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

Should you visit Buzios or Playa del Carmen?

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

Should I visit Buzios or Playa del Carmen? 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.

Buzios

Other popular activities here include food. See Buzios travel costs.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning 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.

Buzios and Playa del Carmen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Buzios and Playa del Carmen are both popular with visitors, Playa del Carmen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Buzios and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. Buzios is popular for

How is Buzios different from Playa del Carmen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Buzios
Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is adequate for its historical sights. However, Buzios does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Buzios does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Buzios
Playa del Carmen

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Buzios and Playa del Carmen.

Buzios has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find fresh seafood, Brazilian flavors, and international cuisine. Many beachfront restaurants serve dishes like grilled fish, moqueca (Brazilian seafood stew), and shrimp pastéis. Rua das Pedras, the town's main street, is packed with places to eat. There's everything from fine dining to casual eateries that offer pizza, sushi, and Argentine barbecue. The city also has many street vendors where you can grab a meal for very little money.

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.

Is Buzios or Playa del Carmen Better for Nightlife?

Buzios
Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is renowned for nightlife and partying. However, Buzios is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Buzios is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Buzios or Playa del Carmen Better for Resorts?

Buzios
Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Buzios 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.

Buzios is not a resort destination.


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

Buzios
Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Buzios 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.

Buzios is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Buzios or Playa del Carmen Better for Beaches?

Buzios
Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is renowned for the beach. However, Buzios 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.

Buzios is not a beach destination.

Is Buzios or Playa del Carmen Better for Hiking?

Buzios
Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for hiking. However, Buzios is not a hiking destination.

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.

Buzios is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Buzios or Playa del Carmen?

Buzios
Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Buzios is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Playa del Carmen. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Buzios is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Buzios or Playa del Carmen More Beautiful?

Buzios
Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Buzios 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.

Buzios is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Buzios or Playa del Carmen Better for Families?

Buzios
Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Buzios is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Buzios is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Families enjoy hanging out at Ferradura Beach, which usually has calm waters where you can swim and play. A boat tour around the peninsula lets families explore hidden beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and even spot marine life. Strolling down Rua das Pedras in the evening offers a mix of delicious restaurants, ice cream shops, and lively street performances. For a bit of adventure, families can take a buggy ride to explore the scenic coastline and visit panoramic viewpoints like Mirante do Forno.


Is Buzios or Playa del Carmen Better for Couples?

Buzios
Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Buzios is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Buzios is a good for couples to visit. There are sunset cruises along the coast that offer champagne and beautiful views. You can also take a stroll down the charming Rua das Pedras and enjoy a meal at a cozy restaurant. A day at the beach is a fun activity and adventure-loving couples can explore hidden coves on a boat tour, go snorkeling together, or take a scenic hike to Mirante do Forno for stunning panoramic views.

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

Buzios
Playa del Carmen

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

Buzios is a very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels, beaches, and a variety of activities that backpackers can enjoy. With over 20 beaches and plenty of affordable street food, this is a great spot for budget travelers. You'll also find many other backpackers in the area.

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

Buzios
Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Buzios does not have public transit.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Buzios does not have public transit.


Is Buzios or Playa del Carmen a more walkable city?

Buzios
Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its high level of walkability. However, Buzios is not a walkable destination.

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

Buzios is not a walkable destination.

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

How long in Buzios or Playa del Carmen?

Both Buzios and Playa del Carmen have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Buzios. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Buzios, and 3-7 days is enough time in Playa del Carmen.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Buzios. 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 Buzios. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Playa del Carmen that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Buzios 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.


  • How many days in Buzios or Playa del Carmen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Buzios 2-5 
    Playa del Carmen 3-7

One day in Buzios or Playa del Carmen?


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You'll find food around the destination of Buzios. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Buzios or Playa del Carmen?


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You'll find food around the of Buzios. If you have a weekend, this 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.

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Buzios or Playa del Carmen?


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Buzios is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Buzios or Playa del Carmen?


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Buzios 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning destination of Playa del Carmen. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen or Buzios?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Buzios Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Playa del Carmen Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Buzios $91
    Playa del Carmen $89

The average daily cost (per person) in Buzios is $91, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen is $89. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Buzios and Playa del Carmen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buzios $36
    Playa del Carmen $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buzios $72
    Playa del Carmen $72
Compare Hotels in Buzios and Playa del Carmen

Looking for a hotel in Buzios or Playa del Carmen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Buzios


Hotels in Playa del Carmen


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buzios $18
    Playa del Carmen $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buzios

Also for Buzios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Departure Transfer : $45
  • Beach Resorts to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) - Private Transfer: $45
  • Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $91
  • Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Buzios: $115
  • Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 4 pax to Buzios: $115
  • Private Transfer Buzios to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Port to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB): $118
  • Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) to Buzios Port: $118
  • Private Transfer from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • Private Transfer from GIG Airport to City Buzios in Rio : $170
  • Private transfer Buzios in Rio to the SDU Airport : $182
  • Private transfer Minivan from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 6 pax to Buzios: $134

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:

  • Private Van Transfer to Mahahual: $476
  • Private Van Transfer to Bacalar: $476
  • Private Van Transfer to Merida: $340
  • Cancún: Cozumel 2-Tank Diving Tour with Lunch & Transfers: $327
  • Private Van Transfer to Chiquilá (Holbox): $306
  • Private Van Transfer to Valladolid: $306
  • Private Van Transfer to El Cuyo: $300
  • Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila Ferry Dock: $299
  • Private Transfer to Chiquila one-wey, from Cancún and Playa: $260
  • Private Transfer roundtrip to Xoximilco. from PLAYA and CANCUN: $260
  • Private Transfer From Chetumal to Mahahual With a 2 Hour Stop: $240
  • Cielo y Cielito With Transfer, Catamaran, 5 hours Open Bar and Lunch: $217

Is it cheaper to fly into Buzios or Playa del Carmen?

Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen and Buzios change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Buzios $40
    Playa del Carmen $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.

  • Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $56
  • Flavors of Playa del Carmen, Mexican Food Tour: $63
  • Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
  • Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $79
  • Yucatecan Cooking Class & Unlimited Margaritas – Playa del Carmen: $85
  • Playa del Camen Vegan Mexican Food Tour: $85
  • Temazcal Mayan Ceremony and Dinner in Mayan Village: $89
  • Mayan Cooking Class: Chicken Pibil in Secret Cenote: $95
  • PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $109
  • Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar: $109
  • Mexican Cooking Class: $120
  • Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buzios $25
    Playa del Carmen $15

Tours and Activities in Buzios

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Buzios.

  • Tour of the most beautiful beaches and islands of Buzios by Buziana Tour: $11
  • Boat Tour Open Bar A Floor Arraial do Cabo : $13
  • Buggy Ride in Buzios by Buziana Tour: $19
  • Tour of Bugre in Arraial (Buggy): $21
  • Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo: $23
  • Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios: $26
  • Half-Day Schooner Sightseeing Trip in Buzios Peninsula Beaches: $27
  • 3-hour Small Group Buzios Peninsula Open Air Trolley Tour: $31
  • Buzios Trolley City Tour: $31
  • Tour in Boat Tour in Buzios: $38
  • Underwater Adventure in Diving and Snorkeling: $46
  • Schooner Tour in Buzios - Departure from Buzios: $51

Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen

Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • ATV Mayan Jungle Adventure: $180
  • Buggy Ride through Playa del Carmen Tour: $139
  • Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club: $85
  • Cozumel Buggy Tour: $155
  • Park Xenses Tour Play with your Senses from Playa del Carmen: $126
  • Romantic tour in Akumal: $115
  • The Best Ruins Tour : Coba Sunset Cultural / Extreme : $140
  • "Tulum Adventures: Between Jungle, Cenotes and Mayan Mysteries": $110
  • 3 in 1 Private Tour Tulum Cenote and Snorkeling in the reef: $210
  • 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $16
  • 4 amazing places for 1 price and 1 full day tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote and PDC: $40
  • 4 to 7 Day Beach Cruiser Rental (Up to 7 Days, includes Ulock): $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buzios $17
    Playa del Carmen $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Playa del Carmen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:

  • Madness tour bar crawl Playa del carmen open bar: $99
  • Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Buzios and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Buzios 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. Even though Buzios is in South America and Playa del Carmen is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buzios Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buzios or Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Buzios. When comparing the sizes of Buzios and Playa del Carmen, 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.