A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Avon for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Avon?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Avon. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a laid back, idyllic, and relaxing island. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Avon

Avon is a scenic, active, and outdoorsy town. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Isla Mujeres and Avon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
Things to Consider
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Avon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Isla Mujeres and Avon are popular destinations, Isla Mujeres has more sights and attractions for tourists. Isla Mujeres is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Avon attracts visitors for its skiing, museums, and hiking. Isla Mujeres is famous for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also well known for the Underwater Museum of Art. Avon is famous for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Isla Mujeres or Avon Better for Skiing?

Isla Mujeres
Avon

Avon is notable for snow skiing. However, Isla Mujeres is not a skiing destination.

People head to Avon specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Isla Mujeres is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Avon?

Isla Mujeres
Avon

Avon is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Avon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres
Avon

Isla Mujeres is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Isla Mujeres makes for a great culinary experience. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Isla Mujeres or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Isla Mujeres
Avon

Evening events are nice in both Isla Mujeres and Avon.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.


Is Isla Mujeres or Avon Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres
Avon

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Isla Mujeres for its luxury resorts. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

With a selection of resorts, Avon makes a nice vacation spot. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Is Isla Mujeres or Avon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres
Avon

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Avon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Isla Mujeres. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Avon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Avon Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres
Avon

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for its beaches. However, Avon is not a beach destination.

Isla Mujeres offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Avon is not a beach destination.


Is Isla Mujeres or Avon Better for Hiking?

Isla Mujeres
Avon

Avon is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Avon offers some nice hiking trails. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Avon?

Isla Mujeres
Avon

Isla Mujeres is a good destination for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

Isla Mujeres is a great destination for shopping. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Is Isla Mujeres or Avon Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres
Avon

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Isla Mujeres is very family-friendly. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

Avon is a family-friendly island. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.


Is Isla Mujeres or Avon Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres
Avon

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Isla Mujeres is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

Is Isla Mujeres or Avon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres
Avon

Isla Mujeres is notable for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Isla Mujeres. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Avon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers prefer to stay closer to the ski facilities.

Is Isla Mujeres or Avon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Isla Mujeres
Avon

Both Isla Mujeres and Avon offer nice public transit options.

Isla Mujeres has a few public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Avon has some public transit options. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.


Is Isla Mujeres or Avon a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres
Avon

Isla Mujeres is notable for its walkability. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

Isla Mujeres is very walkable. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Avon is a somewhat walkable place. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

For even more information, also check out Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Isla Mujeres or Avon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Avon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 2-4 days is enough time in Avon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Avon 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 Isla Mujeres.


  • How many days in Isla Mujeres or Avon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Isla Mujeres 1-2 
    Avon 2-4

One day in Isla Mujeres or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Isla Mujeres. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Avon, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this outdoorsy town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Avon?

Isla Mujeres is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Avon is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Isla Mujeres or Avon?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the laid back destination of Isla Mujeres. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Avon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Avon?

The laid back island of Isla Mujeres offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Avon is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Avon or Isla Mujeres?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Isla Mujeres is $148, while the average daily cost in Avon is $277. 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 Isla Mujeres and Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Isla Mujeres $78
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Isla Mujeres $156
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Isla Mujeres and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Isla Mujeres or Avon? 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 Isla Mujeres


Hotels in Avon


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: Isla Mujeres Hotel Prices and Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Isla Mujeres $35
    Avon $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Isla Mujeres

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Isla Mujeres:

  • Private Transfer: Playa Mujeres to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $123

Is it cheaper to fly into Isla Mujeres or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon and Isla Mujeres 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
    Isla Mujeres $46
    Avon $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Isla Mujeres $21
    Avon $48

Tours and Activities in Isla Mujeres

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Isla Mujeres are as follows:

  • Excursion Crystal Boat Tour at the Caribbean: $35
  • Tour Isla Mujeres excursion in Collective Transparent Boat: $37
  • Crystal Boat Tour to Isla Mujeres and Reefs: $43
  • Snorkel Tour at Musa and Manchones Reef: $45
  • Clear Boat Tour "La Isla": $47
  • Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Adventure at the Underwater Museum: $47
  • Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour Adventure: $49
  • Snorkel Experience in Underwater Museum: $52
  • Cancun: Isla Mujeres 12 pm Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling: $59
  • UNDER WATER MUSEUM CANCUN SNORKEL ISLA MUJERES - Experience with Ticket: $65
  • Cancun Jungle Kingdom Adventure ATV, Zipline and Cenote : $70
  • Sunrise Snorkeling Experience in Cancun: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Isla Mujeres $25
    Avon $38

Sample the Local Flavors in Isla Mujeres

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

  • Isla Mujeres Golf Cart Bar Crawl : $175


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

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


Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Avon?

Isla Mujeres has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Avon, 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.