A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Columbia River Gorge for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Columbia River Gorge. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a laid back, idyllic, and relaxing island. Isla Mujeres is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a natural, beautiful, and scenic region. The beauty of Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Isla Mujeres and Columbia River Gorge are popular destinations, Isla Mujeres has more sights and attractions for tourists. Isla Mujeres is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isla Mujeres is famous for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also well known for the Underwater Museum of Art. Columbia River Gorge is famous for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge and Isla Mujeres. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge is a moderate region for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Columbia River Gorge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Isla Mujeres and Columbia River Gorge can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isla Mujeres. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

Columbia River Gorge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Isla Mujeres and Columbia River Gorge.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Isla Mujeres offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Isla Mujeres specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Columbia River Gorge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Isla Mujeres are among the best in the world. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular spot for hiking. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge?

Both Isla Mujeres and Columbia River Gorge are nice shopping destinations.

Isla Mujeres offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Columbia River Gorge has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Columbia River Gorge is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Columbia River Gorge is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its romantic activities.

Isla Mujeres has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Isla Mujeres and Columbia River Gorge are great destinations for backpackers.

Isla Mujeres is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Isla Mujeres is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Isla Mujeres has a few public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

Isla Mujeres is very walkable. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable island. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isla Mujeres and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than in Isla Mujeres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Columbia River Gorge. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Isla Mujeres, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Columbia River Gorge. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Isla Mujeres that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Columbia River Gorge 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Isla Mujeres. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Isla Mujeres has to offer.

In Columbia River Gorge, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful region offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge?

Isla Mujeres is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Columbia River Gorge is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Isla Mujeres for five days. You'll find shopping and nightlife around the island of Isla Mujeres. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of Columbia River Gorge. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge?

The laid back destination of Isla Mujeres offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Isla Mujeres Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Columbia River Gorge?

Isla Mujeres has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Columbia River Gorge, 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.