A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Aspen for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen? 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.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a vibrant, built-up, and well-known city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Acapulco de Juarez travel costs.

Aspen

Aspen is a quaint, vibrant, and artsy ski town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and hiking. See Aspen travel costs.

Acapulco de Juarez and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good for hiking
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for Christmas markets
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aspen. Although Acapulco de Juarez and Aspen are popular destinations, Aspen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aspen is very popular for its skiing, food, music, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Acapulco de Juarez attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Acapulco de Juarez is famous for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. Aspen is famous for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also well known for The Maroon Bells.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

Aspen is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Aspen should be on your list. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

Acapulco de Juarez is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Acapulco de Juarez offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Aspen does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

Aspen is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Aspen is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Acapulco de Juarez. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Acapulco de Juarez is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

The nightlife in Aspen has something for everybody. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen Better for Music?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

Aspen is a great destination for its music scene. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a live music destination.

Aspen has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a live music destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for its resorts. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Acapulco de Juarez is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

There are plenty of resorts in Aspen to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

Acapulco de Juarez is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aspen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Aspen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

Acapulco de Juarez is a great destination for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Acapulco de Juarez attract visitors from all over. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

Aspen is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Aspen. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

Aspen is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Acapulco de Juarez. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen More Beautiful?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

Aspen is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Aspen attracts visitors from all around. Surrounded by the mountains and set amongst a beautiful natural setting, this town will take your breath away.

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

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

Acapulco de Juarez is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Acapulco de Juarez is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

Acapulco de Juarez is renowned for couples. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

Aspen is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Acapulco de Juarez and Aspen.

You'll find some public transit in Acapulco de Juarez, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

While Aspen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez
Aspen

Aspen is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

Acapulco de Juarez is somewhat walkable. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

For even more information, also check out Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen?

In either Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Aspen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Aspen than Acapulco de Juarez. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Acapulco de Juarez 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 Aspen.


  • How many days in Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acapulco de Juarez 3-5 
    Aspen 3-5

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen?

In Acapulco de Juarez, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this well-known destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Aspen might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This ski town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acapulco de Juarez. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen is a popular place to visit. Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen?

Acapulco de Juarez is a fun place to experience. In Acapulco de Juarez, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aspen has to offer.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the well-known destination of Acapulco de Juarez. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aspen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Aspen or Acapulco de Juarez?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Acapulco de Juarez Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Aspen Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Acapulco de Juarez $92
    Aspen $355

The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $92, while the average daily cost in Aspen is $355. 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 Acapulco de Juarez and Aspen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acapulco de Juarez $35
    Aspen $170
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $70
    Aspen $340
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Aspen

Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen? 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 Acapulco de Juarez


Hotels in Aspen


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: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices and Aspen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $15
    Aspen $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Private - One Way or Round Trip Airport Transfer: $66
  • Acapulco Airport (ACA) to Acapulco hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Acapulco Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $75
  • Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $45
  • Airport Transfer In Suburban: $45
  • Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
  • Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Private Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Roundtrip Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13
  • Shared Transfer to Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aspen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aspen:

  • Aspen hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $143

Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen?

Prices for flights to both Aspen and Acapulco de Juarez 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
    Acapulco de Juarez $45
    Aspen $146

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.

  • Lucha Libre-Wrestling FiestaExper Taco Dinner Beer ONLY SUNDAYS: $62
  • High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner + Two Drinks plus SUNSET: $66
  • Wrestling-Lucha Libre Experience Tacos Beer Dinner Only On SUNDAY: $74
  • Sunset Dinner and Cliff Divers in Acapulco: $91
  • Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour with a Professional Chef: $100
  • Mexican Fiesta Show & Dinner: $115
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $253
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $286

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $16
    Aspen $45

Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez

Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Kayaks Tour to El Morro Islet: $22
  • Acapulco Malibu, Avenida Kids Tour : $50
  • Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $53
  • Different Faces Of Acapulco Tour: $55
  • Acapulco Port Tour in 4 hours: $56
  • 4hr Fun Guide Tour For Cruisers or Hotels Guests with Divers Show: $58
  • 4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels, Divers, Chapel & Mural.: $60
  • Acapulco City Tour: $65
  • Acapulco Historical Tour with Cliff Divers Show: $65
  • City Tour & Sunset High Cliff Divers by Night w/Different Choices: $67
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $67
  • Tour Isla de la Roqueta Stand up paddle Acapulco: $67

Tours and Activities in Aspen

Here are a few actual costs in Aspen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Aspen Self-Guided Tour: Tales of Wealth, Wildness and Rebellion: $15
  • Aspen Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Highlights of Aspen Tour: $45
  • Cemetery Tour: $45
  • Aspen's Off the Beaten Path Tour: $45
  • Aspen's Past to Present Historic Tour: $45
  • Aspen's DarkSide Ghost Tour: $45
  • Dark History Ghost-Themed Guided Walking Tour: $45
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $45
  • Aspen's Off the Beaten Path Scenic Walking Tour: $45
  • From Past to Present History Walking Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $9.81
    Aspen $20


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


Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Aspen?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Aspen, 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.