A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salvador vs. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

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

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Salvador

Salvador is a authentic, cultural, and historical city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Salvador travel costs.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a remote, local, and authentic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food. See Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) travel costs.

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

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
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
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Salvador than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Salvador is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Salvador is more touristy than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and is known for its West African influence, rich culinary scene, and colonial architecture. Also, Salvador is famous for São Francisco. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is well known for its fishing and wildlife.

How is Salvador 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 Salvador. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Salvador
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Salvador is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Salvador specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the main sights are found in the historic part of town. In this area you'll find the Museu da Cidade, the Abelardo Rodrigues Museum, and the Casa do Benin. There are many ornate churches as well such as the São Francisco and the Carmelite Church.

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

Salvador
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Salvador 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, Salvador makes for a great culinary experience. The city has rich African roots that are noticeable in the cuisine around town. Buffets have become popular in restaurants and many places offer a lunch buffet. They range in price and quality and you often pay by the weight. Common dishes include moqueca (seafood stew), vatapá (a type of curry), and acarajé (fried balls of beans and shrimp).

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

Salvador
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

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

Salvador offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to the old city for a mix of local music and authentic Brazilian activities. Further out, along the stretches of beach, you'll find larger music venues and dance clubs. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxed throughout the city and you'll find a very local vibe in many neighborhoods.

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

Salvador
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Salvador is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find nice snorkeling with calm waters and you might even see dolphins.

Salvador is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


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

Salvador
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Both Salvador and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) have excellent beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Salvador. Many of the beaches are sandy with warm water and tidal pools to explore. The most popular beach is Praia Farol da Barra, which can get crowded. North of the city is the more relaxed Praia Farol de Itapuã and if you want to learn to surf, head to Praia da Jaguaribe, which is home to several surfing schools.

The beaches at Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) attract visitors from all over. Near town you'll find wonderful beaches and long stretches of sand bordered by lush rainforests.

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

Salvador
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Salvador is very good for its historic old town. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Salvador to see the historical old town. The city served as the first Portuguese capital and today it still has colonial architecture and a historic atmosphere. At the historic heart of the city is the Pelourinho neighborhood, which has nice squares and cobblestone streets.

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

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

Salvador
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Salvador is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Salvador is not a hiking destination.


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

Salvador
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

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

Salvador is a great destination for shopping. There are many local markets and shops around town where you can pick up traditional Brazilian items and artisan crafts.

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

Salvador
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Salvador 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.

Salvador is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Salvador
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Salvador is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is known to be 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.

For families, Salvador is not always the best place to visit. It has a reputation for being dangerous, so many families don't plan to spend much time here, but the city has parks, recreational activities like climbing, and a number of kid-friendly museums to explore. There are also many ice cream shops and family-friendly restaurants.


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

Salvador
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Salvador and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Salvador frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The historical center is charming and the perfect place to explore as a couple. There are also parks around town and many cultural experiences that visitors truly enjoy.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Salvador or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salvador
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Salvador and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Salvador is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love the historical architecture and the authenticity that this city offers. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's become a popular backpacker destination because there are a number of hostels nearby.

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

Salvador
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Salvador and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park).

You'll find some public transit in Salvador, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are divided into two different classes - the common bus and the executive bus.

While Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many visitors take the colectivo taxi, which is a flatbed truck that is more affordable than private taxis.


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

Salvador
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Salvador is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Salvador is generally not a very walkable city. While it's possible to walk around town, you should really understand which areas are safe and which parts of town are dangerous. Sometimes the dangerous areas are just a couple of blocks that are surrounded by an otherwise safe neighborhood, so you should really understand where you are before heading out on foot.

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

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

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

It's fun to spend time in either Salvador or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 3-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

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

In Salvador, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural 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 city offers something for everyone.

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.

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

In Salvador, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this city offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

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.


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

Salvador is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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.

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

Salvador 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.

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.


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


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

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

  • Salvador Prices
    Brazil Prices
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Prices
    Costa Rica Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Salvador $51
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $140

The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $51, while the average daily cost in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is $140. 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 Salvador and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $23
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $46
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $98
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Looking for a hotel in Salvador 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 Salvador


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $5.78
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:


  • Bus from Airport
    $1.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:

  • Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $15
  • Shared Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $15
  • Shared Transfer - North Coast: $21
  • Transfer Hotel in Salvador / Salvador Airport: $22
  • Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel in Salvador: $22
  • Tourism and Transfer Salvador and Morro de São Paulo: $23
  • Praia do Forte Shared Transfer From Salvador : $26
  • Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $30
  • Executive Transfer - Salvador International Airport to Hotels or Residencia: $31
  • Transfer Salvador Airport / Hotel Litoral Norte: $35
  • Salvador Airport (SSA) to Salvador - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Transfer Vila Galé Marés (Guarajuba) - Private: $39

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

Prices for flights to both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Salvador 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
    Salvador $21
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $60
Typical Food Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:


  • Dinner for 2
    $1.31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador

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

  • Bahia Noite - Folkloric Show and Dinner, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $68
  • Cooking class in Salvador, an authentic dinning experience: $85
  • Folklore Tour with Buffet Dinner: $91
  • Hands-On Bahian Cooking Class with Caipirinhas in Salvador: $95
  • Bahia Noite - Folklore and Dinner Show, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $95
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
  • Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience!: $140
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $146
  • Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $170
  • Authentic Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $175
  • Culinary Afro-Brazilian Delights & Churrascaria dinner.: $179
  • Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salvador $5.45
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $119

Tours and Activities in Salvador

Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Vitória and Barra): $4.48
  • Walking tour historic Pelourinho: $12
  • City Tour in Salvador - Half Day: $19
  • Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $19
  • Salvador Historical City Center Tour: $22
  • Salvador Panoramic City Tour: $22
  • Panoramic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Historic City Tour in Salvador: $25
  • Panoramic City Tour in Salvador: $25
  • Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
  • Historical Salvador City Tour: $26
  • Panoramic Salvador Half Day City Tour: $26

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $5.17
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:


  • Beers for 2
    $1.31
  • Drinks
    $2.63


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), we can see that Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salvador is in South America and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is in Central 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 Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Salvador.

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