A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Columbia River Gorge for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a scenic, stunning, and vibrant town. Playa del Carmen is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, scenic, and natural region. With stunning beauty, Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Columbia River Gorge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Columbia River Gorge is more popular for its food and hiking. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Columbia River Gorge and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Columbia River Gorge is well known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge.

Playa del Carmen offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Columbia River Gorge is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Playa del Carmen just to party. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Columbia River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Playa del Carmen offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Playa del Carmen specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Columbia River Gorge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Playa del Carmen are among the best in the world. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Columbia River Gorge. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Columbia River Gorge and Playa del Carmen.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Columbia River Gorge. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of very good scenery and beauty in both Playa del Carmen and Columbia River Gorge.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Columbia River Gorge is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its romantic activities.

Playa del Carmen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Columbia River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular region for backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Playa del Carmen has a few public transit options. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Is Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Playa del Carmen on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Columbia River Gorge is not a very walkable town. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Playa del Carmen and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Columbia River Gorge. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

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

Couples should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Columbia River Gorge. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Playa del Carmen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than Playa del Carmen 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Playa del Carmen. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the natural destination of Columbia River Gorge. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge?

Playa del Carmen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic region of Columbia River Gorge. If you have a weekend, this region makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Playa del Carmen for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the beautiful town of Playa del Carmen. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Playa del Carmen. Many people spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Playa del Carmen, one week is sufficent for most.

Columbia River Gorge is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in 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 Playa del Carmen and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Columbia River Gorge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbia River Gorge than you might in Playa del Carmen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Columbia River Gorge. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia River Gorge this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Columbia River Gorge. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Columbia River Gorge can be very cold. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbia River Gorge. In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Columbia River Gorge. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Playa del Carmen