A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Durango for Couples, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Durango?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Durango? 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 built-up, well-known, and vibrant city. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Acapulco de Juarez travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a historic, charming, and quaint small town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Acapulco de Juarez and Durango: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Acapulco de Juarez than Durango, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Acapulco de Juarez is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Durango is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than Durango and is popular for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is famous for the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is a small town with a few options for winter skiing. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a skiing destination.

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

Durango is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Durango. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

While most people don't head to Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

People head to Acapulco de Juarez just to party. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Durango Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Acapulco de Juarez for its luxury resorts. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Durango is not a resort destination.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Durango is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Durango is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Durango Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Durango is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Acapulco de Juarez for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

Durango offers a nice historic old town area. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango 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 Durango. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Durango?

Acapulco de Juarez is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Durango More Beautiful?

Durango is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

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

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Durango Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Acapulco de Juarez or Durango.

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.

Durango is a very family-friendly destination. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Durango Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is a world-class destination for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Acapulco de Juarez is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a popular place for backpackers. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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 Durango Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Acapulco de Juarez is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Acapulco de Juarez has some public transit options. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Durango a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez is a good destination for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

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

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Durango?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Acapulco de Juarez and Durango. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than in Durango. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 2-3 days is enough time in Durango.

Families should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Durango. 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 Durango. 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 Durango 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 Durango.

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Durango?

In Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This small 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 Durango?

In Acapulco de Juarez, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Durango is a popular place to visit. Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Durango has to offer.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Durango?

Acapulco de Juarez is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Acapulco de Juarez has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Since Durango is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acapulco de Juarez. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Acapulco de Juarez. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Durango 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Durango?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Durango, 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.