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

Should you visit Jaco or Ensenada?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jaco or Ensenada, 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.

Jaco

Jaco is a popular, touristy, and laid back town. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Jaco travel costs.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a outdoorsy, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Ensenada travel costs.

Jaco and Ensenada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jaco or Ensenada?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jaco. Although Jaco and Ensenada are both popular with visitors, Jaco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Jaco is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Ensenada is known for its museums and attractions and food. Jaco is more touristy than Ensenada and is popular for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. It is also home to Carara National Park. Ensenada is popular for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports.

How is Jaco different from Ensenada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ensenada 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 Ensenada. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

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 Jaco or Ensenada? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Ensenada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

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 Jaco or Ensenada Better for Nightlife?

Jaco is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Jaco is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Ensenada has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

Is Jaco or Ensenada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Jaco is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Jaco or Ensenada Better for Beaches?

Jaco is a popular place for the beach. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for the beach.

Jaco is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

The beach in Ensenada is worth checking out. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Jaco or Ensenada?

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

Jaco has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Ensenada is a great destination for shopping. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

Is Jaco or Ensenada Better for Families?

Jaco and Ensenada are both good destinations for the whole family.

Jaco is a family-friendly town. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, monkey tours, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy the beaches in the area as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ensenada. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is Jaco or Ensenada Better for Couples?

Jaco and Ensenada are both good to visit as a couple.

Jaco is a good town 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.

Ensenada is a nice destination for couples. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

Is Jaco or Ensenada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jaco is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Jaco is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Ensenada is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Jaco and Ensenada.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

Is Jaco or Ensenada a more walkable city?

Jaco and Ensenada are very good when it comes to walkability.

Jaco is a very walkable destination. 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.

Ensenada is very walkable. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ensenada or Jaco?

How long in Jaco or Ensenada?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jaco and Ensenada. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Jaco than in Ensenada. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Jaco, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ensenada.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jaco than Ensenada 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 Jaco or Ensenada?

The town of Jaco offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Ensenada. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jaco or Ensenada?

Jaco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Ensenada is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Jaco or Ensenada?

Jaco is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Ensenada. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Jaco or Ensenada?

Jaco is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

The outdoorsy city of Ensenada offers nightlife and food. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between Jaco and Ensenada, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Jaco is in Central America and Ensenada is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Jaco or Ensenada?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Jaco and Ensenada, 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.