A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ilha Grande vs. Cancun for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ilha Grande or Cancun?

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

Should I visit Ilha Grande or Cancun? 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 beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ilha Grande travel costs.

Cancun

Cancun is a party-hard, tropical, and active city. The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Cancun travel costs.

Ilha Grande and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ilha Grande or Cancun?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cancun than Ilha Grande, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cancun is more touristy than Ilha Grande and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Also, Cancun is famous for . Ilha Grande is well known for

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How is Ilha Grande different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun 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 Cancun?

Cancun is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

Cancun offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Ilha Grande or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ilha Grande and Cancun offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Ilha Grande has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Ilha Grande or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

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

Cancun is a world class party destination. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

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 Cancun Better for Resorts?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Ilha Grande is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Cancun is a great choice. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Ilha Grande is not a resort destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Cancun a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Is Ilha Grande or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Cancun. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ilha Grande is not a hiking destination.

Cancun is a good destination for hiking. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Ilha Grande is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ilha Grande or Cancun?

Cancun is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cancun. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Cancun More Beautiful?

Cancun is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

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 Cancun Better for Families?

Cancun is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cancun is a very family-friendly destination. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

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 Cancun Better for Couples?

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

Cancun makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

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 Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ilha Grande and Cancun are both great 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.

Cancun is a very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

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

Cancun 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.

Cancun has some public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

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 Cancun a more walkable city?

Ilha Grande and Cancun are great 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.

Cancun is a very walkable destination. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Ilha Grande?

How long in Ilha Grande or Cancun?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun 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 Cancun.

One day in Ilha Grande or Cancun?

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Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Ilha Grande. 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 active city of Cancun. 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 Ilha Grande or Cancun?

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Ilha Grande is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Cancun. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Cancun?

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It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ilha Grande. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the party-hard city of Cancun. 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 Cancun?

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Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Ilha Grande. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cancun. 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 city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.

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