A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Grand Teton National Park for Couples, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Merida or Grand Teton National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Grand Teton National Park, 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.

Merida

Merida is a colonial, historical, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a spectacular, impressive, and vast park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Merida and Grand Teton National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Merida or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Merida than Grand Teton National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Merida is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Grand Teton National Park is more popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza. Grand Teton National Park is well known for its grand peaks and diverse wildlife.

How is Merida different from Grand Teton National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Grand Teton National Park and Merida. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Merida or Grand Teton National Park?

Merida
Grand Teton National Park

Merida is a great city for its historical sights. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Merida offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

Grand Teton National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Visitor Centers have exhibits and other informational sessions.


Is the Food Better in Merida or Grand Teton National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Merida
Grand Teton National Park

Merida is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Merida. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Teton National Park. There are a number of restaurants and cafes around the park where you can enjoy a meal, often with a view.

Is Merida or Grand Teton National Park Better for Nightlife?

Merida
Grand Teton National Park

Merida is a great city for nightlife. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Merida has something for everybody. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

Most people don't head to Grand Teton National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's a lounge at Jackson Lake Lodge, but most visitors enjoy a relaxing night in.

Is Merida or Grand Teton National Park Better for Resorts?

Merida
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Merida is not a resort destination.

Grand Teton National Park is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are several impressive lodges within the park, as well as cabins and more rustic hotels.

Merida is not a resort destination.


Is Merida or Grand Teton National Park Better for its Old Town?

Merida
Grand Teton National Park

Merida is a great city for its historic old town. However, Grand Teton National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Merida. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

Grand Teton National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Grand Teton National Park Better for Hiking?

Merida
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Grand Teton National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Grand Teton National Park has more than 250 miles of trails that make their way through the mountains and around the rugged landscapes. There are hikes that range from short strolls to backcountry, mult-day trails and it's not uncommon to see wildlife.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Grand Teton National Park?

Merida
Grand Teton National Park

Merida is a great city for shopping. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Merida. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

If you're looking to go shopping, Grand Teton National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up souvenirs or gifts.


Is Merida or Grand Teton National Park Better for Families?

Merida
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Grand Teton National Park. Kids will enjoy the hiking and wildlife spotting. There's also horseback riding and Ranger Programs that are designed for all ages.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Merida. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

Is Merida or Grand Teton National Park Better for Couples?

Merida
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is terrific for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Grand Teton National Park has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its stunning mountain views and scenic hikes, couples will be surrounded by romance. Many people visit the park for their honeymoon, or even for the wedding itself, and the setting couldn't be more spectacular.

Merida is a nice destination for couples. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

Is Merida or Grand Teton National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Grand Teton National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are hostels, campgrounds, and backcountry hiking and camping that backpackers really enjoy.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.


Is Merida or Grand Teton National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Merida
Grand Teton National Park

Merida is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Merida offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Grand Teton National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Merida or Grand Teton National Park a more walkable city?

Merida
Grand Teton National Park

Merida is a great city for its walkability. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its high level of walkability.

Merida is very walkable. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

Grand Teton National Park is generally not very walkable. You'll need a car to reach most of the trail heads.

For even more information, also check out Is Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Grand Teton National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Grand Teton National Park or Merida?

How long in Merida or Grand Teton National Park?

Both Merida and Grand Teton National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Grand Teton National Park than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 3-7 days is enough time in Grand Teton National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Merida than Grand Teton National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Merida that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Grand Teton National Park 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 Merida.


  • How many days in Merida or Grand Teton National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Merida 1-2 
    Grand Teton National Park 3-7

One day in Merida or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the traditional city of Merida. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Grand Teton National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Merida or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Merida. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Grand Teton National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Merida or Grand Teton National Park?

Merida is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grand Teton National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Merida or Grand Teton National Park?

Merida is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the spectacular destination of Grand Teton National Park. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park is $162. 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 Grand Teton National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Merida $44
    Grand Teton National Park $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Merida $88
    Grand Teton National Park $158
Compare Hotels in Merida and Grand Teton National Park

Looking for a hotel in Merida or Grand Teton National Park? 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 Grand Teton National Park


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 and Grand Teton National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Merida $18
    Grand Teton National Park $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Merida

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

  • One-way Airport Transfers to Merida Hotels: $120
  • Private Transfer From Uxmal to Merida, English Speaking Driver: $73
  • Private Transfer from Merida city hotels to Progreso Cruise Port: $61
  • Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Merida One Way: $47
  • Mexico Private Transfer from Merida airport to central Merida: $41
  • Mexico Private Transfer from Merida hotels to Merida airport: $41
  • Merida hotels to Mérida International Airport (MID) - Private Departure Transfer: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Teton National Park

Also for Grand Teton National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Luxury 4wd SUV To/From Transfer Jackson Hole Airport: $140
  • Private SUV Transfers to/ from Jackson Hole Airport JAC: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Merida or Grand Teton National Park?

Prices for flights to both Grand Teton National Park 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
    Grand Teton National Park $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Merida

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

  • Traveling Spoon Yucatecan Sopa de Lima Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Private Nandayo Food Tour: $42
  • Merida Walking Food Tour. Authentic & Local Cuisine: $63
  • Taste of the Yucatan: Merida Cooking Class and Market Visit: $89
  • Private Yucatecan Cooking Lesson in a Local Merida Home: $90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Grand Teton National Park

For Grand Teton National Park, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Jackson Hole Chuckwagon Dinner: $75
  • Dinner Cookout Ride at Heart Six Ranch: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Merida $16
    Grand Teton National Park $43
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:

  • Adventure in Coloradas and Ría Lagartos and Cancunito: $120
  • 2-hour Temazcal experience in the Mayan world: $181
  • 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum: $60
  • 3 Hours Private Tour in Merida, you choose!: $125
  • 4 Cenotes Full Day Tour from Merida: $110
  • 4x1 Tour Chichen Itza Magic Towns Valladolid & Izamal from Merida: $95
  • 6-hour Guided Tour to Uxmal and Kabah Express: $67
  • Adventure to Hacienda Mucuyche & Oxkintok, 2 cenotes from Mérida: $135
  • Amazing Full-Day Tour to Celestun with Boat Ride - from Mérida: $122
  • Ancestral Mayan Private Culinary Experience in Merida: $139
  • Beach Tour in Yucalpetén from Mérida: $96
  • Boat tour to Celestun from Merida: $134

Tours and Activities in Grand Teton National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Grand Teton National Park.

  • Snake River Scenic Float Private Guided Tour: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Merida $16
    Grand Teton National Park $19


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

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