A Travel Price Comparison for Costa Rica Jaco vs. Puerto Viejo for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Jaco or Puerto Viejo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jaco or Puerto Viejo, 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 touristy, laid back, and popular town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Jaco travel costs.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a relaxed, mellow, and authentic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Puerto Viejo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Puerto Viejo travel costs.

Jaco and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jaco or Puerto Viejo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Viejo. Although Jaco and Puerto Viejo are popular destinations, Puerto Viejo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Viejo is very popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Jaco attracts visitors for its nightlife. Jaco is more touristy than Puerto Viejo and is known for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. Puerto Viejo is famous for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood. It is also well known for .

How is Jaco different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Puerto Viejo 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 Puerto Viejo?

Puerto Viejo is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Puerto Viejo specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There aren't any real museums in the area, but there are a couple of art galleries.

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 Puerto Viejo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Jaco and Puerto Viejo both to be nice destinations.

Jaco is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Puerto Viejo offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants have a local atmosphere and serve typical Costa Rican food or seafood. You'll find no shortage of rice and beans!

Is Jaco or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Puerto Viejo know how to have a good time. It's a laid back town during the day and at night there's a chill but lively atmosphere. You'll find a few bars and clubs that have live music, and it's not hard to find something interesting to do.

Is Jaco or Puerto Viejo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find nice snorkeling or scuba diving in both Jaco and Puerto Viejo.

Jaco has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Puerto Viejo. You'll find the best snorkeling in Cahuita National Park, where you'll see coral and colorful fish. There's a dive shop in town as well, but most people enjoy the snorkeling in the area more.

Is Jaco or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Puerto Viejo is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Puerto Viejo. The beaches in the area are beautiful and offer great waves for surfing and patches of coral reef for snorkeling. Many of the beaches are lined with forest and have a more laid back and less developed atmosphere than the beaches on the Pacific side.

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 Jaco or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Puerto Viejo is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Jaco is not a hiking destination.

Puerto Viejo has hiking trails worth exploring. The hike through nearby Cahuita National Park is a highlight for many visitors. It wanders along the coastline and takes about three hours to walk. You'll likely see some wildlife during your walk.

Jaco is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jaco or Puerto Viejo?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Jaco and Puerto Viejo.

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.

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for shopping. You can wander through the town center and enjoy shopping at the local boutiques that sell clothes and other touristy items.

Is Jaco or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Puerto Viejo is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Jaco is not a destination known for its beauty.

Puerto Viejo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The beaches are beautiful and lined with rainforests. There's also easy access to the beautiful Cahuita National Park.

Jaco is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Jaco or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Puerto Viejo is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Puerto Viejo. With its easy access to Cahuita National Park and many wildlife experiences, this is a great destination for the kids. Kids can see sloths and monkeys, or enjoy snorkeling and hanging out on a chill beach.

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 Jaco or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Puerto Viejo is a very popular place for couples. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Puerto Viejo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, which has a more laid back and less touristy atmosphere. While you won't find the larger resorts and tourist amenities in this area, couples who enjoy hiking and a local vibe will love their time here.

Jaco is a nice destination for couples. 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 Jaco or Puerto Viejo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jaco and Puerto Viejo are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Puerto Viejo. There's a local atmosphere and enough hostels and budget accommodation to keep backpackers happy. It's also easy to explore and makes the perfect place to chill out for a few days.

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

Puerto Viejo 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.

Puerto Viejo has some public transit options. There are buses that travel the longer distances, but most people walk or bike around town.

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

Is Jaco or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Jaco and Puerto Viejo are excellent 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.

Puerto Viejo is very walkable. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Jaco?

How long in Jaco or Puerto Viejo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Jaco or Puerto Viejo?

In Jaco, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this laid back town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Puerto Viejo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Puerto Viejo?

Jaco is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Puerto Viejo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Puerto Viejo?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the touristy destination of Jaco. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Puerto Viejo. This town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Jaco or Puerto Viejo?

Jaco is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The laid back town of Puerto Viejo offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Jaco or Puerto Viejo?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Jaco or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

Both Puerto Viejo and Jaco are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Puerto Viejo is September to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. It's quite rainy in Jaco. In July, Jaco usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Jaco gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Jaco usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during summer. Jaco gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

Jaco is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the summer. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Jaco or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

Both Puerto Viejo and Jaco during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

November to May is the dry season in Jaco. Also, the hurricane season in Jaco is June to October. September to October is the dry season in Puerto Viejo. November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. Jaco usually gets more rain in October than Puerto Viejo. Jaco gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Jaco often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto Viejo. Jaco gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Jaco is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jaco in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Jaco or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jaco and Puerto Viejo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Jaco usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Jaco gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jaco usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during winter. Jaco gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Jaco is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Should I visit Jaco or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Jaco as well as Puerto Viejo. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

Also, November to May in Jaco is the dry season. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Jaco. It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Jaco usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejo. Jaco gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. In the spring, Jaco often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Jaco gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun.

Jaco is a little warmer than Puerto Viejo in the spring. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Jaco