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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Kamloops?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kamloops? 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.

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Kamloops travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Kamloops?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Playa del Carmen than Kamloops. While Kamloops is larger than Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Kamloops is known for its skiing. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Kamloops and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Playa del Carmen or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Playa del Carmen is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

Playa del Carmen is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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 Kamloops specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Kamloops? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Kamloops can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Kamloops. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Kamloops has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kamloops Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kamloops is not a resort destination.

Playa del Carmen is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Kamloops is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kamloops is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Playa del Carmen is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Kamloops is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kamloops Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Playa del Carmen is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Kamloops is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Playa del Carmen and Kamloops both have good trails.

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for hiking. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kamloops. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Kamloops?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kamloops 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 Kamloops. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kamloops More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Kamloops is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kamloops Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

Kamloops is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kamloops Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Playa del Carmen is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Kamloops is a good town for couples to visit. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

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

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

Playa del Carmen is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Kamloops is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's often overlooked by backpackers, but there is a hostel in town.

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

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kamloops is lacking in 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 Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.

Is Playa del Carmen or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in 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.

Kamloops is generally not very walkable. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Playa del Carmen or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Playa del Carmen than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Kamloops. 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 Kamloops. 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 Playa del Carmen than Kamloops 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Kamloops?

The beautiful town of Playa del Carmen offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find nightlife and food around the nature-filled destination of Kamloops. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Kamloops?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy city of Kamloops. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. 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 Kamloops?

Playa del Carmen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Playa del Carmen, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kamloops is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Kamloops?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

Kamloops is a great place to explore. 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Playa del Carmen and Kamloops, we can see that Kamloops is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Kamloops Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Kamloops?

Kamloops has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Kamloops, 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 Kamloops?

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 Kamloops in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Kamloops. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Kamloops for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Kamloops fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Kamloops. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Kamloops receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kamloops in the Autumn?

Both Kamloops and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kamloops because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Kamloops in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Kamloops fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Kamloops. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Kamloops receives 14 mm (0.6 in) 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 Kamloops in the Winter?

Both Kamloops and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kamloops this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kamloops in the winter. In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Kamloops. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Kamloops averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Kamloops. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kamloops receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Kamloops in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Kamloops. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.

In April, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Kamloops. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Kamloops fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kamloops. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kamloops receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Typical Weather for Kamloops and Playa del Carmen