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

Should you visit Cesis or Playa del Carmen?

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 Playa del Carmen 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 authentic, natural, and traditional town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a vibrant, picture-perfect, and scenic town. The beauty of Playa del Carmen is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Cesis and Playa del Carmen: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Cesis 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 popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cesis is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. Cesis is popular for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis 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 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 Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Playa del Carmen is a town 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 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.

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 Playa del Carmen Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

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 Playa del Carmen Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its resorts. However, Cesis 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.

Cesis is not a resort destination.

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

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

Cesis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cesis or Playa del Carmen Better for Beaches?

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

Cesis is not a beach destination.

Is Cesis or Playa del Carmen Better for its Old Town?

Cesis is a town with a few options for its historic old town charm. However, Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Cesis is worth visiting. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Is Cesis or Playa del Carmen Better for Hiking?

Both Cesis and Playa del Carmen are destinations which offer good 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.

Playa del Carmen offers some nice hiking trails. 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 Cesis or Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Playa del Carmen More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen 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 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.

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 Playa del Carmen Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

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 Playa del Carmen Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Playa del Carmen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cesis and Playa del Carmen are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cesis is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Playa del Carmen. 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 Cesis or Playa del Carmen 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, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

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 Playa del Carmen a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

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 Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Cesis or Playa del Carmen?

Both Cesis 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 Cesis. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 3-7 days is enough time in Playa del Carmen.

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

One day in Cesis or Playa del Carmen?

Cesis is a small town where visitors enjoy the . Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Cesis or Playa del Carmen?

Cesis is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. 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 Playa del Carmen?

Cesis is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Playa del Carmen is a fun place to experience. In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food 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 Playa del Carmen?

Cesis 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.

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this scenic 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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cesis and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cesis is in Europe and Playa del Carmen is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Cesis would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cesis 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 Cesis Expensive? and Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis 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.

When is the best time to visit Cesis or Playa del Carmen?

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 Cesis or Playa del Carmen in the Summer?

Both Playa del Carmen and Cesis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cesis for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cesis is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cesis in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. In July, Cesis usually receives less rain than Playa del Carmen. Cesis gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Playa del Carmen and Cesis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cesis in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cesis is generally much colder than Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Cesis average around 7°C (45°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cesis usually gets less rain in October than Playa del Carmen. Cesis gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cesis or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cesis and Playa del Carmen. Most visitors come to Cesis for the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cesis can be very cold during winter. Cesis is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the winter. The daily temperature in Cesis averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In January, Cesis usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Cesis gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Cesis as well as Playa del Carmen. The spring months attract visitors to Cesis because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.

In the spring, Cesis is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cesis in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Cesis usually gets more rain in April than Playa del Carmen. Cesis gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Cesis