A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guadalajara vs. Durango for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Guadalajara or Durango?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Guadalajara or Durango, 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a quaint, scenic, and nature-filled small town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Guadalajara and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Durango?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Durango, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Guadalajara is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Durango is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Guadalajara is well known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. Also, Guadalajara is famous for the Guadalajara Cathedral. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Guadalajara different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Guadalajara or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is adequate for skiing. However, Guadalajara is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Guadalajara is not a skiing destination.

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

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

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

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Guadalajara. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Guadalajara or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Guadalajara has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Guadalajara or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its historic old town. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Many people head to Durango to see the old town. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Is Guadalajara or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango is great for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Durango for the hiking trails. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Durango?

Guadalajara is a very popular place for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Guadalajara or Durango More Beautiful?

Durango is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

Durango offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Guadalajara or Durango Better for Families?

Durango 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 Durango. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the 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 Durango Better for Couples?

Guadalajara is a good destination for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Guadalajara or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Guadalajara is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Guadalajara is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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 limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Guadalajara or Durango a more walkable city?

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Durango is lacking in good 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.

Durango is generally not very walkable. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Durango or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Durango?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Guadalajara than Durango. 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 Durango 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 Durango?

In Guadalajara, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Durango is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Durango?

In Guadalajara, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Guadalajara has to offer.

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This small 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 Durango?

Guadalajara is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Because Durango is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Guadalajara. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Guadalajara. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Since Durango is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guadalajara and Durango, we can see that Durango 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 Durango would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Durango 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 Durango Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Durango?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Durango. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Durango, 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.