A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Merida or Beaver Creek?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Beaver Creek, 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Merida travel costs.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a adventurous, charming, and active town. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Beaver Creek travel costs.

Merida and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Beaver Creek?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Merida than Beaver Creek, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Merida is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Beaver Creek is more popular for its skiing, theatre productions, resorts, and hiking. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Merida and is known for its skiing and charming atmosphere Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza.

How is Merida different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Merida or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Beaver Creek is terrific for skiing and snowboarding. However, Merida is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Beaver Creek is among the best in the world. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Merida is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Merida or Beaver Creek?

Merida is a great city for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Merida can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Merida or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Beaver Creek is not a good area for its shows and theatre. However, Merida is not a theatre destination.

While not known for its theater, you might be able to find something in Beaver Creek while you're in town. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Merida is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Merida and Beaver Creek.

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Beaver Creek makes for a great culinary experience. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

Is Merida or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a great city for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Merida has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Merida or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

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

Beaver Creek has a few great resort options. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Beaver Creek Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great city for its historic old town. However, Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Merida to see the historical old town. 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.

Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Beaver Creek is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Beaver Creek. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Beaver Creek?

Merida is a great city for shopping. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Merida. 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.

Beaver Creek offers some nice shopping areas. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is Merida or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Beaver Creek is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Beaver Creek is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Merida. 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.

Is Merida or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Beaver Creek is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Beaver Creek makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

Merida is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Merida or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

Merida is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Merida and Beaver Creek.

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 Beaver Creek, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Is Merida or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Beaver Creek is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Beaver Creek. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Merida?

How long in Merida or Beaver Creek?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek?

In Merida, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this colonial city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Beaver Creek. 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 Merida or Beaver Creek?

Merida is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Beaver Creek is a great place to explore. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Beaver Creek?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colonial destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaver Creek. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Beaver Creek?

Merida is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Beaver Creek. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to 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 Merida and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek Expensive?.