A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Quepos for Nightlife, Resorts, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos? 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 beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Acapulco de Juarez travel costs.

Quepos

Quepos is a relaxed, local, and laid-back town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Quepos travel costs.

Acapulco de Juarez and Quepos: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Acapulco de Juarez. Although Acapulco de Juarez and Quepos are popular destinations, Acapulco de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than Quepos 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. Quepos is famous for its big game sport fishing.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Quepos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Acapulco de Juarez is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Quepos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Quepos offers a few options for museum-goers. You won't find much as far as museums go around town.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Acapulco de Juarez and Quepos can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Acapulco de Juarez area. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Quepos. You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

People head to Acapulco de Juarez just to party. 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.

Quepos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Quepos is lacking in good options for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Acapulco de Juarez is a perfect choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Quepos has a few resort options worth checking out. It's a fishing town with a local vibe, so you'll likely want to stay outside of town if you're looking for an upscale resort.

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

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

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Quepos is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Quepos has a beach worth visiting. If you want to be close to the beach, you'll do better to stay at nearby Manuel Antonio. Quepos does have a waterfront and access to deep sea fishing.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Quepos 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 Quepos. You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos.

Acapulco de Juarez is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Quepos is a very family-friendly destination. Most of the beaches are kid-friendly and the children will love the wildlife. You'll also find zipline tours in the area as well as canopy walks.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Acapulco de Juarez and Quepos make for a world-class place to visit.

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.

For those traveling as a couple, Quepos has plenty to offer. The beaches and resorts make this a favorite honeymoon destination for couples. There are many great restaurants and plenty of activities like horseback riding or surfing nearby.

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

Quepos is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Quepos is a very popular town to visit for backpackers. It's one of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica, so you'll find plenty of hostels and other backpackers to hang out with.

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 Quepos Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Acapulco de Juarez and Quepos.

You'll find some public transit in Acapulco de Juarez, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

While Quepos offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez and Quepos both are nice when exploring on foot.

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.

Quepos is somewhat walkable. It is a relatively walkable town.

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

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

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos?

It's fun to spend time in either Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos. 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 Quepos.

Families should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Quepos. 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 Quepos. 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.

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Acapulco de Juarez. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxed destination of Quepos. This town offers something for everyone. 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 Quepos?

Acapulco de Juarez is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Quepos is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the laid-back town of Quepos. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Quepos has to offer.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acapulco de Juarez. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Quepos. 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 Quepos?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Acapulco de Juarez. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Quepos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Quepos, we can see that Quepos 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 Quepos 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 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 Quepos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Quepos 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 Quepos Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Quepos?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Quepos, 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 Quepos?

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

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

The summer brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Quepos. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Quepos in the summer. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Quepos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Quepos. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Quepos. Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the summer. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in July than Quepos. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Quepos and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Quepos. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Quepos averages at about 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 Quepos during autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Quepos. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Quepos is December to April. May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season.

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

Both Quepos and Acapulco de Juarez during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

In January, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Quepos. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 26°C (79°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Quepos. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun.

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in January than Quepos. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Quepos. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches during these months. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Quepos in the spring. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Quepos fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Quepos during spring. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Quepos. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Quepos is the dry season. The hurricane season in Quepos is May to November.

Typical Weather for Quepos and Acapulco de Juarez