A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Cherokee for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tulum or Cherokee?

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 Cherokee 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. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a cultural, genuine, and fascinating town. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Tulum and Cherokee: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Cherokee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Cherokee are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is more touristy than Cherokee and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Cherokee is popular for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Tulum different from Cherokee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Cherokee?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tulum that are not to be missed. 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.

Cherokee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Tulum is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Cherokee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Tulum or Cherokee Better for Nightlife?

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

Tulum has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

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 Tulum or Cherokee Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Cherokee is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Cherokee Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum 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 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.

Cherokee is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Cherokee Better for Beaches?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its beaches. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Cherokee Better for Hiking?

Both Tulum and Cherokee 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 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Cherokee?

Tulum is notable for shopping. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cherokee. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.

Is Tulum or Cherokee Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Cherokee are high quality to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Tulum or Cherokee Better for Couples?

Tulum 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.

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.

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 Tulum or Cherokee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is notable for backpackers. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Cherokee is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

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

Tulum 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.

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.

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 Tulum or Cherokee a more walkable city?

Tulum is notable for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Cherokee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cherokee or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Cherokee?

It's fun to spend time in either Tulum or Cherokee. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Tulum due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cherokee.

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

Couples should spend more time in Tulum than Cherokee. 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 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Cherokee?

The beautiful town of Tulum offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

In Cherokee, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Cherokee?

Tulum 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cherokee. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Cherokee?

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

Cherokee is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Cherokee. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Cherokee?

Tulum is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Cherokee. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours 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 Tulum and Cherokee, we can see that Cherokee 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 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 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 Cherokee Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Cherokee?

Tulum has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum 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 Tulum or Cherokee in the Summer?

Both Cherokee and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cherokee because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Cherokee in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Cherokee fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Cherokee. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Cherokee during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cherokee. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Cherokee. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Cherokee in the Autumn?

Both Cherokee and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tulum because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cherokee this time of year.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Cherokee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cherokee averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In Cherokee, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cherokee. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Cherokee. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Cherokee in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Cherokee. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cherokee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cherokee. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Cherokee. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Cherokee fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Cherokee during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Cherokee receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cherokee receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Cherokee. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Cherokee in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Cherokee. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Tulum is much warmer than Cherokee in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Cherokee fluctuates around 62°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 Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cherokee. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cherokee receives 263 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Cherokee. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cherokee receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Cherokee and Tulum