A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Cody, Wyoming for Attractions, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming? 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.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a historic, cultural, and outdoorsy city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a fascinating, activity-filled, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ensenada and Cody, Wyoming: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cody, Wyoming. Although Ensenada and Cody, Wyoming are popular destinations, Cody, Wyoming has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cody, Wyoming is very popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Ensenada attracts visitors for its food and beaches. Ensenada is famous for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Cody, Wyoming is famous for it's Wild West atmosphere and its founder, Buffalo Bill. It is also well known for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

How is Ensenada different from Cody, Wyoming?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming?

Ensenada
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Cody, Wyoming offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some interesting local museums around town. One of the most popular is the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. There are also several gun museums like the Cody Dug Up Gun Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. For history, check out the Museum of the Plains Indian or the Cody Heritage Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ensenada. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.


Is the Food Better in Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ensenada
Cody, Wyoming

Ensenada is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ensenada. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cody, Wyoming. Most of the restaurants offer a nod to the Wild West theme. There's a soda saloon, barbecue joints, and old fashioned saloons where you can grab a thick steak or fried green tomatoes. Many have fun decor and a family-friendly vibe that sets the atmosphere.

Is Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming Better for Nightlife?

Ensenada
Cody, Wyoming

It's hard to distinguish whether Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming has a better nightlife scene.

Ensenada has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Cody, Wyoming has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene, like everything else in town, stays true to the Wild West theme. You'll find cowboys and cowgirls on the dance floor and enjoy live music and cold drinks at the local bar.

Is Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming Better for Beaches?

Ensenada
Cody, Wyoming

Ensenada is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Cody, Wyoming is not a beach destination.

Ensenada is a good spot to see the beach. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Cody, Wyoming is not a beach destination.


Is Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming Better for its Old Town?

Ensenada
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place for its old town. However, Ensenada does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Cody, Wyoming to see the old town. The historic downtown is small, just a few blocks along Sheridan Avenue, but it's filled with personality. The buildings have local character and highlight the town's past.

Ensenada does not have a historic old town.

Is Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming Better for Hiking?

Ensenada
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Cody, Wyoming is a good destination for hiking. It's not hard to get out of town and enjoy some hiking. Trails take you through the local landscapes and sometimes offer you the opportunity to see local wildlife.

Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming?

Ensenada
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Cody, Wyoming is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find quirky shops, local vendors, and sporting equipment stores around town. Whether you want to pick up a souvenir or browse the Wild West paraphernalia, shopping is a fun activity in town.

Ensenada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.


Is Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming Better for Families?

Ensenada
Cody, Wyoming

Cody, Wyoming is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cody, Wyoming is a very kid-friendly town. It's a fun stop off for families who are visiting the national parks in the area. There are diverse activities that will give the kids a break from hiking and nature programs. Make sure you check out the Cody Nite Rodeo, the Old Trail Town, and the horseback riding. For a glimpse at what life was like back in the Wild West, check out a Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show.

Ensenada offers lots of family activities. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming Better for Couples?

Ensenada
Cody, Wyoming

With fun activities for couples, both Ensenada and Cody, Wyoming make for a nice place to visit.

Ensenada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Cody, Wyoming is a good city for couples to visit. If you don't take yourself too seriously, this is a fun town to shop, dine, and play. There's horseback riding, historical reenactments, and quirky shops. There's also the opportunity to see wildlife and chat with other travelers.

Is Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada
Cody, Wyoming

Ensenada is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Ensenada is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

Cody, Wyoming is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of campgrounds and cheap motels in the area.


Is Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ensenada
Cody, Wyoming

Ensenada is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cody, Wyoming is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cody, Wyoming. There's no real public transit through town.

Is Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming a more walkable city?

Ensenada
Cody, Wyoming

Ensenada is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Cody, Wyoming is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Ensenada is very walkable. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

Cody, Wyoming is a somewhat walkable place. The historic downtown can be explored on foot, but anything outside of town will require a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Ensenada Worth Visiting? and Is Cody, Wyoming Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cody, Wyoming or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ensenada and Cody, Wyoming. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ensenada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cody, Wyoming.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ensenada than Cody, Wyoming 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 Ensenada.


  • How many days in Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ensenada 2-3 
    Cody, Wyoming 1-3

One day in Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Ensenada. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Cody, Wyoming is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ensenada. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cody, Wyoming is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cody, Wyoming, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Ensenada. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Cody, Wyoming is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Ensenada. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cody, Wyoming is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Cody, Wyoming or Ensenada?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ensenada is $99, while the average daily cost in Cody, Wyoming is $157. 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 Ensenada and Cody, Wyoming in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ensenada $47
    Cody, Wyoming $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ensenada $94
    Cody, Wyoming $156
Compare Hotels in Ensenada and Cody, Wyoming

Looking for a hotel in Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming? 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 Ensenada


Hotels in Cody, Wyoming


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: Ensenada Hotel Prices and Cody, Wyoming Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ensenada $21
    Cody, Wyoming $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ensenada

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ensenada:

  • Transfer: From Tijuana to Valle de Guadalupe & Ensenada: $408
  • Border and Tijuana Airport Transfers to Ensenada or Valle de Guadalupe: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming?

Prices for flights to both Cody, Wyoming and Ensenada 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
    Ensenada $39
    Cody, Wyoming $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ensenada $11
    Cody, Wyoming $33

Tours and Activities in Ensenada

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

  • 8 Hour Private Tour : $131
  • ATV Off-Road Adventure through Valle de Guadalupe + Winery Visit: $77
  • Adventure in Ensenada with Zipline, Marine Geyser and Shops: $99
  • Bike and wine amazing Adventure in Valle de Guadalupe": $130
  • City tour on electric horse wagon.: $58
  • Couple Tour: $125
  • Electric Motorcycle Tour and rental.: $140
  • Ensenada : The unique bufadora private tour: $39
  • Ensenada Shore Excursion: Blowhole and La Bufadora Tour with Horseback Riding: $81
  • Ensenada Taco Tour by local guide: $94
  • A thrilled family adventure of ziplines: $70
  • Mezcal, Tequila, Ceviches and shoping Tasting Tour: $70

Tours and Activities in Cody, Wyoming

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

  • Cody Trolley Tours - Best of the West Trolley Tour: $34
  • Surfin In The Rockies Duckie Tours!: $40
  • Red Canyon River Trip’s all inclusive Half Day Tour! : $85
  • Red Canyon Wild Mustang Tour 5:00: $89
  • Red Canyon Mustang Tour 8am: $89
  • All-Inclusive YNP Lower Loop Tour for 55+Seniors P/U in Cody Wy : $189
  • All-Inclusive Yellowstone”The Volcano” *FAMILY FRIENDLY* Tour: $259
  • From Cody: Full-Day Yellowstone National Park Tour: $260
  • Guided Upper Loop of Yellowstone Tour from Cody, WY: $269
  • Guided Lower Loop of Yellowstone Tour from Cody, WY: $269
  • Yellowstone Nat'l Park Full Day Tour From Cody, WY : $275
  • Wild Mustang Half Day Tour - Cody Wyoming - Private: $298

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ensenada $11
    Cody, Wyoming $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Ensenada

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

  • Private Wine Tasting Experience in Maglén: $29
  • Xecue Wine Tasting in the Guadalupe Valley: $39
  • Wine tour valley of guadalupe: $60
  • Valle de Guadalupe Wine Tasting Tour: $78
  • From Wine Tasting at Guadalupe Valley Ensenada: $87
  • From Ojos Negros Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour: $97
  • Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $115
  • Private Wine Tour at Valle de Guadalupe (A wine tasting included).: $119
  • wine tours and driver service through valle de guadalupe, Ensenada B.C. Mexico: $135
  • Wine tasting tour for Cruise Ship Visitors. All Inclusive!: $199
  • Private and custom group Wine tour Valle de Guadalupe : $220
  • Valle Experience by Ansell Wine Tours: $269


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

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


Which is Bigger, Ensenada or Cody, Wyoming?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cody, Wyoming. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada and Cody, Wyoming, 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.