A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Whistler for Nightlife, Resorts, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Whistler?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Whistler? 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.

Whistler

Whistler is a charming, adventurous, and outdoorsy village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, Whistler attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Whistler travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Whistler: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Whistler, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Whistler is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and small town charm. Playa del Carmen is well known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Whistler is well known for its world renowned skiing and snowboarding.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Whistler?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Playa del Carmen or Whistler Better for Skiing?

Whistler is an amazing village to visit for winter skiing. However, Playa del Carmen is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Whistler should be on your list. Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America. It covers a vast area that includes two peaks - Whistler and Blackcomb. The slopes are connected by lifts and gondolas and there are options for every level, from beginner to expert.

Playa del Carmen is not a skiing destination.

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

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

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 Whistler specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There is a local museum where you can learn about the areas culture and heritage.

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

Whistler 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 Whistler is an experience not to be missed. There are many great restaurants and pubs that serve local dishes like Whistler herring, meatloaf, and Artic char fish. There are casual eateries as well as fine dining with upscale cuisine.

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 Whistler Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for nightlife. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for nightlife and partying.

Playa del Carmen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Whistler has a large number of nightlife venues. After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy the lively nightlife that includes après ski bars, nightclubs, and late night parties.

Is Playa del Carmen or Whistler Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its resorts. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

In Whistler, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a large selection of resorts that you can choose from. Many have pools and hot tubs and range from romantic to family-friendly.

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

Playa del Carmen is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Whistler 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.

Whistler is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Whistler Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its beaches. However, Whistler 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.

Whistler is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Whistler Better for Hiking?

Whistler is an amazing village to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Whistler specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. During the warmer seasons there are miles of hiking trails that take you through both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Many trails are accessible by gondola and you'll find great views and stunning vistas. Trails range from short family-friendly options to strenuous and adventurous routes.

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 Whistler?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Whistler 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 Whistler. The village offers great shopping where you can pick up local items or any ski gear you may have forgotten.

Is Playa del Carmen or Whistler More Beautiful?

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

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

Whistler is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town sits in a valley that is surrounded by stunning mountains and impressive glaciers.

Is Playa del Carmen or Whistler Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Playa del Carmen or Whistler.

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.

Whistler is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids will love the winter activities like skiing, dog sledding, and bobsledding. There's also an ice skating rink, climbing gym, and tons of kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Playa del Carmen or Whistler Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for romance. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village 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.

Whistler makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy an adventure will love the year-round outdoor sports. There are also romantic spas, fine dining, and scenic gondola rides.

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

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

Whistler is a very popular village for backpackers and budget travelers. There are several hostels 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 Whistler 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, Whistler is not a good village 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 Whistler. There's a bus system that connects the town to other nearby neighborhoods.

Is Playa del Carmen or Whistler a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its walkability. Also, Whistler is not as famous, but is still a good village to visit 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.

Whistler is a very walkable town. It's a compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Whistler?

In either Playa del Carmen or Whistler, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Whistler because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 3-5 days is enough time in Whistler.

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

One day in Playa del Carmen or Whistler?

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 outdoorsy destination of Whistler. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Whistler?

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 village of Whistler. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Whistler?

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.

Whistler is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Whistler?

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.

Whistler 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 Contiki Tours to Canada, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Whistler?

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

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 Whistler in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Whistler averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whistler 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 Whistler during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 296 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 Whistler. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Whistler. 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 Whistler for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Whistler. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Whistler fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

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 Whistler. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Whistler. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in October than Whistler. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 164 mm (6.5 in) 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 Whistler in the Winter?

Both Whistler 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 Whistler because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Whistler during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Whistler receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whistler. In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Whistler. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Whistler 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 small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Whistler this time of year.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Whistler. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Whistler averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Whistler. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whistler receives 172 hours of full sun.

Whistler gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Whistler. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Whistler receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Whistler and Playa del Carmen