A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. La Fortuna for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna? 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a historic, cultural, and authentic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a stunning, scenic, and popular town. La Fortuna is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See La Fortuna travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and La Fortuna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in La Fortuna. Although Oaxaca de Juarez and La Fortuna are popular destinations, La Fortuna has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Fortuna is very popular for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Oaxaca de Juarez attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. La Fortuna is more touristy than Oaxaca de Juarez and is popular for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views. It is also well known for Arenal Volcano. Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from La Fortuna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna?

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its sights and museums. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Oaxaca de Juarez are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

While most people don't head to La Fortuna specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time outdoors exploring the area, but there are also some museums that highlight local art and culture.

Is the Food Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Oaxaca de Juarez, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

La Fortuna is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a touristy mecca, and there are a number of decent restaurants around town. The area has some of the freshest local ingredients and the food reflects that. You'll find restaurants both in the center of town and along the road between the town and the hot springs.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Oaxaca de Juarez has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Fortuna. The larger resorts usually have a couple of bars onsite. There are also local bars and pubs throughout the town. While things often quiet down by 9:00, you will probably be able to find a laid back place to enjoy a drink with friends.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna Better for Resorts?

La Fortuna is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, La Fortuna is a great choice. There are many larger international resorts in the area. Many offer spectacular views, spas, and beautifully maintained pools that take advantage of the area's hot springs.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its old town. However, La Fortuna does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Oaxaca de Juarez is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

La Fortuna does not have a historic old town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna Better for Hiking?

La Fortuna is great for hiking. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to La Fortuna for the hiking trails. The area is filled with stunning hikes that take you through different landscapes and ecosystems. You'll likely see some wildlife, visit spectacular waterfalls, and, of course, catch views of the impressive Arenal Volcano.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna?

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Oaxaca de Juarez make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

La Fortuna has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a couple of good souvenir shops around town where you can pick up some locally made items.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna More Beautiful?

La Fortuna is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

La Fortuna is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, lush rainforests, and dramatic views of the volcano. There are countless hikes and a plenty of opportunities to soak up the natural setting.

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

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna Better for Families?

La Fortuna is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

La Fortuna is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love exploring the outdoors and seeing some of Costa Rica's best environments. There are plenty of hiking trails, but if you're looking for short and simple, head to Ecocentro Danaus, which has a half mile flat walking loop and a butterfly garden. Another good option is Bogarin Trail, where you might see a sloth. And of course you have to check out Arenal Volcano National Park.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna Better for Couples?

La Fortuna is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

La Fortuna makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. There are amazing resorts and spas in the area that make for a truly luxurious and romantic holiday. Many couples visit for their honeymoon, and whether you enjoy exploring nature or pampering yourself in a five star setting, there really is something for everyone.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for backpackers. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Oaxaca de Juarez. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit La Fortuna. As one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica, this town has a number of hostels that cater to the backpacker crowds.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez and La Fortuna both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Oaxaca de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

La Fortuna has a few public transit options. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

La Fortuna is a somewhat walkable city. While the town itself is very walkable, many of the area's attractions can only be reached by car.

For even more information, also check out Is Oaxaca de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Fortuna or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna?

It's fun to spend time in either Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Fortuna.

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

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

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna?

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Oaxaca de Juarez, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and nightlife around the scenic destination of La Fortuna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Oaxaca de Juarez, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find nightlife and food around the stunning town of La Fortuna. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna?

Oaxaca de Juarez, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

La Fortuna is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

La Fortuna is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oaxaca de Juarez and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna is more expensive. And not only is Oaxaca de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oaxaca de Juarez is in North America and La Fortuna is in Central 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 La Fortuna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Fortuna 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 Oaxaca de Juarez Expensive? and Is La Fortuna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or La Fortuna?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and La Fortuna, 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.