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

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Durango?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Durango? 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 stunning, vibrant, and picture-perfect town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Durango

Durango is a historic, charming, and quaint small town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums.

Playa del Carmen and Durango: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen than Durango, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Playa del Carmen is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Durango is more popular for its skiing, museums, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. Also, Playa del Carmen is famous for La Quinta Avenida. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Playa del Carmen or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a small town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Playa del Carmen is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Playa del Carmen is not a skiing destination.

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

Durango 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 Durango. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

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 Durango? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

People head to Playa del Carmen just to party. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durango Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Playa del Carmen for its luxury resorts. 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.

Durango is not a resort destination.

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

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Durango is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. 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.

Durango is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durango Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Durango is not a beach destination.

Playa del Carmen offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Durango offers a nice historic old town area. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Playa del Carmen does not have a historic old town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango 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 Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

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 Durango?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

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

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durango Better for Christmas?

Durango is a popular place for its Christmas activities. However, Playa del Carmen does not offer Christmas activities.

Many visitors go to Durango during the Christmas season. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Playa del Carmen does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durango Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is very family-friendly. 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.

Durango is a very kid-friendly town. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durango Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Playa del Carmen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

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

Playa del Carmen and Durango 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.

Durango is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Playa del Carmen or Durango a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

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

How long in Playa del Carmen or Durango?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Playa del Carmen and Durango. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Durango. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-3 days is enough time in Durango.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Durango. 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 Durango. 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 Durango 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 Durango?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Durango is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This small town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Durango?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Durango is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this small 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 Durango?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Playa del Carmen has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Durango 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 Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. In Playa del Carmen, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Durango 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Durango?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Durango, 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.