A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Caracas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Merida or Caracas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Caracas, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Merida or Caracas?

Merida

Merida is the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula, which separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea. It is also the capital of the state of Yucatan as a whole. There is a population of 750,000 and is very rich in diversity and culture.

Caracas

Caracas is the capital city of Venezuela, and also the country's largest city. It's in the northern portion of the country and is close to the Caribbean. While Caracas may not be a major travel destination in Venezuela, it can offer interesting insight into the country's urban character. It has a great art, culinary, and music culture that truly bring the city to life. The beautiful Mount Avila overlooks the city and separates the city from the Caribbean Sea. Many locals and visitors alike head to the mountain as a quick escape. You can reach it by taking a cable car that carries you up to the SWaraira Repano Park at the very top.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Caracas or Merida?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Merida is $88, while the average daily cost in Caracas is $0.00. 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 Merida and Caracas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Merida $44
    Caracas -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Merida $88
    Caracas $0.00
Compare Hotels in Merida and Caracas

Looking for a hotel in Merida or Caracas? 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 Merida


Hotels in Caracas


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: Merida Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Merida $18
    Caracas -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida

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

  • Merida Rejon Airport (MID) to Tulum hotels - Round Trip Transfer: $227
  • Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $33
  • One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
  • Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $41
  • Mexico Private Transfer from Merida hotels to Merida airport: $41
  • Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Caracas?

Prices for flights to both Caracas and Merida 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
    Merida $29
    Caracas -

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida

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

  • Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $62
  • Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $89
  • Private Yucatecan Cooking Lesson in a Local Merida Home: $90
  • Private Market Tour and Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Merida with Transfers: $126

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Merida $16
    Caracas -
Typical Entertainment Prices in Merida

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


  • Train at the Zoo
    $0.12
  • Uxmal Entrance (for 2)
    $20
  • Mayan Village Entrance (for 2)
    $6.01

Tours and Activities in Merida

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

  • Panoramic Sightseeing Tour of Merida: $8.00
  • Mérida Scavenger Hunt and Sights Private Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
  • Walking Tour Across the Historic Center in Merida: $22
  • Walking Tour in the City of Mérida: $22
  • Merida Private Tour on a Budget : $29
  • Mérida Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
  • 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $60
  • Merida Street Food Walking Tour: $65
  • Tour to Uxmal + Choco Story Chocolate Museum: $67
  • Private Walking Tour in City of Merida: $75
  • Day of the Dead Tour & Taco buffet: $80
  • Tour to progreso, corchito and salt ponds: $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Merida $16
    Caracas -


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

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


Which is Bigger, Merida or Caracas?

Caracas has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Caracas, 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 Merida or Caracas?

Merida has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Caracas experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Caracas in the Summer?

Both Caracas and Merida during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Caracas year-round.

In July, Merida is generally cooler than Caracas. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Caracas fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Caracas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the summer, Merida often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Caracas. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caracas receives 242 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets more rain in July than Caracas. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Caracas receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Caracas 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Merida or Caracas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Caracas. The autumn months attract visitors to Merida because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Caracas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Merida is cooler than Caracas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Caracas fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caracas this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Caracas during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Caracas receives 208 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Caracas. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Caracas receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Caracas 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Merida or Caracas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Merida as well as Caracas. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Merida this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Caracas throughout the year.

In the winter, Merida is cooler than Caracas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Caracas averages at about 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caracas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the winter, Merida often gets less sunshine than Caracas. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caracas receives 233 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets less rain in January than Caracas. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Caracas receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Merida 20°C (68°F) 
    Caracas 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Merida or Caracas in the Spring?

Both Caracas and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Merida for the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Caracas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Merida is generally cooler than Caracas. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Caracas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Caracas during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Caracas receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Merida. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Caracas. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Caracas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Merida 21°C (70°F) 
    Caracas 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Caracas and Merida

Merida Caracas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)