A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Cancun for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Cesis or Cancun?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cesis and Cancun 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.

Cesis

Cesis is a natural, traditional, and quaint town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Cesis is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Cancun

Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cancun travel costs.

Cesis and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Cesis or Cancun?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cancun than Cesis, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cancun is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Cancun is more touristy than Cesis and is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Also, Cancun is famous for . Cesis is well known for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.



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How is Cesis different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cesis or Cancun?

Cesis
Cancun

Cancun is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cancun. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Cesis or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cesis
Cancun

Cancun is a city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cancun. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Cesis may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is small so there are a limited number of restaurants to choose from. You'll find some nice cafes and bakeries though where you can enjoy local foods and traditional Latvian dishes.

Is Cesis or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

Cesis
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Cancun is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cesis The town is small and many travelers visit as a day trip from Riga, so you'll find limited nightlife options around town.

Is Cesis or Cancun Better for Resorts?

Cesis
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for its resorts. However, Cesis is not a resort destination.

Cancun is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Cesis is not a resort destination.


Is Cesis or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cesis
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cesis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cancun is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Cesis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cesis or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Cesis
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for the beach. However, Cesis is not a beach destination.

Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Cesis is not a beach destination.

Is Cesis or Cancun Better for its Old Town?

Cesis
Cancun

Cesis is a decent place to visit for its old town. However, Cancun does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Cesis. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.


Is Cesis or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Cesis
Cancun

Both Cesis and Cancun are destinations which offer notable hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cesis. The town makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Gauja National Park, which has many hiking and cycling trails. Two of the most well known hikes are the Baltic Forest Trail and the Camino Latvia, both or which pass through town. There are also shorter day hikes to choose from as well.

Cancun offers some nice hiking trails. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Cancun?

Cesis
Cancun

Cancun is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cancun offers some nice shopping areas. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Cancun More Beautiful?

Cesis
Cancun

Cancun is well known for its scenery and beauty. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.


Is Cesis or Cancun Better for Families?

Cesis
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cancun is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

Cesis offers lots of family activities. The Cēsis Medieval Castle has a unique interactive set of tasks and games that the whole family can enjoy. Other fun family-friendly activities around town include adventure parks such as Supervāvere, the camel park of Rakši, and a farmhouse bakery where kids can learn about traditional baking and breadmaking.

Is Cesis or Cancun Better for Couples?

Cesis
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Cancun is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Cesis is a good town for couples to visit. There are a number of outdoor activities that adventurous couples can enjoy. The medieval castle is also a unique place to explore.

Is Cesis or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis
Cancun

Cancun is well known for backpackers. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cancun is a great city to visit for backpackers. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cesis. Many people visit town as a day trip from Riga, so there are a limited number of hotels and hostels to choose from. If you want to enjoy hiking and the area's natural beauty, it is recommend that you spend more time here.


Is Cesis or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cesis
Cancun

Cancun is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Public transit is quite limited in Cesis. There are some bus options, but to thoroughly explore the surrounding area you'll really need access to a car.

Is Cesis or Cancun a more walkable city?

Cesis
Cancun

Cancun is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Cancun is a very walkable city. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

Cesis is a somewhat walkable town. It's fun to explore old town on foot but many places in the surrounding countryside require a car to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Cesis Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Cancun?

Both Cesis and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Cesis. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun than Cesis 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 Cancun.


  • How many days in Cesis or Cancun? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cesis 1-2 
    Cancun 4-7

One day in Cesis or Cancun?

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Cancun, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this wild destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city 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 Cesis or Cancun?

Cesis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Cesis or Cancun?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cesis. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cancun is a fun place to experience. In Cancun, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. 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 Cesis or Cancun?

Cesis is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Cancun, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this party-hard 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. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.


Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Cesis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cesis is €138, while the average daily cost in Cancun is €142. 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 Cesis and Cancun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cesis 47
    Cancun 82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cesis 94
    Cancun 164
Compare Hotels in Cesis and Cancun

Looking for a hotel in Cesis or Cancun? 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 Cesis


Hotels in Cancun


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: Cesis Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cesis 30
    Cancun 15

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    1.41
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    12
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    14
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    1.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

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

  • Airport Transfer (Can-cun, Playa del Carmen & Tulum): $111
  • Airport Transfer Cancun: $60
  • Airport Transfer to Tulum: $160
  • Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $225
  • Airport Transfers to Puerto Juarez - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $175
  • Airport Transfers to Puerto Morelos - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $152
  • Akumal One Way Or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $139
  • Akumal One Way or Roundtrip Private Luxury Transfer: $291
  • Arrival Private Transfer Cancun Airport CUN to Cancun by Minivan or Minibus: $29
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cancun Airport CUN to Tulum by Minivan or Minibus: $155
  • Best SpeedBoat and Snorkeling tour with Transfer from Cancun: $29
  • Buggy Trip in Cozumel Island with transfer from Riviera Maya: $207

Is it cheaper to fly into Cesis or Cancun?

Prices for flights to both Cancun and Cesis 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
    Cesis 71
    Cancun 41
Typical Food Prices in Cesis

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cesis:


  • Lunch in town for two
    6.67

Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Street Food Tour in  Cancun with a Local Guide: $60
  • Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
  • Cancun Food Tour - Taco Attack: Street Food & Tequila Tasting: $69
  • Cancun Street Food Tour – Local Market & Downtown Experience: $69
  • Salsa Streets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $69
  • Cancun Historic Downtown Food Tour with 7+ Authentic Tastings: $76
  • Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
  • Mexican Cooking Class with fresh Local Market ingredients selection and transpor: $79
  • Cancun Taco & Mexican Food Tour with Tequila Tasting: $79
  • Columbus Romantic Dinner in Cancún: $79
  • Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show at Cancun Couples Special: $80
  • Puerto Morelos Walking Food Tour: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cesis 16
    Cancun 30

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    0.50
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    86

Tours and Activities in Cancun

For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cancun's Hidden Gems: A Self-Guided Tour: $8.10
  • 7 Days Self Guided AI Audio Tours to Cancun and Yucatan: $12
  • Shared Speedboat and Snorkeling Adventure in Cancun: $12
  • Cancun Beach Taco Tour Culinary Journey with Tequila Tasting: $15
  • Discover Isla Mujeres tour with snorkel, buffet and open bar: $15
  • Speedboat jungle tour and snorkel: $15
  • Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling, Open Bar and Buffet: $16
  • Speedboat and Snorkeling Adventure in Cancun: $16
  • Tour to Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling: $17
  • Full-Day Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres from Cancun with Lunch: $17
  • Speedboat and Snorkeling Adventure in Cancun: $18
  • 4X1 VIP Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen Tour: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cesis 17
    Cancun 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun

Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • A bespoke wine tastings crafted for unforgettable moments: $85
  • Bar Crawl Madness Tour in Cancun: $115
  • Brewery Tour Craft Beer Tasting Cancun Mexico: $130


When comparing the travel costs between Cesis and Cancun, we can see that Cancun 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 Cesis is in Europe and Cancun 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 Cesis Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cesis or Cancun?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Cancun, 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.