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

Should you visit Tulum or Vernon?

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 Vernon 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. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Tulum travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Vernon travel costs.

Tulum and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Vernon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails.

How is Tulum different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Tulum on the map. 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.

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

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

Tulum is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Tulum is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vernon. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Tulum or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Vernon is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Vernon. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Tulum or Vernon Better for Resorts?

Tulum is terrific for its resorts. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Vernon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Tulum is terrific for the beach. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Both Tulum and Vernon 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 Vernon. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Vernon?

Tulum is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Tulum or Vernon More Beautiful?

Tulum is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tulum or Vernon Better for Families?

Tulum is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Tulum is known to be 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly town. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Tulum or Vernon Better for Couples?

Tulum is terrific for couples. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

Is Tulum or Vernon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Vernon is not a good town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Vernon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel in town, but this isn't a popular destination for backpackers.

Is Tulum or Vernon 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, Vernon is not a good 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

Is Tulum or Vernon a more walkable city?

Tulum is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Vernon is not a good town for its walkability.

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

Vernon is generally not a very walkable town. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Vernon?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tulum and Vernon. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than in Vernon. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 1-3 days is enough time in Vernon.

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

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 Vernon, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this quiet 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. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tulum or Vernon?

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 Vernon. 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 Vernon?

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.

Vernon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Vernon. 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 Vernon?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical 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 relaxing destination of Vernon. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon 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 Vernon because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Vernon. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon 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. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

Tulum is much warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) 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. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Should I visit Tulum or Vernon in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vernon. In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In January, Tulum usually receives more rain than Vernon. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Vernon in the Spring?

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

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Tulum usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) 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, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Tulum