, at $140 a night for a double room, while at the other end of the scale, the Dream Diving Resort's prices start at only $20 a night.
Tulum also offers a number of basic hostels and eco-friendly campgrounds for those truly wanting to "get away from it all."
Situated opposite the ancient ruins, the Posada los Mapaches won a Hostelbookers award for excellence in 2010. Although 10 minutes away from the beach and 15 minutes from Tulum town center, the cost of a room includes not only breakfast, but also the hire of a bike - ideal for exploring the local area. Prices start at $17.30. Dormitories are mixed and are shared between four people.
The Hemingway Eco Resort, named after famed American writer Ernest Hemingway, certainly looks impressive with its spacious cabins arranged in three tiers to give guests the choice of being either right by the sea, of having a sea view, or of having a view of the jungle behind.
One hundred and forty dollars a night may sound pricey, but the simple setting (where high-consumption electrical products are forbidden), allows for total relaxation.
Cenote Encantado is a new camping village and, at $12.58 a night, is possibly the cheapest option for those wishing to stay near the beach.
The splendor of the ancient ruins of Tulum, not to mention their their idyllic location, ensure that visitors from all over the world will continue to pay this truly spectacular site a visit.
The prospect of visiting such a popular tourist destination can be a daunting one, especially where finance is concerned. It is fortunate therefore, that Tulum has something for everyone as far as comfortable, affordable accomodation is concerned.
