A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Gatlinburg for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Tulum or Gatlinburg?

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 Gatlinburg 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 lively, ancient, and archeological town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a flashy, high energy, and wild city. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

Tulum and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Gatlinburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Gatlinburg are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Gatlinburg is known for its skiing. Tulum is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Gatlinburg is popular for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

How is Tulum different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tulum or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for snow skiing. However, Tulum is not a skiing destination.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Tulum is not a skiing destination.

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

Tulum is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

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

Tulum is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Tulum. 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Tulum or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Both Tulum and Gatlinburg are amazing when it comes to partying.

Tulum is a must-see party destination. 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.

Gatlinburg is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

Is Tulum or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Tulum is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Tulum is a perfect choice. 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.

Gatlinburg is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Is Tulum or Gatlinburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum is not to be missed. 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.

Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Tulum is renowned for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Tulum is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Both Tulum and Gatlinburg are destinations which offer superb 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 Gatlinburg. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Gatlinburg?

Tulum is great for shopping. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Gatlinburg offers some nice shopping areas. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Is Tulum or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Tulum is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Tulum is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Tulum or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Tulum is renowned for romance. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Tulum has plenty to offer. 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.

Gatlinburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Is Tulum or Gatlinburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination 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.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

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

Both Tulum and Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg has some public transit options. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Is Tulum or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Tulum and Gatlinburg both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Gatlinburg is a very walkable town. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Gatlinburg?

Tulum has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tulum or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Gatlinburg. Many visitors come to Tulum in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Gatlinburg. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Tulum or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

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

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Tulum or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg and Tulum during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Tulum because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun.

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Gatlinburg. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Gatlinburg. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tulum this time of year.

Tulum is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gatlinburg this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Tulum