A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Fairbanks for Couples, Families, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks? 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.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a vibrant, built-up, and well-known city. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a Arctic, unique, and outdoorsy city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, hiking, and shopping.

Acapulco de Juarez and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Acapulco de Juarez. Although Acapulco de Juarez and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Acapulco de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acapulco de Juarez is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than Fairbanks and is popular for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. It is also well known for the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Fairbanks for snow skiing. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fairbanks. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Is the Food Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Acapulco de Juarez is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Acapulco de Juarez has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Acapulco de Juarez is a great choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Fairbanks is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Fairbanks is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place for the beach. However, Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Fairbanks. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Fairbanks and Acapulco de Juarez.

Many visitors go to Acapulco de Juarez to go shopping. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Fairbanks. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acapulco de Juarez. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Acapulco de Juarez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fairbanks is a great destination for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fairbanks is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

Acapulco de Juarez is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are more hotels and resorts than hostels, so most backpackers head elsewhere. There is a young crowd during the spring break season.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Acapulco de Juarez has some public transit options. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Acapulco de Juarez is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

Fairbanks is not a walkable city. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Fairbanks Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks?

It's fun to spend time in either Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fairbanks.

Families should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Fairbanks. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Acapulco de Juarez, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Fairbanks. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Acapulco de Juarez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fairbanks than Acapulco de Juarez 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 Fairbanks.

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Acapulco de Juarez. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Fairbanks. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Acapulco de Juarez. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Fairbanks is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unique city of Fairbanks. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fairbanks has to offer.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks?

You'll find nightlife and food around the built-up city of Acapulco de Juarez. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Fairbanks is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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

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 Fairbanks Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Fairbanks. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?

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 Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Fairbanks. The summer months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the summer. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in July than Fairbanks. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Acapulco de Juarez during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Acapulco de Juarez is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 26°C (79°F), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in January than Fairbanks. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Fairbanks. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during spring. Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Fairbanks. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Acapulco de Juarez