A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) vs. Key West for Food, Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Key West can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a authentic, remote, and local town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) travel costs.

Key West

Key West is a bustling, active, and lively town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Key West is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Key West travel costs.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Key West: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key West. Although Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Key West are popular destinations, Key West has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key West is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking. Key West is more touristy than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and is known for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. It is also well known for Duval Street. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is famous for its fishing and wildlife.

How is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) different from Key West?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) offers a few options for museum-goers. People visit the town for the nearby national park, so you won't find much in the form of museums.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

Key West is a well-known place 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Key West makes for a great culinary experience. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

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

Key West offers plenty to do in the evening. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West Better for Resorts?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

Key West is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Key West. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a resort destination.


Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is notable for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

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.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Key West. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West Better for Beaches?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Key West are great choices for a beach vacation.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Near town you'll find wonderful beaches and long stretches of sand bordered by lush rainforests.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Key West. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West Better for its Old Town?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

Key West is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

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


Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West Better for Hiking?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

Both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Key West are reasonable shopping destinations.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a good destination for shopping. It's a small local town so you won't find many shopping options that cater to tourists.

If you're looking to go shopping, Key West has some nice offerings. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West More Beautiful?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Key West both are comparable with their great scenery and 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.

The beauty of Key West is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.


Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West Better for Families?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West.

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Key West is very family-friendly. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West Better for Couples?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

Both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Key West are great destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Key West makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is notable for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Key West is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Key West is a pretty expensive destination, but there are Airbnbs and even a hostel or two that cater to budget backpackers.


Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West Better for Students?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

Key West is a well-known place for students. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not popular with students.

Key West is very popular with students. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not popular with students.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a popular place for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West a more walkable city?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Key West

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Key West is a somewhat walkable town. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.


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

Should I spend more time in Key West or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

How long in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West?

Both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Key West have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), and 5-7 days is enough time in Key West.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) than Key West 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park).


  • How many days in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West? Ideal Length of Stay
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 3-4 
    Key West 5-7

One day in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West?

The beautiful town of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) offers scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Key West, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this active 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 town offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Key West, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beautiful town offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Key West 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 Key West has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Key West is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here. It offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Key West or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

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

  • Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Prices
    Costa Rica Prices
    Key West Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $140
    Key West $832

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is $140, while the average daily cost in Key West is $832. 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Key West in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $49
    Key West $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $98
    Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Key West

Looking for a hotel in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West? 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)


Hotels in Key West


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: Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Hotel Prices and Key West Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -
    Key West $51

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:


  • Rental Car for One Day
    $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:

  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54
  • Key West Int Airport EYW to Key West Hotels Arrival Transfer: $155
  • Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $155
  • Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $163
  • Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $163

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Key West?

Prices for flights to both Key West and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $60
    Key West $667
Typical Food Prices in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are as follows:


  • Dinner at Finca Exotica
    $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $74
  • Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
  • Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included: $84
  • Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $90
  • Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with Open Bar and Live Music: $100
  • Secret Walking Food Tour: $115
  • Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $119
    Key West $33

Tours and Activities in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are as follows:

  • Gold Panning Private Adventure in Puerto Jimenez: $35
  • Puerto Jimenez Birdwatching Tour Osa Peninsula Golfo Dulce: $60
  • Kayak experience on Playa Blanca in Puerto Jiménez: $65
  • Bio-Luminescence and Sunset Kayak Tour: $67
  • Corcovado La Leona Day Tour from Puerto Jimenez - All Inclusive: $120
  • Isla del Caño snorkel tour from Drake Bay (Cano island) : $125
  • Sirena Day Tour - Corcovado NP All Inclusive from Puerto Jimenez: $145
  • One Day Tour To Caño Island From Drake Bay: $145
  • Corcovado National Park - Day Tour from Drake Bay: $145
  • 4 Hour Private Guided Tour in Osa Jungle : $163
  • Corcovado National Park - Private Siren Day Tour: $190
  • Scuba Diving Tour at Cano Island (Isla del Caño) from Drake Bay: $195

Tours and Activities in Key West

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

  • Key West Pirate Exploration Game and Tour: $5.00
  • Florida Key West Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Key West GPS Audio Tour: From Seaside Village to Micro State: $12
  • Key West’s Old Town Treasures: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Mel Fisher Maritime Museum Admission Ticket: $18
  • Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum Tickets: $19
  • Key West Aquarium Tickets: $23
  • Key West Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Key West Ghost Tours: Southernmost Shadows and Ghosts: $26
  • Truman Little White House Guided Tour Ticket: $26
  • Key West Ghost Tours: Southernmost Shadows and Ghosts: $27
  • The Ghosts of Key West Walking Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -
    Key West $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Key West

Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Key West Bar Crawl: $15
  • Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
  • Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
  • Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
  • 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43


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

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