Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or Jaco?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
Where Should I go: Jaco or Puerto Viejo?
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.
Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small coastal town in Caribbean Costa Rica in the province of Limon. There are two gorgeous National Parks nearby - Cahuita and Manzanillo, and it rains more than on the Pacific side, which is why it is so lush and green with the rainforest coming down to the sea. Clear water, coconut palms, great surf and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere make Puerto Viejo a favorite among travelers. Located on about an hour south of Limon, Puerto Viejo is the center of activity between the smaller villages of Cahuita and Manzanillo. The relaxed, seaside town is framed by jungle, turquoise seas, banana plantations and scenic rivers. It's known for the Salsa Brava surf break and beaches like black-sand Playa Negra, but this burgeoning party town is no longer a destination only for intrepid surfers; it's bustling with tourist activity. Stylish eateries serve global fusion, and intentionally rustic bamboo bars pump dancehall and reggaeton. With its blend of Afro-Caribbean descendants, expat Europeans and indigenous Costa Ricans, Puerto Viejo charms visitors with a unique mix of people and cultures. Rastafari culture has a firm foothold in the town, and many Rastas sell handmade jewelry and other wares along the town's vibrant roadside. Nearby you'll find rainforest fruit and cacao farms and wide-open beaches. If you're looking to chill a little, party a little and eat a little, you've come to the right place.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaco $104Puerto Viejo $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaco is $104, while the average daily cost in Puerto Viejo is $145. 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 Jaco and Puerto Viejo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaco $67Puerto Viejo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaco $134Puerto Viejo $142
Compare Hotels in Jaco and Puerto Viejo
Looking for a hotel in Jaco or Puerto Viejo? 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.
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: Jaco Hotel Prices and Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaco -Puerto Viejo $38
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
- Private Transfer - San Jose Airport & Los Sueños Resort/Marriot : $200
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- Jaco or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Viejo
Also for Puerto Viejo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Puerto Viejo de Limon: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $373
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaco or Puerto Viejo?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo and Jaco 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
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Food Meals for one dayJaco $21Puerto Viejo $33
Typical Food Prices in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Hermosa BeachLlunch$3.94
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Tsunami Sushi Dinner$18
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Taco Bar Dinner$9.01
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Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.31
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Ice Cream$5.92
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Breakfast Taco Bar$3.34
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Fruit Plate$2.96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Costa Rican cooking class with cookbook author Melissa Guzman: $85
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jacó: $87
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaco $60Puerto Viejo $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Dance Class$9.82
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Surf Lesson$49
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Bike Rental$9.82
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Tortuga Island Tour$98
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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 Private Ranch Experience in Quebrada Amarilla: $120
- 2 Hours Private Guided Hiking Experience to El Miro in Jaco: $35
- 2 hour Double ATV Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach : $99
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
- 3-Hour Private Guided Experience of 7 Course Contemporary Indian Tasting Menu: $225
- 3.000 ft Private Paragliding Experience in Costa Rica: $290
- 4x4 Happy Jungle Booze Cruise: $115
- 5 Hour Off-Road ATV+ Zipline+ Waterfall Rappelling+ Tractor Jungle Tour: $160
- ATV Tour in Jaco Beach, enjoy Jungle, River, and Beach - No large groups: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaco $32Puerto Viejo $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jaco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:
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Wine$15
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Night at the Bar$27
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.
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).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJaco 28°C (82°F)Puerto Viejo 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.
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).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJaco 27°C (81°F)Puerto Viejo 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.
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).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJaco 27°C (81°F)Puerto Viejo 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.
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).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJaco 29°C (85°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Jaco
| Jaco | Puerto Viejo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.