A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Everglades National Park for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Merida or Everglades National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Everglades National Park, 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 traditional, colonial, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Merida travel costs.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a unique, natural, and wild national park. Everglades National Park offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Everglades National Park travel costs.

Merida and Everglades National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Merida or Everglades National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Everglades National Park are popular destinations, Merida has more sights and attractions for tourists. Merida is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Everglades National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Merida is famous for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Everglades National Park is famous for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees.

How is Merida different from Everglades National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Merida or Everglades National Park?

Merida
Everglades National Park

Merida is a great city for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Merida specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


Is the Food Better in Merida or Everglades National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Merida
Everglades National Park

Merida is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Merida or Everglades National Park Better for Nightlife?

Merida
Everglades National Park

Merida is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Merida or Everglades National Park Better for its Old Town?

Merida
Everglades National Park

Merida is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Everglades National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Everglades National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Merida or Everglades National Park Better for Hiking?

Merida
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Everglades National Park?

Merida
Everglades National Park

Merida is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Merida or Everglades National Park More Beautiful?

Merida
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Everglades National Park offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The natural beauty is impressive and it's easy to see why this is a highlight for many visitors to southern Florida.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Merida or Everglades National Park Better for Families?

Merida
Everglades National Park

Merida and Everglades National Park are both nice 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 Everglades National Park. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

Is Merida or Everglades National Park Better for Couples?

Merida
Everglades National Park

Merida and Everglades National Park are both nice 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.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Is Merida or Everglades National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida
Everglades National Park

Merida and Everglades National Park are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Everglades National Park. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.


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

Merida
Everglades National Park

Merida is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Merida offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.

Is Merida or Everglades National Park a more walkable city?

Merida
Everglades National Park

Merida is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its walkability.

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

Everglades National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Everglades National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Everglades National Park or Merida?

How long in Merida or Everglades National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Merida and Everglades National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Everglades National Park than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-3 days is enough time in Everglades National Park.

Families should spend more time in Merida than Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park 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.


  • How many days in Merida or Everglades National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Merida 1-2 
    Everglades National Park 2-3

One day in Merida or Everglades National Park?

With food and shopping around the traditional city of Merida, there's plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park?

With shopping and museums around the colonial destination of Merida, there's plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical city of Merida. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Everglades National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Everglades National Park?

Merida is a great place to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the pristine destination of Everglades National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Everglades National Park or Merida?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Merida Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Everglades National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Merida $99
    Everglades National Park $169

The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $99, while the average daily cost in Everglades National Park is $169. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Merida and Everglades National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Merida $40
    Everglades National Park $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Merida $80
    Everglades National Park $160
Compare Hotels in Merida and Everglades National Park

Looking for a hotel in Merida or Everglades National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Merida


Hotels in Everglades National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Merida Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Merida $17
    Everglades National Park $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida

Also for Merida, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport Transfer from Mérida to Campeche: $292
  • Private Transfer From Merida to Uxmal, English Speaking Driver: $156
  • One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
  • Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $50
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $44
  • Merida Airport (MID) Private Transfer to Merida Centre: $40
  • Mérida International Airport (MID) to Merida hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $25
  • Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Everglades National Park?

Prices for flights to both Everglades National Park and Merida change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Merida $46
    Everglades National Park $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida

For Merida, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Street Food Tour + Historic Tour Merida - Best Rated : $44
  • Merida Food Tour with local Yucatecan Chef : $56
  • Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $64
  • Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $86
  • Merida Shore Excursion- Mexican Cooking Class with Port Transfers: $102
  • Market Tour and Authentic Cooking Class in Merida with Transfers: $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Merida $15
    Everglades National Park $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Merida

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Merida's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Train at the Zoo
    $0.11
  • Uxmal Entrance (for 2)
    $18
  • Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)
    $5.43

Tours and Activities in Merida

For Merida, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-hour Temazcal experience in the Mayan world: $167
  • 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $56
  • 4 Cenotes Full Day Tour from Merida: $104
  • 4 Cenotes Tour in Homún all inclusive from Merida: $68
  • 4x1 Tour Chichen Itza Magic Towns Valladolid & Izamal from Merida: $108
  • 6-hour Guided Tour to Uxmal and Kabah Express: $89
  • Adventure 4 cenotes with Izamal: $119
  • Ake Ruins & Homun Cenotes Day Tour from Merida: $90
  • Ancestral Mayan Private Culinary Experience in Merida: $128
  • Boat tour through the mangroves of Celestún and Playa from Merida: $75
  • Celestun Biosphere Reserve Tour from Merida: $165
  • Celestun Nature Reserve Flamingo Tour-Boat to Flamingo Paradise from Merida: $230

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Merida $14
    Everglades National Park $7.86


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



When is the best time to visit Merida or Everglades National Park?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Merida or Everglades National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Everglades National Park. Most visitors come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Merida is cooler than Everglades National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Everglades National Park fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Everglades National Park this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Everglades National Park during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Everglades National Park receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Everglades National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Everglades National Park. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Merida or Everglades National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Everglades National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Merida because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Merida is cooler than Everglades National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Everglades National Park averages at about 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the autumn, Merida often gets less sunshine than Everglades National Park. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Everglades National Park receives 275 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Everglades National Park. Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Everglades National Park. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Merida or Everglades National Park in the Winter?

Both Everglades National Park and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Everglades National Park. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Everglades National Park fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Everglades National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Everglades National Park during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Everglades National Park receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Everglades National Park. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Merida 20°C (68°F) 
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Merida or Everglades National Park in the Spring?

Both Everglades National Park and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Merida is cooler than Everglades National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Everglades National Park fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In Everglades National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the spring, Merida often gets less sunshine than Everglades National Park. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Everglades National Park receives 300 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Everglades National Park. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Everglades National Park.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Everglades National Park and Merida

Merida Everglades National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 22°C (72°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)