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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Ketchikan?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Ketchikan, 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. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Guadalajara and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Ketchikan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Ketchikan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Guadalajara is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Ketchikan is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ketchikan is more touristy than Guadalajara and is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. 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 Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Guadalajara is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Ketchikan offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Ketchikan is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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.

Is Guadalajara or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is notable for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Guadalajara or Ketchikan Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is notable for its historic old town. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan does not have a historic old town.

Is Guadalajara or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is an amazing town to visit for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Ketchikan draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Ketchikan?

Guadalajara is notable for shopping. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Guadalajara or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

Ketchikan is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Guadalajara or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

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 Ketchikan Better for Couples?

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

Ketchikan is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

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 Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is notable for backpackers. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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

Guadalajara and Ketchikan both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Public transit is generally limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Guadalajara or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Guadalajara and Ketchikan are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Ketchikan is very walkable. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Guadalajara and Ketchikan. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Guadalajara, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Guadalajara. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint town of Ketchikan. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Ketchikan?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Guadalajara. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Ketchikan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Ketchikan?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Guadalajara. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The scenic town of Ketchikan offers museums and food. 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 Ketchikan?

Guadalajara is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ketchikan. 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Ketchikan?

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