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

Should you visit Punta del Este or Acapulco de Juarez?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Punta del Este or Acapulco de Juarez, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Punta del Este or Acapulco de Juarez?

Punta del Este

Punta del Este with its many beaches, elegant seaside homes, yacht harbor, high-rise apartment buildings, pricey hotels, ardent night scene and glitzy restaurants is a chic beach resort town in Uruguay. Many tourists come from Brazil and Argentina, on the other side of the Rio de la Plata, to get some nice sun and lay on the beach for a weekend getaway. Punta del Este is more expensive than other areas in Uruguay and has been called the Monaco of South America. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very crowded in the summer.

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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Acapulco de Juarez or Punta del Este?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Punta del Este is $98, 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 Punta del Este and Acapulco de Juarez in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Punta del Este $55
    Acapulco de Juarez $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Punta del Este $110
    Acapulco de Juarez $78
Compare Hotels in Punta del Este and Acapulco de Juarez

Looking for a hotel in Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este


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: Punta del Este Hotel Prices and Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Punta del Este $22
    Acapulco de Juarez $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta del Este

Also for Punta del Este, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Montevideo Hotels to Carrasco Airport MVD Departure Transfer: $49
  • Montevideo hotels to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Private Transfer - Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $85
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo City to Montevideo Cruise Port: $55
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo city to Montevideo Cruise Port: $30
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo hotels to Punta Del Este Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Montevideo to Punta Del Este Cruise Port: $85
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Cruise Port to Montevideo: $85
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Montevideo hotels: $72
  • Private Transfer to Punta del Este Airport: $60
  • Punta del Este Airport Private Transfer: $60

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 Punta del Este or Acapulco de Juarez?

Prices for flights to both Acapulco de Juarez and Punta del Este 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
    Punta del Este $31
    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.
    Punta del Este $11
    Acapulco de Juarez $18

Tours and Activities in Punta del Este

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta del Este.

  • La Vista 360 ticket de admisión: $11
  • Skip the Line: Casapueblo Museum Admission Ticket in Punta del Este: $15
  • Guided Tour of the Winery Viña Edén: $18
  • Punta del Este Classic City Tour with Sunset in Casapueblo: $30
  • Guided Tour of Vineyards: $33
  • Half-Day City Tour: $47
  • Discovering Half-Day City Tour: $47
  • Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $50
  • Punta del Este, City Tour: $50
  • Bike Tour Peninsula - Punta del Este: $65
  • Private - Punta del Este City Tour for Cruisers: $120
  • Punta del Este Shore Excursion: Private Sightseeing Tour of Punta del Este: $127

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
    Punta del Este $7.70
    Acapulco de Juarez $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Punta del Este

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Punta del Este:

  • Wine Tasting: $42
  • Half Day Private Canelones Wine Tour from Montevideo : $158


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

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


Which is Bigger, Punta del Este or Acapulco de Juarez?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Punta del Este. When comparing the sizes of Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este 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. Punta del Este 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 Punta del Este or Acapulco de Juarez in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Punta del Este as well as Acapulco de Juarez. Also, most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Punta del Este is cooler than Acapulco de Juarez in the summer. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Punta del Este this time of the year. In the summer, Punta del Este often gets more sunshine than Acapulco de Juarezin July. Punta del Este gets 296 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. Punta del Este usually gets less rain in January than Acapulco de Juarezin July. Punta del Este gets 75 mm (3 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
    Punta del Este 23°C (73°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Acapulco de Juarez in the Autumn?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Punta del Este are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Punta del Este is much colder than Acapulco de Juarez. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Punta del Este in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Acapulco de Juarez averages at about 28°C (83°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez during autumn. Punta del Este gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 245 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. In April, Punta del Este usually receives less rain than Acapulco de Juarezin October. Punta del Este gets 84 mm (3.3 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
    Punta del Este 17°C (63°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Acapulco de Juarez in the Winter?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Punta del Este during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year.

In July, Punta del Este is generally much colder than Acapulco de Juarezin January. Daily temperatures in Punta del Este average around 10°C (50°F), and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Punta del Este often gets less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarezin January. Punta del Este gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 272 hours of full sun.

Punta del Este usually gets more rain in July than Acapulco de Juarezin January. Punta del Este gets 90 mm (3.5 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
    Punta del Este 10°C (50°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Punta del Este or Acapulco de Juarez in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta del Este and Acapulco de Juarez. Furthermore, many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches.

Punta del Este is much colder than Acapulco de Juarez in the spring. The daily temperature in Punta del Este averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In Punta del Este, it's very sunny this time of the year. Punta del Este usually receives less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez during spring. Punta del Este gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 274 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Punta del Este usually receives more rain than Acapulco de Juarezin April. Punta del Este gets 85 mm (3.3 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
    Punta del Este 16°C (61°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Acapulco de Juarez and Punta del Este

Punta del Este Acapulco de Juarez
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Jul 10°C (50°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 341 mm (13.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)