A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Wisconsin Dells for Nightlife, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells? 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 vibrant, picture-perfect, and scenic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food.

Playa del Carmen and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Wisconsin Dells are both popular with visitors, Playa del Carmen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Playa del Carmen is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also home to La Quinta Avenida. Wisconsin Dells is popular for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells.

Playa del Carmen offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Wisconsin Dells can be difficult as they are each good 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 Wisconsin Dells. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife in Wisconsin Dells has something for everybody. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

Is Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Playa del Carmen is a great choice. 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.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

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

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Playa del Carmen a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Playa del Carmen. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Playa del Carmen and Wisconsin Dells both have good trails.

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for hiking. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wisconsin Dells. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

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

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is one of the most popular family destinations. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

Is Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Playa del Carmen makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a good town for couples to visit. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find campgrounds in the area, but most places are very built up and don't have the natural setting that backpackers appreciate.

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

Playa del Carmen is a popular place for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Public transit is quite limited in Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable town. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells.

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

The scenic destination of Playa del Carmen offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find food and nightlife around the high energy destination of Wisconsin Dells. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells?

The town of Playa del Carmen offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find nightlife and food around the fun-filled city of Wisconsin Dells. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Wisconsin Dells is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

The stunning town of Playa del Carmen offers shopping and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Wisconsin Dells is a great place to explore. 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Wisconsin Dells, 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 Wisconsin Dells?

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 Wisconsin Dells in the Summer?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wisconsin Dells this time of year.

In July, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 28°C (82°F), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Wisconsin Dells. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives less sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during summer. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 309 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In July, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Wisconsin Dells. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells in the Autumn?

Both Wisconsin Dells and Playa del Carmen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wisconsin Dells for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells in the autumn. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the autumn, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 171 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in October than Wisconsin Dells. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Wisconsin Dells. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Wisconsin Dells in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Wisconsin Dells can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Playa del Carmen is much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Typically, the winter temperatures in Playa del Carmen in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Wisconsin Dells averages at about 19°F (-7°C).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells during winter. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Wisconsin Dells receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Wisconsin Dells. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Wisconsin Dells in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Wisconsin Dells. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Playa del Carmen is generally much warmer than Wisconsin Dells. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 27°C (81°F), and Wisconsin Dells fluctuates around 49°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wisconsin Dells. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the spring, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Wisconsin Dells. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wisconsin Dells receives 208 hours of full sun.

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in April than Wisconsin Dells. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Wisconsin Dells receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Wisconsin Dells and Playa del Carmen