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

Should you visit Merida or Olympic 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 Olympic 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 historical, traditional, and colonial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Merida travel costs.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a stunning, vast, and pristine park. With stunning beauty, Olympic National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums. See Olympic National Park travel costs.

Merida and Olympic National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Olympic National Park are both popular with visitors, Merida has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Merida is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Olympic National Park is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Merida is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also home to Grand Plaza. Olympic National Park is popular for its diverse landscapes and its frequent rainfall.

How is Merida different from Olympic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Olympic 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 Olympic National Park?

Merida is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Olympic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Olympic National Park. There are several museums near the park that highlight the region's history, culture, and geology. These include the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum, Forks Timber Museum, Sequim Museum, and Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center.

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

Merida is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Merida. 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).

Olympic National Park may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Most of the lodges have restaurants within the park, but they can be overpriced. There are also restaurants just outside of the park's border.

Is Merida or Olympic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Merida is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its evening party scene.

Merida offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Olympic National Park doesn't offer many options. You can enjoy a peaceful natural setting after the sun sets.

Is Merida or Olympic National Park Better for Resorts?

Olympic National Park is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Merida is not a resort destination.

Olympic National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are several lodges within the park as well as cabins and inns. Some have a historic atmosphere while others are more rustic. It's best to book well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during the peak summer months.

Merida is not a resort destination.

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

Merida is a well-known place for its old town. However, Olympic National Park 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.

Olympic National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Olympic National Park Better for Hiking?

Olympic National Park is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Olympic National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hiking trails will take you through the diverse range of landscapes. There are mountain climbs, coastal trails, and routes that wander through old growth forests. You'll also find a mix of day hikes and backcountry wilderness hikes. Mount Storm King, Marymere Falls, and the High Divide are favorite hikes in the park, but there are countless others.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Olympic National Park?

Merida is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for its shopping areas.

Merida is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Olympic National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There's a park store where you can pick up books, informational resources, and souvenirs.

Is Merida or Olympic National Park More Beautiful?

Olympic National Park is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Olympic National Park attracts visitors from all around. The diversity of landscapes give the park a unique beauty. You can explore old growth rainforests, wander down pristine beaches, or take in the stunning mountain views.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Olympic National Park Better for Families?

Olympic National Park 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 Olympic National Park. Kids will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and running around the beach. It's also fun to lose yourself in the old growth rainforests and spend some time kayaking or canoeing at Lake Crescent.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Couples?

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

Olympic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking, camping, and natural beauty will love exploring this park together. There are a diversity of ecosystems and landscapes where you can enjoy a couples retreat together.

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 Olympic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Olympic National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Olympic National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are many beautiful backcountry destinations that let you experience this park in depth. Make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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.

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

Merida is a popular place for its public transit. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park for times when you don't have a car.

Merida has a few 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 mostly limited in Olympic National Park. There are buses and ferries to the park, but the park is large and requires a private vehicle to fully access it.

Is Merida or Olympic National Park a more walkable city?

Merida is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Olympic National Park is not a good park 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.

Olympic National Park is not a very walkable city. The park is large and you'll need a car to reach most of the trailheads.

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

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

How long in Merida or Olympic National Park?

In either Merida or Olympic National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Olympic National Park than Merida because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-5 days is enough time in Olympic National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Merida than Olympic 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 Olympic 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.

One day in Merida or Olympic National Park?

In Merida, you'll find shopping and museums. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Merida, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Olympic 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 Olympic National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Merida. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city. It offers something for everyone.

Olympic National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Olympic National Park?

Merida is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Olympic National Park. Don't miss the hiking, 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 Olympic National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Merida. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the stunning destination of Olympic National Park. This 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 Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Olympic National Park. Many visitors come to Merida in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Olympic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Merida is generally a little warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the summer, Merida often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 210 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Olympic National Park. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Olympic National Park and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Olympic National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Merida is much warmer than Olympic National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 113 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Olympic National Park. It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 10.4 inches (263 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Olympic National Park and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Merida because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Olympic National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Olympic National Park in the winter. In the winter, Merida is much warmer than Olympic National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Olympic National Park averages at about 41°F (5°C).

It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets more sunshine than Olympic National Park. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympic National Park receives 56 hours of full sun.

Olympic National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in January than Olympic National Park. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 13.7 inches (349 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Olympic National Park. The activities around the city are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Olympic National Park for the natural beauty.

In April, Merida is generally much warmer than Olympic National Park. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Olympic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (8°C).

In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Olympic National Park during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Olympic National Park receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

Olympic National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives less rain than Olympic National Park. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Olympic National Park receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Olympic National Park and Merida