A Travel Price Comparison for Costa Rica Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) vs. Liberia for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

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

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 Liberia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a local, authentic, and remote town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) travel costs.

Liberia

Liberia is a accessible, colonial, and fascinating city. It's also known for hiking. See Liberia travel costs.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Liberia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Although Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Liberia are both popular with visitors, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Liberia is known for its hiking. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is popular for its fishing and wildlife. It is also home to Corcovado National Park. Liberia is popular for its "cowboy" culture as well as its proximity to some of Costa Rica's best national parks, beaches, and rainforests.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Liberia 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 Liberia?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Liberia

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Liberia 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.

Liberia does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Liberia

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Liberia is a mediocre city for its restaurants.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Many places have local Costa Rican dishes, but you'll also find pizza joints and the occasional cafe as well.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Liberia. The city has a number of traditional restaurants where you can find the ubiquitous Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto and casado.

Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Liberia Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Liberia

Both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Liberia are decent when it comes to partying.

Most people don't head to Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a few bars on the town's main street, but most visitors don't come to town for the nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Liberia. If you're in town for the night, you should have no problem finding a bar to hang out at.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Liberia

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Liberia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). You'll find nice snorkeling with calm waters and you might even see dolphins.

Liberia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Liberia

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is notable for its beaches. However, Liberia is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) for it's beautiful beaches. Near town you'll find wonderful beaches and long stretches of sand bordered by lush rainforests.

Liberia is not a beach destination.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Liberia

Liberia is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Liberia specifically for its hiking. Head to the nearby Rincon de la Vieja National Park for some of the country's best hiking. You'll see stunning waterfalls and hopefully catch a glimpse of local wildlife.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). 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.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Liberia

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a moderate town for shopping. However, Liberia is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Liberia is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Liberia

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Liberia 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.

Liberia is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Liberia

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Liberia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Liberia is a family-friendly town. This city is often used as a base for exploring the nearby Rincon De La Vieja National Park. Kids love the hikes, waterfalls, and wildlife that you see in the area.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Liberia

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is notable for romance. Also, Liberia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Liberia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking through rainforests, seeing splendid waterfalls, and checking out the local wildlife will enjoy a visit to Rincon De La Vieja National Park near town.


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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Liberia

Both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Liberia are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). It's become a popular backpacker destination because there are a number of hostels nearby.

Many backpackers visit Liberia. Like much of Costa Rica, this city is an easy backpacker destination with affordable accommodation and unique places to explore.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Liberia

Liberia is very good for students. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not popular with students.

Liberia is a good city to visit for students. As the capital of the Guanacaste province, many students use this city as a base to explore the nearby parks. You'll find study abroad groups as well as researchers and Phd students in the area.

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

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Liberia

Liberia is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Liberia can move around easily with public transportation. There is a comprehensive bus system that travels throughout the city and is used by many people.

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


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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Liberia

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Liberia both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Liberia is a very walkable town.

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

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

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

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Liberia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) than in Liberia. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), and 1-3 days is enough time in Liberia.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) than Liberia. 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) than Liberia. 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 Liberia 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 Liberia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 3-4 
    Liberia 1-3

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

In Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Liberia, many people enjoy the that this accessible destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities. This city offers something for everyone.

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

In Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Liberia, many people enjoy the that this city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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. Lots of people come for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Liberia has to offer.


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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Liberia is a popular choice for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Liberia is a great place to explore. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. 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 Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Liberia 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
    Liberia Prices
    Costa Rica Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $140
    Liberia $128

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is $140, while the average daily cost in Liberia is $128. 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 Liberia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $49
    Liberia $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $98
    Liberia $120
Compare Hotels in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Liberia

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


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 Liberia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -
    Liberia $43

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:

  • Costa Rica Private LIR Airport Arrival Transfer : $6.00
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Papagayo Peninsula: $12
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Playas del Coco: $14
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Riu Palace: $16
  • Private Transfer from Libera/Four Seasons Guanacaste Airport: $19
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport A Nekajui to Ritz Carlton: $20
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Penas Blancas: $24
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Peñas Blancas Nicaragua: $26
  • Private Transfer From Liberia Airport To Dreams Las Mareas: $30
  • Private Transfer From Playas Del Coco To Nosara : $40
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Nosara: $41
  • Airport Shuttle Transfer to Andaz Peninsula Papagayo: $45

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

Prices for flights to both Liberia 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
    Liberia $36
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

Typical Food Prices in Liberia

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


  • Snacks
    $1.98
  • Lunch at The Shack (for 1)
    $4.96
  • Lunch
    $11
  • Coffee & Tres Leches (for 2)
    $14
  • Ginger Ale
    $1.29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $120
    Liberia $25

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
  • Kayak experience on Playa Blanca in Puerto Jiménez: $65
  • Bio-Luminescence and Sunset Kayak Tour: $67
  • Corcovado National Park: Sirena Day Tour with Guide & Lunch : $110
  • Isla del Caño snorkel tour from Drake Bay (Cano island) : $125
  • Corcovado National Park - Day Tour from Drake Bay: $145
  • One Day Tour To Caño Island From Drake Bay: $145
  • 4 Hour Private Guided Tour in Osa Jungle : $163
  • Scuba Diving Tour at Cano Island (Isla del Caño) from Drake Bay: $195
  • One Day Tour to Corcovado (La Leona Station) From Puerto Jiménez: $230
  • 30-minute Corcovado National Park Tour by Plane: $256

Tours and Activities in Liberia

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

  • Guided Walking City Tour: $38
  • Rincón de la Vieja Rainforest Hot Springs Experience: $40
  • La Leona Waterfall Hiking Tour: $40
  • Rincón de la Vieja: Rainforest Hot Springs Experience: $40
  • Rincon de la Vieja: La Leona Waterfall Private Tour: $43
  • Guanacaste: Educational Nature in the Circular Economy Tour: $45
  • Tio Leo Coffee Tour: $47
  • Rincón de la Vieja Rainforest Wildlife Night Tour: $51
  • Skip the Line: Diamante Eco Adventure Park: Animal Sanctuary Discovery Ticket: $55
  • Combo Tour: Lunch + Río Negro hotsprings: $63
  • ATV Tour from Guanacaste: $65
  • Cultural Experience Tour: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -
    Liberia $13


When comparing the travel costs between Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Liberia, we can see that Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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. Since both cities are in Central America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Liberia Expensive?.