A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Flores vs. Jaco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Flores or Jaco?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Flores and Jaco can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Flores or Jaco?

Flores

The town of Flores is located in Peten, Guatemala. The main hub is located on an island on Lago Peten Itza, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. On the other side of the causeway are the towns of Santa Elena and San Benito, however, all three are often referred to as Flores. Most people visit the area for its proximity to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, though the town itself is also charming with colonial buildings and historic churches lining the cobbled streets.

Jaco

Jaco is a beach destination on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This resort city is located in the county of Garabito in the Puntarenas province. It has a population of about 10,000 residents and a 2.5 mile long beach that is an excellent surfing destination.

Because Jaco is located on the coast, it's weather is influenced by the water. The climate is humid with a relative humidity of about 80%, but climbing to 90% in the month of June. The temperature is usually between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night. There are distinct wet and dry seasons with August through early December being the rainy season and late December through early April being the dry season. Rain is irregular during the rest of the year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Guatemala, The Best G Adventures Tours to Guatemala, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Flores?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Flores is $33, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $104. 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 Flores and Jaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Flores $8.62
    Jaco $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Flores $17
    Jaco $136
Compare Hotels in Flores and Jaco

Looking for a hotel in Flores or Jaco? 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 Flores


Hotels in Jaco


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: Flores Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Flores $7.87
    Jaco -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Flores

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

  • Transfer from Flores Guatemala to Caye Caulker Belize: $43
  • Tikal Transfer and Tour Guide From Flores: $60
  • Round-Trip Exclusive Transfer to Tikal from Flores: $137
  • Private transfer Mundo Maya Airport to Flores Island Hotels: $10
  • Bus transfer from Flores, Guatemala to Belize City: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco

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

  • Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $245
  • Transfer Private From Jaco to San José or Airport up to 5 passengers (one way) : $245
  • Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $78
  • Private transfer from Jaco Beach to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $219
  • Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
  • From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Flores or Jaco?

Prices for flights to both Jaco and Flores 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
    Flores $13
    Jaco $21

Typical Food Prices in Jaco

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


  • Hermosa BeachLlunch
    $3.95
  • Tsunami Sushi Dinner
    $18
  • Taco Bar Dinner
    $9.03
  • Pizza & Smoothie Lunch
    $6.33
  • Ice Cream
    $5.93
  • Breakfast Taco Bar
    $3.35
  • Fruit Plate
    $2.97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco

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

  • Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jacó: $87
  • Traditional Costa Rican cooking class and meal with a modern twist: $136
  • Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Flores $20
    Jaco $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Flores

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Flores's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Tikal Entrance (for 2)
    $39
  • Map of Tikal
    $3.22

Tours and Activities in Flores

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

  • Shared Guided Sunset Tour in Yaxhá from Flores: $25
  • 2-Day Tour to Tikal and Yaxhá from Flores Island: $220
  • Admire The Sunrise In Tikal - Private Tour From Flores: $214
  • Awaken to Tikals' Sunrise Exclusive Tour: $199
  • Basic Tour to Tikal Includes Transportation and Guide Service: $25
  • Discover "Crater Azul" & Its Crystal-Clear Waters On A Full-Day Tour From Flores: $220
  • 1-Day Tikal Tour Private Service From your Hotel: $185
  • From Flores Guided Tour to Tikal with transportation + lunch: $75
  • From 2-Day Tikal & Yaxhá Tour: $299
  • From Blue Crater private day tour: $160
  • From El Pucte Blue Crater Private Day Tour: $200
  • From Exclusive Tikal Group Tour: $77

Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Dance Class
    $9.85
  • Surf Lesson
    $49
  • Bike Rental
    $9.85
  • Tortuga Island Tour
    $98
  • Massage
    $44

Tours and Activities in Jaco

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

  • Jungle & River ATV Adventure, 2 hours / Jacó: $95
  • Ocean views Zip Line Canopy Tour in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos : $71
  • 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure Jaco: $75
  • 2 hour ATV Tour & Waterfalls + Chocolate Experience : $110
  • 3 hrs ATV Tour: $95
  • 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
  • 4x4 Happy Jungle Booze Cruise: $115
  • 5 Hour Off-Road ATV+ Zipline+ Waterfall Rappelling+ Tractor Jungle Tour: $160
  • ATV Tour in Jaco: $86
  • ATV adventure 2hrs and Waterfall in Jacó: $89
  • Adventure Shore Excursion Day Trip from Puntarenas and Caldera : $161
  • Aerial Tram and Zipline Tour Jacó Rainforest Adventures: $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Flores $21
    Jaco $32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Flores

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


  • Two Margaritas
    $2.58

Typical Alcohol Prices in Jaco

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:


  • Wine
    $15
  • Night at the Bar
    $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Flores and Jaco, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Flores much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Flores would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Flores 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 Jaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaco than you might in Flores.

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


Which is Bigger, Flores or Jaco?

Flores has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Flores and Jaco, 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.