A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mar del Plata vs. Acapulco de Juarez for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mar del Plata or Acapulco de Juarez?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Mar del Plata and Acapulco de Juarez can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Mar del Plata or Acapulco de Juarez?

Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata is found only 404 km southeast of the city of Buenos Aires, on the Atlantic coast. Today Mar Del Plata is Argentina‘s most well known beach resort. It has successfully married the two worlds of beach and city into a fun, cosmopolitan urban center with the presence of highly developed tourist infrastructure. Founded in 1874, Mar del Plata was at first mainly an industrial and commercial center before becoming a vacation destination for Argentinians. For a peaceful trip and intimate oceanfront promenades, avoid visiting Mar del Plata during summer time, as the gorgeous arced coastline will be crawling with visitors. But the city is more than just beaches. It also offers some culture, lively nightlife, and great food.

Acapulco de Juarez

Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Argentina, The Best Budget Tours to Argentina, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Acapulco de Juarez or Mar del Plata?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mar del Plata is $8.78, while the average daily cost in Acapulco de Juarez is $81. 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 Mar del Plata and Acapulco de Juarez in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mar del Plata $3.15
    Acapulco de Juarez $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mar del Plata $6.30
    Acapulco de Juarez $78
Compare Hotels in Mar del Plata and Acapulco de Juarez

Looking for a hotel in Mar del Plata 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 Mar del Plata


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: Mar del Plata Hotel Prices and Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.50
    Acapulco de Juarez $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
  • Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
  • Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Bahia de Acapulco: $49
  • Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Bahía de Acapulco - Acapulco Airport (ACA): $24
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Acapulco Airport (ACA) -Bahía de Acapulco: $24
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
  • Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
  • Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Mar del Plata or Acapulco de Juarez?

Prices for flights to both Acapulco de Juarez and Mar del Plata 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
    Mar del Plata $3.81
    Acapulco de Juarez $29

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.

  • High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
  • Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
  • Cliff Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
  • Cliff Divers Show With Dinner At Acapulco: $72
  • Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only SUNDAY: $84
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
  • Hands ON - Mex Cooking Class Experience - City Market & Lunch : $90
  • Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
  • Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
  • Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
  • Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mar del Plata $2.27
    Acapulco de Juarez $18

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.: $44
  • 6Hr Walking Tour San Diego Fort Museum Cliff Divers Zocalo: $68
  • Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $62
  • 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
  • 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $85
  • 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
  • 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
  • 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
  • 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
  • Acapulco City Tour : $35
  • Acapulco Historical Tour with Cliff Divers Show: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mar del Plata $1.78
    Acapulco de Juarez $11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Mar del Plata or Acapulco de Juarez?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Mar del Plata. When comparing the sizes of Mar del Plata and Acapulco de Juarez, 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.


When is the best time to visit Mar del Plata or Acapulco de Juarez?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Mar del Plata is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Acapulco de Juarez has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Acapulco de Juarez in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mar del Plata as well as Acapulco de Juarez. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Mar del Plata is generally cooler than Acapulco de Juarezin July. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 20°C (69°F), and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mar del Plata this time of the year. In the summer, Mar del Plata often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Acapulco de Juarezin July. Mar del Plata gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 224 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. Mar del Plata usually gets less rain in January than Acapulco de Juarezin July. Mar del Plata gets 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Mar del Plata 20°C (69°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Acapulco de Juarez in the Autumn?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Mar del Plata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year.

Mar del Plata is much colder than Acapulco de Juarez in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mar del Plata averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. In April, Mar del Plata usually receives less rain than Acapulco de Juarezin October. Mar del Plata gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Mar del Plata 15°C (59°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Acapulco de Juarez in the Winter?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Mar del Plata during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Mar del Plata is much colder than Acapulco de Juarez. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mar del Plata in July average around 9°C (47°F), and Acapulco de Juarez averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

Mar del Plata usually gets more rain in July than Acapulco de Juarezin January. Mar del Plata gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Mar del Plata 9°C (47°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Mar del Plata or Acapulco de Juarez in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mar del Plata and Acapulco de Juarez. Also, many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the spring for the beaches.

In October, Mar del Plata is generally much colder than Acapulco de Juarezin April. Daily temperatures in Mar del Plata average around 13°C (56°F), and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. Mar del Plata usually receives less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez during spring. Mar del Plata gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 274 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Mar del Plata usually receives more rain than Acapulco de Juarezin April. Mar del Plata gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Mar del Plata 13°C (56°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Acapulco de Juarez and Mar del Plata

Mar del Plata Acapulco de Juarez
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (69°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Jul 9°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Aug 9°C (49°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 29°C (83°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 28°C (83°F) 341 mm (13.4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 75 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)