A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ilha Grande vs. Cabo San Lucas for Couples, Food, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Families

Should you visit Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas?

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

Should I visit Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ilha Grande travel costs.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a adventurous, scenic, and idyllic city. Cabo San Lucas is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Cabo San Lucas travel costs.

Ilha Grande and Cabo San Lucas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cabo San Lucas. Although Ilha Grande and Cabo San Lucas are popular destinations, Cabo San Lucas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than Ilha Grande and is popular for its beautiful coastline, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for Land's End. Ilha Grande is famous for

How is Ilha Grande different from Cabo San Lucas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cabo San Lucas and Ilha Grande. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

Cabo San Lucas offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several historical sights in the area such as the Church of Saint Luke and San Jose del Cabo.

Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Cabo San Lucas has a huge number of terrific restaurants. If you step away from the all-you-can-eat buffets in the resorts, and the tourist hot spots, you'll find some excellent local Mexican cuisine and nice fine dining restaurants. Fresh seafood and local produce make the dishes unique.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ilha Grande area. The island still has a quiet, local vibe and that can be seen in the restaurants around town as well. Many places are locally owned and serve up traditional dishes. In particular, the seafood is excellent.

Is Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas Better for Nightlife?

Cabo San Lucas is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Cabo San Lucas is a world class party destination. It has a long reputation of being one of Mexico's best party destinations. There are wild, all-night dance parties, crazy and crowded clubs, and music that lasts well into the morning. The best nightlife can be found in the blocks around Plaza Bonita, near the marina boardwalk.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Ilha Grande. It's a quiet island with a national park and most people visit specifically to get away from the busy and active city scene.

Is Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas Better for Resorts?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Ilha Grande is not a resort destination.

Cabo San Lucas is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Many of the resorts are along parts of the coastline where it's not safe to swim. If you really want to enjoy swimming at a beachfront property, make sure you do some research in advance. Medano Beach is a nice area to consider.

Ilha Grande is not a resort destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's excellent scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Ilha Grande and Cabo San Lucas.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Ilha Grande. There are several places where you can rent snorkeling or dive equipment. The area has coral and tropical fish, with the occasional sea turtle sighting. The visibility is generally good and the experience is worth enjoying, but make sure you check on water conditions.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Cabo San Lucas. There are many snorkeling and scuba diving excursions that go out on half day and full day trips. Some of the best snorkeling is found at Cabo Pulmo, which has the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez.

Is Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas Better for Beaches?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for the beach. However, Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Cabo San Lucas is considered a top beach destination. Because of the water conditions, it's not safe to swim at many of the beaches in the area. This is particularly true on the Pacific side of the city. Many people consider Medano Beach to be one of the best in the area, but also nice are Lover's Beach, the ironically named Divorce Beach, and Chileno Beach.

Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas Better for its Old Town?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ilha Grande does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cabo San Lucas. San Jose del Cabo is an "old town" that's a bit outside of town. It's particularly nice to visit on Thursdays when there's a nice market.

Ilha Grande does not have a historic old town.

Is Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas Better for Hiking?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ilha Grande is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Cabo San Lucas. It's not hard to get out into nature and you'll find many great hiking trails that go through varied and beautiful landscapes.

Ilha Grande is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cabo San Lucas is well-known for its shopping. There are many great shopping areas where you can pick up souvenirs or other interesting items to remember your trip. There are mall, markets, and boutique vendors that sell a variety of products.

Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas More Beautiful?

Cabo San Lucas is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Cabo San Lucas is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and striking landscapes make this a world class tropical destination.

Ilha Grande offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The secluded beaches and surrounding nature make this a beautiful island to explore. It's made up of a national park and there are hiking trails and many scenic spots.

Is Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas Better for Families?

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cabo San Lucas is very family-friendly. Kids will love the snorkeling, boat rides, and kid-friendly cuisine. There are many places where kids can get up close and personal with animals, such as Wild Canyon’s Kingdom or camel riding. You might even be able to see migrating whales during your visit. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are also popular in the area.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ilha Grande. Most families who visit the island come for the beaches. There are also many nice hikes, waterfalls, and even wildlife that the kids will enjoy. In the village there are a few restaurants. Many aren't geared specifically to kids, but they do have a selection that kids might enjoy.

Is Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas Better for Couples?

Cabo San Lucas is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Cabo San Lucas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination and couples who enjoy a beach paradise with wildlife, diving, and outdoor adventures will appreciate Cabo San Lucas. There's also amazing Mexican food and world class resorts.

Couples visit Ilha Grande frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Scenic beaches and beautiful nature make this a wonderful couples retreat that's not far from Rio de Janeiro. The beaches have a more relaxed and quiet vibe than many places in Brazil and the island still holds on to its undiscovered atmosphere.

Is Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ilha Grande and Cabo San Lucas are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Ilha Grande. It is possible to reach the island with a backpacker's budget, but it will take you more time than if you hire a private tour. Once you're on the island there are some hostels and budget hotels to choose from as well.

Cabo San Lucas is a very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of hostels and activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cabo San Lucas is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Cabo San Lucas has some public transit options. Buses make up the main form of public transit. They are called Subercabos and run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Ilha Grande. You'll need to take a boat to reach the island, and once you're there, there are not vehicles around.

Is Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas a more walkable city?

Ilha Grande and Cabo San Lucas are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Ilha Grande is a very walkable . There are no cars on the island and very few roads. You'll spend a lot of time hiking around, which is the best way to enjoy the island. They don't call it "big island" for no reason though, so make sure you understand the distance between destinations.

Cabo San Lucas is a very walkable destination. The town is relatively easy to walk around with many things close together.

Should I spend more time in Cabo San Lucas or Ilha Grande?

How long in Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas?

Both Ilha Grande and Cabo San Lucas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than in Ilha Grande. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Ilha Grande, and 3-7 days is enough time in Cabo San Lucas.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Ilha Grande. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cabo San Lucas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cabo San Lucas than Ilha Grande 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 Cabo San Lucas.

One day in Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas?

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In Ilha Grande, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the wild city of Cabo San Lucas. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas?

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Ilha Grande is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventurous destination of Cabo San Lucas. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city 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 Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas?

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It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ilha Grande. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the adventurous city of Cabo San Lucas. 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 Ilha Grande or Cabo San Lucas?

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Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the of Ilha Grande. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cabo San Lucas. 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. Most people visit for the nightlife. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ilha Grande Expensive? and Is Cabo San Lucas Expensive?.