A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Granada for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Granada?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Granada? 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 Granada?

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.

Granada

Granada is Nicaragua's oldest colonial city, and arguably, the most beautiful city in the country. It sits on the northern edge of Lake Nicaragua (Lago Cocibolca) and has many beautifully colored buildings and nice churches. The city's beauty and colonial architecture, along with its relative safety and accessibility, make it one of Nicaragua's top tourist destinations. The city has long been a center for commerce, but today its economy depends heavily on tourism. The city is the sixth largest in Nicaragua and a real estate boom in the early 2000's brought a large number of expats to the town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Granada or Acapulco de Juarez?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Granada is $40. 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 Granada in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acapulco de Juarez $39
    Granada $17
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $78
    Granada $34
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Granada

Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Granada? 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.

Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez


Hotels in Granada


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 Granada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $16
    Granada $8.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
  • Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
  • Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
  • Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
  • Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Granada

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Granada:

  • One-Way Private Transfer From/To Airport or Hotels in Granada: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Granada?

Prices for flights to both Granada 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $29
    Granada $14

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 Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
  • Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Granada

Some typical examples of dining costs in Granada are as follows:


  • Pizza
    $2.29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $18
    Granada $10

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
  • 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
  • Historical City Tour of Acapulco: $53

Typical Entertainment Prices in Granada

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Granada are as follows:


  • Lago de Nicaragua Boat Tour
    $8.17

Tours and Activities in Granada

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Granada are as follows:

  • Granada Kayak Tour: $30
  • Colonial Granada Horse Carriage & Walking Tour: $35
  • Paddle Boarding and Meditation Wellness Experience in Las Isletas: $39
  • Las Isletas: Kayak Tour: $39
  • Granada City Tour: $40
  • Granada's City Tour: $40
  • Las Isletas: Boat Tour: $45
  • Masaya Night Tour Minimum 2 People from Granada: $45
  • Las Isletas 2-Hour Kayak Adventure in Granada with Pickup: $48
  • City Walking Tour and Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: $50
  • Full-Day Tour: Masaya Volcano, Art Market and White Villages: $60
  • Experience Granadas Best Sights Carriage ride + Local Guide: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $11
    Granada $7.50

Typical Alcohol Prices in Granada

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Granada:


  • Tequila
    $1.36


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Granada, we can see that Acapulco de Juarez is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and Granada is in Central 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 Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada 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 Granada.

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 Granada Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Granada?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Granada, 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 Granada?

Acapulco de Juarez has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Granada experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Granada in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Granada. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Granada attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Granada in the summer. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Granada fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Granada during summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

Granada receives a lot of rain in the summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Granada. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Granada receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F) 
    Granada 27°C (81°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Granada. The autumn months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Granada throughout the year.

In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Granada. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Granada averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Granada. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 195 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Granada. Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in October than Granada. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Granada receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F) 
    Granada 27°C (81°F)

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

Both Granada and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Granada because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Granada. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 26°C (79°F), and Granada fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Granada during winter. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Granada. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Granada receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F) 
    Granada 26°C (79°F)

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

Both Granada and Acapulco de Juarez during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Granada year-round.

Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Granada in the spring. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Granada fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Granada. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 242 hours of full sun.

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in April than Granada. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Granada receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F) 
    Granada 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Granada and Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez Granada
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 209 mm (8.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 312 mm (12.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 341 mm (13.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)