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

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

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 Santa Elena 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. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) travel costs.

Santa Elena

Santa Elena is a scenic, tranquil, and outdoorsy town. Santa Elena is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking and shopping. See Santa Elena travel costs.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Santa Elena: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) than Santa Elena, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is better known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Santa Elena is more popular for its shopping. Santa Elena is more touristy than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and is popular for its birdwatching and environmental conservation. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is well known for its fishing and wildlife. Also, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is famous for Corcovado National Park.

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

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Neither Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Santa Elena offer quality 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Santa Elena. The area is filled with outdoor gardens, parks, and nature reserves, but there are few museums to visit.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Santa Elena is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many places have local Costa Rican dishes, but you'll also find pizza joints and the occasional cafe as well.

Santa Elena offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find some basic but good restaurants around town. Many offer pasta, pizza, and typical Costa Rican dishes.

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

Both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Santa Elena are respectable 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 Santa Elena. There's a couple of bars but not much else for nightlife in town.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Elena 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.

Santa Elena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for the beach. However, Santa Elena 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.

Santa Elena is not a beach destination.

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

You'll find high quality hiking in both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Santa Elena.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Santa Elena. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has a range of trails including a walk along the Continental Divide. There's also the famous red hanging bridge.

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

Santa Elena is very good for shopping. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for its shopping opportunities.

Santa Elena is a great destination for shopping. There are some art galleries and artisan shops around town where you can pick up some interesting souvenirs.

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 Santa Elena More Beautiful?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Santa Elena is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and 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.

Santa Elena is a gorgeous place to visit. The cloud forest and canopy walks give you access to breathtaking views and unique wildlife.

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

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Santa Elena.

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, Santa Elena is very family-friendly. Monteverde has many canopy walks, zipline courses, and animal parks that the kids will love. The nature and wildlife make this a fun and educational destination for everyone.

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

Both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Santa Elena are high quality 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.

Santa Elena makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The cloud forest is filled with romantic views and unique landscapes. Couples who enjoy the outdoors will fall in love with this magical setting.

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

Santa Elena is very popular for backpackers. Also, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santa Elena is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and affordable activities. There are also many hostels with social activities that make this a great backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

Both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Santa Elena 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.

Santa Elena has some public transit options. There are buses through town that travel to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Santa Elena is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Santa Elena is somewhat walkable. It's relatively easy to walk around, but you will need to take a bus to Monteverde.

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

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

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

It's fun to spend time in either Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Santa Elena. In our opinion, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) than Santa Elena. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), and 2-4 days is enough time in Santa Elena.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) than Santa Elena. 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 Santa Elena. 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 Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the authentic town of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Santa Elena, many people enjoy the shopping that this outdoorsy destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Santa Elena?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the authentic destination of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Santa Elena, many people enjoy the shopping that this town 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 town makes for a great vacation. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Elena has to offer.

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

The local town of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena?

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Santa Elena 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 Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica.

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

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 Santa Elena Expensive?.