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

Should you visit Merida or Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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 traditional, colonial, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a serene, beautiful, and scenic national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Merida and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Shenandoah National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Shenandoah National Park are popular destinations, Merida has more sights and attractions for tourists. Merida is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Shenandoah National Park attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Merida is famous for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Shenandoah National Park is famous for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails.

How is Merida different from Shenandoah National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Merida or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Shenandoah National Park is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Merida is not a skiing destination.

Head to Shenandoah National Park for some great skiing and other winter activities. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Merida is not a skiing destination.

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

Merida is great for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Merida. 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.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

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

Merida is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Shenandoah National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

Shenandoah National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

Is Merida or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

Merida is great for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Merida for the nightlife scene. 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 Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

Is Merida or Shenandoah National Park Better for its Old Town?

Merida is great for its historic old town charm. However, Shenandoah National Park does not have a historic old town.

Merida is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Shenandoah National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Merida or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Shenandoah National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Shenandoah National Park?

Merida is great for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Merida or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

Shenandoah National Park is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Shenandoah National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

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 Shenandoah National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Merida is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination 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 Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Merida or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

Merida is great for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable city. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

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

Should I spend more time in Shenandoah National Park or Merida?

How long in Merida or Shenandoah National Park?

In either Merida or Shenandoah National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shenandoah National Park than Merida because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 3-5 days is enough time in Shenandoah National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Merida than Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah 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.

One day in Merida or Shenandoah National Park?

With food and shopping around the colonial city of Merida, there's plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park?

With shopping and museums around the historical destination of Merida, there's plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the traditional city of Merida. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park?

Merida is a great place to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Shenandoah National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Shenandoah National Park, we can see that Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Merida or Shenandoah National Park?

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 Merida or Shenandoah National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Shenandoah National Park. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Merida is cooler than Shenandoah National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Shenandoah National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Merida as well as Shenandoah National Park. Many travelers come to Merida for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Merida is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Merida receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Shenandoah National Park. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Shenandoah National Park in the Winter?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Merida in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Shenandoah National Park can be very cold during winter. In January, Merida is generally much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 32°F (-0°C).

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Shenandoah National Park. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Shenandoah National Park in the Spring?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Merida during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Merida for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the natural beauty.

Merida is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Shenandoah National Park. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and Merida