A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Round Pond for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tulum or Round Pond?

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 Round Pond 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 Round Pond?

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.

Round Pond

Round Pond is a little village located in the town of Bristol, formerly known as Pemaquid. The area draws visitors for a closer to nature experience along Maine's rugged coastline. Bristol also houses the villages of New Harbor, Pemaquid, Bristol Mills, and Chamberlain, which all make up this popular fishing and resort area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Round Pond or Tulum?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Tulum Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Round Pond Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tulum $133
    Round Pond $174

The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $133, while the average daily cost in Round Pond is $174. 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 Round Pond in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tulum $54
    Round Pond $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tulum $108
    Round Pond $140
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Round Pond

Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Round Pond? 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.

Hotels in Tulum


Hotels in Round Pond


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tulum $25
    Round Pond $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:

  • Private Transfer from Tulum Airport (TQO): $69
  • Private Transfer to Tulum Airport (TQO): $69
  • Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $114
  • Private Airport Transfer to Tulum: $117
  • Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $120
  • Private Transfer Cancun International Airport CUN to Tulum City: $125
  • One way private transfer Bahia Principe area: $132
  • Economy Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport – Safe: $139
  • Tulum Airport: One-Way or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $144
  • Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport – Safe & Comfortable: $150
  • Private Transfer to Tulum from Tulum Airport: $150
  • Tulum Archaeological Zone and Jaguar Park With Transfer and Lunch: $152

Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Round Pond?

Prices for flights to both Round Pond 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tulum $54
    Round Pond $70
Typical Food Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • 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: $83
  • Mexican Cooking from Scratch in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
  • Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $88
  • Temazcal Mayan Ritual Tour and Cenote Swim with Yucatecan Dinner: $120
  • Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299

Typical Food Prices in Round Pond

Some typical examples of dining costs in Round Pond are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tulum $29
    Round Pond $20

Tours and Activities in Tulum

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:

  • 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
  • Guided Day Tour to Chichén Itzá, Cenote Swim and Valladolid: $38
  • Tulum Extreme Mayan Adventure with ATV, Zipline and Cenote: $38
  • Cenotes Casa Tortuga Guide Tour with Ticket: $39
  • Chichén Cenote and ValladolidkTour with Buffet Lunch from Tulum: $45
  • Tulum Area Experiences Scooter Daily Rental: $45
  • Discover Chichen Itza Charm Shared Tour from Tulum: $45
  • Tulum Area Experiences E-Bike Daily Rental: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tulum $23
    Round Pond $12

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Round Pond, we can see that Round Pond is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Round Pond would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Round Pond than you might in Tulum.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Round Pond Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Tulum or Round Pond?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tulum or Round Pond in the Summer?

Both Round Pond and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Tulum is a little warmer than Round Pond in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Round Pond fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Round Pond. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Round Pond during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Round Pond receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Round Pond. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Round Pond receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tulum 28°C (83°F) 
    Round Pond 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Round Pond in the Autumn?

Both Round Pond and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Round Pond. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Round Pond averages at about 49°F (10°C).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Round Pond. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Round Pond receives 196 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Round Pond. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Round Pond receives 3.8 inches (95 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Round Pond 49°F (10°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Round Pond in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Round Pond. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Round Pond. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Round Pond. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Round Pond fluctuates around 20°F (-6°C).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Round Pond during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Round Pond receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Round Pond. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Round Pond receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tulum 23°C (74°F) 
    Round Pond 20°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Tulum or Round Pond in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Round Pond. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Tulum is much warmer than Round Pond in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Round Pond fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Round Pond. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Round Pond. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Round Pond receives 212 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Round Pond. Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Round Pond. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Round Pond receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tulum 27°C (81°F) 
    Round Pond 44°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Round Pond and Tulum

Tulum Round Pond
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (74°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 20°F (-6°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 23°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 25°C (78°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 33°F (0°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 44°F (6°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
May 28°C (83°F) 101 mm (4 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 192 mm (7.6 in) 63°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 69°F (21°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 228 mm (9 in) 60°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 49°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (95 mm)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 39°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 26°F (-3°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)