A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Port-of-Spain vs. San Juan del Sur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Port-of-Spain or San Juan del Sur?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Port-of-Spain and San Juan del Sur can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Port-of-Spain or San Juan del Sur?

Port-of-Spain

Located on the northwest coast of Trinidad island, Port of Spain is the capital of the Caribbean island nation Trinidad & Tobago. It is a hub of activity, especially during the celebration of Carnival for which the island nation is famous.

San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan del Sur or Port-of-Spain?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Port-of-Spain is $174, while the average daily cost in San Juan del Sur is $53. 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 Port-of-Spain and San Juan del Sur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Port-of-Spain $80
    San Juan del Sur $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Port-of-Spain $160
    San Juan del Sur $42
Compare Hotels in Port-of-Spain and San Juan del Sur

Looking for a hotel in Port-of-Spain or San Juan del Sur? 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 Port-of-Spain


Hotels in San Juan del Sur


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: Port-of-Spain Hotel Prices and San Juan del Sur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Port-of-Spain $49
    San Juan del Sur $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Port-of-Spain or San Juan del Sur?

Prices for flights to both San Juan del Sur and Port-of-Spain 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
    Port-of-Spain $54
    San Juan del Sur $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Port-of-Spain $59
    San Juan del Sur $15

Tours and Activities in San Juan del Sur

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

  • SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
  • San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
  • ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
  • atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132
  • Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Port-of-Spain $22
    San Juan del Sur $13


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Port-of-Spain Expensive? and Is San Juan del Sur Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Port-of-Spain or San Juan del Sur?

Port-of-Spain has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of Port-of-Spain and San Juan del Sur, 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 Port-of-Spain or San Juan del Sur?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or San Juan del Sur in the Summer?

Both San Juan del Sur and Port-of-Spain are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Port-of-Spain throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. It's quite rainy in Port-of-Spain. In July, Port-of-Spain usually receives more rain than San Juan del Sur. Port-of-Spain gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Port-of-Spain. Port-of-Spain usually receives more sunshine than San Juan del Sur during summer. Port-of-Spain gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Port-of-Spain is generally around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur. Daily temperatures in Port-of-Spain average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or San Juan del Sur in the Autumn?

Both San Juan del Sur and Port-of-Spain during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Port-of-Spain because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round.

San Juan del Sur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Port-of-Spain. Port-of-Spain usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as San Juan del Sur. Port-of-Spain gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Port-of-Spain. In the autumn, Port-of-Spain often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan del Sur. Port-of-Spain gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 195 hours of full sun.

Port-of-Spain is around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Port-of-Spain averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or San Juan del Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Port-of-Spain and San Juan del Sur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Port-of-Spain year-round. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Port-of-Spain usually receives more rain than San Juan del Sur. Port-of-Spain gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan del Sur this time of the year. In Port-of-Spain, it's very sunny this time of the year. Port-of-Spain usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan del Sur during winter. Port-of-Spain gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Port-of-Spain is around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Port-of-Spain in January average around 26°C (78°F), and San Juan del Sur averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Port-of-Spain 26°C (78°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Port-of-Spain or San Juan del Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Port-of-Spain as well as San Juan del Sur. Port-of-Spain attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.

Port-of-Spain usually gets more rain in April than San Juan del Sur. Port-of-Spain gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Port-of-Spain this time of the year. In the spring, Port-of-Spain often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan del Sur. Port-of-Spain gets 238 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 242 hours of full sun.

In April, Port-of-Spain is generally around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur. Daily temperatures in Port-of-Spain average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan del Sur and Port-of-Spain

Port-of-Spain San Juan del Sur
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)