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

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Lima?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Lima? 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 Lima?

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.

Lima

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.

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


Which place is cheaper, Lima or Acapulco de Juarez?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Acapulco de Juarez Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Lima Prices
    Peru Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Acapulco de Juarez $92
    Lima $95

The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $92, while the average daily cost in Lima is $95. 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 Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acapulco de Juarez $35
    Lima $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $70
    Lima $104
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Lima? 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 Lima


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 Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $15
    Lima $6.06

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Shared Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Private Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Roundtrip Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Airport Transfer In Suburban: $45
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $45
  • Acapulco Airport (ACA) to Acapulco hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
  • Acapulco Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $75
  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.73
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.73
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Assistance - Transfer Cusco Airport to Hotel & Viceversa: $40
  • Deluxe Car Lima Transfer - Private Service: $29
  • Direct Private Transfer From Lima to Paracas, English Speaking Driver: $269
  • Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer : $22
  • Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $43
  • LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
  • Larco Museum Complete Guided Tour with Transfers (Small Group): $55
  • Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
  • Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores city - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
  • Lima Airport Arrival Transfer: $25
  • Lima Airport Transfers by SUV/Van: $43
  • Lima Bus Station Arrival Transfer: $28

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

Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $45
    Lima $32

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.

  • Lucha Libre-Wrestling FiestaExper Taco Dinner Beer ONLY SUNDAYS: $62
  • High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner + Two Drinks plus SUNSET: $66
  • Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only On SUNDAY: $74
  • Sunset Dinner and Cliff Divers in Acapulco: $91
  • Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour with a Professional Chef: $100
  • Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $253
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $286

Typical Food Prices in Lima

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.59
  • Ice cream
    $3.73
  • Coffee
    $3.15
  • Donut
    $1.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.

  • Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
  • Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
  • Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
  • #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
  • Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
  • Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
  • Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
  • Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
  • Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
  • Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
  • Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
  • 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $16
    Lima $9.15

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: $22
  • Acapulco Malibu, Avenida Kids Tour : $50
  • Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $53
  • Different Faces Of Acapulco Tour: $55
  • Acapulco Port Tour in 4 hours: $56
  • 4hr Fun Guide Tour For Cruisers or Hotels Guests with Divers Show: $58
  • 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $60
  • Acapulco City Tour: $65
  • Acapulco Historical Tour with Cliff Divers Show: $65
  • City Tour & Sunset High Cliff Divers by Night w/Different Choices: $67
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $67
  • Tour Isla de la Roqueta Stand up paddle Acapulco: $67

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima

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


  • Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)
    $17
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.44

Tours and Activities in Lima

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

  • Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
  • Lima City Tour with Baby Alpaca Class and Pisco Tasting: $16
  • Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $18
  • Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
  • Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
  • Bike Tour Lima: $19
  • Water Magic Circuit Lima Night Tour by Panoramic Bus: $20
  • Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
  • Bohemian and artistic ravine walking tour: $22
  • Lima Half-Day City Walking Tour (Small Groups): $24
  • Pisco Sour experience with mini causitas at República del Pisco: $25
  • Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $9.81
    Lima $5.95

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.71
  • Beer
    $4.30
  • Cocktail
    $3.44

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
  • Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
  • Local Wine Tour : $55
  • From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
  • Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138


When comparing the travel costs between Acapulco de Juarez and Lima, we can see that Lima is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and Lima is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Lima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Lima?

Lima has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Acapulco de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Lima, 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 Lima?

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

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

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

In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun 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 Lima. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

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

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

In October, Acapulco de Juarez is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 28°C (83°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°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 Lima. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.

Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F) 
    Lima 19°C (66°F)

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

Both Lima 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 Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Lima during winter. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

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

Both Lima 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 Lima year-round.

In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Lima. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 209 mm (8.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 312 mm (12.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 341 mm (13.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)