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

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe? 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. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Acapulco de Juarez travel costs.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a historic, charming, and artsy historic town. Santa Fe offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Santa Fe travel costs.

Acapulco de Juarez and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santa Fe than Acapulco de Juarez. While Acapulco de Juarez is larger than Santa Fe, Santa Fe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Fe is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Acapulco de Juarez attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Acapulco de Juarez is more touristy than Santa Fe and is popular for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. Santa Fe is famous for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. It is also well known for The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a skiing destination.

Head to Santa Fe for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a skiing destination.

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

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe 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 Santa Fe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Fe is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Santa Fe is an experience not to be missed. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

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 Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Acapulco de Juarez is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is a popular place for its music scene. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Santa Fe is active and vibrant. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a live music destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Acapulco de Juarez is a perfect choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

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

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

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Santa Fe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Beaches?

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for the beach. However, Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Acapulco de Juarez does not have a historic old town.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Santa Fe is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Santa Fe is a good destination for hiking. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

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 Santa Fe More Beautiful?

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

Santa Fe offers plenty of beauty for visitors. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

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

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Acapulco de Juarez is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Acapulco de Juarez. 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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Acapulco de Juarez 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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Santa Fe is a popular place for students. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

Santa Fe is popular with students. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Acapulco de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

Acapulco de Juarez is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Santa Fe is not known for its public transit.

While Acapulco de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is a very walkable destination. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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 Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe?

In either Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Santa Fe has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Fe than Acapulco de Juarez. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

Families should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez than Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe.

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe?

The city of Acapulco de Juarez offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the historic destination of Santa Fe. This historic town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Santa Fe?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Santa Fe is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the skiing and live music when visiting the cultural historic town of Santa Fe. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Fe has to offer.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe?

Acapulco de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Acapulco de Juarez, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Santa Fe. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Santa Fe has to offer.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe?

Acapulco de Juarez is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Santa Fe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Santa Fe?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Santa Fe. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Santa Fe, 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.