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

Should you visit Rio de Janeiro or Merida?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rio de Janeiro and Merida can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a high energy, colorful, and multicultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Rio de Janeiro is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Merida travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro and Merida: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rio de Janeiro or Merida?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Merida. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Merida attracts visitors for its historical sights. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Merida and is popular for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also well known for Christ the Redeemer. Merida is famous for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture.

How is Rio de Janeiro different from Merida?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rio de Janeiro or Merida?

Rio de Janeiro is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Rio de Janeiro has many famous sights for visitors. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

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.

Is the Food Better in Rio de Janeiro or Merida? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Rio de Janeiro is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Merida makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

Is Rio de Janeiro or Merida Better for Nightlife?

Rio de Janeiro is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Rio de Janeiro is a must-see party destination. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

The people in Merida know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Merida Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is terrific for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Rio de Janeiro are among the best in the world. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Merida Better for its Old Town?

Merida is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Merida Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Merida is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Rio de Janeiro draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Merida is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rio de Janeiro or Merida?

Rio de Janeiro is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Rio de Janeiro specifically to go shopping. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

Merida is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Merida More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Rio de Janeiro is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Merida is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Merida Better for Families?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

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 Rio de Janeiro or Merida Better for Couples?

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

Rio de Janeiro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

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 Rio de Janeiro or Merida Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

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

Rio de Janeiro is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Rio de Janeiro offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

You'll find some public transit in Merida, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

Is Rio de Janeiro or Merida a more walkable city?

Rio de Janeiro and Merida both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable destination. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting? and Is Merida Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Merida or Rio de Janeiro?

How long in Rio de Janeiro or Merida?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rio de Janeiro or Merida to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rio de Janeiro than Merida because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-6 days is a good amount of time for Rio de Janeiro, and 1-2 days is enough time in Merida.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Merida 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Rio de Janeiro or Merida?

Rio de Janeiro is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

In Merida, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Rio de Janeiro or Merida?

Rio de Janeiro 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.

Merida is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Rio de Janeiro or Merida?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rio de Janeiro. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Merida. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rio de Janeiro or Merida?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the festive big city of Rio de Janeiro. This city 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Merida. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.

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

Which is Bigger, Rio de Janeiro or Merida?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Merida. When comparing the sizes of Rio de Janeiro and Merida, 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 Rio de Janeiro or Merida?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Merida has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Merida in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rio de Janeiro as well as Merida. Most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Merida because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Merida in the summer. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in January than Meridain July. Rio de Janeiro gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Merida receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Merida in the Autumn?

Both Merida and Rio de Janeiro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Merida this time of year.

In the autumn, Rio de Janeiro is a little warmer than Merida. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rio de Janeiro in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Merida averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. In April, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Meridain October. Rio de Janeiro gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Merida receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Merida in the Winter?

Both Merida and Rio de Janeiro during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Rio de Janeiro is generally around the same temperature as Meridain January. Daily temperatures in Rio de Janeiro average around 21°C (70°F), and Merida fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Rio de Janeiro usually gets more rain in July than Meridain January. Rio de Janeiro gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Merida receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rio de Janeiro or Merida in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rio de Janeiro and Merida. Many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Merida in the spring for the activities around the city.

Rio de Janeiro is around the same temperature as Merida in the spring. The daily temperature in Rio de Janeiro averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Merida fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in April.

Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Rio de Janeiro usually receives less rain than Meridain April. Rio de Janeiro gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Merida receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Typical Weather for Merida and Rio de Janeiro