Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Acapulco de Juarez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Cartagena? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Acapulco de Juarez or Cartagena?
Acapulco de Juarez
Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.
Cartagena
The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAcapulco de Juarez $81Cartagena $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $48. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Acapulco de Juarez and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAcapulco de Juarez $39Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAcapulco de Juarez $78Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Cartagena? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $16Cartagena $7.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:
- Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
- Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
- Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
- Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
- Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
- Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
- Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
- Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Private Transfer from Bocagrande to Port of Cartagena: $25
- 15. Transfer to SANTA MARTA from Cartagena Private or vice versa.: $290
- 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $90
- 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $29
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $142
- 8. Transfer to BARRANQUILLA from Cartagena Private or vice versa: $128
- Air Conditioning Bus transfer: $21
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $23
- Airport Transfer Hotel: $26
- Airport Transfers Cartagena: $37
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $129
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and Acapulco de Juarez change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $29Cartagena $10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.
- High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
- Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
- Cliff Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
- Cliff Divers Show With Dinner At Acapulco: $72
- Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only SUNDAY: $84
- Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
- Hands ON - Mex Cooking Class Experience - City Market & Lunch : $90
- Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
- Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
- Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
- Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
- Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Featured in NYTimes > Arepas and Dancing: Danceable Cooking Class in Cartagena: $32
- Cooking class of typical food at the beach and sunset view: $39
- Taste Cartagena Food tour: $40
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $42
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $43
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $50
- Cooking Class: Street food & Mojito making: $50
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $58
- Cartagena Gourmet: Cooking Class with a View, Elegance & Flavor: $59
- Cooking class: Street Food & Mojito making: $60
- Street food tour: $61
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $18Cartagena $22
Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez
Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kayaks Tour to El Morro Islet: $25
- Sunset Adventures: $30
- Acapulco City Tour : $35
- Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
- 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
- 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $44
- Combo 6 Hr Tour All City Highlights Divers Baby Turtle Release: $46
- 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
- 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
- Acapulco Malibu, Avenida Kids Tour : $50
- 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
- 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Emeralds Tour: $0.03
- Totumo Mud Volcano Experience: $0.21
- Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Artists' Quarter Getsemani Self-guided Tour: $6.31
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Great Battle: Fort of San Felipe: $6.99
- Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
- Shared walking tour in the historic center: $9.02
- Tour the city on a rumba in a typical bus: $9.23
- Old Town & Getsemani Quarter Self-guided Tour: $9.52
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of San Diego Neighborhood Tour: $10
- Republican Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour in Cartagena: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $11Cartagena $9.39
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $18
- Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $23
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Nightlife Pub crawl in Cartagena: $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Cartagena, we can see that Acapulco de Juarez is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and Cartagena is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cartagena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cartagena 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 Acapulco de Juarez would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acapulco de Juarez than you might in Cartagena.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Acapulco de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Cartagena, 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Cartagena?
Acapulco de Juarez has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cartagena experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 29°C (83°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. In July, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAcapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Acapulco de Juarez during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun.
Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cartagena. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAcapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Cartagena. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cartagena during winter. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAcapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Cartagena. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
In April, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 27°C (81°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.
Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in April than Cartagena. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAcapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Acapulco de Juarez
| Acapulco de Juarez | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 341 mm (13.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.