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

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

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 Puerto Vallarta can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a remote, local, and authentic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a cultural, coastal, and colorful town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

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

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


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is well known for its fishing and wildlife.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Puerto Vallarta

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

Puerto Vallarta is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Puerto Vallarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta 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, Puerto Vallarta makes for a great culinary experience. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

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 Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Puerto Vallarta

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

Puerto Vallarta offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

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 Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its resorts. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Puerto Vallarta is a perfect choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

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


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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Puerto Vallarta both offer very good scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). You'll find nice snorkeling with calm waters and you might even see dolphins.

Many visitors go to Puerto Vallarta to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Puerto Vallarta are very good 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 Puerto Vallarta. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta 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.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.


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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for shopping. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for its shopping opportunities.

Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Puerto Vallarta More Beautiful?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) attracts visitors from all around. The beaches, wildlife, and rainforests make this a unique and beautiful place to visit.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Puerto Vallarta

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Puerto Vallarta.

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, Puerto Vallarta is very family-friendly. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.


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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Puerto Vallarta

Both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Puerto Vallarta are very good 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.

Puerto Vallarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Puerto Vallarta

Both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Puerto Vallarta are very good 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 Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Puerto Vallarta

Both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Puerto Vallarta offer notable public transit options.

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.

Puerto Vallarta has some public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.


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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Puerto Vallarta both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable town. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

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

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

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

In either Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Puerto Vallarta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), and 3-5 days is enough time in Puerto Vallarta.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta.


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

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

The local destination of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this laid-back destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Puerto Vallarta?

The town of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) offers scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this 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 Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Puerto Vallarta 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, and The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico.


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

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



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $49
    Puerto Vallarta $57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $98
    Puerto Vallarta $114
Compare Hotels in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Puerto Vallarta

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


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 Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -
    Puerto Vallarta $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Puerto Vallarta Roundtrip Shuttle Airport Transfer: $32
  • Sayulita hotels to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) – Private Departure Transfer : $155
  • Private Transfer from Punta de Mita Area to PVR Airport: $180

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

Prices for flights to both Puerto Vallarta 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
    Puerto Vallarta $58
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 Puerto Vallarta

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Puerto Vallarta.

  • Winner 2025 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
  • Mexican Cooking Class, Tequila Tasting & Unlimited Margaritas: $89
  • Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour : $99
  • Puerto Vallarta- Market tour and Cooking Experience : $134
  • Rhythms of the night, sunset cruise, open bar & oceanfront dinner: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $119
    Puerto Vallarta $17

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 Puerto Vallarta

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

  • City tour express; butterfly, tequila, and beach an ecological day: $22
  • EcoHike experience through the jungle, mountains and hidden beach: $30
  • Puerto Vallarta VIP Promotional Tour: $30
  • Hike and Yoga Jungle Experience in Mexico: $30
  • Beachfront Massage Experience in Mismaloya: $42
  • Puerto Vallarta City Tour with a Visit to our Adventure Park: $45
  • Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos: $46
  • Monkey Mountain Hiking tour: $50
  • Sayulita Taco Tour: $54
  • Sayulita And San Pancho Beachs Tour: $64
  • Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary: $67
  • Canopy Tour Experience in Sayulita, Nuevo Nayarit.: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -
    Puerto Vallarta $22


When comparing the travel costs between Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Puerto Vallarta, 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. Even though Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is in Central America and Puerto Vallarta is in North 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.


Related Articles for Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)