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

Should you visit Cancun or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. With stunning beauty, Cancun attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cancun travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a adventurous, unique, and fascinating national park. The beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Cancun and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Joshua Tree National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cancun. Although Cancun and Joshua Tree 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, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park is known for its hiking. Cancun is more touristy than Joshua Tree 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 . Joshua Tree National Park is popular for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

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How is Cancun different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Cancun is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cancun. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

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

Cancun is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Cancun or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cancun is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Cancun is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Cancun or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Cancun is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Cancun is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

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

Cancun is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cancun is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cancun or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Cancun is renowned for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Cancun or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Cancun is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options 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.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Cancun or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Cancun and Joshua Tree National Park are somewhat similar when it comes to the superb scenery.

The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Is Cancun or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Cancun is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cancun is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Is Cancun or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Cancun is renowned for couples. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cancun is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Couples visit Joshua Tree National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

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

Joshua Tree National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Joshua Tree National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Cancun is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Cancun is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Cancun has some public transit options. 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 Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Cancun or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Cancun is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable city. You need a car to truly explore the park.

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

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Cancun or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cancun due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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.

One day in Cancun or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the party-hard city of Cancun. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cancun. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Cancun is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Cancun is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the adventurous destination of Joshua Tree 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.