A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Curitiba vs. Isla Mujeres for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Curitiba or Isla Mujeres?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Curitiba and Isla Mujeres can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Curitiba

Curitiba is a active, vibrant, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Curitiba travel costs.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a relaxing, laid back, and idyllic island. Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Curitiba and Isla Mujeres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Curitiba or Isla Mujeres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Curitiba and Isla Mujeres are both popular with visitors, Isla Mujeres has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Isla Mujeres is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Curitiba is known for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Curitiba and is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also home to the Underwater Museum of Art. Curitiba is popular for its performing arts, walkability, and culture.

How is Curitiba different from Isla Mujeres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Isla Mujeres and Curitiba. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Curitiba or Isla Mujeres?

Curitiba is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Curitiba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a variety of museums around town that include a number of history museums, a few art museums, and other cultural museums that are worth checking out.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Curitiba or Isla Mujeres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Curitiba and Isla Mujeres offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Curitiba has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The official dish of the town is carne de onça, which first originated here and is a beef tartare that's served on flat bread. There are also many other traditional and authentic Brazilian restaurants around town, so this is a great place for a foodie to explore.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Isla Mujeres makes for a great culinary experience. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

Is Curitiba or Isla Mujeres Better for Nightlife?

Curitiba is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its evening party scene.

Curitiba has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Like most cities in Brazil, you'll find a great nightlife scene with plenty of bars and restaurants. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Batel, which is one of the most international parts of the city, Itupava Street, which is lined with Brazilian restaurants and bars, and São Francisco, which is popular with the student population because of its affordability.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

Is Curitiba or Isla Mujeres Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Curitiba is not a resort destination.

Isla Mujeres is a world class resort vacation destination. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Curitiba is not a resort destination.

Is Curitiba or Isla Mujeres Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Curitiba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Isla Mujeres is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Curitiba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Curitiba or Isla Mujeres Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Curitiba is not a beach destination.

Isla Mujeres is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Curitiba is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Curitiba or Isla Mujeres?

If you're looking to go shopping, Curitiba and Isla Mujeres both offer plenty of good spots.

Curitiba has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has large shopping malls and many great fashion boutiques. It's a great place to spend some time shopping.

Isla Mujeres is a great destination for shopping. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Is Curitiba or Isla Mujeres More Beautiful?

Isla Mujeres is a island with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Curitiba is not a destination known for its beauty.

Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Curitiba is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Curitiba or Isla Mujeres Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is an extremely popular island to visit for families. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

Curitiba is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks and museums that are great for kids. In particular, the botanical gardens and Bosque Alemao appeal to young visitors.

Is Curitiba or Isla Mujeres Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Isla Mujeres is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Curitiba is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great parks and restaurants that make it a pleasant place to explore with your significant other.

Is Curitiba or Isla Mujeres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Isla Mujeres. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Plenty of backpackers visit Curitiba. The nightlife and music scene, combined with a great public transit system, make this a good, but often overlooked destination for backpackers in Brazil.

Is Curitiba or Isla Mujeres Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Curitiba is notable for its public transit. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Curitiba has some very good public transit options. There's a great public transit system here that includes a metro system, trolleybuses, and buses.

Isla Mujeres has some public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Is Curitiba or Isla Mujeres a more walkable city?

Curitiba and Isla Mujeres are very good when it comes to walkability.

Curitiba is a very walkable destination. It is a walkable city that is fun to explore on foot, but as always, take precautions in certain areas, particularly at night.

Isla Mujeres is very walkable. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

For even more information, also check out Is Curitiba Worth Visiting? and Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Isla Mujeres or Curitiba?

How long in Curitiba or Isla Mujeres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Curitiba or Isla Mujeres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Curitiba than Isla Mujeres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Curitiba, and 1-2 days is enough time in Isla Mujeres.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Curitiba. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Isla Mujeres, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Curitiba. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Isla Mujeres that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Curitiba 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Curitiba or Isla Mujeres?

In Curitiba, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this vibrant city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The island of Isla Mujeres offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Curitiba or Isla Mujeres?

Curitiba is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Isla Mujeres is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Isla Mujeres, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Curitiba or Isla Mujeres?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Curitiba. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Isla Mujeres is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Curitiba or Isla Mujeres?

Curitiba is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Isla Mujeres is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Curitiba and Isla Mujeres, we can see that Isla Mujeres is more expensive. And not only is Curitiba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Curitiba is in South America and Isla Mujeres is in North 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 Curitiba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Curitiba 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 Isla Mujeres would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Isla Mujeres than you might in Curitiba.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Curitiba Expensive? and Is Isla Mujeres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Curitiba or Isla Mujeres?

Curitiba has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Curitiba and Isla Mujeres, 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.