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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Quepos?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Quepos? 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Quepos

Quepos is a local, laid-back, and relaxed town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Quepos travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Quepos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Quepos?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Quepos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oaxaca de Juarez is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Quepos is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Quepos and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for Mercado Benito Juárez. Quepos is well known for its big game sport fishing.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Quepos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Quepos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Oaxaca de Juarez has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Quepos offers a few options for museum-goers. You won't find much as far as museums go around town.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Oaxaca de Juarez has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Quepos offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Quepos Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Quepos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Quepos Better for Resorts?

Quepos is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.

Quepos has a few resort options worth checking out. It's a fishing town with a local vibe, so you'll likely want to stay outside of town if you're looking for an upscale resort.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a resort destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Quepos Better for Beaches?

Quepos is a popular place for its beaches. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Quepos is a good option for a beach vacation. If you want to be close to the beach, you'll do better to stay at nearby Manuel Antonio. Quepos does have a waterfront and access to deep sea fishing.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Quepos Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Quepos does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Oaxaca de Juarez is revered around the world. 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.

Quepos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Quepos?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Oaxaca de Juarez specifically to go shopping. 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.

Quepos is a great destination for shopping. You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Quepos Better for Families?

Quepos 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.

Quepos is a very family-friendly destination. Most of the beaches are kid-friendly and the children will love the wildlife. You'll also find zipline tours in the area as well as canopy walks.

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 Quepos Better for Couples?

Quepos is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Quepos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The beaches and resorts make this a favorite honeymoon destination for couples. There are many great restaurants and plenty of activities like horseback riding or surfing nearby.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

For backpackers, both Oaxaca de Juarez and Quepos are world-class places to visit.

Many backpackers frequent Oaxaca de Juarez. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Quepos. It's one of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica, so you'll find plenty of hostels and other backpackers to hang out with.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez and Quepos both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Oaxaca de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

Quepos has a few public transit options. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Quepos a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Quepos is somewhat walkable. It is a relatively walkable town.

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

Should I spend more time in Quepos or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Quepos?

It's fun to spend time in either Oaxaca de Juarez or Quepos. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quepos.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Quepos 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 Quepos?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Quepos. 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 Quepos?

Oaxaca de Juarez 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the local town of Quepos. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. 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 Quepos?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oaxaca de Juarez. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Quepos is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Quepos?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Quepos is a great place to explore. 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 Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oaxaca de Juarez and Quepos, we can see that Quepos is more expensive. And not only is Oaxaca de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oaxaca de Juarez is in North America and Quepos is in Central 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 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 Quepos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Quepos 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 Quepos Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Quepos?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Quepos, 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.