A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Curitiba vs. Playa del Carmen for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Curitiba or Playa del Carmen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Curitiba and Playa del Carmen 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.

Curitiba

Curitiba is a vibrant, cultural, and active city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Curitiba travel costs.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Curitiba and Playa del Carmen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Curitiba or Playa del Carmen?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Playa del Carmen than Curitiba. While Curitiba is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Curitiba attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and food. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Curitiba and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Curitiba is famous for its performing arts, walkability, and culture.

How is Curitiba different from Playa del Carmen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Playa del Carmen and Curitiba. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Curitiba or Playa del Carmen?

Curitiba is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Curitiba. There are a variety of museums around town that include a number of history museums, a few art museums, and other cultural museums that are worth checking out.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Curitiba or Playa del Carmen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Curitiba is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Curitiba is an experience not to be missed. The official dish of the town is carne de onça, which first originated here and is a beef tartare that's served on flat bread. There are also many other traditional and authentic Brazilian restaurants around town, so this is a great place for a foodie to explore.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Is Curitiba or Playa del Carmen Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Playa del Carmen is a world class party destination. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

Curitiba offers plenty to do in the evening. Like most cities in Brazil, you'll find a great nightlife scene with plenty of bars and restaurants. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Batel, which is one of the most international parts of the city, Itupava Street, which is lined with Brazilian restaurants and bars, and São Francisco, which is popular with the student population because of its affordability.

Is Curitiba or Playa del Carmen Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Curitiba is not a resort destination.

Playa del Carmen is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Curitiba is not a resort destination.

Is Curitiba or Playa del Carmen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Curitiba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Playa del Carmen is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Curitiba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Curitiba or Playa del Carmen Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Curitiba is not a beach destination.

Playa del Carmen is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Curitiba is not a beach destination.

Is Curitiba or Playa del Carmen Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for hiking. However, Curitiba is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Curitiba is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Curitiba or Playa del Carmen?

If you're looking to go shopping, Curitiba and Playa del Carmen both offer plenty of nice spots.

Curitiba has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has large shopping malls and many great fashion boutiques. It's a great place to spend some time shopping.

Playa del Carmen is a great destination for shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Is Curitiba or Playa del Carmen More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Curitiba is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Curitiba is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Curitiba or Playa del Carmen Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an extremely popular town to visit for families. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Curitiba is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks and museums that are great for kids. In particular, the botanical gardens and Bosque Alemao appeal to young visitors.

Is Curitiba or Playa del Carmen Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Playa del Carmen is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Curitiba is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great parks and restaurants that make it a pleasant place to explore with your significant other.

Is Curitiba or Playa del Carmen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Curitiba and Playa del Carmen are nice places to visit.

Curitiba is a good city to visit for backpackers. The nightlife and music scene, combined with a great public transit system, make this a good, but often overlooked destination for backpackers in Brazil.

Plenty of backpackers visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Is Curitiba or Playa del Carmen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Curitiba is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Curitiba offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a great public transit system here that includes a metro system, trolleybuses, and buses.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Is Curitiba or Playa del Carmen a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Playa del Carmen is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Curitiba is very walkable. It is a walkable city that is fun to explore on foot, but as always, take precautions in certain areas, particularly at night.

For even more information, also check out Is Curitiba Worth Visiting? and Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Playa del Carmen or Curitiba?

How long in Curitiba or Playa del Carmen?

Both Curitiba and Playa del Carmen have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Curitiba. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Curitiba, and 3-7 days is enough time in Playa del Carmen.

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

Couples should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Curitiba. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Playa del Carmen that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Curitiba 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Curitiba or Playa del Carmen?

You'll find food and shopping around the active destination of Curitiba. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The beautiful town of Playa del Carmen offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Curitiba or Playa del Carmen?

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural city of Curitiba. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Curitiba or Playa del Carmen?

Curitiba is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Playa del Carmen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Playa del Carmen, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Curitiba or Playa del Carmen?

Curitiba is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between Curitiba and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Curitiba 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. Even though Curitiba is in South America and Playa del Carmen is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Curitiba Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Curitiba or Playa del Carmen?

Curitiba has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Curitiba and Playa del Carmen, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.