A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Ignacio vs. San Juan del Sur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Ignacio or San Juan del Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Ignacio or San Juan del Sur, 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.

Where Should I go: San Ignacio or San Juan del Sur?

San Ignacio

So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.

You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.

This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!

San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Belize, The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, San Juan del Sur or San Ignacio?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Ignacio is $72, while the average daily cost in San Juan del Sur is $53. 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 San Ignacio and San Juan del Sur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Ignacio $19
    San Juan del Sur $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Ignacio $38
    San Juan del Sur $42
Compare Hotels in San Ignacio and San Juan del Sur

Looking for a hotel in San Ignacio or San Juan del Sur? 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 San Ignacio


Hotels in San Juan del Sur


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: San Ignacio Hotel Prices and San Juan del Sur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Ignacio $3.11
    San Juan del Sur $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:

  • From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20
  • San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into San Ignacio or San Juan del Sur?

Prices for flights to both San Juan del Sur and San Ignacio 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
    San Ignacio $21
    San Juan del Sur $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Ignacio $100
    San Juan del Sur $15

Tours and Activities in San Ignacio

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

  • Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio: $75
  • From Xunantunich Mayan Tour & Optional Combos: $75
  • Half-Day Cave Canoeing Adventure: $75
  • Xunantunich & Adventure Horse Ride: $75
  • Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
  • Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
  • Barton Creek Tour: $98
  • Xunantunich horseback riding tour: $100
  • Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $115
  • Caracol Maya Ruins & Waterfall Tour with Lunch: $120
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour from San Ignacio : $120
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Full-Day Tour: $120

Tours and Activities in San Juan del Sur

Here are a few actual costs in San Juan del Sur for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
  • San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
  • ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
  • atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132
  • Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Ignacio $17
    San Juan del Sur $13


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Ignacio Expensive? and Is San Juan del Sur Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Ignacio or San Juan del Sur?

San Ignacio has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of San Ignacio and San Juan del Sur, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit San Ignacio or San Juan del Sur?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit San Ignacio or San Juan del Sur in the Summer?

Both San Juan del Sur and San Ignacio are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Ignacio throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. It's quite rainy in San Ignacio. In July, San Ignacio usually receives more rain than San Juan del Sur. San Ignacio gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. San Ignacio usually receives more sunshine than San Juan del Sur during summer. San Ignacio gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

San Ignacio is around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur in the summer. The daily temperature in San Ignacio averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Ignacio 28°C (82°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or San Juan del Sur in the Autumn?

Both San Juan del Sur and San Ignacio during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Ignacio because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round.

San Juan del Sur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Ignacio. San Ignacio usually gets more rain in October than San Juan del Sur. San Ignacio gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, San Ignacio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan del Sur. San Ignacio gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 195 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, San Ignacio is around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Ignacio in October average around 26°C (80°F), and San Juan del Sur averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Ignacio 26°C (80°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or San Juan del Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Ignacio and San Juan del Sur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Ignacio year-round. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

San Ignacio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, San Ignacio usually receives more rain than San Juan del Sur. San Ignacio gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan del Sur this time of the year. San Ignacio usually receives less sunshine than San Juan del Sur during winter. San Ignacio gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan del Sur receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, San Ignacio is generally cooler than San Juan del Sur. Daily temperatures in San Ignacio average around 24°C (74°F), and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Ignacio 24°C (74°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit San Ignacio or San Juan del Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Ignacio as well as San Juan del Sur. San Ignacio attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.

San Ignacio usually gets more rain in April than San Juan del Sur. San Ignacio gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Juan del Sur receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Ignacio this time of the year. In the spring, San Ignacio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Juan del Sur. San Ignacio gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan del Sur receives 242 hours of full sun.

San Ignacio is around the same temperature as San Juan del Sur in the spring. The daily temperature in San Ignacio averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and San Juan del Sur fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Ignacio 27°C (80°F) 
    San Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan del Sur and San Ignacio

San Ignacio San Juan del Sur
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)