A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Sun Valley for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Tulum or Sun Valley?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Sun Valley can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a tropical, active, and lively town. Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Tulum travel costs.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a adventurous, outdoorsy, and active town. Sun Valley is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Sun Valley travel costs.

Tulum and Sun Valley: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Sun Valley?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Sun Valley are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Sun Valley is known for its skiing. Tulum is more touristy than Sun Valley and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Sun Valley is popular for its ski resorts as well as being the home of Ernest Hemingway.

How is Tulum different from Sun Valley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sun Valley and Tulum. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Tulum or Sun Valley Better for Skiing?

Sun Valley is terrific for snow skiing. However, Tulum is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Sun Valley. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

Tulum is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Sun Valley?

Tulum is terrific for its museums and landmarks. However, Sun Valley is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tulum that are not to be missed. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

While most people don't head to Sun Valley specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Museums in the area include the Sun Valley Museum of Art and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or Sun Valley? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Sun Valley.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Sun Valley has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Is Tulum or Sun Valley Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is terrific for nightlife. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Tulum is a must-see party destination. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

If you're looking for night time activities Sun Valley has a few options to choose from. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Is Tulum or Sun Valley Better for Resorts?

Tulum is terrific for its resorts. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Tulum for its luxury resorts. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Sun Valley is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The most popular place to stay is Sun Valley Lodge, but there are also other small lodges and hotels in the area.

Is Tulum or Sun Valley Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sun Valley is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Sun Valley is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Sun Valley Better for Beaches?

Tulum is terrific for its beaches. However, Sun Valley is not a beach destination.

Tulum offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Sun Valley is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Sun Valley Better for Hiking?

Both Tulum and Sun Valley are destinations which offer very good hiking.

Tulum is a popular spot for hiking. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sun Valley. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Sun Valley?

Tulum is a great destination for shopping. Also, Sun Valley is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sun Valley. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

Is Tulum or Sun Valley More Beautiful?

Tulum and Sun Valley both are comparable with their very good scenery and beauty.

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

The beauty of Sun Valley is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.

Is Tulum or Sun Valley Better for Families?

Sun Valley is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Sun Valley is an extremely popular town to visit for families. During the winter months there's skiing, ice skating, and other winter activities. During the warmer months families will enjoy riding the Roundhouse Express Gondola, hiking through the mountains, or horseback riding.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tulum is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Is Tulum or Sun Valley Better for Couples?

Both Tulum and Sun Valley are fantastic destinations for a couple's getaway.

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Sun Valley is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities will love a romantic getaway to the area. There's also a charming downtown area that has great restaurants. In the surrounding countryside there's plenty of spectacular hikes that couples will enjoy as well.

Is Tulum or Sun Valley Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Tulum and Sun Valley are very good destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Many backpackers visit Sun Valley. There are a couple of hostels in the area and plenty of activities that appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Is Tulum or Sun Valley Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sun Valley is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Sun Valley can move around easily with public transportation. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

Tulum has some public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Is Tulum or Sun Valley a more walkable city?

Sun Valley is terrific for its walkability. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Sun Valley on foot. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

Tulum is a very walkable town. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Sun Valley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sun Valley or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Sun Valley?

Both Tulum and Sun Valley have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sun Valley than in Tulum. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sun Valley.

Families should spend more time in Sun Valley than Tulum. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sun Valley, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Tulum than Sun Valley. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tulum that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Sun Valley 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Sun Valley?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the ancient town of Tulum, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Sun Valley, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this outdoorsy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the skiing. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Sun Valley?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Tulum, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sun Valley. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Sun Valley?

Tulum, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sun Valley is a fun place to experience. In Sun Valley, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the skiing. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Sun Valley?

Tulum is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Sun Valley, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this active destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the skiing. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Sun Valley, we can see that Sun Valley is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Sun Valley would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sun Valley than you might in Tulum.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Sun Valley Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Sun Valley?

Tulum has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Sun Valley. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Sun Valley, 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.