A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for Families, Couples, Hiking, and Backpackers

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? 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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a vast, overlooked, and underrated park. With stunning beauty, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is more popular for its hiking. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is well known for its alpine lakes, hydrothermal activity, and unique volcanoes.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visit the Loomis Museum to learn about the park history and see historic photos of the park. The building was constructed in 1972 and is worth a stopover.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its restaurants.

Playa del Carmen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. You'll find restaurants and shops at three locations within the park. Options are much more limited during the winter months, but you will find places to eat on the south side of the park in Mineral, Mill Creek, and Chester. On the north side, the closest towns are Shingletown and Old Station.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for nightlife. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for nightlife and partying.

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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and campfire chats are the best ways to enjoy evening in the park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its beaches. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Hiking?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails in the park. Many pass by the park's hydrothermal areas, but there are also trails that follow the edge of the alpine lakes or go through flower-filled meadows. Bumpass Hell Trail is one of the most notable hikes, but visitors also enjoy Lassen Peak Trail, Cinder Cone Trail, and Manzanita Lake Loop.

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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for shopping. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park for its shopping opportunities.

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

If you're looking to go shopping, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park has some nice offerings. There are stores and gift shops near the visitor centers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of excellent scenery and beauty in both Playa del Carmen and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park.

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

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Beautiful lakes and mountains, without the large crowds of the more well-known parks, make this a great natural destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a family-friendly town. While many of the hikes in the park are challenging for kids, there are still some great options for those with little legs. Manzanita Lake Trail is less than two miles and makes a great introductory hike. Bumpass Hell Trail is three miles, and it's a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting makes a romantic backdrop for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor adventures. You can go kayaking or river rafting during the day and then enjoy stargazing at night.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is a very popular park for backpackers and budget travelers. There is a large backcountry area which offers a unique hiking and camping experience. You'll need to purchase permits before your trip.

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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park 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 quite limited in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. There is no public transportation in the park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. However, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a good park 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.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large, so to efficiently access the different hiking trails you'll need to have a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the underrated destination of Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Playa del Carmen, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this scenic destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find around the overlooked park of Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. If you have a weekend, this park 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beautiful town offers. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Playa del Carmen is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park?

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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park averages at about 83°F (29°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 436 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. 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 less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 284 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 1.5 inches (37 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 Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Winter?

Both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park this time of year.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park fluctuates around 47°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Spring?

Both Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park averages at about 60°F (16°C).

In Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park, 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 less sunshine than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 329 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park receives 1.4 inches (35 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park and Playa del Carmen