A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. Everglades National Park for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Hiking

Should you visit Cancun or Everglades National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Everglades National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a tropical, active, and adventurous city. With stunning beauty, Cancun attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Cancun travel costs.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a adventure-filled, unique, and natural national park. Everglades National Park is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Everglades National Park travel costs.

Cancun and Everglades National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cancun or Everglades National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cancun. Although Cancun and Everglades National Park are both popular with visitors, Cancun has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cancun is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Everglades National Park is known for its hiking. Cancun is more touristy than Everglades National Park and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Everglades National Park is popular for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees.



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How is Cancun different from Everglades National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Everglades National Park and Cancun. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cancun or Everglades National Park?

Cancun
Everglades National Park

Cancun is a great city for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Cancun specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


Is the Food Better in Cancun or Everglades National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cancun
Everglades National Park

Cancun is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cancun is becoming an appealing option for foodies. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Cancun or Everglades National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cancun
Everglades National Park

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Cancun is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Cancun or Everglades National Park Better for Resorts?

Cancun
Everglades National Park

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cancun is a perfect choice. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Cancun or Everglades National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun
Everglades National Park

Cancun is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun is not to be missed. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Everglades National Park Better for Beaches?

Cancun
Everglades National Park

Cancun is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Cancun is a very popular vacation destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Cancun or Everglades National Park Better for Hiking?

Cancun
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Everglades National Park. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Cancun has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.


Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Everglades National Park?

Cancun
Everglades National Park

Cancun is very good for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Cancun has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Cancun or Everglades National Park More Beautiful?

Cancun
Everglades National Park

Cancun is a great city for its scenery and beauty. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Cancun attracts visitors from all around. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Everglades National Park is a gorgeous place to visit. The natural beauty is impressive and it's easy to see why this is a highlight for many visitors to southern Florida.

Is Cancun or Everglades National Park Better for Families?

Cancun
Everglades National Park

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

Cancun is one of the most popular family destinations. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

Everglades National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.


Is Cancun or Everglades National Park Better for Couples?

Cancun
Everglades National Park

Cancun is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Cancun has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Is Cancun or Everglades National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun
Everglades National Park

Cancun and Everglades National Park are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Everglades National Park is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Is Cancun or Everglades National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cancun
Everglades National Park

Cancun is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Cancun offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.


Is Cancun or Everglades National Park a more walkable city?

Cancun
Everglades National Park

Cancun is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its walkability.

Cancun is a very walkable destination. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

Everglades National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Everglades National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Everglades National Park or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Everglades National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cancun and Everglades National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Everglades National Park. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 2-3 days is enough time in Everglades National Park.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Everglades National Park. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cancun, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cancun than Everglades National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cancun that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun than Everglades National Park if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cancun.


  • How many days in Cancun or Everglades National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cancun 4-7 
    Everglades National Park 2-3

One day in Cancun or Everglades National Park?

With nightlife and food around the active city of Cancun, there's plenty to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Everglades National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or Everglades National Park?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the party-hard destination of Cancun, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Everglades National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Cancun or Everglades National Park?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the active city of Cancun, there's plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Everglades National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or Everglades National Park?

Cancun is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the natural destination of Everglades National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Everglades National Park or Cancun?

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

  • Cancun Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Everglades National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cancun $153
    Everglades National Park $169

The average daily cost (per person) in Cancun is $153, while the average daily cost in Everglades National Park is $169. 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 Cancun and Everglades National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cancun $89
    Everglades National Park $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cancun $178
    Everglades National Park $160
Compare Hotels in Cancun and Everglades National Park

Looking for a hotel in Cancun or Everglades National Park? 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 Cancun


Hotels in Everglades National Park


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: Cancun Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cancun $16
    Everglades National Park $56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    $1.52
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    $13
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    $15
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    $1.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Limo Transfer Airport Cancun - Puerto Morelos Hotel Zone: $279
  • Cancun Airport Private Transfer to Tulum (Round Trip): $250
  • Private Transfer from Cancún Airport (CUN) to Tulum : $243
  • Xcaret 1 Day Tour from Cancun with Hotel Transfer: $228
  • Cancun Airport Private Transfer One Way: To or From Akumal Area Up to 15 Pass.: $225
  • Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
  • Round private transfer Airport- Akumal - Airport.: $220
  • Private Round Trip Transfer (Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen): $219
  • Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $215
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) to Akumal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $214
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) to El Dorado Maroma - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
  • Private round airport transfer from Cancun - Puerto Aventuras - airport.: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Cancun or Everglades National Park?

Prices for flights to both Everglades National Park and Cancun 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
    Cancun $45
    Everglades National Park $54
Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cancun Pirate Ship Adventure : Dinner & Show at Sea 2 for 1 Deal: $50
  • Pirate Show in Cancun! Dinner & drinks: $62
  • Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
  • Pirate Shop & Dinner at Cancun! Drinks, Adventure and Fun: $65
  • Cancun Walking Food Tour: Local Food, Markets, and Street Art.: $77
  • Puerto Morelos Walking Food Tour: $77
  • Mexican Cooking Class with fresh Local Market ingredients selection and transpor: $79
  • Cancun Taco & Mexican Food Tour with Tequila Tasting: $79
  • Cancun Private Mural Art and Food Tour: $81
  • Hands-On Cooking Class in Drink & Cook Authentic Dishes: $85
  • Pirate’s Night Out: Dinner and Entertainment in the Caribbean: $89
  • Unforgettable Pirate Dinner Adventure in the Mexican Caribbean: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cancun $32
    Everglades National Park $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    $0.54
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    $92

Tours and Activities in Cancun

For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Day Combo Tour, Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor and Chichen Itza Option: $260
  • 3 in 1 Tour to Coba Cenote and Maya Village: $149
  • Atv tour from Cancun with ziplines and cenote swim experience: $30
  • Cancun Private Street Art Tour: $65
  • Clear Boat Tour in Cancun 1.5 hours great for pictures: $19
  • Coco Bongo Music And Show Ticket: $90
  • Holbox plus Island Magic by boat Tour from Cancun : $144
  • Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres Tour from Cancun: $152
  • Isla Mujeres Catamaran Platinum Tour with Open Bar: $115
  • LDS Tour to Chichen Itza + Cenote : $215
  • Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos Day Tour from Cancun: $105
  • Private Tour to Tulum Ruins and Cenotes : $257

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cancun $12
    Everglades National Park $7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun

Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Social Pub Crawl in Cancun: $35
  • Bar Crawl Madness Tour in Cancun: $99


When comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Everglades National Park, we can see that Everglades National Park is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cancun Expensive? and Is Everglades National Park Expensive?.