A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fortaleza vs. Cozumel for Beaches, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Fortaleza or Cozumel?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Cozumel 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.

Fortaleza

Fortaleza is a vibrant, cultural, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Fortaleza travel costs.

Cozumel

Cozumel is a colorful, scenic, and lively island. Cozumel is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Cozumel travel costs.

Fortaleza and Cozumel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fortaleza or Cozumel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fortaleza than Cozumel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Fortaleza is very popular for its big city activities, while Cozumel attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Cozumel is more touristy than Fortaleza and is known for its beautiful beaches and world class dive sites. Fortaleza is famous for its beaches, nightlife, and local culture. It is also well known for Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture.

How is Fortaleza different from Cozumel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fortaleza or Cozumel?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Fortaleza and Cozumel.

Fortaleza offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Dragão do Mar is the cultural center in town. There are shows and concerts that highlight the local culture. Also part of the complex are a planetarium and two museums - the Museu de Arte Contemporânea and the Memorial da Cultura Cearense. Also worth seeing the Metropolitan Cathedral of Fortaleza, which is the third largest cathedral in the country.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cozumel. Check out the Island Museum, the Coral Reefs Monument, and some of the local Mayan ruins. Also worth a visit is Cozumel's Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Fortaleza or Cozumel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Fortaleza and Cozumel.

Fortaleza has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a number of great restaurants that range from Brazilian barbecue restaurants to international cuisine. Many dishes are heavy and use a lot of meat. Local favorites include paçoca and escondidinho de carne seca.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cozumel area. You'll find a mix of tourist restaurants and hidden gems that serve up authentic Mexican dishes. Wander off the main streets to find the restaurants that are tucked away from the cruise ship crowds.

Is Fortaleza or Cozumel Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Fortaleza and Cozumel.

The nightlife in Fortaleza has something for everybody. Like much of Brazil, the city has a vibrant nightlife scene. There are beachfront bars, live music venues, and many places where you can enjoy a good party. You'll find a high concentration of places around Praia de Iracema and the Casario.

Cozumel offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is filled with cocktail lounges, beachfront bars, and wild weekend parties. There is something for everyone, whether you'll looking to sip wine by the ocean or party into the early morning.

Is Fortaleza or Cozumel Better for Resorts?

Cozumel is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Fortaleza is not a resort destination.

In Cozumel, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are hotels in the city center, and resorts by the beaches. For diving and snorkeling, stay in Southern Cozumel. Golfing and waterfront properties are popular in Northern Cozumel.

Fortaleza is not a resort destination.

Is Fortaleza or Cozumel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cozumel is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Fortaleza is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cozumel is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Many people visit Cozumel specifically for the world class diving. Palancar Reef is one of the best dive spots in the area, and thanks to conservation efforts it is rebounding and offers a diverse environment.

Fortaleza is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fortaleza or Cozumel Better for Beaches?

Cozumel is renowned for the beach. Also, Fortaleza is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

Cozumel is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is lined with beautiful beaches and you'll find great snorkeling and tourist-friendly amenities. Some of the best beaches are Playa Punta Morena, Playa El Cielo, and Playa Chen Rio.

Many people visit Fortaleza for it's beautiful beaches. There are 5 kilometers of sandy beach in town and many visitors enjoy taking long walks. While there are technically four beaches in the area, they all kind of merge together and it can be difficult to tell one from the other. The most popular beach is Meireles, which has a boardwalk and is lined by high rise buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Fortaleza or Cozumel?

If you're looking to go shopping, Fortaleza and Cozumel both offer plenty of superb spots.

Fortaleza is well-known for its shopping. It's a large city with plenty of shopping malls and other local boutiques which are fun to explore.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cozumel. For the best shopping head to Plaza del Sol, the Royal Village Shopping Center, or Los Cincos Soles. Expect cruise ship crowds and no shortage of tourists.

Is Fortaleza or Cozumel More Beautiful?

Cozumel is a island with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Fortaleza is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cozumel is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beaches and undersea world are stunningly beautiful.

Fortaleza is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fortaleza or Cozumel Better for Families?

Cozumel is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. However, Fortaleza is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cozumel is very family-friendly. The area is filled with water parks, snorkeling opportunities and, of course, fun-filled beaches. There are also wildlife reserves and Mayan ruins that aren't too far away.

Fortaleza is not the most family-friendly destination. There are several beaches and parks where kids will enjoy running around and stretching their legs.

Is Fortaleza or Cozumel Better for Couples?

Cozumel is a great island for its romantic activities. However, Fortaleza is not known for couples.

Cozumel is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Beaches, resorts, and adventure sports make this the perfect couples destination. There are also great restaurants and plenty of interesting places to explore.

Fortaleza is not always the best place to visit for a couple. While it's often overlooked by couples, those who have a few days in town can enjoy the beaches or take a stroll down the beachfront promenade.

Is Fortaleza or Cozumel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cozumel is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Fortaleza is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Cozumel. There are a few hostels in town and it's a safe and easy place to explore independently.

Fortaleza is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most backpackers skip this city for the more popular destinations.

Is Fortaleza or Cozumel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fortaleza is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cozumel is not known for its public transit.

While Fortaleza offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Metro system includes a rail and light rail system.

Public transit is generally limited in Cozumel. Local buses don't efficiently travel to the beaches or the hotel areas, so most tourists don't use them.

Is Fortaleza or Cozumel a more walkable city?

Cozumel is a great island for its high level of walkability. Also, Fortaleza is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Cozumel is a very walkable island. It's easy to walk around the downtown as it's compact and fun to explore on foot.

Fortaleza is a somewhat walkable city. It's a relatively walkable city with some neighborhoods easier to explore on foot than others. It's important to understand the area you're in because safety could be a concern.

For even more information, also check out Is Fortaleza Worth Visiting? and Is Cozumel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cozumel or Fortaleza?

How long in Fortaleza or Cozumel?

Both Fortaleza and Cozumel have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cozumel than in Fortaleza. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Fortaleza, and 3-7 days is enough time in Cozumel.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cozumel than Fortaleza 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 Cozumel.

One day in Fortaleza or Cozumel?

In Fortaleza, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Cozumel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Fortaleza or Cozumel?

In Fortaleza, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fortaleza has to offer.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant destination of Cozumel. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Fortaleza or Cozumel?

Fortaleza is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the lively island of Cozumel. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Fortaleza or Cozumel?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fortaleza. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Fortaleza. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Cozumel is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cozumel, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, and The Best Adventure Tours to Mexico.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Cozumel?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cozumel. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Cozumel, 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.