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

Should you visit Jaco or Temuco?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jaco or Temuco, 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 Temuco?

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.

Temuco

Temuco is a large and modern city found 680 km south of Santiago. While the city is dynamic, it does not have any particular charm with the exception of being a great point of departure for many excursions around the lake region and the many national parks found in the surrounding area. Temuco is also well known for its Mapuche culture, a proud and rebellious community of around 20 000 in the area today, who has fought continuously against every invaders in the past.

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 Chile, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Temuco or Jaco?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jaco is $104, while the average daily cost in Temuco is $80. 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 Temuco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jaco $67
    Temuco $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jaco $134
    Temuco $88
Compare Hotels in Jaco and Temuco

Looking for a hotel in Jaco or Temuco? 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 Jaco


Hotels in Temuco


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 Temuco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jaco -
    Temuco $23

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 Temuco

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

  • Transfers from or to Temuco - Araucanía Airport: $35
  • Transfer from Temuco Airport to Pucon: $140
  • Transfer Araucanía Airport - Temuco: $50
  • Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Thermal Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Jaco or Temuco?

Prices for flights to both Temuco 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Jaco $21
    Temuco $22
Typical Food Prices in Jaco

For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hermosa BeachLlunch
    $3.94
  • Tsunami Sushi Dinner
    $18
  • Taco Bar Dinner
    $9.01
  • Pizza & Smoothie Lunch
    $6.31
  • Ice Cream
    $5.92
  • Breakfast Taco Bar
    $3.34
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jaco $60
    Temuco $7.85
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Dance Class
    $9.82
  • Surf Lesson
    $49
  • Bike Rental
    $9.82
  • 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 & 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 Temuco

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Temuco.

  • Tour Mapuche Community Araucanía: $582

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jaco $32
    Temuco $5.13
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 Jaco and Temuco, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Temuco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jaco is in Central America and Temuco 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 Temuco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Temuco 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 Temuco.

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


Which is Bigger, Jaco or Temuco?

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

Temuco 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 Temuco in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jaco and Temuco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.

Jaco is much warmer than Temuco in the summer. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Temuco fluctuates around 17°C (62°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Temuco this time of the year. Jaco usually receives less sunshine than Temuco during summer. Jaco gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 290 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 Temucoin January. Jaco gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Jaco 28°C (82°F) 
    Temuco 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Jaco or Temuco in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jaco as well as Temuco. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Jaco is much warmer than Temuco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jaco in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Temuco averages at about 12°C (53°F)in April.

In the autumn, Jaco often gets more sunshine than Temucoin April. Jaco gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 150 hours of full sun.

Jaco receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Jaco usually gets more rain in October than Temucoin April. Jaco gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Jaco 27°C (81°F) 
    Temuco 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Jaco or Temuco in the Winter?

Both Temuco and Jaco are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.

In January, Jaco is generally much warmer than Temucoin July. Daily temperatures in Jaco average around 27°C (81°F), and Temuco fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jaco. Jaco usually receives more sunshine than Temuco during winter. Jaco gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 78 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Temuco. In January, Jaco usually receives less rain than Temucoin July. Jaco gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Jaco 27°C (81°F) 
    Temuco 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Jaco or Temuco in the Spring?

Both Temuco 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 Temuco in the spring. The daily temperature in Jaco averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Temuco fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Jaco. In the spring, Jaco often gets more sunshine than Temucoin October. Jaco gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 193 hours of full sun.

Jaco usually gets less rain in April than Temucoin October. Jaco gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Jaco 29°C (85°F) 
    Temuco 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Temuco and Jaco

Jaco Temuco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 9°C (47°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)