A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fortaleza vs. Isla Mujeres for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza 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.

Fortaleza

Fortaleza is a cultural, lively, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping. See Fortaleza travel costs.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a idyllic, relaxing, and laid back island. Isla Mujeres is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Fortaleza and Isla Mujeres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fortaleza than Isla Mujeres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fortaleza is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Isla Mujeres is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Fortaleza and is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Fortaleza is well known for its beaches, nightlife, and local culture. Also, Fortaleza is famous for Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture.

How is Fortaleza different from Isla Mujeres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 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 Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Fortaleza is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Isla Mujeres has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Fortaleza area. 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.

Is Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres Better for Nightlife?

Fortaleza 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.

Fortaleza has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

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 Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Fortaleza 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.

Fortaleza is not a resort destination.

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

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Fortaleza 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.

Fortaleza is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres Better for Beaches?

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

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.

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 Isla Mujeres?

Fortaleza is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Fortaleza is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's a large city with plenty of shopping malls and other local boutiques which are fun to explore.

Isla Mujeres has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Is Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres More Beautiful?

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

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Fortaleza is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Fortaleza is not known 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.

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 Isla Mujeres Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Fortaleza is not known for couples.

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.

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 Isla Mujeres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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

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

Fortaleza and Isla Mujeres both offer notable public transit to get you around.

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

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

Is Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres 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.

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

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 Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Isla Mujeres or Fortaleza?

How long in Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza, and 1-2 days is enough time in Isla Mujeres.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Fortaleza. 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 Fortaleza. 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 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres?

In Fortaleza, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this vibrant city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Isla Mujeres. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Isla Mujeres has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres?

Fortaleza is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the laid back destination of Isla Mujeres. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Fortaleza. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back island of Isla Mujeres. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres?

Fortaleza is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. 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, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Isla Mujeres, we can see that Isla Mujeres 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 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 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 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 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 Isla Mujeres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Isla Mujeres?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza 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.