A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Hood River for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River? 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a cultural, authentic, and traditional city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Hood River

Hood River is a scenic, charming, and agricultural town. Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Hood River travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez. Although Oaxaca de Juarez and Hood River are popular destinations, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Hood River attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also well known for Mercado Benito Juárez. Hood River is famous for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hood River and Oaxaca de Juarez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a popular place for skiing. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a skiing destination.

Hood River is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Oaxaca de Juarez are world-renowned. There are many museums and historical sights in the city and nearby. The Oaxaca Cathedral is located on the city's main square, Zocalo. Also worth visiting is the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude. Just a few kilometers outside of the city is the historic settlement of Monte Albán as well as the Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol. Also check out the Rufino Tamayo Museum and Museo Casa Juárez.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

Is the Food Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Oaxaca de Juarez is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. This is a city for foodies. Of all the destinations in Mexico, this one always tops the list for its cuisine. The food is influenced by traditional ingredients like corn and many of the recipes have been passed on through the generations. Local dishes include mole, Oaxaca cheese, coloradito, and tlayudas.

Dining out in Hood River is an experience not to be missed. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene starts late in the evening and can continue into the early hours. Many people meet up around Oaxaca Zocalo and it's very lively in the evenings. You'll often find live music and a fun atmosphere. As the night progresses, many people make their way to Santo Domingo, which is where you'll find a number of bars and clubs.

Hood River has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Hood River does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Oaxaca de Juarez offers plenty to see. The historic center is filled with colonial Spanish architecture. It's laid out in a grid pattern and there are many historic monuments. The surrounding region also has a history that dates back 1500 years.

Hood River does not have a historic old town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Hood River is great for hiking. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hood River for the hiking trails. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Oaxaca de Juarez draws large crowds to its stores. The region's indigenous populations are known for the artisan crafts and handmade items. Many visitors enjoy shopping at the city's markets, where you'll find handmade ceramics, hand blown glassware, and more.

Many visitors go to Hood River to go shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River More Beautiful?

Hood River is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Hood River is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River Better for Families?

Hood River is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Hood River is a very family-friendly destination. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a family-friendly place to visit. For trampolines, bouncy houses, and other fun activities, head to El Llano Park on a weekend. There's also an outdoor playground and other fun activities for kids at Museu Infantil de Oaxaca. Kid-friendly restaurants are abundant, and if the kids enjoy hiking, you can head out of town for a day trip.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Oaxaca de Juarez and Hood River make for a high quality place to visit.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is famous for its cuisine, so food lovers will enjoy dining their way through town. There are also great hotels, beautiful gardens, and fascinating architecture.

Hood River is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Oaxaca de Juarez is extremely popular for backpackers. There are many very affordable hostels around town. The city is a mecca for backpackers in Mexico, and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with and great restaurants to explore.

Hood River is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Oaxaca de Juarez has some public transit options. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very walkable city. It's a walkable city that's fun to explore on foot, particularly in the historic center.

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

For even more information, also check out Is Oaxaca de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Hood River Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Hood River. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than in Hood River. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hood River.

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

Couples should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Hood River. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Oaxaca de Juarez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Hood River 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 Oaxaca de Juarez.

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Oaxaca de Juarez, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint destination of Hood River. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Oaxaca de Juarez, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint town of Hood River. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River?

Oaxaca de Juarez, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Hood River is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hood River is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oaxaca de Juarez and Hood River, we can see that Hood River is more expensive. And not only is Oaxaca de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oaxaca de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Hood River would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hood River than you might in Oaxaca de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Oaxaca de Juarez Expensive? and Is Hood River Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Hood River?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Hood River, 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.