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

Should you visit Merida or Tamarindo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Tamarindo, 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 historical, traditional, and colonial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Merida travel costs.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a scenic, laid back, and chill town. Tamarindo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Tamarindo travel costs.

Merida and Tamarindo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Tamarindo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Tamarindo are both popular with visitors, Merida has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Merida is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Tamarindo is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. Merida is popular for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also home to Grand Plaza. Tamarindo is popular for its surfing, wildlife, and leatherback sea turtles.

How is Merida different from Tamarindo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo?

Merida is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Tamarindo is not a good town for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Merida can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

While most people don't head to Tamarindo specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Aside from a few art galleries, there aren't many real museums around town.

Is the Food Better in Merida or Tamarindo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Merida is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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).

Tamarindo is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a combination of beach bars and restaurants in town that offer local cuisine and international options. Many places have a laid back vibe that fits with the town's atmosphere but you'll also find some more upscale options.

Is Merida or Tamarindo Better for Nightlife?

Both Merida and Tamarindo have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Merida has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

The people in Tamarindo know how to have a good time. The town has beach bars, dance clubs, and regular parties that attract tourists and locals alike. The evening has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a day of surfing or swimming.

Is Merida or Tamarindo Better for Beaches?

Tamarindo is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tamarindo. The beaches are popular with surfers but the currents can be strong so swimmers should use caution. The golden sand and beautiful setting make this a fun and chill beach destination. There are also plenty of water sports to choose from.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Tamarindo Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a well-known place for its old town. However, Tamarindo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Merida to see the historical old town. 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.

Tamarindo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Tamarindo?

Merida is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Merida is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Tamarindo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find most of the souvenir shops along Diria Grand Boulevard. There are a few upscale clothing boutiques and jewelry shops as well.

Is Merida or Tamarindo More Beautiful?

Tamarindo is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Tamarindo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The golden sand beaches offer a beautiful setting where you can relax and soak up a chill beachfront vibe.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Merida or Tamarindo Better for Families?

Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo. The golden beaches offer a great escape for families. The surf can be a bit strong, but the kids will love seeing the sea turtles or going horseback riding. There are also beginning surfing lessons available.

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 Tamarindo Better for Couples?

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

Tamarindo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy romantic horseback rides along the beach, sunset cruises, and romantic meals. For the adventurous, there's surfing lessons and wildlife tours.

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 Tamarindo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida and Tamarindo are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tamarindo. There are plenty of hostels in the area and many wonderful activities that let you experience everything that Costa Rica has to offer.

Is Merida or Tamarindo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Merida and Tamarindo.

Merida has some public transit options. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

You'll find some public transit in Tamarindo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are three public bus lines through town.

Is Merida or Tamarindo a more walkable city?

Merida and Tamarindo are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Tamarindo is very walkable. The town is easy to walk around and explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Tamarindo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tamarindo or Merida?

How long in Merida or Tamarindo?

In either Merida or Tamarindo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Merida than Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Merida. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Merida has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Tamarindo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Merida or Tamarindo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colonial destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Tamarindo is a great place to explore. 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 Tamarindo?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the traditional city of Merida. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Tamarindo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Tamarindo?

Merida is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the chill destination of Tamarindo. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Merida and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo is more expensive. And not only is Merida much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Merida is in North America and Tamarindo is in Central 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 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 Tamarindo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Merida or Tamarindo?

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

Should I visit Merida or Tamarindo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Tamarindo. The summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tamarindo throughout the year.

In July, Merida is generally cooler than Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Merida this time of the year. In the summer, Merida often gets more sunshine than Tamarindo. Merida gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tamarindo. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Tamarindo. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Tamarindo in the Autumn?

Both Tamarindo and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Tamarindo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Merida is cooler than Tamarindo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Tamarindo fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually receives more sunshine than Tamarindo during autumn. Merida gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tamarindo. It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives less rain than Tamarindo. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tamarindo is December to May. The hurricane season in Tamarindo is June to November.

Should I visit Merida or Tamarindo in the Winter?

Both Tamarindo and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tamarindo year-round.

In the winter, Merida is cooler than Tamarindo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Merida in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Tamarindo averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Tamarindo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Merida. In the winter, Merida often gets less sunshine than Tamarindo. Merida gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tamarindo receives 264 hours of full sun.

Merida usually gets more rain in January than Tamarindo. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Tamarindo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Tamarindo. Many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city. Tamarindo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Merida is generally cooler than Tamarindo. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Tamarindo fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tamarindo this time of the year. In Merida, it's very sunny this time of the year. Merida usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tamarindo during spring. Merida gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Tamarindo receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Tamarindo. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tamarindo receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to May in Tamarindo is the dry season. June to November is the hurricane season in Tamarindo.

Typical Weather for Tamarindo and Merida