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

Should you visit Merida or Hood River?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Hood River, 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 historical, traditional, and colonial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Merida travel costs.

Hood River

Hood River is a agricultural, quaint, and scenic town. With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Hood River travel costs.

Merida and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Hood River?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Hood River are both popular with visitors, Merida has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Merida is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hood River is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Merida is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also home to Grand Plaza. Hood River is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains.

How is Merida different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Merida or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Merida is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Merida is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Merida or Hood River?

Merida is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Merida offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Merida and Hood River.

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, Hood River makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Is Merida or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Merida has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Hood River has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Is Merida or Hood River Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a very popular place for its old town. However, Hood River does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Hood River does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Hood River 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 Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Hood River?

Merida is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Merida is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Hood River to go shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Merida or Hood River More Beautiful?

Hood River is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Hood River Better for Families?

Hood River is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hood River. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

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 Hood River Better for Couples?

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

Hood River makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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 Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida and Hood River are both very good 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 Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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

Merida is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Merida or Hood River a more walkable city?

Merida is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Merida?

How long in Merida or Hood River?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Hood River 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 Hood River?

With museums and nightlife around the colonial city of Merida, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Merida, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Hood River. 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 Hood River?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Merida, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Hood River 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 Hood River?

Merida, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hood River. 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 Hood River?

Merida 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the agricultural destination of Hood River. This town 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Hood River?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Hood River, 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.

When is the best time to visit Merida or Hood River?

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 Hood River in the Summer?

Both Hood River and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Hood River. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Hood River. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives less sunshine than Hood River during summer. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Merida usually receives more rain than Hood River. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River and Merida during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Hood River because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Merida is much warmer than Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Merida. In the autumn, Merida often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Hood River. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Hood River in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Hood River. The winter months attract visitors to Merida because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hood River in the winter. In the winter, Merida is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during winter. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hood River receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Hood River. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Merida as well as Hood River. The activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hood River for the natural beauty.

In April, Merida is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the spring, Merida often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Hood River. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Merida