A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Santa Fe for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe? 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 traditional, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a charming, artsy, and cultural historic town. Santa Fe is a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Santa Fe travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santa Fe than Oaxaca de Juarez. While Oaxaca de Juarez is larger than Santa Fe, Santa Fe has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santa Fe is better known for its skiing, music, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Oaxaca de Juarez is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Santa Fe and is known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Santa Fe is well known for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. Also, Santa Fe is famous for The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is a popular place for skiing. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a skiing destination.

Santa Fe is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a skiing destination.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its sights and museums.

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.

Santa Fe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santa Fe makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Oaxaca de Juarez has something for everybody. 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.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is a popular place for live music. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Santa Fe is active and vibrant. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a live music destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its 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.

Many visitors go to Santa Fe to see the historical old town. 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.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Santa Fe is a popular place for hiking. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Santa Fe is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town 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.

Santa Fe is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe More Beautiful?

Santa Fe is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Santa Fe is a gorgeous place to visit. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

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

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers lots of family activities. 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.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

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.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Santa Fe is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Oaxaca de Juarez, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Santa Fe is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Santa Fe. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not popular with students.

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

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

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.

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

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez and Santa Fe are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Santa Fe is a very walkable city. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe?

In either Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Oaxaca de Juarez has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Santa Fe. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Santa Fe. 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 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 Oaxaca de Juarez.

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe?

The city of Oaxaca de Juarez offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Santa Fe. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This historic town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oaxaca de Juarez, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural historic town of Santa Fe. If you have a weekend, this historic town makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Santa Fe?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oaxaca de Juarez, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Fe is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Santa Fe is a great place to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Santa Fe?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Santa Fe. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez 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.