A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ocho Rios vs. San Ignacio for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ocho Rios or San Ignacio?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or San Ignacio, 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: Ocho Rios or San Ignacio?

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.

San Ignacio

So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.

You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.

This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Belize, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize.


Which place is cheaper, San Ignacio or Ocho Rios?

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

  • Ocho Rios Prices
    Jamaica Prices
    San Ignacio Prices
    Belize Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ocho Rios $85
    San Ignacio $86

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $85, while the average daily cost in San Ignacio is $86. 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 Ocho Rios and San Ignacio in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $51
    San Ignacio $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $102
    San Ignacio $38
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and San Ignacio

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios or San Ignacio? 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 Ocho Rios


Hotels in San Ignacio


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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices and San Ignacio Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.32
    San Ignacio $3.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

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

  • Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer [VIP LUXURY Vehicles]: $158
  • Private Airport Transfer to Bahia Principe Grand Hotel : $100
  • A "Private" Airport Transfer to any Resort in Ocho Rios: $90
  • ATV Tour Ocho Rios - Private Transfer Only (Activity Fee Excluded): $27
  • Airport Transfer - From MBJ to Ocho Rios Hotels: $80
  • Airport Transfer To Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay & Negril: $140
  • Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica Private Airport transfer : $61
  • Bahia Principe Grand and Luxury Airport Transfer: $80
  • Bob Marley & Nine Mile Heritage Tour with Bus Transfer/Ocho Rios: $117
  • Dunn's River Falls And Shopping Tour From Ocho Rios-Transfer Only: $67
  • Grand Bahia Jamaica Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $300
  • Grand Bahia Principe Hotel Airport Transfer: $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:

  • Transfer from Belize Airport to San Ignacio: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Ocho Rios or San Ignacio?

Prices for flights to both San Ignacio and Ocho Rios 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
    Ocho Rios $28
    San Ignacio $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios

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

  • Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $128
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $150

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Ignacio.

  • Maya Fish Cooking Experience: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $15
    San Ignacio $100
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios

For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate
    $11
  • Admission to Coyaba Gardens
    $5.27
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    $17

Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios

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

  • Ocho Rios Shopping Tour : $21
  • Original Blue Hole St. Ann Ocho Rios Jamaica Admission Fee Ticket: $25
  • Private Dunn's River Falls, Ocho Rios Sightseeing and shopping : $30
  • Luminous Lagoon Boat Tour from Ocho Rios: $40
  • Blue Hole and Dunn's River Tour (Entrance Fees Not Included): $40
  • Ocho Rios City Bus Tour (Beach, Sightseeing & Shopping): $40
  • Skip-The-Line: Dunn's River Falls Adventure Tour from Ocho Rios: $40
  • Transportation to Horse Back Ride & Swim Adventure from Ocho Rios: $45
  • Luminous lagoon Private & Group tour from Runaway Bay: $45
  • Ocho Rios City Tour and Sightseeing: $49
  • Dunn's River Falls and Ocho Rios Sightseeing with Shopping: $50
  • Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios: $50

Tours and Activities in San Ignacio

Here are a few actual costs in San Ignacio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour The Best of Belmopan Private Walking Tour: $192
  • 3 in 1 Adventure Combo in San Ignacio: $275
  • 5 Waterfall Adventure at Dreaming Giant Falls Belize: $145
  • 7:30am Jungle Farm trail Ride plus Xunantunich adventure: $100
  • ATM Cave Tour from San Ignacio Actun Tunichil Muknal: $124
  • ATV Excursions in Cayo with Waterfalls Experience: $174
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic: $131
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio : $140
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal with Local Tour guide & Belizean Lunch: $131
  • Barton Creek Tour: $146
  • Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $95
  • Caracol Maya Ruins Tour Including Rio On Pools, Rio Frio Cave and a Picnic Lunch: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.43
    San Ignacio $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Ocho Rios

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ocho Rios:

  • Bar Hopping, Pub Crawl, Shopping and Sightseeing Tour Ocho Rios: $113


When comparing the travel costs between Ocho Rios and San Ignacio, we can see that San Ignacio is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands and San Ignacio is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or San Ignacio?

San Ignacio has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios and San Ignacio, 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 Ocho Rios or San Ignacio?

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 Ocho Rios or San Ignacio in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as San Ignacio. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in San Ignacio. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in July than San Ignacio. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the summer, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than San Ignacio. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 226 hours of full sun.

In July, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as San Ignacio. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 29°C (83°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    San Ignacio 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Ignacio in the Autumn?

Both San Ignacio and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. It's quite rainy in Ocho Rios. In October, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than San Ignacio. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than San Ignacio during autumn. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as San Ignacio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and San Ignacio fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    San Ignacio 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Ignacio in the Winter?

Both San Ignacio and Ocho Rios during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round.

San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in January than San Ignacio. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the winter, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than San Ignacio. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Ignacio receives 199 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as San Ignacio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ocho Rios in January average around 26°C (79°F), and San Ignacio averages at about 24°C (74°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    San Ignacio 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or San Ignacio in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and San Ignacio. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than San Ignacio. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while San Ignacio receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Ignacio this time of the year. In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Ignacio during spring. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while San Ignacio receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as San Ignacio. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (80°F), and San Ignacio fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    San Ignacio 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for San Ignacio and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios San Ignacio
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)