A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cabo San Lucas vs. Glacier National Park for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cabo San Lucas and Glacier National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a wild, adventurous, and scenic city. You'll find world class beauty in Cabo San Lucas as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a stunning, breathtaking, and gorgeous park. The famous beauty of Glacier National Park is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas and Glacier National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Going-to-the-Sun Road
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Cabo San Lucas and Glacier National Park are both popular with visitors, Cabo San Lucas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cabo San Lucas is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to Land's End. Glacier National Park is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes.

How is Cabo San Lucas different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glacier National Park and Cabo San Lucas. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

Cabo San Lucas is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.


Is the Food Better in Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cabo San Lucas makes for a great culinary experience. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Cabo San Lucas is very popular for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

Cabo San Lucas is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its resorts. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its luxury resorts.

Cabo San Lucas is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

With a selection of resorts, Glacier National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Cabo San Lucas is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Glacier National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Cabo San Lucas. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Glacier National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its beaches. However, Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Cabo San Lucas is considered a top beach destination. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its historic old town. However, Glacier National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cabo San Lucas. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Glacier National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Both Cabo San Lucas and Glacier National Park are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Many visitors go to Glacier National Park for the hiking trails. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Is the Shopping Better in Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Cabo San Lucas is notable for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

Cabo San Lucas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Cabo San Lucas and Glacier National Park both are comparable with their terrific scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Cabo San Lucas is one of the main draws. Beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and striking landscapes make this a world class tropical destination.

Many visitors also come to Glacier National Park because of it's amazing beauty. This is one of the most stunning national parks in the United States with its many pristine lakes, striking mountain peaks, and breathtaking views.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cabo San Lucas is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly city. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Cabo San Lucas is very popular for romance. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its romantic activities.

Cabo San Lucas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Cabo San Lucas is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Glacier National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

Many backpackers visit Cabo San Lucas. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.


Is Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place for its public transit. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for times when you don't have a car.

Cabo San Lucas has a few public transit options. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

Is Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Cabo San Lucas
Glacier National Park

Cabo San Lucas is notable for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

Cabo San Lucas is very walkable. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable city. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Cabo San Lucas Worth Visiting? and Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glacier National Park or Cabo San Lucas?

How long in Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cabo San Lucas and Glacier National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than in Glacier National Park. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Cabo San Lucas, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glacier National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Glacier National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cabo San Lucas that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Glacier National Park 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 Cabo San Lucas.


  • How many days in Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cabo San Lucas 3-7 
    Glacier National Park 2-3

One day in Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park?

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Glacier National Park, you'll find . Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cabo San Lucas. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Glacier National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park?

Cabo San Lucas is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glacier National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park?

In Cabo San Lucas, you'll find nightlife and food. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the park of Glacier National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours 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, Glacier National Park or Cabo San Lucas?

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

  • Cabo San Lucas Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Glacier National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cabo San Lucas $159
    Glacier National Park $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Cabo San Lucas is $159, while the average daily cost in Glacier National Park is $148. 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 Cabo San Lucas and Glacier National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cabo San Lucas $57
    Glacier National Park $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cabo San Lucas $114
    Glacier National Park $112
Compare Hotels in Cabo San Lucas and Glacier National Park

Looking for a hotel in Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park? 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 Cabo San Lucas


Hotels in Glacier National Park


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: Cabo San Lucas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $25
    Glacier National Park $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Los Cabos International Airport to Hotel: $23
  • Los Cabos Shuttle Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $36
  • Los Cabos Airport Private Transfer SJD to Multiple Destinations: $38
  • Los Cabos Airport (SJD) to San Jose del Cabo hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $72
  • Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) to Cabo San Lucas Port - Arrival Private Transfer : $74
  • Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port to Cabo San Lucas hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $74
  • Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port- Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Cabo San Lucas Cruise Port to Airport CSL Departure Transfer: $74
  • Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) to Cabo San Lucas -Arrival Transfer : $80
  • Private transfer at VAN Airport Los Cabos - San Jose del Cabo: $85
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer in San José del Cabo APT-HTL(SJD): $91
  • Airport transfers and all: $95

Is it cheaper to fly into Cabo San Lucas or Glacier National Park?

Prices for flights to both Glacier National Park and Cabo San Lucas 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
    Cabo San Lucas $80
    Glacier National Park $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cabo San Lucas

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cabo San Lucas.

  • Authentic Mexican Legacy Cooking Class in Cabo San Lucas: $75
  • San Jose del Cabo Food Tour & Visit to the Market: $79
  • Flavors of Authentic Mexican Food Tour: $79
  • San Jose del Cabo Morning Food Tour: $84
  • San José del Cabo for Meat Lovers Food Tour: $90
  • Sunset Mexican Dinner Cruise and Live Music in Cabo San Lucas: $95
  • Parrillada dinner with a Private Chef in your villa/condo in Cabo or San Jose: $95
  • Jumbo Shrimp Dinner in Your Private Villa or Condo in Cabo or San Jose del Cabo: $99
  • Cabo San Lucas Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar: $99
  • Cabo Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music & Open Bar on Cabo Wave: $99
  • Sunset E-bike Beach Ride with Mexican Dinner and Margaritas: $109
  • San Jose del Cabo City Highlights with Tequila Tasting and Dinner: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cabo San Lucas $39
    Glacier National Park $34

Tours and Activities in Cabo San Lucas

Here are a few actual costs in Cabo San Lucas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Shared Experience Glass Bottom Boat to the Arch in Cabo San Lucas: $15
  • Boat Tour to Cabo San Lucas Arch and Rock Formations: $17
  • The Ultimate Camel Safari Experience in Los Cabos: $17
  • Cabo San Lucas Arch Tour and we go down to Playa del Amor: $19
  • 2 in 1 Tour | Arc Tour with Beach Drop: $20
  • Tour to Arch in the only Clear Boat in Cabo Cruise Hotel PICKUP!: $24
  • Tour to Arch in the Clear Boat Cruise Ship Terminal Hotel PICKUP!: $27
  • Tour to The Arch and Lover's Beach (optional) from Cabo: $30
  • The Fenway Bar Experience: $30
  • Transparent Boat Tour Cabo San Lucas Arch and Playa del Amor: $36
  • Whale Watching Tour with Arch and Beach in Cabo San Lucas: $38
  • Shared Tour to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas: $39

Tours and Activities in Glacier National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Glacier National Park are as follows:

  • Many Glacier Self-Guided Audio Tour in Glacier National Park: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park Going-to-the-Sun Road Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park North Fork Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $16
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $20
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Glacier National Park : $65
  • Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch: $159
  • Doris Lake Hike and Pack Raft Adventure: $219
  • E Bike Tour in Glacier National Park Cammas Road: $229
  • Driving Tour West Glacier National Park (excludes Sun Road): $245
  • Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cabo San Lucas $26
    Glacier National Park $8.41

Sample the Local Flavors in Cabo San Lucas

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cabo San Lucas:

  • Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise Tour in San Jose del Cabo: $280


When comparing the travel costs between Cabo San Lucas and Glacier National Park, we can see that Cabo San Lucas is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cabo San Lucas Expensive? and Is Glacier National Park Expensive?.


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