A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Florianopolis vs. Jaco for Nightlife, Beaches, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Florianopolis or Jaco?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis or Jaco? 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.

Florianopolis

Florianopolis is a vibrant, relaxing, and scenic city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Florianopolis travel costs.

Jaco

Jaco is a popular, touristy, and laid back town. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Jaco travel costs.

Florianopolis and Jaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Florianopolis or Jaco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florianopolis. Although Florianopolis and Jaco are both popular with visitors, Florianopolis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Florianopolis is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, beaches, and hiking, while Jaco is known for its nightlife and scuba diving & snorkeling. Jaco is more touristy than Florianopolis and is known for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. Florianopolis is popular for its sandy beaches, world-class surfing, and beautiful nature. It is also home to Praia Mole.

How is Florianopolis different from Jaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jaco and Florianopolis. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Florianopolis or Jaco?

Florianopolis is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Florianopolis. There are a number of science and cultural museums in the area that will introduce you to the region's local wildlife and history.

Jaco offers a few options for museum-goers. Most people spend their time outside or partying while they're in town.

Is the Food Better in Florianopolis or Jaco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Florianopolis is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Florianopolis has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Perhaps the most popular local dish is feijoada, which is a stew that's slow cooked in a clay pot. It's a great dish for sharing and it originated in the region's African slave population. Another common food is pão de queijo, which is a dough that is made from cassava root flour. Also make sure you try the seafood, which is available in many restaurants around town.

Jaco offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of restaurants around town that include hamburger joints, pizza shops, and other casual favorites. You'll find a variety of options along the main strip as well.

Is Florianopolis or Jaco Better for Nightlife?

Jaco is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Florianopolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Jaco just to party. What was once a quiet surfing town is now one of the most famous party destinations in Costa Rica. There are a constantly growing number of bars and clubs around town and you'll find tons of young tourists and backpackers looking for a party.

The people in Florianopolis know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene can vary between peak tourism times and the low season. There are plenty of bars around town that cater to the locals, and you can expect these to be open year round. Alternatively, there are also places that specifically open during the summer months and will close during the off season.

Is Florianopolis or Jaco Better for Resorts?

Florianopolis is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Jaco is not a resort destination.

Florianopolis is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a wide range of resorts that include everything from 5 star to more budget-friendly. There are also all-inclusive resorts and smaller, more personal places.

Jaco is not a resort destination.

Is Florianopolis or Jaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Jaco is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Florianopolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Jaco has a few good snorkeling spots. You can't really snorkel at Jaco Beach because of the waves and water conditions, but there are a number of snorkeling tours that leave from town and take you to better spots.

Florianopolis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Florianopolis or Jaco Better for Beaches?

Florianopolis is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Florianopolis are among the best in the world. There are miles of beautiful beaches that are popular for surfing. Joaquina Beach is one of the most popular beaches, particularly with surfers, but Mole Beach is quickly catching up in popularity. Campeche Beach is one of the widest and longest stretches of beach on the island.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Jaco. Jaco Beach is a great spot for swimming and surfing. It's lost some of its original charm, but there's still golden sand and nearby horseback riding.

Is Florianopolis or Jaco Better for Hiking?

Florianopolis is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Jaco is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Florianopolis. The island is filled with beautiful jungles, striking beaches, and many dramatic settings that make it a great place to hike. The hikes also vary in length and skill level, so there really is something for everyone.

Jaco is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Florianopolis or Jaco?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Florianopolis and Jaco.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Florianopolis. You'll find shopping malls and boutique retail shops that make for a great shopping experience.

Many visitors go to Jaco to go shopping. Many of the shops are found along the main street. There are a number of souvenir stores and a few art galleries that are worth checking out.

Is Florianopolis or Jaco Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Florianopolis or Jaco.

Florianopolis is a family-friendly city. There are many outdoor activities, sports, beaches, and parks in the city. If your kids like to run around and have fun, you'll find some diverse experiences here.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jaco. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, monkey tours, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy the beaches in the area as well.

Is Florianopolis or Jaco Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Florianopolis and Jaco make for a good place to visit.

Florianopolis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the beautiful beaches and walking paths in the area. There's impressive natural beauty and a touch of undiscovered charm.

Jaco is a good city for couples to visit. It's one of the more touristy parts of Costa Rica, but if you enjoy surfing and beach life, then you'll find a lot to do in the area.

Is Florianopolis or Jaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jaco is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Florianopolis is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Jaco. It's a touristy town with a bit of a party reputation. There are plenty of hostels and other backpackers around so you shouldn't have trouble meeting people.

Florianopolis is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not the most popular destination in Brazil, it does have a huge appeal with surfers.

Is Florianopolis or Jaco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Florianopolis is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Florianopolis has some public transit options. There are buses around town, including buses that travel between the downtown and the beaches.

Public transit is generally limited in Jaco. Most people walk or get around by bicycle.

Is Florianopolis or Jaco a more walkable city?

Jaco is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Florianopolis is not a walkable destination.

Jaco is a very walkable town. The town is compact and walkable. You'll find many of the restaurants and shops along the main street, and it's easy to reach the beach on foot.

Florianopolis is not a walkable destination. Most people get around the city with a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Florianopolis Worth Visiting? and Is Jaco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jaco or Florianopolis?

How long in Florianopolis or Jaco?

It's fun to spend time in either Florianopolis or Jaco. In our opinion, Florianopolis has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Florianopolis than Jaco. However, 3-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Florianopolis than Jaco. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Florianopolis that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jaco than Florianopolis 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 Jaco.

One day in Florianopolis or Jaco?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Florianopolis. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the touristy destination of Jaco. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Florianopolis or Jaco?

Florianopolis is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jaco. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Florianopolis or Jaco?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Florianopolis. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the touristy destination of Jaco. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Florianopolis or Jaco?

The scenic city of Florianopolis offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the town of Jaco. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Jaco?

Florianopolis has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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.

When is the best time to visit Florianopolis or Jaco?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis or Jaco in the Summer?

Both Jaco and Florianopolis are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Florianopolis for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Florianopolis is cooler than Jaco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Florianopolis in January average around 25°C (76°F), and Jaco averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.

Florianopolis usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during summer. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. It's quite rainy in Florianopolis. In January, Florianopolis usually receives around the same amount of rain as Jacoin July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Florianopolis or Jaco in the Autumn?

Both Jaco and Florianopolis during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Florianopolis in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.

In April, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Jacoin October. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 22°C (71°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Florianopolis often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jacoin October. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun.

Jaco gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in April than Jacoin October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. November to May is the dry season in Jaco. Also, June to October in Jaco is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Florianopolis or Jaco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Jaco. Most visitors come to Florianopolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Florianopolis is much colder than Jaco in the winter. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Jaco during winter. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Jacoin January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Florianopolis or Jaco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Jaco. The spring months attract visitors to Florianopolis because of the beaches. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.

In the spring, Florianopolis is cooler than Jaco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Florianopolis in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Jaco averages at about 29°C (85°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jaco. In the spring, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Jacoin April. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun.

Florianopolis receives a lot of rain in the spring. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in October than Jacoin April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to May in Jaco is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Jaco is June to October.

Typical Weather for Jaco and Florianopolis