A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Avon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Merida or Avon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Avon, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Merida

Merida is a colonial, historical, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Merida travel costs.

Avon

Avon is a active, outdoorsy, and scenic town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Avon travel costs.

Merida and Avon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Avon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Merida than Avon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Merida is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Avon is more popular for its skiing, resorts, and hiking. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza. Avon is well known for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

How is Merida different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Merida or Avon Better for Skiing?

Avon is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Merida is not a skiing destination.

Avon draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Merida is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Merida or Avon?

Merida is notable for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Merida. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

Is the Food Better in Merida or Avon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Merida is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Merida makes for a great culinary experience. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Merida or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Merida is notable for nightlife. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Merida has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

Is Merida or Avon Better for Resorts?

Avon is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Merida is not a resort destination.

Avon has a few great resort options. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Avon Better for its Old Town?

Merida is notable for its historic old town. However, Avon does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Merida. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

Avon does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Avon Better for Hiking?

Avon is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Avon has hiking trails worth exploring. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Avon?

Merida is notable for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

Merida is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Is Merida or Avon Better for Families?

Merida and Avon are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Merida is a family-friendly city. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avon. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Merida or Avon Better for Couples?

Merida and Avon are both notable to visit as a couple.

Merida is a good city for couples to visit. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

Avon is a nice destination for couples. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

Is Merida or Avon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is notable for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.

Avon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers prefer to stay closer to the ski facilities.

Is Merida or Avon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Merida and Avon.

Merida has some public transit options. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

You'll find some public transit in Avon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

Is Merida or Avon a more walkable city?

Merida is notable for its walkability. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

Merida is very walkable. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

Avon is a somewhat walkable place. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

For even more information, also check out Is Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Merida?

How long in Merida or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Merida or Avon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Avon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-4 days is enough time in Avon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Avon 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 Merida.

One day in Merida or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Avon. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Avon?

Merida is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Avon 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 Merida or Avon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colonial destination of Merida. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avon. 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 Merida or Avon?

The colonial city of Merida offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Avon. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Avon?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Avon, 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.