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

Should you visit Ilha Grande or Guadalajara?

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

Should I visit Ilha Grande or Guadalajara? 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. It's also popular because of the food and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ilha Grande travel costs.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a historical, vibrant, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Ilha Grande and Guadalajara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ilha Grande or Guadalajara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Guadalajara. Although Ilha Grande and Guadalajara are both popular with visitors, Guadalajara has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Guadalajara is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Ilha Grande is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and impressive beauty. Guadalajara is more touristy than Ilha Grande and is known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also home to the Guadalajara Cathedral. Ilha Grande is popular for

How is Ilha Grande different from Guadalajara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Guadalajara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Guadalajara has a huge number of terrific 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.

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 Guadalajara Better for Nightlife?

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

Guadalajara has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

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 Guadalajara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Many visitors go to Ilha Grande to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Guadalajara Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ilha Grande does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Ilha Grande does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ilha Grande or Guadalajara?

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

Guadalajara is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Guadalajara More Beautiful?

Ilha Grande is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Guadalajara 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.

Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ilha Grande or Guadalajara Better for Families?

Ilha Grande is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Ilha Grande offers lots of family activities. 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.

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 Ilha Grande or Guadalajara Better for Couples?

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

Ilha Grande is a great if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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 Ilha Grande or Guadalajara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ilha Grande and Guadalajara are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Ilha Grande. 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.

Guadalajara is a very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

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

Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

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 Guadalajara a more walkable city?

Ilha Grande and Guadalajara are very good 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Guadalajara or Ilha Grande?

How long in Ilha Grande or Guadalajara?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara.

One day in Ilha Grande or Guadalajara?

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Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the of Ilha Grande. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Guadalajara. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Guadalajara?

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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. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Guadalajara. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Guadalajara?

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The of Ilha Grande offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

The cultural city of Guadalajara offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Ilha Grande or Guadalajara?

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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. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Guadalajara. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ilha Grande and Guadalajara, we can see that Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara 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 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 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 Guadalajara Expensive?.