A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Asuncion vs. Quepos for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Asuncion or Quepos?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Asuncion or Quepos, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Asuncion or Quepos?

Asuncion

Asuncion is a vastly underrated city. It is the capital but also the administrative economic and cultural center of Paraguay. It is located in the south central part of the country, near the border with Argentina and it is one of the oldest cities in South America, with people living here since almost 500 years. The city has a beautiful and simple center, with a few unique colonial and beaux arts buildings, international cuisine, shady plazas and friendly people. Its handful of historic buildings around the Plaza de los Heroes, Plaza Uruguaya and Manzana de la Ribera, two or three small museums, old bars and cafes, but also smart suburbs, ritzy shopping malls and fashionable nightclubs will keep you entertained for a day or two. It is a very charming city for travellers and apart from the sights, the city boasts a good tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants.

Quepos

Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Quepos or Asuncion?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Asuncion is $68, while the average daily cost in Quepos is $117. 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 Asuncion and Quepos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Asuncion $22
    Quepos $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Asuncion $44
    Quepos $154
Compare Hotels in Asuncion and Quepos

Looking for a hotel in Asuncion or Quepos? 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.

Hotels in Asuncion


Hotels in Quepos


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: Asuncion Hotel Prices and Quepos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Asuncion $8.82
    Quepos $9.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asuncion

Also for Asuncion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer in private minivan from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $29
  • Transfer in private minivan Asuncion City - Silvio Pettirosi Airport (ASU): $29
  • Transfer in private car from Asuncion City - Asuncion Airport (ASU): $20
  • Transfer in Private Car from Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $21
  • RoundTrip Transfer in Private Minivan Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $59
  • RoundTrip Private Transfer Asuncion Airport (ASU) - Asuncion City: $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos

Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $209
  • Shuttle Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose: $60
  • Private transfer from SJ Airport to Manuel Antonio and vice versa: $230
  • Private Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to San Jose City Hotels: $91
  • Private Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Nauyaca Waterfalls (Round Trip): $199
  • Private Transfer From San Jose Airport To Manuel Antonio Beach: $125
  • Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Manuel Antonio/Quepos : $300
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Uvita to Quepos - Manuel Antonio: $140
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Monteverde: $276
  • Manuel Antonio & Quepos one way transfer to SJO hotels - Airport up to 5 people.: $274

Is it cheaper to fly into Asuncion or Quepos?

Prices for flights to both Quepos and Asuncion 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Asuncion $17
    Quepos $30

Typical Food Prices in Quepos

For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $15
  • Seafood Dinner (for 1)
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos

For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Night Jungle Tour with Dinner (Rainmaker Park): $59
  • 3 Hour Cooking Class and Medical Plants Garden: $77
  • Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
  • Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Asuncion $16
    Quepos $17

Tours and Activities in Asuncion

For Asuncion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Asunción Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
  • Asuncion Birding Tour: $70
  • Birding and Nature Chaco Tour: $140
  • Crystal Fall - day tour in a reduced group: $85
  • Day Tour “Cerrito”: $231
  • Day tour “Circuito San Bernardino”: $214
  • Day tour “Circuito Sapucai”: $221
  • Day tour “Pai Pukú”: $230
  • Day tour to “National Park Ybycuí”: $265
  • Full day Paraguay River Nature and Wildlife Boat Tour: $207
  • Golden Triangle Tour: $110
  • Half-Day Yparacai Lake Tour from Asuncion with Pick Up: $185

Tours and Activities in Quepos

For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 10 in 1 Tour! Zip Lines, Rappels, Tarzan Swing, Waterfalls & More: $130
  • 2-Hour Boat Tour in Quepos: $55
  • ATV Tour Half Day Trip From Manuel Antonio: $90
  • All Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure from Manuel Antonio: $83
  • All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch: $93
  • All-Inclusive Full-Day Nauyaca Waterfall and Beach Town Tour: $142
  • Beach Day Experience in Manuel Antonio: $20
  • Birding at El Rey. (Marshes,rice fields,canals) Private Birding Tour : $120
  • Birdwatching Tour: $130
  • Catamaran Adventure From Manuel Antonio: $116
  • Chocolate Tour Manuel Antonio: $60
  • Chocolate and Coffee Tour Manuel Antonio: $62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Asuncion $10
    Quepos $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Asuncion

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Asuncion are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.22


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Asuncion and Quepos, we can see that Quepos is more expensive. And not only is Asuncion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Asuncion is in South 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 Asuncion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asuncion 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 Asuncion.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Asuncion Expensive? and Is Quepos Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Asuncion or Quepos?

Asuncion has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Asuncion 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.


When is the best time to visit Asuncion or Quepos?

Asuncion has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Quepos experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Asuncion or Quepos in the Summer?

Both Quepos and Asuncion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Asuncion is generally around the same temperature as Queposin July. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 29°C (84°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during summer. Asuncion gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. It's quite rainy in Asuncion. In January, Asuncion usually receives less rain than Queposin July. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Asuncion 29°C (84°F) 
    Quepos 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Quepos in the Autumn?

Both Quepos and Asuncion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

Asuncion is cooler than Quepos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Asuncion averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

In the autumn, Asuncion often gets more sunshine than Queposin October. Asuncion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun.

Quepos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Asuncion. Asuncion usually gets less rain in April than Queposin October. Asuncion gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Asuncion 24°C (75°F) 
    Quepos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Quepos in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Asuncion and Quepos. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Asuncion is cooler than Quepos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Asuncion in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Quepos averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. Asuncion usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during winter. Asuncion gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Asuncion usually receives more rain than Queposin January. Asuncion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Asuncion 19°C (66°F) 
    Quepos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Asuncion or Quepos in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Asuncion as well as Quepos. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

In October, Asuncion is generally cooler than Queposin April. Daily temperatures in Asuncion average around 25°C (77°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Quepos. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asuncion this time of the year. In the spring, Asuncion often gets less sunshine than Queposin April. Asuncion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun.

Asuncion receives a lot of rain in the spring. Asuncion usually gets more rain in October than Queposin April. Asuncion gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Asuncion 25°C (77°F) 
    Quepos 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Quepos and Asuncion

Asuncion Quepos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 29°C (84°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)