Which place is cheaper, San Juan del Sur or Acapulco de Juarez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan del Sur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan del Sur? 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.
Where Should I go: Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan del Sur?
Acapulco de Juarez
Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAcapulco de Juarez $81San Juan del Sur $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in San Juan del Sur is $53. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Acapulco de Juarez and San Juan del Sur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAcapulco de Juarez $39San Juan del Sur $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAcapulco de Juarez $78San Juan del Sur $42
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and San Juan del Sur
Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan del Sur? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices and San Juan del Sur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $16San Juan del Sur $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:
- Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
- Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
- Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
- Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
- Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
- Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
- Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan del Sur?
Prices for flights to both San Juan del Sur and Acapulco de Juarez change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $29San Juan del Sur $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.
- High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
- Cliff Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
- Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
- Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
- Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
- Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
- Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $18San Juan del Sur $15
Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez
Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kayaks Tour to El Morro Islet: $25
- Sunset Adventures: $30
- Acapulco City Tour : $35
- Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
- 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
- Combo 6 Hr Tour All City Highlights Divers Baby Turtle Release: $46
- 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
- 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
- Acapulco Malibu, Avenida Kids Tour : $50
- 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
- 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
- Historical City Tour of Acapulco: $53
Tours and Activities in San Juan del Sur
Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
- San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
- ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
- atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132
- Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $11San Juan del Sur $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and San Juan del Sur, we can see that Acapulco de Juarez is more expensive. And not only is San Juan del Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and San Juan del Sur 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 San Juan del Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Juan del Sur 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 Acapulco de Juarez would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acapulco de Juarez than you might in San Juan del Sur.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is San Juan del Sur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan del Sur?
Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and San Juan del Sur, 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.
When is the best time to visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan del Sur?
Acapulco de Juarez has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan del Sur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan del Sur in the Summer?
Both San Juan del Sur and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 29°C (83°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than San Juan del Sur during summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. It's quite rainy in Acapulco de Juarez. In July, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than San Juan del Sur. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAcapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan del Sur in the Autumn?
Both San Juan del Sur and Acapulco de Juarez during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round.
Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than San Juan del Sur. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 195 hours of full sun.
San Juan del Sur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in October than San Juan del Sur. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAcapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan del Sur in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and San Juan del Sur. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in January average around 26°C (79°F), and San Juan del Sur averages at about 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan del Sur this time of the year. In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than San Juan del Sur during winter. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than San Juan del Sur. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAcapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)San Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or San Juan del Sur in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as San Juan del Sur. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.
In April, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than San Juan del Sur. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 242 hours of full sun.
Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in April than San Juan del Sur. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAcapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)San Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan del Sur and Acapulco de Juarez
| Acapulco de Juarez | San Juan del Sur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 341 mm (13.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.