A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Beaver Creek for Nightlife, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tulum or Beaver Creek?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Beaver Creek 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.

Tulum

Tulum is a ancient, archeological, and tropical town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a charming, active, and adventurous town. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Tulum and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Beaver Creek?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Beaver Creek are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Beaver Creek is known for its skiing and theatre productions. Tulum is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Beaver Creek is popular for its skiing and charming atmosphere

How is Tulum different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beaver Creek and Tulum. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Tulum or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Beaver Creek is terrific for snow skiing. However, Tulum is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Tulum is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Beaver Creek?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Tulum from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Tulum or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Beaver Creek is not a good place to visit for theatre. However, Tulum is not a theatre destination.

Beaver Creek has a few theater choices. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Tulum is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or Beaver Creek? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Beaver Creek.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Beaver Creek has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

Is Tulum or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

People head to Tulum just to party. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Tulum or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Tulum offers an unforgettable resort vacation. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

With a selection of resorts, Beaver Creek makes a nice vacation spot. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Is Tulum or Beaver Creek Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Beaver Creek is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Tulum specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Beaver Creek is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Tulum are among the best in the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Both Tulum and Beaver Creek are destinations which offer high quality hiking.

Tulum is a popular spot for hiking. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Beaver Creek. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Beaver Creek?

Tulum is a great town for shopping. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Beaver Creek offers some nice shopping areas. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is Tulum or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Beaver Creek is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Beaver Creek is an extremely popular town to visit for families. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tulum is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Is Tulum or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Tulum is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Tulum has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Beaver Creek is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

Is Tulum or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

Tulum is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

Is Tulum or Beaver Creek Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Tulum and Beaver Creek offer good public transit options.

Tulum has a few public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Beaver Creek has some public transit options. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

Is Tulum or Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Beaver Creek is terrific for its walkability. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Beaver Creek on foot. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

Tulum is a very walkable town. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Beaver Creek?

Both Tulum and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beaver Creek than in Tulum. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Beaver Creek 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Beaver Creek?

In Tulum, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this adventurous destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the skiing. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Beaver Creek?

Tulum is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaver Creek. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Beaver Creek?

In Tulum, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this ancient destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Beaver Creek is a fun place to experience. In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the skiing. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Beaver Creek?

Tulum is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Beaver Creek, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this active destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the skiing. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Beaver Creek Expensive?.