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

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Tamarindo?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Tamarindo? 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 historic, cultural, and authentic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a laid back, chill, and scenic town. Tamarindo is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Tamarindo travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Tamarindo: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez. Although Oaxaca de Juarez and Tamarindo 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, historical sights, and shopping, while Tamarindo attracts visitors for its beaches 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. Tamarindo is famous for its surfing, wildlife, and leatherback sea turtles.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Tamarindo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. However, Tamarindo is not a good town for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Oaxaca de Juarez are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

While most people don't head to Tamarindo specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Aside from a few art galleries, there aren't many real museums around town.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Oaxaca de Juarez is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Tamarindo is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a combination of beach bars and restaurants in town that offer local cuisine and international options. Many places have a laid back vibe that fits with the town's atmosphere but you'll also find some more upscale options.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Tamarindo Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Tamarindo.

Many people head to Oaxaca de Juarez for the nightlife scene. 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.

Tamarindo has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The town has beach bars, dance clubs, and regular parties that attract tourists and locals alike. The evening has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a day of surfing or swimming.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Tamarindo Better for Beaches?

Tamarindo is great for its beaches. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Tamarindo is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are popular with surfers but the currents can be strong so swimmers should use caution. The golden sand and beautiful setting make this a fun and chill beach destination. There are also plenty of water sports to choose from.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Tamarindo does not have a historic old town.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Tamarindo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Tamarindo?

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Oaxaca de Juarez make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Tamarindo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find most of the souvenir shops along Diria Grand Boulevard. There are a few upscale clothing boutiques and jewelry shops as well.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Tamarindo More Beautiful?

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

Tamarindo is a gorgeous place to visit. The golden sand beaches offer a beautiful setting where you can relax and soak up a chill beachfront vibe.

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

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Tamarindo Better for Families?

Tamarindo 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.

Tamarindo is a very family-friendly destination. The golden beaches offer a great escape for families. The surf can be a bit strong, but the kids will love seeing the sea turtles or going horseback riding. There are also beginning surfing lessons available.

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 Tamarindo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Oaxaca de Juarez and Tamarindo make for a very good 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.

Tamarindo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy romantic horseback rides along the beach, sunset cruises, and romantic meals. For the adventurous, there's surfing lessons and wildlife tours.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Tamarindo is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tamarindo. There are plenty of hostels in the area and many wonderful activities that let you experience everything that Costa Rica has to offer.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez and Tamarindo both offer nice 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.

Tamarindo has a few public transit options. There are three public bus lines through town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Tamarindo a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez and Tamarindo are very good 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.

Tamarindo is a very walkable city. The town is easy to walk around and explore on foot.

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

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

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Tamarindo?

In either Oaxaca de Juarez or Tamarindo, 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 Tamarindo. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 3-5 days is enough time in Tamarindo.

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

Couples should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Tamarindo. 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 Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Oaxaca de Juarez. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the chill destination of Tamarindo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Tamarindo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find nightlife and food around the chill town of Tamarindo. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Tamarindo?

You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural city of Oaxaca de Juarez. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Tamarindo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Tamarindo?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Tamarindo is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.

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