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

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona? 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 well-known, vibrant, and built-up city. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Sedona

Sedona is a scenic, striking, and desert town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Acapulco de Juarez and Sedona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sedona. Although Acapulco de Juarez and Sedona are both popular with visitors, Sedona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sedona is more popular for its museums & sights, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Acapulco de Juarez is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Acapulco de Juarez is popular for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. Sedona is popular for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats. It is also home to Red Rock Crossing Park.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Sedona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sedona 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 Sedona?

Acapulco de Juarez
Sedona

Sedona is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Sedona. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.

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.


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

Acapulco de Juarez
Sedona

Sedona is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Sedona is an experience not to be missed. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

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

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez
Sedona

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Acapulco de Juarez is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sedona. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez
Sedona

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Acapulco de Juarez is a great choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sedona. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.


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

Acapulco de Juarez
Sedona

Acapulco de Juarez is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sedona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Sedona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez
Sedona

Acapulco de Juarez is great for the beache. However, Sedona is not a beach destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Sedona is not a beach destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona Better for its Old Town?

Acapulco de Juarez
Sedona

Sedona is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

Sedona offers a nice historic old town area. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona Better for Hiking?

Acapulco de Juarez
Sedona

Sedona is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sedona. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona?

Acapulco de Juarez
Sedona

Sedona is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Sedona is a world class destination for shoppers. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Acapulco de Juarez. 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.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez
Sedona

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

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.

Sedona is a very family-friendly destination. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez
Sedona

With fun activities for couples, both Acapulco de Juarez and Sedona make for a first-rate 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, Sedona has plenty to offer. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

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

Acapulco de Juarez
Sedona

Sedona is a popular place for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Sedona. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

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

Acapulco de Juarez
Sedona

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Sedona is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Acapulco de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez
Sedona

Acapulco de Juarez and Sedona both are good 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.

Sedona is somewhat walkable. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.

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

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

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona?

In either Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Sedona has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sedona than Acapulco de Juarez. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sedona than Acapulco de Juarez if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Sedona.


  • How many days in Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acapulco de Juarez 3-5 
    Sedona 3-5

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona?

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.

Sedona might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Sedona?

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.

Sedona is a popular place to visit. Even though Sedona is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most people visit for the shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona?

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.

Sedona is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the shopping. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sedona has to offer.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the well-known 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.

Sedona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sedona 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 $67, while the average daily cost in Sedona is $165. 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 Sedona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acapulco de Juarez $33
    Sedona $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $66
    Sedona $186
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Sedona

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


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 Sedona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $14
    Sedona $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • 1st Day Airport Transfer On 2nd Day 6Hr All The Attractions Combo: $109
  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
  • Acapulco Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $60
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
  • Acapulco Airport (ACA) to Acapulco hotels - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $41
  • Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
  • Acapulco Airport (ACA) to Acapulco hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
  • Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00

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

Prices for flights to both Sedona 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 $24
    Sedona $48

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 + Two Drinks plus SUNSET: $53
  • Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
  • Lucha Libre-Wrestling FiestaExper Taco Dinner Beer ONLY SATURDAYS: $72
  • Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only SATURDAYS: $74
  • Hands ON Mex Cooking Class Experience City Tour & Market & Lunch : $99
  • Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
  • Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $179
  • Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $253

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sedona

For Sedona, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The VIP Experience, Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show Tickets: $119
  • Uptown Explorer Sedona Food Tour: $185
  • Sedona/Flagstaff: Grand Canyon Day Trip with Dinner & Sunset: $252
  • Cooking class and candlelit dinner with a view: $295

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $15
    Sedona $19

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.: $60
  • Culture Tour Museums Municipal & Witch Doctor Market & LUNCH: $103
  • High Diver Optional Lunch + Shopping Tour Flea Market & Shops: $131
  • Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $49
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $67
  • 4 in 1 Combo tours for visitors in their first time: $192
  • 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $55
  • 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $75
  • 4hr Fun Guide Tour For Cruisers or Hotels Guests with Divers Show: $58
  • 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $75
  • 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $73
  • 6Hr Fun Guide Different Options Tour for Cruiser or Hotel Guests : $76

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sedona

For Sedona, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Red Rock Fantasy Light Show (for 2)
    $10

Tours and Activities in Sedona

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sedona.

  • Self-Guided Driving Tour with GPS Audio Guide App: $9.99
  • Sedona & Red Rock State Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Sedona & Red Rock State Park: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Arizona Audio Tour Guide in Sedona: $15
  • Red Rock Scenic Drive Tour Adventure: $17
  • Jerome Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Grand Canyon & Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle: $25
  • Boynton Canyon Trolley Tour from Sedona: $26
  • From Boynton Canyon Trolley Tour: $28
  • Out of Africa Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $43
  • Main Street Ghost Adventure: Walking Tour in Jerome with Ghost Hunting Equipment: $45
  • Feel the Sedona Vortex Mindfulness Game and Adventure: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $9.04
    Sedona $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Sedona

Also in Sedona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bliss - Sedona’s Most Luxurious Wine Tour - Lunch Included!: $115
  • Grape Train Escape: Wine Tasting and Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure: $175
  • Sedona-Jerome Scenic Vortex, Wine Tasting Grand Tour. See It All!: $199
  • Voted Best in Sedona-Best Value Private Wine Tour, great price: $215
  • Pedal and Paddle Wine Tour in Arizona: $235
  • Voted Best in Sedona-Tastings Included! EXPRESS PRIVATE WINE TOUR: $240
  • Private Sedona Local and Wine Tour: $244
  • 5 Star, Private Wine Tour, BEST in Town, TASTINGS INCLUDED!: $260
  • Private Wine Tour in Sedona, Arizona: $295


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


Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Sedona?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Sedona. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Sedona, 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.