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

Should you visit Guadalajara or Marathon?

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

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

Marathon

Marathon is a quaint, beautiful, and relaxing island. With stunning beauty, Marathon attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Marathon travel costs.

Guadalajara and Marathon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Guadalajara or Marathon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Marathon, 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 Marathon is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Marathon is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel. Guadalajara is well known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. Also, Guadalajara is famous for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Guadalajara different from Marathon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Guadalajara is great for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Guadalajara can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Is Guadalajara or Marathon Better for Nightlife?

Guadalajara is great for nightlife. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Guadalajara for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Marathon. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

Is Guadalajara or Marathon Better for Resorts?

Marathon is great for its luxury resorts. However, Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Marathon is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

Guadalajara is not a resort destination.

Is Guadalajara or Marathon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marathon is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marathon has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Guadalajara or Marathon Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Marathon. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Guadalajara or Marathon Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Guadalajara to see the historical old town. 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.

Marathon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Guadalajara or Marathon?

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

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.

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Guadalajara or Marathon More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Marathon attracts visitors from all around. The waters are blue and the setting is peaceful, making this area truly beautiful.

Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Guadalajara or Marathon Better for Families?

Marathon 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 Marathon. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

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 Marathon Better for Couples?

Marathon is great for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Marathon is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

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.

Is Guadalajara or Marathon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Guadalajara is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Guadalajara is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon is not a good destination 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 Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Guadalajara or Marathon a more walkable city?

Guadalajara is great for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination 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.

Marathon is generally not very walkable. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

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

Should I spend more time in Marathon or Guadalajara?

How long in Guadalajara or Marathon?

Both Guadalajara and Marathon have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marathon than in Guadalajara. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Guadalajara, and 3-7 days is enough time in Marathon.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Marathon 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 Marathon?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing island of Marathon. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Marathon?

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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Marathon. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Guadalajara or Marathon?

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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the quaint island of Marathon. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Guadalajara or Marathon?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Marathon. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Guadalajara or Marathon?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Guadalajara and Marathon, 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.