A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guadalajara vs. Avon for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Guadalajara or Avon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Avon, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a cultural, historical, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Avon

Avon is a active, outdoorsy, and scenic town. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Guadalajara and Avon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Avon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Avon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Guadalajara is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Avon is more popular for its skiing, resorts, and hiking. Avon is more touristy than Guadalajara and is popular for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. Guadalajara is well known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. Also, Guadalajara is famous for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Guadalajara or Avon Better for Skiing?

Avon is great for skiing. However, Guadalajara is not a skiing destination.

Avon draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Guadalajara is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Guadalajara or Avon?

Guadalajara is notable for its sights and museums. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Guadalajara. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

Is the Food Better in Guadalajara or Avon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Guadalajara is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Guadalajara makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Guadalajara or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is notable for nightlife. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Guadalajara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

Is Guadalajara or Avon Better for Resorts?

Avon is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Avon has a few great resort options. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Is Guadalajara or Avon Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is notable for its historic old town. However, Avon does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Guadalajara. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Avon does not have a historic old town.

Is Guadalajara or Avon Better for Hiking?

Avon is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Avon has hiking trails worth exploring. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Avon?

Guadalajara is notable for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

Guadalajara is an extremely popular place for shoppers. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Is Guadalajara or Avon Better for Families?

Avon is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Avon offers lots of family activities. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Is Guadalajara or Avon Better for Couples?

Guadalajara and Avon are both notable to visit as a couple.

Guadalajara is a good city for couples to visit. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

Avon is a nice destination for couples. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

Is Guadalajara or Avon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is notable for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Avon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers prefer to stay closer to the ski facilities.

Is Guadalajara or Avon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Avon is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara does not have public transit.

While Avon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

Guadalajara does not have public transit. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Is Guadalajara or Avon a more walkable city?

Guadalajara is notable for its walkability. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

Guadalajara is very walkable. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

Avon is a somewhat walkable place. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

For even more information, also check out Is Guadalajara Worth Visiting? and Is Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Avon?

It's fun to spend time in either Guadalajara or Avon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Avon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Guadalajara, and 2-4 days is enough time in Avon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Avon 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 Guadalajara.

One day in Guadalajara or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Guadalajara. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the outdoorsy town of Avon. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Avon?

Guadalajara is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Avon. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Guadalajara or Avon?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Guadalajara. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The active town of Avon offers food and skiing. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Guadalajara or Avon?

The historical city of Guadalajara offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting Avon. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Avon?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Avon, 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.