A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Hot Springs for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Hot Springs?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Hot Springs? 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.

Where Should I go: Acapulco de Juarez or Hot Springs?

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.

Hot Springs

Hot Springs is a popular resort city in central Arkansas. It's location in the Ouachita Mountains make it a convenient base for exploring the area's natural hot springs, from which the city gets its name. The city is also home to Hot Springs National Park, which have long been believed to have healing properties. Today many spas have popped up around the hot springs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Hot Springs 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
    Hot Springs Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Acapulco de Juarez $92
    Hot Springs $220

The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $92, while the average daily cost in Hot Springs is $220. 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 Hot Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Acapulco de Juarez $35
    Hot Springs $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Acapulco de Juarez $70
    Hot Springs $200
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Hot Springs

Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Hot Springs? 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 Hot Springs


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 Hot Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Acapulco de Juarez $15
    Hot Springs $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hot Springs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hot Springs:

  • Hot Springs to Little Rock Airport LIT Departure Private Transfer: $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Hot Springs?

Prices for flights to both Hot Springs 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
    Hot Springs $90

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
    Hot Springs $30

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 Hot Springs

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hot Springs are as follows:

  • Hot Springs NP Self Guided Driving and Walking Audio Tour: $17
  • Small-Group Zipline Tour in Hot Springs: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Acapulco de Juarez $9.81
    Hot Springs $22


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


Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Hot Springs?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hot Springs. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Hot Springs, 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Hot Springs?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Hot Springs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Hot Springs. The summer months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Hot Springs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Hot Springs averages at about 83°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hot Springs this time of the year. In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less sunshine than Hot Springs during summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Hot Springs receives 364 hours of full sun in the summer.

Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Hot Springs. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Acapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F) 
    Hot Springs 83°F (28°C)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Hot Springs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Hot Springs. The shopping scene are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year.

In October, Acapulco de Juarez is generally much warmer than Hot Springs. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 28°C (83°F), and Hot Springs fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hot Springs. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hot Springs. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hot Springs receives 254 hours of full sun.

Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in October than Hot Springs. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Acapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F) 
    Hot Springs 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Hot Springs in the Winter?

Both Hot Springs and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hot Springs can get quite cold in the winter. Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Hot Springs in the winter. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Hot Springs fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Hot Springs. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Hot Springs during winter. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Hot Springs receives 205 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Hot Springs. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Acapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F) 
    Hot Springs 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Hot Springs in the Spring?

Both Hot Springs and Acapulco de Juarez during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Hot Springs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Hot Springs averages at about 65°F (18°C).

In Hot Springs, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez often gets less sunshine than Hot Springs. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hot Springs receives 304 hours of full sun.

Hot Springs gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in April than Hot Springs. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hot Springs receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Acapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F) 
    Hot Springs 65°F (18°C)

Typical Weather for Hot Springs and Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez Hot Springs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 40°F (4°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in) 45°F (7°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (121 mm)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 65°F (18°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)
May 28°C (82°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 71°F (22°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 271 mm (10.7 in) 79°F (26°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 209 mm (8.2 in) 83°F (28°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 312 mm (12.3 in) 81°F (27°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 341 mm (13.4 in) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in) 53°F (12°C) 5.1 inches (130 mm)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 44°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm)


Related Articles for Acapulco de Juarez