A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ilha Grande vs. Oaxaca de Juarez for Food, Backpackers, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Ilha Grande or Oaxaca de Juarez?

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

Should I visit Ilha Grande or Oaxaca 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 is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ilha Grande travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a cultural, authentic, and traditional city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Ilha Grande and Oaxaca 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 food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez. Although Ilha Grande and Oaxaca de Juarez are popular destinations, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Ilha Grande attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and impressive beauty. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Ilha Grande and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also well known for Mercado Benito Juárez. Ilha Grande is famous for

How is Ilha Grande different from Oaxaca de Juarez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Oaxaca 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 Oaxaca de Juarez?

Ilha Grande
Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. However, Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Oaxaca de Juarez are world-renowned. There are many museums and historical sights in the city and nearby. The Oaxaca Cathedral is located on the city's main square, Zocalo. Also worth visiting is the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude. Just a few kilometers outside of the city is the historic settlement of Monte Albán as well as the Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol. Also check out the Rufino Tamayo Museum and Museo Casa Juárez.

Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Ilha Grande
Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Oaxaca de Juarez is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. This is a city for foodies. Of all the destinations in Mexico, this one always tops the list for its cuisine. The food is influenced by traditional ingredients like corn and many of the recipes have been passed on through the generations. Local dishes include mole, Oaxaca cheese, coloradito, and tlayudas.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez Better for Nightlife?

Ilha Grande
Oaxaca de Juarez

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

Oaxaca de Juarez has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene starts late in the evening and can continue into the early hours. Many people meet up around Oaxaca Zocalo and it's very lively in the evenings. You'll often find live music and a fun atmosphere. As the night progresses, many people make their way to Santo Domingo, which is where you'll find a number of bars and clubs.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ilha Grande
Oaxaca de Juarez

Ilha Grande is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oaxaca de Juarez 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Ilha Grande or Oaxaca de Juarez Better for its Old Town?

Ilha Grande
Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Ilha Grande does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Oaxaca de Juarez can be explored in its historical center. The historic center is filled with colonial Spanish architecture. It's laid out in a grid pattern and there are many historic monuments. The surrounding region also has a history that dates back 1500 years.

Ilha Grande does not have a historic old town.

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

Ilha Grande
Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Oaxaca de Juarez draws large crowds to its stores. The region's indigenous populations are known for the artisan crafts and handmade items. Many visitors enjoy shopping at the city's markets, where you'll find handmade ceramics, hand blown glassware, and more.

Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Oaxaca de Juarez More Beautiful?

Ilha Grande
Oaxaca de Juarez

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

Ilha Grande is a gorgeous place to visit. 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.

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


Is Ilha Grande or Oaxaca de Juarez Better for Families?

Ilha Grande
Oaxaca de Juarez

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ilha Grande or Oaxaca de Juarez.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez. For trampolines, bouncy houses, and other fun activities, head to El Llano Park on a weekend. There's also an outdoor playground and other fun activities for kids at Museu Infantil de Oaxaca. Kid-friendly restaurants are abundant, and if the kids enjoy hiking, you can head out of town for a day trip.

Is Ilha Grande or Oaxaca de Juarez Better for Couples?

Ilha Grande
Oaxaca de Juarez

With fun activities for couples, both Ilha Grande and Oaxaca de Juarez make for a high quality place to visit.

Ilha Grande makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Couples visit Oaxaca de Juarez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is famous for its cuisine, so food lovers will enjoy dining their way through town. There are also great hotels, beautiful gardens, and fascinating architecture.

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

Ilha Grande
Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Oaxaca de Juarez is extremely popular for backpackers. There are many very affordable hostels around town. The city is a mecca for backpackers in Mexico, and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with and great restaurants to explore.

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.


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

Ilha Grande
Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez has some public transit options. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez a more walkable city?

Ilha Grande
Oaxaca de Juarez

Ilha Grande and Oaxaca de Juarez 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very walkable destination. It's a walkable city that's fun to explore on foot, particularly in the historic center.

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

How long in Ilha Grande or Oaxaca de Juarez?

In either Ilha Grande or Oaxaca de Juarez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oaxaca 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 2-5 days is enough time in Oaxaca de Juarez.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Oaxaca de Juarez.


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

One day in Ilha Grande or Oaxaca de Juarez?


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You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the destination of Ilha Grande. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Oaxaca de Juarez. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez?


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You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the of Ilha Grande. If you have a weekend, this makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez?


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Ilha Grande is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic city of Oaxaca de Juarez. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez?


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Ilha Grande is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oaxaca de Juarez. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen.


Which place is cheaper, Oaxaca 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
    Oaxaca de Juarez Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ilha Grande $80
    Oaxaca de Juarez $51

The average daily cost (per person) in Ilha Grande is $80, while the average daily cost in Oaxaca de Juarez is $51. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ilha Grande $35
    Oaxaca de Juarez $18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ilha Grande $70
    Oaxaca de Juarez $36
Compare Hotels in Ilha Grande and Oaxaca de Juarez

Looking for a hotel in Ilha Grande or Oaxaca 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 Oaxaca 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: Oaxaca de Juarez Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ilha Grande $17
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ilha Grande

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oaxaca de Juarez

Also for Oaxaca de Juarez, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Xoxocotlan Airport: Private Transfer to Oaxaca City: $82
  • Visit Puerto Escondido: Private Transfer from Oaxaca: $588
  • Taxi Transfer from Downtown Oaxaca to the Airport: $20
  • Shared Transfer from Downtown Oaxaca to the Airport: $7.51
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Hotels to Oaxaca Airport: $46
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Oaxaca Airport to Hotels: $46
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Oaxaca Airport (OAX) : $43
  • Private and safe transfer from the airport to the hotel in Oaxaca: $60
  • Private Transfer from your Hotel in Oaxaca to the Oaxaca Airport: $13
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to your Hotel/house .: $89
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to your Hotel in Oaxaca : $67
  • Private Transfer Airport Hotel in Oaxaca: $33

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

Prices for flights to both Oaxaca 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
    Oaxaca de Juarez $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oaxaca de Juarez

For Oaxaca de Juarez, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Oaxaca Street Food Tour - Best Rated : $35
  • Tour with Legends Night Walk and Dinner Included: $42
  • Central Oaxaca Food Tour: $55
  • Electric Bike Food Tour in Oaxaca: $56
  • Oaxacan Dinner on Agronomic Biodiversity: $56
  • Food Tour at the Mercado de Abastos: $57
  • Tradicional Oaxacan Dinner on Agronomic Biodiversity_01: $60
  • Oaxaca: Vegetarian Cooking Class: $65
  • Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class: $66
  • Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu &Local Market Tour: $70
  • Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: Oaxaca de Juárez: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ilha Grande $6.36
    Oaxaca de Juarez $12

Tours and Activities in Ilha Grande

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

  • Angra dos Reis Lagoons Shared Speedboat Tour: $78
  • Angra Dos Reis Daily Tour To Paradise. Boat Trip Lunch And Fruits Included: $67
  • Angra Super Blue Lagoon Speedboat Tour: $76
  • Angra dos Reis Island Hopping Speedboat Tour from Ilha Grande: $69
  • Boat Adventure through the Super Blue Lagoon in Angra dos Reis: $77
  • Boat Tour To The Beaches Of Angra Dos Reis: $18
  • Discover Angra’s Hidden Paradise Islands by Speedboat Tour: $78
  • Diving Adventures in Angra dos Reis: $177
  • From Ilha Grande - Paradise Island 7 h - Speedboat tour: $65
  • Full-Day Ilha Grande Northern Coast Speedboat Tour: $63
  • Half-Day Ilha Grande Schooner Tour: $42
  • Ilha Grande - From Abrãao: Lopes Mendes beach tour & trekking: $25

Tours and Activities in Oaxaca de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Oaxaca de Juarez.

  • Shared Santa Maria Del Tule Bike Tour: $45
  • “Las Nieves” Monte Albán, Arrazola, Cuilapam 6h Bike Tour: $120
  • 3 Hour Oaxaca Private Tour, 100% customisable - Best Rated : $45
  • 5 Hours Guided Day of The Dead Evening Walking Tour in Oaxaca: $109
  • 7 Hrs Guided Day of the Dead Crafts & Gastronomy Tour from Oaxaca: $199
  • Agave Adventures Mexico: $94
  • Amazing Monte Alban and City tour Private Tour: $200
  • Amazing Waterfall Adventure in the Sierra Madre Mountains : $80
  • Amazing experience in the mountain of San Jose del Pacifico: $200
  • An adventure for the senses: Mezcal, fields and crafts.: $78
  • Ancestral Mezcal Experience + ceramics + Alebrijes + Market: $199
  • Ancestral Mezcal Tour Experience A pre Hispanic Heritage: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ilha Grande $10
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Oaxaca de Juarez

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oaxaca de Juarez:

  • Oaxaca Pub Crawl with Mezcal Shots and Live Music: $18
  • Check out Hierve el Agua, Mitla, the Tule Tree, Rugs, and a Mezcal Distillery Tour: $49
  • Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour: $50
  • From Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery: $54
  • Only Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery tour: $55
  • Only Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery Tour: $55
  • Personalized Tour to Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery: $100
  • Oaxaca: Mezcal Distillery Tour with Tastings: $125
  • Mezcal Distillery Day Trip: $134
  • Artisanal Mezcal distillery in an authentic Zapotec village : $150
  • Oaxaca: Hierve el Agua, Mezcal Distillery, and Lunch Tour: $272


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ilha Grande and Oaxaca de Juarez, we can see that Ilha Grande is more expensive. And not only is Oaxaca de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ilha Grande is in South America and Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Oaxaca de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Ilha Grande would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ilha Grande than you might in Oaxaca de Juarez.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez Expensive?.