A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ilha Grande vs. Acapulco de Juarez for Couples, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez?

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

Should I visit Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ilha Grande travel costs.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a well-known, vibrant, and built-up city. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Acapulco de Juarez travel costs.

Ilha Grande and Acapulco de Juarez: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Acapulco de Juarez. Although Ilha Grande and Acapulco de Juarez are both popular with visitors, Acapulco de Juarez has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Acapulco de Juarez is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Ilha Grande is known for its impressive beauty. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than Ilha Grande and is popular for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. It is also home to the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Ilha Grande is popular for

How is Ilha Grande different from Acapulco de Juarez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Acapulco de Juarez and Ilha Grande. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez?

Ilha Grande
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ilha Grande
Acapulco de Juarez

Both Ilha Grande and Acapulco de Juarez offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Ilha Grande has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The island still has a quiet, local vibe and that can be seen in the restaurants around town as well. Many places are locally owned and serve up traditional dishes. In particular, the seafood is excellent.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Acapulco de Juarez area. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

Is Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Nightlife?

Ilha Grande
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Acapulco de Juarez is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Ilha Grande. It's a quiet island with a national park and most people visit specifically to get away from the busy and active city scene.

Is Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Resorts?

Ilha Grande
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Ilha Grande is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Acapulco de Juarez is a great choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Ilha Grande is not a resort destination.


Is Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ilha Grande
Acapulco de Juarez

There's high quality scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Ilha Grande and Acapulco de Juarez.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Ilha Grande. There are several places where you can rent snorkeling or dive equipment. The area has coral and tropical fish, with the occasional sea turtle sighting. The visibility is generally good and the experience is worth enjoying, but make sure you check on water conditions.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Is Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Beaches?

Ilha Grande
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place for the beach. However, Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez?

Ilha Grande
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Acapulco de Juarez. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez More Beautiful?

Ilha Grande
Acapulco de Juarez

Ilha Grande is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ilha Grande offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The secluded beaches and surrounding nature make this a beautiful island to explore. It's made up of a national park and there are hiking trails and many scenic spots.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Families?

Ilha Grande
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Acapulco de Juarez is very family-friendly. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ilha Grande. Most families who visit the island come for the beaches. There are also many nice hikes, waterfalls, and even wildlife that the kids will enjoy. In the village there are a few restaurants. Many aren't geared specifically to kids, but they do have a selection that kids might enjoy.

Is Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Couples?

Ilha Grande
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Acapulco de Juarez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Couples visit Ilha Grande frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Scenic beaches and beautiful nature make this a wonderful couples retreat that's not far from Rio de Janeiro. The beaches have a more relaxed and quiet vibe than many places in Brazil and the island still holds on to its undiscovered atmosphere.


Is Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ilha Grande
Acapulco de Juarez

Ilha Grande is a great destination for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ilha Grande is a very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. It is possible to reach the island with a backpacker's budget, but it will take you more time than if you hire a private tour. Once you're on the island there are some hostels and budget hotels to choose from as well.

Acapulco de Juarez is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are more hotels and resorts than hostels, so most backpackers head elsewhere. There is a young crowd during the spring break season.

Is Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ilha Grande
Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Acapulco de Juarez has some public transit options. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Ilha Grande. You'll need to take a boat to reach the island, and once you're there, there are not vehicles around.

Is Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez a more walkable city?

Ilha Grande
Acapulco de Juarez

Ilha Grande is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Ilha Grande is a very walkable destination. There are no cars on the island and very few roads. You'll spend a lot of time hiking around, which is the best way to enjoy the island. They don't call it "big island" for no reason though, so make sure you understand the distance between destinations.

Acapulco de Juarez is somewhat walkable. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.


Should I spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez or Ilha Grande?

How long in Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez?

In either Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Ilha Grande because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Ilha Grande, and 3-5 days is enough time in Acapulco de Juarez.

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

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


  • How many days in Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ilha Grande 2-4 
    Acapulco de Juarez 3-5

One day in Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez?


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Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Ilha Grande. This offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the built-up city of Acapulco de Juarez. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez?


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Ilha Grande is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the of Ilha Grande. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ilha Grande has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the vibrant destination of Acapulco de Juarez. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city 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 Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez?


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Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Ilha Grande. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the built-up city of Acapulco de Juarez. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez?


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Ilha Grande is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Acapulco de Juarez. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Acapulco de Juarez or Ilha Grande?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Ilha Grande Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Acapulco de Juarez Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ilha Grande $80
    Acapulco de Juarez $92

The average daily cost (per person) in Ilha Grande is $80, while the average daily cost in Acapulco de Juarez is $92. 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 Ilha Grande and Acapulco de Juarez in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ilha Grande $35
    Acapulco de Juarez $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ilha Grande $70
    Acapulco de Juarez $70
Compare Hotels in Ilha Grande and Acapulco de Juarez

Looking for a hotel in Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez? 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 Ilha Grande


Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez


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: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ilha Grande $17
    Acapulco de Juarez $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ilha Grande

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

  • From Angra dos Reis: Shared Transfer to Rio de Janeiro: $46
  • Private Transfer Angra dos Reis to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • Private Transfer from Angra dos Reis to Airport GIG in Rio : $182
  • Private Transfer from GIG to anywhere in the City Angra dos Reis: $182
  • Regular Transfer Angra dos Reis x Rio de Janeiro and Airports: $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Shared Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Roundtrip Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Private Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
  • Airport Transfer In Suburban: $45
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $45
  • Acapulco Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $75
  • Acapulco Airport (ACA) to Acapulco hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Ilha Grande or Acapulco de Juarez?

Prices for flights to both Acapulco de Juarez and Ilha Grande 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
    Ilha Grande $35
    Acapulco de Juarez $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.

  • Lucha Libre-Wrestling FiestaExper Taco Dinner Beer ONLY SUNDAYS: $62
  • High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner + Two Drinks plus SUNSET: $66
  • Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only On SUNDAY: $74
  • Sunset Dinner and Cliff Divers in Acapulco: $91
  • Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour with a Professional Chef: $100
  • Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $253
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $286

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ilha Grande $6.36
    Acapulco de Juarez $16

Tours and Activities in Ilha Grande

For Ilha Grande, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Regular Schooner Ride - Ilha Grande Tour: $12
  • Speedboat Tour Paradise Lagoons of Ilha Grande: $13
  • Boat Tour To The Beaches Of Angra Dos Reis: $18
  • Ilha Grande - From Abrãao: Lopes Mendes beach tour & trekking: $25
  • Shared Speedboat Tour - Paradise Island Tour: $32
  • Tour Of The Motorboat The Paradisiac Islands Of Angra Dos Reis: $42
  • Half-Day Ilha Grande Schooner Tour: $42
  • Six hour speedboat tour of Ilha Grande. Be amazed by the Blue and Green Lagoons: $55
  • Schooner Cruise with Caipirinha drinks by the Blue Lagoon: $56
  • Ilha Grande - Private Historical Walking Tour with Natural Pool.: $60
  • Full-Day Ilha Grande Northern Coast Speedboat Tour: $63
  • From Ilha Grande - Paradise Island 7 h - Speedboat tour: $65

Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez

Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $60
  • 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $70
  • Acapulco Port Tour in 4 hours: $56
  • Museums, Magic City Market & Meals: A Cultural Tour of Acapulco: $129
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $67
  • 4 in 1 Combo tours for visitors in their first time: $192
  • 4hr Fun Guide Tour For Cruisers or Hotels Guests with Divers Show: $58
  • 6 Hour Fun-Filled Tour Perfect for Cruise Travelers & Hotel Stays: $83
  • 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $75
  • 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $96
  • Acapulco City Tour: $68
  • Acapulco City Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ilha Grande $10
    Acapulco de Juarez $9.81


When comparing the travel costs between Ilha Grande and Acapulco de Juarez, we can see that Acapulco de Juarez is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Ilha Grande is in South America and Acapulco de Juarez is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ilha Grande Expensive? and Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive?.


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