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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Colorado Springs?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Colorado Springs, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a cultural, historical, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a healthy, welcoming, and friendly mountain town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Colorado Springs attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Colorado Springs travel costs.

Guadalajara and Colorado Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Colorado Springs?

You'll generally find more things to do in Guadalajara than Colorado Springs. Guadalajara is bigger than Colorado Springs, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Guadalajara is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Colorado Springs is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Guadalajara is more touristy than Colorado Springs and is popular for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. Also, Guadalajara is famous for the Guadalajara Cathedral. Colorado Springs is well known for its many outdoor recreation areas, world-class parks, striking red sandstone formations, and beautiful mountain views.

How is Guadalajara different from Colorado Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Guadalajara or Colorado Springs Better for Skiing?

Colorado Springs is adequate for skiing. However, Guadalajara is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Colorado Springs for snow skiing. The town isn't as accessible to skiing as Denver is, but there are still options, like Breckenridge, within a few hours drive.

Guadalajara is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Guadalajara or Colorado Springs?

Guadalajara is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Guadalajara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Colorado Springs offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit this area for the outdoor recreation, not the museums, but in town you'll find the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, the Peterson Air and Space Museum, the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The U.S. Olympic Complex Training Center is also a unique place to visit and well worth some time.

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

Guadalajara is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Guadalajara makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Colorado Springs has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a combination of local restaurants that serve local items such as trout and bison, as well as your standard chain restaurants and more predictable American classics like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers.

Is Guadalajara or Colorado Springs Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Guadalajara know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Colorado Springs has a few options to choose from. The town has a number of breweries and a great craft beer selection. There are local bars along Tejon Street, or head through Downtown Colorado Springs for some of the most active nightlife.

Is Guadalajara or Colorado Springs Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Guadalajara. 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.

Colorado Springs does not have a historic old town.

Is Guadalajara or Colorado Springs Better for Hiking?

Colorado Springs is an amazing mountain town to visit for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Colorado Springs draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are both world-famous hiking areas, as well as lesser known hikes that the locals often prefer. Some of the more famous places include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs. For families, check out Seven Bridges Trail or Mount Muscoco Trail. Loud's Cabin is a longer trail that also includes Seven Bridges Trail.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Colorado Springs?

Guadalajara is a great destination for shopping. However, Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Guadalajara is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Colorado Springs is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Guadalajara or Colorado Springs More Beautiful?

Colorado Springs is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Colorado Springs attracts visitors from all around. The town is surrounded by tons of natural beauty. In the area you'll find the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Broadmoor Seven Falls.

Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Guadalajara or Colorado Springs Better for Families?

Colorado Springs is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Colorado Springs. The town is conveniently located near many outdoor adventures that are family-friendly. There are many parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers in the area that make for a fun outing. Popular activities include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Dinosaur Resource Center, and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

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 Guadalajara or Colorado Springs Better for Couples?

Guadalajara and Colorado Springs are both notable to visit as a couple.

Guadalajara is a good city for couples to visit. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

Colorado Springs is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and exploring nature together will love visiting this town and the areas nearby. There are many hiking trails in easy reach of the town. Hot air balloon rides are also popular and offer an amazing view over the beautiful landscape.

Is Guadalajara or Colorado Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Colorado Springs is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Colorado Springs. Just outside of town you'll find campgrounds with all of the amenities that you might need. In town, there's also a hostel and several affordable accommodation options.

Is Guadalajara or Colorado Springs Better for Students?

Colorado Springs is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Colorado Springs. It's a relatively affordable town with easy access to plenty of free activities like hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Guadalajara is not popular with students.

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

Guadalajara is a city with a few options for its public transit. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Colorado Springs. While there are buses, many people come to the area to visit Pikes Peak or several of the other nearby parks, all of which require a car.

Is Guadalajara or Colorado Springs a more walkable city?

Guadalajara is a great destination for its walkability. However, Colorado Springs is a mountain town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Colorado Springs is generally not a very walkable city. While the downtown area is walkable, you'll really want to have a car so you can explore the areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Colorado Springs or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Colorado Springs?

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

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

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

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

One day in Guadalajara or Colorado Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Guadalajara. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly mountain town of Colorado Springs. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Colorado Springs?

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant city of Guadalajara. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Colorado Springs. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This mountain town 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.

Five days in Guadalajara or Colorado Springs?

Guadalajara is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The outdoorsy mountain town of Colorado Springs offers museums and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Guadalajara or Colorado Springs?

Guadalajara is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Colorado Springs. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Colorado Springs?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Colorado Springs. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Colorado Springs, 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.