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

Should you visit Tulum or Hood River?

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 Hood River 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 active, lively, and ancient town. The beauty of Tulum is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Tulum travel costs.

Hood River

Hood River is a charming, agricultural, and quaint town. Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Hood River travel costs.

Tulum and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Hood River?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Hood River are popular destinations, Tulum has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tulum is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Hood River attracts visitors for its skiing. Tulum is more touristy than Hood River and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also well known for the Tulum archeological ruins. Hood River is famous for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains.

How is Tulum different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Tulum or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a town with good options for snow skiing. However, Tulum is not a skiing destination.

Hood River is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Tulum is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Hood River?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Tulum are world-renowned. 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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Hood River.

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).

Hood River has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Is Tulum or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Tulum is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Hood River has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Is Tulum or Hood River Better for Resorts?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Hood River is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Tulum is a great 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.

Hood River is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Hood River Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hood River is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Hood River is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Hood River Better for Beaches?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Hood River is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Tulum. 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.

Hood River is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Both Tulum and Hood River are destinations which offer excellent 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 Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Hood River?

Tulum is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Tulum is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Hood River to go shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Tulum or Hood River More Beautiful?

Tulum and Hood River both are comparable with their excellent scenery and beauty.

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

The beauty of Hood River is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Is Tulum or Hood River Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Hood River are excellent 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, Hood River is very family-friendly. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Is Tulum or Hood River Better for Couples?

Tulum is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Tulum makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Hood River frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

Is Tulum or Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Tulum and Hood River are excellent destinations for backpackers.

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.

Many backpackers visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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

Tulum is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Tulum has some 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 generally limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Tulum or Hood River a more walkable city?

Tulum is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Hood River?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tulum and Hood River. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than in Hood River. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hood River.

Families should spend more time in Tulum than Hood River. 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 Hood River. 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 Hood River 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 Hood River?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the ancient town of Tulum, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Hood River, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this agricultural 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 Hood River?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Tulum, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hood River. 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 Hood River?

Tulum, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Hood River is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hood River. 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 Hood River?

Tulum is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint destination of Hood River. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Hood River?

Tulum has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

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 Hood River in the Summer?

Both Hood River and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hood River in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tulum is a little warmer than Hood River. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Hood River averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Hood River, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the summer, Tulum often gets less sunshine than Hood River. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Hood River. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Hood River in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Hood River. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Hood River for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Tulum is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Hood River. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Should I visit Tulum or Hood River in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Hood River. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hood River because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hood River can be very cold. Tulum is much warmer than Hood River in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Hood River fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Hood River. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hood River. Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Hood River. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Hood River in the Spring?

Both Hood River and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

In the spring, Tulum is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Hood River averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Hood River. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Hood River. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring. 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.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Tulum