A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Cherokee for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Hiking

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Cherokee?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cherokee? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a scenic, stunning, and vibrant town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a fascinating, cultural, and genuine town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Playa del Carmen and Cherokee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Cherokee?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Cherokee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Cherokee is more popular for its museums and hiking. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Cherokee and is known for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Cherokee is well known for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Cherokee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cherokee and Playa del Carmen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Cherokee?

Cherokee is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cherokee. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Cherokee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Cherokee can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cherokee. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cherokee Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for nightlife. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

Playa del Carmen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cherokee Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Playa del Carmen offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cherokee Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cherokee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Playa del Carmen specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Cherokee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cherokee Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its beaches. However, Cherokee is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Playa del Carmen are among the best in the world. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cherokee Better for Hiking?

Cherokee is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cherokee. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Many people include a hike when visiting Playa del Carmen. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Cherokee?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cherokee and Playa del Carmen.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cherokee. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cherokee Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cherokee is very family-friendly. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cherokee Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for romance. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Playa del Carmen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Cherokee makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cherokee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Playa del Carmen and Cherokee are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Cherokee is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cherokee Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Playa del Carmen has a few public transit options. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cherokee a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Playa del Carmen on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable town. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Cherokee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cherokee or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Cherokee?

It's fun to spend time in either Playa del Carmen or Cherokee. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cherokee.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Cherokee 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Cherokee?

The beautiful town of Playa del Carmen offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find museums and food around the genuine destination of Cherokee. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Cherokee?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural town of Cherokee. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Cherokee?

Playa del Carmen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Playa del Carmen, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cherokee is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Cherokee?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

Cherokee is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Cherokee?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Cherokee, 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 Playa del Carmen or Cherokee?

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 Playa del Carmen or Cherokee in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Cherokee. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cherokee in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Cherokee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Cherokee averages at about 81°F (27°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cherokee this time of the year. In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Cherokee during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Cherokee. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cherokee in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Cherokee. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Cherokee for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Cherokee. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Cherokee fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Cherokee. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 213 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Cherokee. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cherokee in the Winter?

Both Cherokee and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cherokee can be very cold. Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Cherokee in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Cherokee fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Cherokee during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Cherokee. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cherokee in the Spring?

Both Cherokee and Playa del Carmen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Cherokee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Cherokee averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cherokee. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 263 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Cherokee. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Cherokee and Playa del Carmen