A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Buzios vs. Cancun for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Buzios or Cancun?

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

Should I visit Buzios or Cancun? 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.

Buzios

Visitors also love the food. See Buzios travel costs.

Cancun

Cancun is a party-hard, tropical, and active city. The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cancun travel costs.

Buzios and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Buzios or Cancun?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cancun than Buzios, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cancun is more touristy than Buzios and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Also, Cancun is famous for . Buzios is well known for



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How is Buzios different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Buzios or Cancun?

Buzios
Cancun

Cancun is a great city for its historical sights. However, Buzios does not have museums and landmarks.

Cancun offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Buzios does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Buzios or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Buzios
Cancun

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Buzios and Cancun.

Buzios has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find fresh seafood, Brazilian flavors, and international cuisine. Many beachfront restaurants serve dishes like grilled fish, moqueca (Brazilian seafood stew), and shrimp pastéis. Rua das Pedras, the town's main street, is packed with places to eat. There's everything from fine dining to casual eateries that offer pizza, sushi, and Argentine barbecue. The city also has many street vendors where you can grab a meal for very little money.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Buzios or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

Buzios
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for nightlife and partying. However, Buzios is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Cancun is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

Buzios is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Buzios or Cancun Better for Resorts?

Buzios
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Buzios is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Cancun is a great choice. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Buzios is not a resort destination.


Is Buzios or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Buzios
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Buzios is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Cancun a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Buzios is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Buzios or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Buzios
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for the beach. However, Buzios is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cancun. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Buzios is not a beach destination.

Is Buzios or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Buzios
Cancun

Cancun is a popular place for hiking. However, Buzios is not a hiking destination.

Cancun is a good destination for hiking. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Buzios is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Buzios or Cancun?

Buzios
Cancun

Cancun is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Buzios is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cancun. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Buzios is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Buzios or Cancun More Beautiful?

Buzios
Cancun

Cancun is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Buzios is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Buzios is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Buzios or Cancun Better for Families?

Buzios
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Buzios is not as popular, but is still a nice for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cancun is a very family-friendly destination. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

Buzios is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Families enjoy hanging out at Ferradura Beach, which usually has calm waters where you can swim and play. A boat tour around the peninsula lets families explore hidden beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and even spot marine life. Strolling down Rua das Pedras in the evening offers a mix of delicious restaurants, ice cream shops, and lively street performances. For a bit of adventure, families can take a buggy ride to explore the scenic coastline and visit panoramic viewpoints like Mirante do Forno.


Is Buzios or Cancun Better for Couples?

Buzios
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Buzios is not as popular, but is still a nice for couples.

Cancun makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Buzios is a good for couples to visit. There are sunset cruises along the coast that offer champagne and beautiful views. You can also take a stroll down the charming Rua das Pedras and enjoy a meal at a cozy restaurant. A day at the beach is a fun activity and adventure-loving couples can explore hidden coves on a boat tour, go snorkeling together, or take a scenic hike to Mirante do Forno for stunning panoramic views.

Is Buzios or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Buzios
Cancun

For backpackers, both Buzios and Cancun are great places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Buzios. There are hostels, beaches, and a variety of activities that backpackers can enjoy. With over 20 beaches and plenty of affordable street food, this is a great spot for budget travelers. You'll also find many other backpackers in the area.

Cancun is a very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Is Buzios or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Buzios
Cancun

Cancun is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Buzios does not have public transit.

While Cancun offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Buzios does not have public transit.


Is Buzios or Cancun a more walkable city?

Buzios
Cancun

Cancun is a great city for its high level of walkability. However, Buzios is not a walkable destination.

Cancun is a very walkable city. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

Buzios is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Buzios?

How long in Buzios or Cancun?

Both Buzios and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Buzios. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Buzios, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cancun than Buzios. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cancun that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun than Buzios 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 Cancun.


  • How many days in Buzios or Cancun? Ideal Length of Stay
    Buzios 2-5 
    Cancun 4-7

One day in Buzios or Cancun?


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Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Buzios. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cancun. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Buzios or Cancun?


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Buzios is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cancun is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Buzios or Cancun?


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It's hard to know how much time to spend in Buzios. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Buzios or Cancun?


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Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Buzios. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the tropical destination of Cancun. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.


Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Buzios?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Buzios is $91, while the average daily cost in Cancun is $153. 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 Buzios and Cancun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buzios $36
    Cancun $89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buzios $72
    Cancun $178
Compare Hotels in Buzios and Cancun

Looking for a hotel in Buzios or Cancun? 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 Buzios


Hotels in Cancun


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: Cancun Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buzios $18
    Cancun $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buzios

Also for Buzios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tour in Buzios City Tour, Lunch and Transfer: $60
  • Rio de Janeiro Transfer from Buzios to Airport (GIG)(SDU): $73
  • Private transfer from Buzios to the GIG Airport : $182
  • Private transfer Minivan from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 6 pax to Buzios: $134
  • Private transfer Buzios in Rio to the SDU Airport : $182
  • Private Transfer from GIG Airport to City Buzios in Rio : $170
  • Private Transfer from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • Private Transfer from Cabo Frio Airport (CFB) to Buzios Port: $118
  • Private Transfer from Buzios Port to Cabo Frio Airport (CFB): $118
  • Private Transfer Buzios to Rio de Janeiro: $91
  • Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 4 pax to Buzios: $115
  • Executive private transfer from GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Buzios: $115

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    $1.52
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    $13
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    $15
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    $1.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Limo Transfer Airport Cancun - Puerto Morelos Hotel Zone: $279
  • Cancun Airport Private Transfer to Tulum (Round Trip): $250
  • Private Transfer from Cancún Airport (CUN) to Tulum : $243
  • Xcaret 1 Day Tour from Cancun with Hotel Transfer: $228
  • Cancun Airport Private Transfer One Way: To or From Akumal Area Up to 15 Pass.: $225
  • Private Transfer from Cancun Airport to Tulum: $220
  • Round private transfer Airport- Akumal - Airport.: $220
  • Private Round Trip Transfer (Cancun Airport - Playa del Carmen): $219
  • Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $215
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) to Akumal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $214
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) to El Dorado Maroma - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $212
  • Private round airport transfer from Cancun - Puerto Aventuras - airport.: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Buzios or Cancun?

Prices for flights to both Cancun and Buzios 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
    Buzios $40
    Cancun $45

Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cancun Pirate Ship Adventure : Dinner & Show at Sea 2 for 1 Deal: $50
  • Pirate Show in Cancun! Dinner & drinks: $62
  • Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
  • Pirate Shop & Dinner at Cancun! Drinks, Adventure and Fun: $65
  • Cancun Walking Food Tour: Local Food, Markets, and Street Art.: $77
  • Puerto Morelos Walking Food Tour: $77
  • Mexican Cooking Class with fresh Local Market ingredients selection and transpor: $79
  • Cancun Taco & Mexican Food Tour with Tequila Tasting: $79
  • Cancun Private Mural Art and Food Tour: $81
  • Hands-On Cooking Class in Drink & Cook Authentic Dishes: $85
  • Pirate’s Night Out: Dinner and Entertainment in the Caribbean: $89
  • Unforgettable Pirate Dinner Adventure in the Mexican Caribbean: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buzios $25
    Cancun $32

Tours and Activities in Buzios

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Buzios.

  • Buzios Trolley City Tour: $31
  • 3-hour Small Group Buzios Peninsula Open Air Trolley Tour: $31
  • Búzios Full day: Boat and Trolley Tour with Lunch from Arraial do Cabo: $120
  • Búzios Full day: Boat and Trolley Tour with Lunch from Búzios: $93
  • Búzios Full day: Boat and Trolley Tour with Lunch from Cabo Frio: $112
  • Boat Tour Open Bar A Floor Arraial do Cabo : $13
  • Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo: $23
  • Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo from Buzios with Lunch: $60
  • Buggy Ride in Buzios by Buziana Tour: $19
  • Buggy Tour in Arraial do Cabo by Arraial Viagens: $58
  • Cabo Frio Full-Day Tour From Buzios with Lunch: $64
  • Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios: $26

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    $0.54
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    $92

Tours and Activities in Cancun

For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Day Combo Tour, Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor and Chichen Itza Option: $260
  • 3 in 1 Tour to Coba Cenote and Maya Village: $149
  • Atv tour from Cancun with ziplines and cenote swim experience: $30
  • Cancun Private Street Art Tour: $65
  • Clear Boat Tour in Cancun 1.5 hours great for pictures: $19
  • Coco Bongo Music And Show Ticket: $90
  • Holbox plus Island Magic by boat Tour from Cancun : $144
  • Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres Tour from Cancun: $152
  • Isla Mujeres Catamaran Platinum Tour with Open Bar: $115
  • LDS Tour to Chichen Itza + Cenote : $215
  • Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos Day Tour from Cancun: $105
  • Private Tour to Tulum Ruins and Cenotes : $257

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buzios $17
    Cancun $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun

Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Social Pub Crawl in Cancun: $35
  • Bar Crawl Madness Tour in Cancun: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buzios and Cancun, we can see that Cancun is more expensive. And not only is Buzios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Buzios is in South America and Cancun is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Buzios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buzios 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 Cancun would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cancun than you might in Buzios.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buzios Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buzios or Cancun?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Buzios. When comparing the sizes of Buzios and Cancun, 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.