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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Kamloops?

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

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

Kamloops

Kamloops is a laid-back, outdoorsy, and nature-filled city. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Kamloops travel costs.

Guadalajara and Kamloops: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Kamloops?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Kamloops, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Guadalajara is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Kamloops is known for its skiing and hiking. Guadalajara is more touristy than Kamloops and is known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also home to the Guadalajara Cathedral. Kamloops is popular for its hiking trails, bike paths, and golf courses.

How is Guadalajara different from Kamloops?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Guadalajara or Kamloops Better for Skiing?

Kamloops is great for skiing. However, Guadalajara is not a skiing destination.

Kamloops draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There's a long ski season that runs from mid-November to mid-April. The region has two major ski resorts - Sun Peaks Resorts and Harper Mountain.

Guadalajara is not a skiing destination.

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

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Kamloops offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that highlight the local culture and the region's heritage.

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

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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 Kamloops area. You'll find restaurants that range from casual to fine dining. There are also international options like Jamaican, Indian, or Chinese.

Is Guadalajara or Kamloops Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Guadalajara has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Kamloops has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find pubs, bars, breweries and night clubs around town that range in personality and style.

Is Guadalajara or Kamloops Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Kamloops 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.

Kamloops does not have a historic old town.

Is Guadalajara or Kamloops Better for Hiking?

Kamloops is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Kamloops has hiking trails worth exploring. The area is filled with hiking trails that pass through grasslands, desert landscapes, and pine forests. There is something for every skill level.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Kamloops?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kamloops is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Guadalajara is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Kamloops to go shopping. Downtown you'll find local boutiques and eclectic shops. You could also head to Aberdeen Mall for all of the major brands and recognizable stores.

Is Guadalajara or Kamloops Better for Families?

Kamloops 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 Kamloops. There are great parks and outdoor spaces for kids as well as the Deep Creek Tool Museum, Westsyde Centennial Park and Petting Zoo, and Hells Gate Air Tram. You can also take a ride on the Kettle Valley Railway Steam Engine. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to either Kamloops Wildlife Park or Kangaroo Creek Farm.

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 Kamloops Better for Couples?

Guadalajara and Kamloops are both good 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.

Kamloops is a nice destination for couples. The area is filled with great hikes and nice parks. There are also great restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Guadalajara or Kamloops Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kamloops is lacking in options for backpackers.

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

Kamloops is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's often overlooked by backpackers, but there is a hostel in town.

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

Guadalajara and Kamloops both offer decent public transit to get you around.

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 generally limited in Kamloops. There is a bus system through the city.

Is Guadalajara or Kamloops a more walkable city?

Guadalajara is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Kamloops is lacking in options 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.

Kamloops is generally not very walkable. The downtown is the most walkable part of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamloops or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Kamloops?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Guadalajara or Kamloops to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Guadalajara than Kamloops because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Guadalajara, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamloops.

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

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

The city of Guadalajara offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the laid-back city of Kamloops. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Guadalajara or Kamloops?

Guadalajara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Guadalajara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid-back destination of Kamloops. 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.

Five days in Guadalajara or Kamloops?

Guadalajara is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The nature-filled city of Kamloops offers food and shopping. 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 Kamloops?

Guadalajara is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Kamloops. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guadalajara and Kamloops, we can see that Guadalajara is more expensive. And not only is Kamloops much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kamloops would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamloops 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 Kamloops.

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

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Kamloops?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kamloops. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Kamloops, 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.