A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ilha Grande vs. Ensenada for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Ilha Grande or Ensenada?

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

Should I visit Ilha Grande or Ensenada? 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 is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ilha Grande travel costs.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Ensenada travel costs.

Ilha Grande and Ensenada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ilha Grande or Ensenada?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ensenada than Ilha Grande, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ensenada is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Ilha Grande is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and impressive beauty. Ensenada is more touristy than Ilha Grande and is popular for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Also, Ensenada is famous for Avenida Lopez Mateos. Ilha Grande is well known for

How is Ilha Grande different from Ensenada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ensenada is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

Ensenada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Ilha Grande or Ensenada? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ensenada is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Ensenada has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ilha Grande area. 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.

Is Ilha Grande or Ensenada Better for Nightlife?

Ensenada is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ensenada. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

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 Ensenada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ilha Grande is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ensenada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Ensenada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Ensenada Better for Beaches?

Ensenada is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Ensenada. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ilha Grande or Ensenada?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ensenada. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Ensenada More Beautiful?

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

Ilha Grande is a beautiful place to visit, too. 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.

Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ilha Grande or Ensenada Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ilha Grande or Ensenada.

Ilha Grande is a family-friendly . 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ensenada. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is Ilha Grande or Ensenada Better for Couples?

Ilha Grande is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Ensenada is a good for couples to visit. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Is Ilha Grande or Ensenada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ilha Grande is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ilha Grande is a great to visit for backpackers. 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.

Ensenada is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

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

Ensenada is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

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 Ensenada a more walkable city?

Ilha Grande and Ensenada are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Ilha Grande is a very walkable . 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.

Ensenada is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

Should I spend more time in Ensenada or Ilha Grande?

How long in Ilha Grande or Ensenada?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ilha Grande and Ensenada. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ilha Grande than in Ensenada. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Ilha Grande, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ensenada.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ensenada than Ilha Grande 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 Ensenada.

One day in Ilha Grande or Ensenada?

Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5163

Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5302
The of Ilha Grande offers scuba diving and snorkeling and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Ensenada. 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 Ensenada?

Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5163

Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5302
Ilha Grande is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ilha Grande, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Ensenada. This city 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 Ilha Grande or Ensenada?

Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5163

Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5302
Ilha Grande is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The historic city of Ensenada offers shopping and museums. 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 Ilha Grande or Ensenada?

Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5163

Deprecated: explode(): Passing null to parameter #2 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/include/template/templategenerator.php on line 5302
Ilha Grande is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ensenada. 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 Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ilha Grande and Ensenada, we can see that Ensenada is more expensive. And not only is Ilha Grande much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ilha Grande is in South America and Ensenada is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ilha Grande would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ilha Grande 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 Ensenada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ensenada than you might in Ilha Grande.

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 Ensenada Expensive?.