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

Should you visit Guatemala City or Jaco?

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

Should I visit Guatemala City 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.

Where Should I go: Guatemala City or Jaco?

Guatemala City

Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala, The Best Adventure 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 Guatemala City?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Guatemala City is $44, 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 Guatemala City and Jaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guatemala City $24
    Jaco $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guatemala City $48
    Jaco $136
Compare Hotels in Guatemala City and Jaco

Looking for a hotel in Guatemala City 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 Guatemala City


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: Guatemala City Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guatemala City $6.17
    Jaco -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:

  • Transfer from Airport to Antigua: $80
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Guatemala City Hotels to Airport: $40
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Guatemala City Airport to Antigua: $16
  • Private one way transfer in Guatemala: $45
  • Private Transfer from La Aurora Airport to Antigua Guatemala: $120
  • Private Transfer From Airport to Hotel in Guatemala City: $30
  • Private Ground Transfer Guatemala City To Panajachel, LakeAtitlan: $150
  • Private Ground Transfer Airport - Antigua Guatemala: $23
  • Private Airport Transfer La Aurora airport to Guatemala: $24
  • PRIVATE Group Transfer From Guatemala City to La Antigua: $20
  • Private transfer to Antigua: $74
  • Guatemala City Airport(GUA) to Quetzaltenango-Round-Trip Transfer: $132

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Guatemala City or Jaco?

Prices for flights to both Jaco and Guatemala City 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
    Guatemala City $15
    Jaco $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.

  • Taste Antigua Guatemala Walking Food Tour : $75
  • Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
  • Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $178
  • Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Cooked Under Volcanic Heat: $180

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.
    Guatemala City $1.21
    Jaco $60

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Guatemala City are as follows:

  • 2-Day Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan Tour from Guatemala City or Antigua: $265
  • 2-Hour Culture and Historical Tour From Guatemala: $29
  • 2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $130
  • 3 Days Tour in Acatenango Volcano: $240
  • 3 Hour Bike Tour Guatemala City South: $55
  • 4-Hour BiciTour Guatemala City South Center: $65
  • Acatenango Volcano Overnight Adventure from Guatemala City : $300
  • Antigua + Guatemala City Full Day Tour - History Lovers Favorite: $155
  • Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City: $77
  • Antigua Guatemala , Full-Day Shared Tour from Guatemala City: $68
  • Antigua Guatemala Full Day Tour: $58
  • Antigua Guatemala Half Day Tour: $100

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 Crocodile Safari and Bird Watching Tour: $35
  • Crocodile Man Tour THE ORIGINAL: $40
  • Jaco Beach: 2-Hour Chocolate Experience Tour: $43
  • Guided Street Art & Graffiti Bike Tour in Jaco Costa Rica: $50
  • From Canopy Tour in Hacienda Nosavar: $50
  • Guided visit to Carara National Park (Ticket included): $50
  • Horseback Riding Pacific Experience in Tarcoles Garabito: $55
  • Jaco Horseback Riding Adventure Tours: $59
  • Jaco Horse Tours: $60
  • Chocolate Experience: $62
  • 2-hour Adventure Canopy and High Ropes Course: $65
  • Jaco Beach: Pacific Aerial Tram at Rainforest Adventures: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guatemala City $6.84
    Jaco $32

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 Guatemala City and Jaco, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Guatemala City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guatemala City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guatemala City 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 Guatemala City.

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


Which is Bigger, Guatemala City or Jaco?

Guatemala City has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Guatemala City 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.