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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Hood River?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Hood River? 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 stunning, vibrant, and picture-perfect town. The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Hood River

Hood River is a quaint, scenic, and charming town. With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Hood River travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Hood River: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Hood River are both popular with visitors, Playa del Carmen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Playa del Carmen is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Hood River is known for its skiing, food, and hiking. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Hood River and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. Hood River is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Playa del Carmen or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Playa del Carmen 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.

Playa del Carmen is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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 Hood River specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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 Playa del Carmen or Hood River? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hood River 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 Hood River is an experience not to be missed. 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.

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 Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Playa del Carmen is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

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 Playa del Carmen or Hood River Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Hood River is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great choice. 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.

Hood River is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hood River is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Playa del Carmen a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Hood River is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Hood River Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Hood River is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Playa del Carmen. 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.

Hood River is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Hood River 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 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.

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 Hood River?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hood River 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 Hood River. 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 Playa del Carmen or Hood River More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Playa del Carmen and Hood River.

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

Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Is Playa del Carmen or Hood River Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Hood River is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Hood River Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Hood River frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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

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

Hood River is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Playa del Carmen 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.

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

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 Playa del Carmen or Hood River a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

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 Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Hood River Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Hood River?

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

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Hood River. 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 Hood River. 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 Hood River 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 Hood River.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Hood River?

With shopping and nightlife around the vibrant town of Playa del Carmen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Hood River?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Playa del Carmen, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming town of Hood River. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Hood River?

Playa del Carmen, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Hood River 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 Hood River?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hood River 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 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 Playa del Carmen and Hood River, we can see that Hood River 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 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 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 Hood River Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Hood River?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Hood River?

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 Playa del Carmen or Hood River in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Hood River. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

In July, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hood River. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Hood River. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Hood River. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Hood River and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hood River for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Hood River. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

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

Both Hood River and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hood River in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hood River can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun.

Hood River gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Hood River. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Hood River. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hood River for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Hood River. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Playa del Carmen