A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) for Food, Backpackers, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a historic, cultural, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a local, authentic, and remote town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park): Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez. Although Oaxaca de Juarez and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are both popular with visitors, Oaxaca de Juarez has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Oaxaca de Juarez is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oaxaca de Juarez is more touristy than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and is popular for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. It is also home to Mercado Benito Juárez. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is popular for its fishing and wildlife.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Oaxaca de Juarez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Oaxaca de Juarez that are not to be missed. There are many museums and historical sights in the city and nearby. The Oaxaca Cathedral is located on the city's main square, Zocalo. Also worth visiting is the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude. Just a few kilometers outside of the city is the historic settlement of Monte Albán as well as the Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol. Also check out the Rufino Tamayo Museum and Museo Casa Juárez.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). People visit the town for the nearby national park, so you won't find much in the form of museums.

Is the Food Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Oaxaca de Juarez has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This is a city for foodies. Of all the destinations in Mexico, this one always tops the list for its cuisine. The food is influenced by traditional ingredients like corn and many of the recipes have been passed on through the generations. Local dishes include mole, Oaxaca cheese, coloradito, and tlayudas.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many places have local Costa Rican dishes, but you'll also find pizza joints and the occasional cafe as well.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene starts late in the evening and can continue into the early hours. Many people meet up around Oaxaca Zocalo and it's very lively in the evenings. You'll often find live music and a fun atmosphere. As the night progresses, many people make their way to Santo Domingo, which is where you'll find a number of bars and clubs.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). There are a few bars on the town's main street, but most visitors don't come to town for the nightlife.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). You'll find nice snorkeling with calm waters and you might even see dolphins.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Beaches?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for its beaches. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is considered a top beach destination. Near town you'll find wonderful beaches and long stretches of sand bordered by lush rainforests.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for its historic old town. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) does not have a historic old town.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a world-famous historical area. The historic center is filled with colonial Spanish architecture. It's laid out in a grid pattern and there are many historic monuments. The surrounding region also has a history that dates back 1500 years.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) does not have a historic old town.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Hiking?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for hiking. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) for the hiking trails. Corcovado National Park can be challenging to reach, which is part of what makes it such a wonderful place to explore. The rainforest and wildlife still feels untouched by the tourist crowds and you can lose yourself hiking through the forest.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for shopping. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for its shopping opportunities.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The region's indigenous populations are known for the artisan crafts and handmade items. Many visitors enjoy shopping at the city's markets, where you'll find handmade ceramics, hand blown glassware, and more.

If you're looking to go shopping, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) has some nice offerings. It's a small local town so you won't find many shopping options that cater to tourists.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) More Beautiful?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The beaches, wildlife, and rainforests make this a unique and beautiful place to visit.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Families?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the beaches, kayaking, surfing, wildlife, hiking, and swimming. There really is something for the whole family to enjoy.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a family-friendly place to visit. For trampolines, bouncy houses, and other fun activities, head to El Llano Park on a weekend. There's also an outdoor playground and other fun activities for kids at Museu Infantil de Oaxaca. Kid-friendly restaurants are abundant, and if the kids enjoy hiking, you can head out of town for a day trip.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Oaxaca de Juarez and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) make for a great place to visit.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is famous for its cuisine, so food lovers will enjoy dining their way through town. There are also great hotels, beautiful gardens, and fascinating architecture.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will love the stunning nature and wildlife that nearby Corcovado National Park offers. There are also many great beaches where you can take a stroll or go kayaking.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez is very popular for backpackers. Also, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many very affordable hostels around town. The city is a mecca for backpackers in Mexico, and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with and great restaurants to explore.

Many backpackers visit Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). It's become a popular backpacker destination because there are a number of hostels nearby.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oaxaca de Juarez and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Oaxaca de Juarez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) has a few public transit options. Many visitors take the colectivo taxi, which is a flatbed truck that is more affordable than private taxis.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are great when it comes to walkability.

Oaxaca de Juarez is very walkable. It's a walkable city that's fun to explore on foot, particularly in the historic center.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very walkable city. The town is relatively easy to walk around.

For even more information, also check out Is Oaxaca de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

It's fun to spend time in either Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Generally, people tend to spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 3-4 days is enough time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park).

Families should spend more time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) than Oaxaca de Juarez. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Oaxaca de Juarez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Oaxaca de Juarez.

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

In Oaxaca de Juarez, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this authentic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the local destination of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

In Oaxaca de Juarez, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oaxaca de Juarez has to offer.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the authentic town of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oaxaca de Juarez has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Oaxaca de Juarez or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a great place to explore. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It offers something for everyone.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Oaxaca de Juarez Expensive? and Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Expensive?.