A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guadalajara vs. Death Valley National Park for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park, 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 vibrant, cultural, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Guadalajara and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Guadalajara. Although Guadalajara and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Guadalajara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Guadalajara is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Death Valley National Park is more touristy than Guadalajara and is popular for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S. Guadalajara is famous for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also well known for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park?

Guadalajara is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Guadalajara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Is the Food Better in Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Guadalajara is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Guadalajara is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

Guadalajara offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Death Valley National Park is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Death Valley National Park as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Is Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Death Valley National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Death Valley National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is great for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Death Valley National Park for the hiking trails. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park?

Guadalajara is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Death Valley National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Death Valley National Park. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

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 Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Death Valley National Park is great for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Death Valley National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

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 Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Death Valley National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Death Valley National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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

Is Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Death Valley National Park is mediocre for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara does not have public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

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 Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Guadalajara is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

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

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable city. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Guadalajara Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park.

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

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

One day in Guadalajara or Death Valley National Park?

In Guadalajara, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this cultural destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the dramatic national park of Death Valley National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Death Valley National Park?

In Guadalajara, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the striking destination of Death Valley National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park 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 Death Valley National Park?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Guadalajara. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. This city offers something for everyone.

The dramatic national park of Death Valley National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Guadalajara. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Death Valley National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

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

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