A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Santa Fe for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Santa Fe. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a relaxing, laid back, and idyllic island. Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Isla Mujeres travel costs.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a artsy, cultural, and historic historic town. Santa Fe is a beautiful place to visit, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing. See Santa Fe travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Fe. Although Isla Mujeres and Santa Fe are both popular with visitors, Santa Fe has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Fe is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Isla Mujeres is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Santa Fe and is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Santa Fe is popular for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. It is also home to The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is a good destination for snow skiing. However, Isla Mujeres is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Santa Fe is a great destination to visit. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Isla Mujeres is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Santa Fe offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Isla Mujeres and Santa Fe can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isla Mujeres. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

Santa Fe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Isla Mujeres is very good for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Isla Mujeres has a few options to choose from. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Isla Mujeres is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Santa Fe. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Isla Mujeres is not a live music destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Isla Mujeres is a perfect choice. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Fe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is not to be missed. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Santa Fe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Isla Mujeres is a very popular vacation destination. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe is notable for its old town. However, Isla Mujeres does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Isla Mujeres does not have a historic old town.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Santa Fe is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Santa Fe offers some nice hiking trails. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Santa Fe is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Isla Mujeres has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe More Beautiful?

Isla Mujeres and Santa Fe are somewhat similar when it comes to the good scenery.

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Santa Fe offers plenty of beauty for visitors. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its family-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Isla Mujeres has plenty to offer. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Santa Fe is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Isla Mujeres. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Santa Fe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as several campgrounds.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Santa Fe is a good destination for students. However, Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

Santa Fe is a good historic town to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Isla Mujeres is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Santa Fe is not known for its public transit.

While Isla Mujeres offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Public transit is generally limited in Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Is Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres and Santa Fe both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable island. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Santa Fe is a very walkable destination. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe?

In either Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Fe than Isla Mujeres because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 2-5 days is enough time in Santa Fe.

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

Couples should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Santa Fe. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Isla Mujeres that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Santa Fe 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 Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe?

The island of Isla Mujeres offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Santa Fe, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming historic town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Isla Mujeres, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Santa Fe is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe?

Isla Mujeres 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.

In Santa Fe, many people enjoy the skiing and live music that this historic destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe?

Isla Mujeres is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Santa Fe is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Isla Mujeres and Santa Fe, we can see that Santa Fe is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Santa Fe, 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.