A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Juneau for Attractions, Nightlife, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Tulum or Juneau?

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 Juneau 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 this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Juneau

Juneau is a scenic, breathtaking, and historic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Tulum and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Juneau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Juneau are popular destinations, Tulum has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tulum is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Juneau attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Tulum is more touristy than Juneau and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also well known for the Tulum archeological ruins. Juneau is famous for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880.

How is Tulum different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Juneau 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 Juneau?

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Tulum are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Many visitors head to Juneau specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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

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

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).

Juneau has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

Is Tulum or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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 Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Tulum or Juneau Better for Resorts?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Juneau Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Juneau Better for Beaches?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for the beache. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Juneau is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Juneau visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tulum. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Juneau?

Both Tulum and Juneau are excellent shopping destinations.

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.

Juneau is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Is Tulum or Juneau Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Juneau 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, Juneau is very family-friendly. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

Is Tulum or Juneau Better for Couples?

Both Tulum and Juneau are terrific destinations for a couple's getaway.

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it 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.

Juneau is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

Is Tulum or Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Tulum and Juneau 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 Juneau. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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

Tulum is a popular place for its public transit. However, Juneau is not a good city 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 Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Tulum or Juneau a more walkable city?

Tulum and Juneau both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Juneau is a very walkable town. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Juneau?

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

Families should spend more time in Tulum than Juneau. 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 Juneau. 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 Juneau 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 Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Tulum. 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 Juneau, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This city 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 Juneau?

Tulum 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.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. 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.

Juneau is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Juneau. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the ancient destination of Tulum. This town 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the breathtaking destination of Juneau. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Juneau, we can see that Juneau 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 Juneau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Juneau 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 Juneau Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Juneau?

Juneau has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Juneau, 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 Juneau?

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 Juneau in the Summer?

Both Juneau and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Juneau in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tulum is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tulum in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Juneau averages at about 56°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Juneau. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Juneau. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Juneau in the Autumn?

Both Juneau and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Juneau 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 Juneau. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Juneau fluctuates around 42°F (6°C).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 69 hours of full sun.

Juneau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets less rain in October than Juneau. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Juneau receives 7.8 inches (199 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, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Tulum or Juneau in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Juneau. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Juneau because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Juneau can be very cold. Tulum is much warmer than Juneau in the winter. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Juneau fluctuates around 24°F (-4°C).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Juneau during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Juneau receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

Juneau receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Juneau. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Juneau receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Juneau in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Juneau. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Juneau this time of year.

It's quite cold in Juneau in the spring. In the spring, Tulum is much warmer than Juneau. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tulum in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Juneau averages at about 40°F (4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Juneau. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Juneau receives 185 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Juneau. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Juneau receives 2.7 inches (68 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. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Typical Weather for Juneau and Tulum