A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Sun Valley for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley?

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 Sun Valley. 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a outdoorsy, active, and adventurous town. The beauty of Sun Valley is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley?

Both Sun Valley and Isla Mujeres have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Isla Mujeres is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Sun Valley attracts visitors for its skiing, museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isla Mujeres is famous for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Sun Valley is famous for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is an unbeatable place for snow skiing. However, Isla Mujeres is not a skiing destination.

Sun Valley is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Isla Mujeres is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley?

Sun Valley is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Sun Valley offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

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 Sun Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Isla Mujeres and Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Is Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Isla Mujeres and Sun Valley.

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 Sun Valley. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for its resorts. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Isla Mujeres for its luxury resorts. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Sun Valley is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Is Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sun Valley is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Isla Mujeres. 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.

Sun Valley is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is terrific for its beaches. However, Sun Valley is not a beach destination.

Isla Mujeres offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Sun Valley is not a beach destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Sun Valley is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Sun Valley is a popular spot for hiking. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley?

Both Isla Mujeres and Sun Valley 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.

Sun Valley has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley More Beautiful?

Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.

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 Sun Valley Better for Families?

Both Isla Mujeres and Sun Valley are terrific family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Isla Mujeres is very family-friendly. 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Sun Valley is a very family-friendly destination. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

Is Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres and Sun Valley both terrific destinations for a couple.

Isla Mujeres is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Sun Valley makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

Is Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Isla Mujeres and Sun Valley are excellent 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 Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Is Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sun Valley is notable for its public transit. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Sun Valley has some very good public transit options. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

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

Is Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Sun Valley on foot. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley?

Both Isla Mujeres and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Isla Mujeres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sun Valley than Isla Mujeres 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 Sun Valley.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley?

With shopping and nightlife around the relaxing island of Isla Mujeres, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Isla Mujeres, one day is sufficent for most.

In Sun Valley, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this adventurous town 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 Sun Valley?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Isla Mujeres, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Sun Valley is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the skiing. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley?

Isla Mujeres, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Sun Valley, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this outdoorsy destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the skiing. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sun Valley is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Isla Mujeres and Sun Valley, we can see that Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Sun Valley?

Isla Mujeres has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Sun Valley, 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.