A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guadalajara vs. Beaver Creek for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Guadalajara or Beaver Creek?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Beaver Creek, 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a adventurous, charming, and active town. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and food.

Guadalajara and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Beaver Creek?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Beaver Creek, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Guadalajara is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Beaver Creek is more popular for its skiing, theatre productions, resorts, and hiking. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for its skiing and charming atmosphere 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 Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Guadalajara or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Guadalajara
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for skiing. However, Guadalajara is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Beaver Creek is among the best in the world. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Guadalajara is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Guadalajara or Beaver Creek?

Guadalajara
Beaver Creek

Guadalajara is a great city for its historical sights. However, Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Guadalajara can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Beaver Creek does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Guadalajara or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Guadalajara
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is mediocre for its shows and theatre. However, Guadalajara is not a theatre destination.

While not known for its theater, you might be able to find something in Beaver Creek while you're in town. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Guadalajara is not a theatre destination.

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

Guadalajara
Beaver Creek

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Guadalajara and Beaver Creek can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Guadalajara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Beaver Creek makes for a great culinary experience. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.


Is Guadalajara or Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara
Beaver Creek

Guadalajara is a great city for nightlife. However, Beaver Creek is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Guadalajara has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

Is Guadalajara or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Guadalajara
Beaver Creek

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

Beaver Creek has a few great resort options. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Is Guadalajara or Beaver Creek Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara
Beaver Creek

Guadalajara is a great city for its historic old town. However, Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Guadalajara to see the historical old town. 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.

Beaver Creek does not have a historic old town.


Is Guadalajara or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Guadalajara
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is great for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Beaver Creek for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Beaver Creek?

Guadalajara
Beaver Creek

Guadalajara is a great city for shopping. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Guadalajara. 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.

Beaver Creek offers some nice shopping areas. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Is Guadalajara or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Guadalajara
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Beaver Creek is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants 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 Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Guadalajara
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is great for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Beaver Creek is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

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

Is Guadalajara or Beaver Creek Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara
Beaver Creek

Guadalajara is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Beaver Creek is not known for backpackers.

Guadalajara is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Beaver Creek is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many facilities that cater to backpackers.

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

Guadalajara
Beaver Creek

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

While Beaver Creek offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

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 Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Guadalajara
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Beaver Creek is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Beaver Creek?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Guadalajara or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Guadalajara 2-3 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Guadalajara or Beaver Creek?

In Guadalajara, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this vibrant city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the charming town of Beaver Creek. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the skiing. 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 Beaver Creek?

Guadalajara is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Beaver Creek. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Guadalajara or Beaver Creek?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Guadalajara. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the charming town of Beaver Creek. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Guadalajara or Beaver Creek?

Guadalajara is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and food when visiting the destination of Beaver Creek. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the skiing. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Guadalajara?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Guadalajara is $117, while the average daily cost in Beaver Creek is $316. 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 Guadalajara and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guadalajara $42
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guadalajara $84
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Guadalajara and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Guadalajara or Beaver Creek? 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 Guadalajara


Hotels in Beaver Creek


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: Guadalajara Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guadalajara $39
    Beaver Creek $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guadalajara

Also for Guadalajara, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer from Guadalajara to Sayulita: $241
  • Airport-Chapala/Ajijic Transfer: $229
  • Guadalajara Airport (GDL): Transfer to Guadalajara hotels: $174
  • Airport to City Transfer: $151
  • Guadalajara to Tequila - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $98
  • Tequila to Guadalajara - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $98
  • Private Transfer from Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Manzanillo Port: $77
  • Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Tequila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
  • Private transfer: Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Guadalajara: $73
  • Guadalajara hotels to Guadalajara Airport (GDL) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Tequila to Guadalajara Airport (GDL): Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotels to Guadalajara Airport: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Guadalajara or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Guadalajara 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
    Guadalajara $48
    Beaver Creek $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guadalajara

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

  • Guadalajara private food tour: $68
  • Mexican Cooking Classes and Market Visit in Guadalajara: $151

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guadalajara $28
    Beaver Creek $53

Tours and Activities in Guadalajara

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

  • 10-Day Audio Guide Tour of Guadalajara: $15
  • 6 Hours Private Tour Guide in Guadalajara, you choose!: $144
  • Adventure tour Between Charros, Mariachi and Parián de Tlaquepaque: $151
  • Air Adventure Paraglide over Incredible Landscapes: $155
  • Canopy Experience Panoramic Flight in Zip Lines: $43
  • Chapala Ajijic Area Tour from Guadalajara: $40
  • Chapala and Ajijic Private Tour: $120
  • Charreria heritage tour be a charro for a day: $50
  • City tour in Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque: $94
  • Complete Tour on the Tequila Route from Guadalajara: $58
  • Downtown Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque Tour: $73
  • Electric Scooter Tour in Guadalajara: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guadalajara $18
    Beaver Creek $35

Sample the Local Flavors in Guadalajara

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guadalajara:

  • Guadalajara Arquitecture and Brewery Tour: $56
  • Tequila distillery experience, Jose Cuervo & Tequila Magic Town: $77
  • full day Tequila tour visiting artisanal distillery and downtown.: $85
  • Private One Day Adventure Tour in Tequila and La Fortaleza Distillery: $175
  • Sip & Savor Tequila Experience Distillery w/ Lunch fr Guadalajara: $180
  • Private Tour La Fortaleza Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour to Distillery Tequila Ocho and Arandas : $200
  • Private Tour one day in Guachimontones and La Fortaleza Distillery: $212
  • Private Tour to Tequila Ocho Distillery and the Town of Arandas: $212


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guadalajara and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek Expensive?.