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

Should you visit Fortaleza or Oaxaca de Juarez?

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 Oaxaca de Juarez 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 vibrant, cultural, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Fortaleza travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Fortaleza and Oaxaca de Juarez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fortaleza or Oaxaca de Juarez?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fortaleza than Oaxaca de Juarez. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Fortaleza is very popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Oaxaca de Juarez attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Fortaleza and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Fortaleza is famous for its beaches, nightlife, and local culture. It is also well known for Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture.

How is Fortaleza different from Oaxaca de Juarez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Oaxaca de Juarez?

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Fortaleza is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Oaxaca de Juarez are world-renowned. There are many museums and historical sights in the city and nearby. The Oaxaca Cathedral is located on the city's main square, Zocalo. Also worth visiting is the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude. Just a few kilometers outside of the city is the historic settlement of Monte Albán as well as the Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol. Also check out the Rufino Tamayo Museum and Museo Casa Juárez.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Fortaleza is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Oaxaca de Juarez have been singled out for their culinary prowess. This is a city for foodies. Of all the destinations in Mexico, this one always tops the list for its cuisine. The food is influenced by traditional ingredients like corn and many of the recipes have been passed on through the generations. Local dishes include mole, Oaxaca cheese, coloradito, and tlayudas.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Fortaleza and Oaxaca de Juarez.

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.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene starts late in the evening and can continue into the early hours. Many people meet up around Oaxaca Zocalo and it's very lively in the evenings. You'll often find live music and a fun atmosphere. As the night progresses, many people make their way to Santo Domingo, which is where you'll find a number of bars and clubs.

Is Fortaleza or Oaxaca de Juarez Better for Beaches?

Fortaleza is great for its beaches. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Fortaleza is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Is Fortaleza or Oaxaca de Juarez Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its old town. However, Fortaleza does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Oaxaca de Juarez is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic center is filled with colonial Spanish architecture. It's laid out in a grid pattern and there are many historic monuments. The surrounding region also has a history that dates back 1500 years.

Fortaleza does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Fortaleza or Oaxaca de Juarez?

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Fortaleza is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Oaxaca de Juarez draws large crowds to its stores. The region's indigenous populations are known for the artisan crafts and handmade items. Many visitors enjoy shopping at the city's markets, where you'll find handmade ceramics, hand blown glassware, and more.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Fortaleza. It's a large city with plenty of shopping malls and other local boutiques which are fun to explore.

Is Fortaleza or Oaxaca de Juarez Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Fortaleza is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers lots of family activities. For trampolines, bouncy houses, and other fun activities, head to El Llano Park on a weekend. There's also an outdoor playground and other fun activities for kids at Museu Infantil de Oaxaca. Kid-friendly restaurants are abundant, and if the kids enjoy hiking, you can head out of town for a day trip.

Fortaleza is not the most family-friendly destination. There are several beaches and parks where kids will enjoy running around and stretching their legs.

Is Fortaleza or Oaxaca de Juarez Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city for its romantic activities. However, Fortaleza is not known for couples.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is famous for its cuisine, so food lovers will enjoy dining their way through town. There are also great hotels, beautiful gardens, and fascinating architecture.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Fortaleza is not known for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Oaxaca de Juarez is extremely popular for backpackers. There are many very affordable hostels around town. The city is a mecca for backpackers in Mexico, and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with and great restaurants to explore.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fortaleza and Oaxaca de Juarez both offer nice public transit to get you around.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez has a few public transit options. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

Is Fortaleza or Oaxaca de Juarez a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very walkable city. It's a walkable city that's fun to explore on foot, particularly in the historic center.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez or Fortaleza?

How long in Fortaleza or Oaxaca de Juarez?

In either Fortaleza or Oaxaca de Juarez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Fortaleza because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Fortaleza, and 2-5 days is enough time in Oaxaca de Juarez.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Oaxaca de Juarez.

One day in Fortaleza or Oaxaca de Juarez?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Fortaleza. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Oaxaca de Juarez. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez?

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant city of Fortaleza. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez?

Fortaleza is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic city of Oaxaca de Juarez. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Fortaleza or Oaxaca de Juarez?

Fortaleza is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Oaxaca de Juarez 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Oaxaca de Juarez?

Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza and Oaxaca de Juarez, 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.