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

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Montanita?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Montanita? 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 Montanita?

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.

Montanita

Montanita is a small village located on Manglaralto parish along the southern coast of Ecuador. The Pacific Coast of Ecuador is lined with beach towns, either small villages with local fisherman or larger towns more set up for foreign travellers like Montanita. With one of the best beaches in Ecuador, one of the best surf breaks in the region, and a great laid-back atmosphere Montanita is a great little getaway, especially for the hippies of the world. It has also become a popular weekend destination for English teachers and Spanish students coming from Guayaquil and Quito. The beachfront village of Montanita has a laid-back atmosphere and steady stream of cosmopolitan backpackers, with as many South Americans as gringos.

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 Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.


Which place is cheaper, Montanita 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 Montanita is $96. 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 Montanita in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acapulco de Juarez $39
    Montanita $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $78
    Montanita $82
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Montanita

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


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $16
    Montanita $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
  • Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
  • Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
  • Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
  • Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
  • Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00

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

Prices for flights to both Montanita 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
    Montanita $28

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $18
    Montanita $31

Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez

Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $44
  • 6Hr Walking Tour San Diego Fort Museum Cliff Divers Zocalo: $68
  • Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $62
  • 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
  • 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $85
  • 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
  • 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
  • 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
  • 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
  • Acapulco City Tour : $35
  • Acapulco Historical Tour with Cliff Divers Show: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $11
    Montanita $7.86


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Montanita, we can see that Montanita is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and Montanita 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 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 Montanita would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montanita 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 Montanita Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Acapulco de Juarez or Montanita?

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

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

Both Montanita and Acapulco de Juarez during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montanita year-round.

Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Montanita in the summer. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Montanita fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Montanita. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montanita receives 107 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in July than Montanita. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F) 
    Montanita 25°C (78°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Montanita. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the autumn for the shopping scene. Montanita attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Montanita. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Montanita averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Montanita during autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Montanita receives 117 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Montanita. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F) 
    Montanita 26°C (78°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Montanita. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montanita throughout the year.

In January, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Montanita. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 26°C (79°F), and Montanita fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Montanita. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montanita receives 88 hours of full sun.

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in January than Montanita. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F) 
    Montanita 27°C (80°F)

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

Both Montanita and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches. Plenty of visitors come to Montanita because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Montanita during spring. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Montanita receives 133 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Montanita. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Montanita receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F) 
    Montanita 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Montanita and Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez Montanita
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 209 mm (8.2 in) 25°C (78°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 312 mm (12.3 in) 25°C (78°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 341 mm (13.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)