A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for Nightlife, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a active, beautiful, and peaceful recreation area. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Chimney Rock and Lake Lure travel costs.

Acapulco de Juarez and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Acapulco de Juarez. Although Acapulco de Juarez and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are popular destinations, Acapulco de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acapulco de Juarez is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Acapulco de Juarez is famous for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. It is also well known for the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is famous for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Acapulco de Juarez
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

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.

While most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.


Is the Food Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Acapulco de Juarez
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Acapulco de Juarez is a city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for nightlife.

Acapulco de Juarez has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Acapulco de Juarez is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Acapulco de Juarez is a great destination for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Hiking?

Acapulco de Juarez
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Acapulco de Juarez
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Acapulco de Juarez is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Acapulco de Juarez to go shopping. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a good destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure More Beautiful?

Acapulco de Juarez
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers plenty of beauty for visitors. From the top of Chimney Rock there's an impressive view point. The area is also filled with natural beauty and peaceful settings.

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

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Acapulco de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Acapulco de Juarez
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great destination for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very popular recreation area for backpackers and budget travelers. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Acapulco de Juarez is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are more hotels and resorts than hostels, so most backpackers head elsewhere. There is a young crowd during the spring break season.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acapulco de Juarez
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Acapulco de Juarez is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.


Is Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Acapulco de Juarez is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable city. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acapulco de Juarez and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 1-3 days is enough time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

Families should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Acapulco de Juarez than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Acapulco de Juarez.


  • How many days in Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Ideal Length of Stay
    Acapulco de Juarez 3-5 
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Acapulco de Juarez, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this well-known destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. This recreation area offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Acapulco de Juarez, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the when visiting the peaceful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has to offer.


Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Acapulco de Juarez, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this built-up destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the city of Acapulco de Juarez. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.


Which place is cheaper, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Acapulco de Juarez $92
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234

The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $92, while the average daily cost in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $234. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acapulco de Juarez $35
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $70
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $15
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Acapulco Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $75
  • Airport Transfer In Suburban: $45
  • Roundtrip Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13

Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Prices for flights to both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $91

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.

  • Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
  • Lucha Libre-Wrestling FiestaExper Taco Dinner Beer ONLY SUNDAYS: $62
  • Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour with a Professional Chef: $100
  • Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
  • 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
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34

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
  • 4hr Fun Guide Tour For Cruisers or Hotels Guests with Divers Show: $58
  • Acapulco City Tour: $65
  • Acapulco Historical Tour with Cliff Divers Show: $65
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $67
  • City Tour & Sunset High Cliff Divers by Night w/Different Choices: $67
  • Taxco One Day Tour from Acapulco by bus: $67
  • Tour Isla de la Roqueta Stand up paddle Acapulco: $67
  • Acapulco City Tour: $68
  • 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $9.81
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, we can see that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 3930 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, 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.