Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Jaco?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jaco or Punta Arenas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jaco or Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?
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.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaco $104Punta Arenas $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaco is $104, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $63. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaco $67Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaco $134Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Jaco and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Jaco or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaco -Punta Arenas $1.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 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
- 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 or Playa Hermosa: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $173
- From Tortuga Island Boat Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $135
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $90
- Transfer FROM Jaco Beach TO SJO Airport OR RETURN (One Way): $70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Punta Arenas (city or airport) to Puerto Natales: $267
- Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $49
- Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $64
- Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaco or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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 $21Punta Arenas $21
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
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaco $60Punta Arenas $6.44
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
- "Miro Jaco" & Jaco Beach Horseback Tour: $59
- 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: $50
- 2 hour ATV Tour & Waterfalls + Chocolate Experience : $110
- 2 hour Double ATV Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach : $99
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $110
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
- 4×4 Waterfalls and Jungle Experience: $80
- 4x4 Happy Jungle Booze Cruise: $115
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $145
- Magallanes Forest and Club Andino Tour from Punta Arenas: $290
- Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
- Mountain Bike Adventure in Punta Arenas: $192
- Pali Aike Full-Day Adventure from Punta Arenas: $300
- Private City Cruise Tour: $225
- Private Half Day Punta Arenas City Tour From the Hotel only: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaco $32Punta Arenas $4.86
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jaco and Punta Arenas, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Punta Arenas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jaco is in Central America and Punta Arenas is in South 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 Punta Arenas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaco Expensive? and Is Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaco or Punta Arenas?
Punta Arenas has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Jaco and Punta Arenas, 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 Jaco or Punta Arenas?
Punta Arenas 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 Jaco or Punta Arenas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jaco and Punta Arenas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.
Jaco is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the summer. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Punta Arenas this time of the year. Jaco usually receives less sunshine than Punta Arenas during summer. Jaco gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun in the summer.
Jaco gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Jaco usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin January. Jaco gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryJaco 28°C (82°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Jaco as well as Punta Arenas. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Jaco is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jaco in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F)in April.
In the autumn, Jaco often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin April. Jaco gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun.
Jaco receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Jaco usually gets more rain in October than Punta Arenasin April. Jaco gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilJaco 27°C (81°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
Both Punta Arenas and Jaco are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Punta Arenas in the winter. In January, Jaco is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin July. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 27°C (81°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jaco. Jaco usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during winter. Jaco gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Jaco usually receives less rain than Punta Arenasin July. Jaco gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyJaco 27°C (81°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Jaco or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
Both Punta Arenas and Jaco during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Jaco is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the spring. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Jaco. In the spring, Jaco often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin October. Jaco gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun.
Jaco usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Punta Arenasin October. Jaco gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberJaco 29°C (85°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Jaco
| Jaco | Punta Arenas | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.