A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fortaleza vs. Guadalajara for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Fortaleza or Guadalajara?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Guadalajara 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.

Fortaleza

Fortaleza is a lively, vibrant, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Fortaleza travel costs.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a historical, vibrant, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Fortaleza and Guadalajara: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Fortaleza or Guadalajara?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Guadalajara than Fortaleza. While Fortaleza is larger than Guadalajara, Guadalajara has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Guadalajara is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and historical sights, while Fortaleza is known for its beaches. Fortaleza is popular for its beaches, nightlife, and local culture. Guadalajara is popular for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also home to the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Fortaleza different from Guadalajara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fortaleza or Guadalajara?

Fortaleza
Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Fortaleza is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Guadalajara. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Fortaleza. Dragão do Mar is the cultural center in town. There are shows and concerts that highlight the local culture. Also part of the complex are a planetarium and two museums - the Museu de Arte Contemporânea and the Memorial da Cultura Cearense. Also worth seeing the Metropolitan Cathedral of Fortaleza, which is the third largest cathedral in the country.


Is the Food Better in Fortaleza or Guadalajara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fortaleza
Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Fortaleza is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Guadalajara has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Fortaleza area. The city has a number of great restaurants that range from Brazilian barbecue restaurants to international cuisine. Many dishes are heavy and use a lot of meat. Local favorites include paçoca and escondidinho de carne seca.

Is Fortaleza or Guadalajara Better for Nightlife?

Fortaleza
Guadalajara

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Fortaleza and Guadalajara.

The nightlife in Fortaleza has something for everybody. Like much of Brazil, the city has a vibrant nightlife scene. There are beachfront bars, live music venues, and many places where you can enjoy a good party. You'll find a high concentration of places around Praia de Iracema and the Casario.

Guadalajara offers plenty to do in the evening. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

Is Fortaleza or Guadalajara Better for Beaches?

Fortaleza
Guadalajara

Fortaleza is great for the beach. However, Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Fortaleza. There are 5 kilometers of sandy beach in town and many visitors enjoy taking long walks. While there are technically four beaches in the area, they all kind of merge together and it can be difficult to tell one from the other. The most popular beach is Meireles, which has a boardwalk and is lined by high rise buildings.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.


Is Fortaleza or Guadalajara Better for its Old Town?

Fortaleza
Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a great city for its old town. However, Fortaleza does not have a historic old town.

Guadalajara is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Fortaleza does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Fortaleza or Guadalajara?

Fortaleza
Guadalajara

If you're looking to go shopping, Fortaleza and Guadalajara both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Fortaleza is well-known for its shopping. It's a large city with plenty of shopping malls and other local boutiques which are fun to explore.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Guadalajara. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

Is Fortaleza or Guadalajara Better for Families?

Fortaleza
Guadalajara

Neither Fortaleza nor Guadalajara are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Fortaleza is not always the best place to visit. There are several beaches and parks where kids will enjoy running around and stretching their legs.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.


Is Fortaleza or Guadalajara Better for Couples?

Fortaleza
Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a city with good options for its romantic activities. However, Fortaleza is not known for couples.

Guadalajara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

Fortaleza is not always the best place to visit for a couple. While it's often overlooked by couples, those who have a few days in town can enjoy the beaches or take a stroll down the beachfront promenade.

Is Fortaleza or Guadalajara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fortaleza
Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Fortaleza is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Fortaleza is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most backpackers skip this city for the more popular destinations.

Is Fortaleza or Guadalajara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fortaleza
Guadalajara

Fortaleza is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Fortaleza offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Metro system includes a rail and light rail system.

Public transit is generally limited in Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.


Is Fortaleza or Guadalajara a more walkable city?

Fortaleza
Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Fortaleza is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Guadalajara is a very walkable city. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

Fortaleza is a somewhat walkable city. It's a relatively walkable city with some neighborhoods easier to explore on foot than others. It's important to understand the area you're in because safety could be a concern.

For even more information, also check out Is Fortaleza Worth Visiting? and Is Guadalajara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Guadalajara or Fortaleza?

How long in Fortaleza or Guadalajara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fortaleza and Guadalajara. In our opinion, Guadalajara has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Guadalajara than Fortaleza. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Fortaleza 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 Guadalajara.


  • How many days in Fortaleza or Guadalajara? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fortaleza 2-3 
    Guadalajara 2-3

One day in Fortaleza or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Fortaleza. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Guadalajara. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Fortaleza or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the lively destination of Fortaleza. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Guadalajara. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Fortaleza or Guadalajara?

The cultural city of Fortaleza offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Guadalajara. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Fortaleza or Guadalajara?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Fortaleza. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Guadalajara is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Guadalajara or Fortaleza?

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

  • Fortaleza Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Guadalajara Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Fortaleza $83
    Guadalajara $138

The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $83, while the average daily cost in Guadalajara is $138. 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 Fortaleza and Guadalajara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fortaleza $29
    Guadalajara $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fortaleza $58
    Guadalajara $76
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Guadalajara

Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza or Guadalajara? 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 Fortaleza


Hotels in Guadalajara


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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Guadalajara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fortaleza $20
    Guadalajara $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza

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

  • 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $268
  • Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $240
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Canoa Quebrada: $128
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Flexeiras: $120
  • Jericoacoara - Fortaleza x Jericoacoara transfer: $105
  • Transfer 4x4 Regular Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $90
  • Private Transfer from Praia das Fontes to Fortaleza (FOR) Airport : $87
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Praia das Fontes: $87
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Beberibe: $87
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza Hotels to Fortaleza Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza Cruise Port to Fortaleza hotels: $87
  • Private Transfer from Carmel Charme Resort to Fortaleza (FOR) Airport: $86

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guadalajara

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

  • Guadalajara Airport Private Transfer to Ajijic & Chapala: $289
  • Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Tequila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
  • Guadalajara to Tequila - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $179
  • Tequila to Guadalajara - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $179
  • Private Airport Transfer to Guadalajara Hotels Safe & Stress-Free: $159
  • Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Guadalajara hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • Tequila to Guadalajara Airport (GDL) - Departure Private Transfer: $101
  • Transfer from International Airport to Tequila Jalisco: $89
  • Transfer by car to or from Guadalajara Airport: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Guadalajara?

Prices for flights to both Guadalajara and Fortaleza 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
    Fortaleza $39
    Guadalajara $75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guadalajara

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

  • Private Street Food Tour and City Tour Guadalajara - Best Rated : $44
  • Guadalajara Private Food Tour: $70
  • Authentic Mexican Cooking & Tequila tasting experience-Casa Humo: $108
  • Mexican Cooking Classes and Market Visit in Guadalajara: $195
  • VIP Tequila Night Tour with Dinner and Tasting: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fortaleza $15
    Guadalajara $25

Tours and Activities in Fortaleza

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

  • Águas Belas Tour: $14
  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $12
  • Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $23
  • City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $25
  • Fortaleza Historical & Cultural Discovery Private Tour: $178
  • Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour with visit to Cumbuco Beach: $19
  • Fortaleza Private Walking Tour with a Local: $31
  • Full Day Beach Tour In Cumbuco: $37
  • Full Day Premium Tour in Jericoacoara: $61
  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $12
  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco from Fortaleza: $36

Tours and Activities in Guadalajara

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

  • Walking Tour Experience in Ajijic Mexico: $50
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Guide in Guadalajara, you choose!: $36
  • A unique tour! Visiting Hacienda Casa herradura From Guadalajara: $120
  • Architecture of Luis Barragan Walking Tour with Street Food: $70
  • Bar Tour of the Coolest Quarter of Guadalajara: $17
  • Cantaritos and Tequila Factory Tour: $89
  • Chapala Ajijic Area Tour from Guadalajara: $40
  • Chapala Lake & Ajijic Tour with "Tres Potrillos Ranch": $65
  • Chapala and Ajijic Private Full-Day Tour: $128
  • Charreria heritage tour be a charro for a day: $50
  • City Tour Downtown Guadalajara Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: $79
  • City tour in Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fortaleza $9.58
    Guadalajara $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Guadalajara

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guadalajara:

  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Guadalajara Mexico: $25
  • Tequila distillery experience, Jose Cuervo & Tequila Magic Town: $65
  • full day Tequila tour visiting artisanal distillery and downtown.: $95
  • Guided Tour of Guachimontones and Tequila Distillery: $105
  • Full-Day Tour to La Fortaleza Distillery and Cantaritos: $155
  • Private Adventure Day Tour to Tequila and Cazcanes Distillery: $156
  • Private Adventure to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $161
  • Private One Day Adventure Tour in Tequila and La Fortaleza Distillery: $167
  • Private Tour Cascahuin Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour one day in Guachimontones and La Fortaleza Distillery: $211
  • Guachimontones and Tequila Distillery in One Day: $264


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Guadalajara, we can see that Guadalajara is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fortaleza is in South America and Guadalajara 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 Fortaleza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fortaleza 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 Guadalajara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guadalajara than you might in Fortaleza.

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


Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Guadalajara?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Guadalajara. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Guadalajara, 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.