A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Liberia vs. Bogota for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Liberia or Bogota?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Liberia and Bogota. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Liberia or Bogota?

Liberia

Liberia is a town in northwestern Costa Rica. It is the capital of the Guanacaste province, which is about 140 miles away from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose. The town has a population of about 56,000 and is one of the tourism centers of the country.

Bogota

Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Liberia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Liberia is $128, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $61. 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 Liberia and Bogota in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Liberia $60
    Bogota $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Liberia $120
    Bogota $52
Compare Hotels in Liberia and Bogota

Looking for a hotel in Liberia or Bogota? 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 Liberia


Hotels in Bogota


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: Liberia Hotel Prices and Bogota Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Liberia $43
    Bogota $8.57
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Bike Rental
    $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liberia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liberia:

  • Transfer from Playas del Coco to Liberia Airport (LIR): $90
  • Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Palace Hotel in Guanacaste: $90
  • Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Riu Guanacaste Hotel in Guanacaste: $85
  • Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Rio Perdido Resort: $210
  • Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Playas del Coco Guanacaste: $85
  • Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Playa Hermosa Guanacaste: $85
  • Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Planet Hollywood Beach Resort: $91
  • Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa: $148
  • Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Dreams Las Mareas Hotel: $149
  • Transfer from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Andaz Papagayo Resort: $115
  • Transfer from Dreams Las Mareas Hotel to Liberia Airport (LIR): $148
  • Transfer Liberia Airport to Planet Hollywood or Andaz Papagayo, ROUND TRIP.: $149

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $7.39
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.38
  • 2 Bus Passes
    $0.87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota

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

  • Private Transfer from Bogota Airport (BOG): $11
  • Private Transfer to Bogota Airport (BOG): $11
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport: $13
  • Transfer to and from El Dorado airport in Bogota: $14
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Bogota: $15
  • Private Hotel to Airport Transfer service in Bogota: $17
  • Private Bogota Airport - Hotel Transfer: Safe, Fast, and Reliable: $21
  • Private Transfer from Bogota Hotels to El Dorado Airport: $22
  • Downtown Hotels to Bogota Airport BOG Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Salt Cathedral Zipaquira: Private Transfer Service from Bogota: $24
  • Private Transfer from Aeropurto to Bogota Hotels: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Liberia or Bogota?

Prices for flights to both Bogota and Liberia 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
    Liberia $36
    Bogota $23
Typical Food Prices in Liberia

Some typical examples of dining costs in Liberia are as follows:


  • Snacks
    $1.97
  • Lunch at The Shack (for 1)
    $4.94
  • Lunch
    $11
  • Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)
    $14
  • Ginger Ale
    $1.28

Typical Food Prices in Bogota

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


  • Breakfast
    $1.54
  • Hot Dog
    $0.90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
  • PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
  • Food Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $60
  • Flavors of Colombia: Chapinero Street Food Tour: $73
  • Food Tour in Historic Downtown with a Food Scholar and Tastings: $75
  • Colombian Cooking Class in Bogota with a Local Chef: $102
  • Tropical Abundance: Interactive Cooking Class in Bogota: $176
  • Bogotá Food Tour. Exotic Fruits and local Cuisine.: $180
  • Gastronomic Tour and Cooking Workshop: $213

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Liberia $25
    Bogota $13

Tours and Activities in Liberia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Liberia are as follows:

  • Birdwatching Experience private tour : $300
  • 2 Hour ATV Experience From Guanacaste: $189
  • 2 Hour ATV Private Tour in Costa Rica: $81
  • 2 Hour Coffee & Chocolate Tour in Playas del Coco: $40
  • 3 Hour ATV Adventure Tour in El Jobo: $140
  • 3 In 1 Volcano Hot Springs & Mud Baths And River Floating Tour: $235
  • 4-Hour Private Guided ATV Tour in Costa Rica: $122
  • 5 Tours in 1 – The Ultimate Volcano Adventure!: $159
  • 7 Hour Private Tour in Palo Verde National Park with Pickup: $120
  • 8 Essential Guanacaste Experiences: culture, nature & wellness : $78
  • ATV Beach Tour: $125
  • ATV Tour 2hrs - Dreams Las Mareas: $135

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota

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


  • Beer
    $1.28

Tours and Activities in Bogota

For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Theatron Party-Tour, 20 Clubs, Map, cocktail, bottle, After-party: $5.00
  • Botanical Garden José Celestino Mutis Photo Tour in Bogota: $5.80
  • Bogotá: La Macarena to Parque Nacional Walking Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Traditional Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part II: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part I : $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Paranormal Candelaria: $10
  • Armed Conflict and Violence Tour in Bogotá, Colombia: $12
  • Shared Tour Colombian Conflict: war, drug trafficking and peace: $13
  • Bogota Shared Gastronomy Tour in the Historic Center: $13
  • Shared Walking Tour of Bogotá's Historic Center Candelaria: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Liberia $13
    Bogota $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

  • Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $25
  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá, Colombia: $25


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

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


Which is Bigger, Liberia or Bogota?

Bogota has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Liberia. When comparing the sizes of Liberia and Bogota, 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 Liberia or Bogota?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Liberia or Bogota in the Summer?

Both Bogota and Liberia during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Liberia because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Liberia. Liberia usually gets more rain in July than Bogota. Liberia gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Liberia is much warmer than Bogota in the summer. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Liberia 28°C (82°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Liberia or Bogota in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Liberia and Bogota. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Liberia year-round. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to April in Liberia is the dry season. Also, April to December is the rainy season in Liberia. Bogota receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Liberia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Liberia usually receives more rain than Bogota. Liberia gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Liberia is much warmer than Bogota. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Liberia in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Bogota averages at about 14°C (57°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Liberia 27°C (81°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Liberia or Bogota in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Liberia as well as Bogota. Liberia attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.

Liberia usually gets less rain in January than Bogota. Liberia gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Liberia is generally much warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Liberia average around 27°C (81°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Liberia 27°C (81°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Liberia or Bogota in the Spring?

Both Bogota and Liberia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Liberia throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Liberia is December to April. The rainy season in Liberia is April to December. In April, Liberia usually receives less rain than Bogota. Liberia gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Liberia is much warmer than Bogota in the spring. The daily temperature in Liberia averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Bogota fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Liberia 29°C (85°F) 
    Bogota 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Bogota and Liberia

Liberia Bogota
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)