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

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

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 Quepos and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) can help you decide which place is right for you.

Quepos

Quepos is a local, laid-back, and relaxed town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Quepos travel costs.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a remote, local, and authentic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) travel costs.

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

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
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 popular for nightlife


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) than Quepos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Quepos is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and shopping. Quepos is well known for its big game sport fishing. 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 Quepos different from Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Quepos
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Neither Quepos or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) offer quality museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Quepos. You won't find much as far as museums go around town.

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.


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

Quepos
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Foodies will find both Quepos and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) both to be notable destinations.

Quepos is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.

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.

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

Quepos
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Quepos is very good for nightlife. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Quepos. You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.

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

Quepos
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Quepos is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a resort destination.

Quepos has a few resort options worth checking out. It's a fishing town with a local vibe, so you'll likely want to stay outside of town if you're looking for an upscale resort.

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


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

Quepos
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Quepos is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Quepos is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Quepos
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Quepos has a beach worth visiting. If you want to be close to the beach, you'll do better to stay at nearby Manuel Antonio. Quepos does have a waterfront and access to deep sea fishing.

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

Quepos
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Quepos is not a hiking destination.

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.

Quepos is not a hiking destination.


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

Quepos
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

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

Quepos is a great destination for shopping. You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.

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

Quepos
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Quepos 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.

Quepos is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Quepos
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Quepos. Most of the beaches are kid-friendly and the children will love the wildlife. You'll also find zipline tours in the area as well as canopy walks.

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.


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

Quepos
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Quepos is very popular for romance. Also, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Quepos has plenty to offer. The beaches and resorts make this a favorite honeymoon destination for couples. There are many great restaurants and plenty of activities like horseback riding or surfing nearby.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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

Quepos
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Quepos 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.

Quepos is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's one of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica, so you'll find plenty of hostels and other backpackers to hang out with.

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

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

Quepos
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Quepos and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park).

Quepos has some public transit options. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

You'll find some public transit in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors take the colectivo taxi, which is a flatbed truck that is more affordable than private taxis.


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

Quepos
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Quepos is somewhat walkable. It is a relatively walkable town.

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

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

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

It's fun to spend time in either Quepos or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Quepos, and 3-4 days is enough time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park).

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quepos 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 Quepos.


  • How many days in Quepos or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)? Ideal Length of Stay
    Quepos 2-4 
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 3-4

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

In Quepos, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this local destination offers. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the destination of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

In Quepos, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this town offers. 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 Quepos has to offer.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


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

Quepos is a popular choice for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Quepos 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the authentic destination of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Costa Rica, and The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica.


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

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

  • Quepos Prices
    Costa Rica Prices
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Prices
    Costa Rica Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Quepos $137
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $138

The average daily cost (per person) in Quepos is $137, while the average daily cost in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is $138. 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 Quepos and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Quepos $75
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Quepos $150
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $98
Compare Hotels in Quepos and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

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


Hotels in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Quepos $9.42
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos

Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Manuel Antonio (One Way): $113
  • Transfer From San Jose Airport To Manuel Antonio Beach: $135
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Uvita to Quepos - Manuel Antonio: $140
  • Private Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Nauyaca Waterfalls (Round Trip): $199
  • Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $210
  • Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop.: $225
  • Private transfer from SJ Airport to Manuel Antonio and vice versa: $230
  • Manuel Antonio & Quepos one way transfer to SJO hotels - Airport up to 5 people.: $274
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Monteverde: $276
  • Private Transfer From Manuel Antonio To La Fortuna From 1 to 6 passengers: $297

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

Prices for flights to both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Quepos 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
    Quepos $50
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $59
Typical Food Prices in Quepos

For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $15
  • Seafood Dinner (for 1)
    $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos

For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Night Jungle Tour with Dinner (Rainmaker Park): $59
  • Cooking Class and Medical Plants Garden: $77
  • Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79

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
    $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Quepos $17
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $118

Tours and Activities in Quepos

For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Beach Day Experience in Manuel Antonio: $25
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $27
  • Manuel Antonio National Park tour : $29
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Tour: $29
  • Guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park: $29
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $30
  • Manuel Antonio with Mauro / Tickets not Included! : $30
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Group Guided Tour: $30
  • 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $30
  • Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches: $30
  • Night Tour in Authentic Forest: $32
  • Manuel Antonio: the best tour to see sloths in Manuel Antonio Park: $35

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:

  • 30-minute Corcovado National Park Tour by Plane: $256
  • 4 Hour Private Guided Tour in Osa Jungle : $163
  • Bio-Luminescence and Sunset Kayak Tour: $62
  • Corcovado National Park - Day Tour from Drake Bay: $145
  • Corcovado-Private Mermaid Tour from Puerto Jimenez.: $225
  • Gold Panning Private Adventure in Puerto Jimenez: $35
  • Kayak experience on Playa Blanca in Puerto Jiménez: $65
  • One Day Tour To Caño Island From Drake Bay: $125
  • One Day Tour to Corcovado (La Leona Station) From Puerto Jiménez: $299
  • Parque Nacional Corcovado- Sirena day tour desde Puerto Jiménez : $190

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Quepos $14
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -


When comparing the travel costs between Quepos and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), 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 Quepos Expensive? and Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Expensive?.