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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 $39
    Lima $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $78
    Lima $98
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 $16
    Lima $5.73

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 Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
  • Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
  • Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
  • Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
  • 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
    $5.43
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.43
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.07

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
  • Assistance /Transfer Hotel - Airport Lima Airport : $40
  • From The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers: $52
  • J.Chavez Airport to Miraflores City Hotels- Round Trip Transfer: $41
  • Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer : $31
  • Jorge Chavez International Airport: Private Transfer: $25
  • Lima : Private transfer between airport to your destination: $29
  • Lima Airport Arrival Transfer for small groups: $79
  • Lima Airport Transfers: Jorge Chavez Airport LIM to Lima City in Standard Van: $31
  • Lima Airport Transfers: Lima City to Jorge Chavez Airport LIM in Standard Van: $31
  • Lima Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Lima city center: $6.00
  • Lima Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Miraflores: $5.63

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 $29
    Lima $18

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

Typical Food Prices in Lima

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.34
  • Ice cream
    $3.53
  • Coffee
    $2.99
  • Donut
    $0.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

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

  • Lima Market Food Tour: $33
  • Lima Market Food Tour: $34
  • Lima Street Food Tour: $40
  • Lima Food Tour: $45
  • Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
  • Lima Street Food Tour: $45
  • Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
  • Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
  • Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
  • Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
  • Lima Night Food Tour: $48
  • Lima Market Food Tour: $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $18
    Lima $8.66

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

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)
    $16
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.31

Tours and Activities in Lima

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

  • Free Walking Tour of Lima: $2.00
  • Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience: $12
  • Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $13
  • Skip the Line: Peruvian Regional Dances Ticket: $14
  • Barranco Street Art Tour: $17
  • Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
  • Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
  • Guided and Private Bike Tour of Lima: $20
  • Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
  • Lima Downtown Tour from Miraflores in 3 hrs: $21
  • Historic Center Walking Tour with Pisco Sour Tasting: $25
  • Costa Verde Express Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $11
    Lima $5.63

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.30
  • Beer
    $4.07
  • Cocktail
    $3.26

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
  • Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
  • Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
  • Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
  • Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
  • Local Wine Tour: $50
  • Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226


When comparing the travel costs between Acapulco de Juarez and Lima, we can see that Acapulco de Juarez 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)