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

Should you visit San Jose 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 San Jose 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.

San Jose

San Jose is a colorful, bustling, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See San Jose travel costs.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a local, authentic, and remote town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) travel costs.

San Jose and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park): Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Jose. Although San Jose and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are both popular with visitors, San Jose has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Jose is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is more touristy than San Jose and is popular for its fishing and wildlife. San Jose is popular for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country. It is also home to The National Museum of Costa Rica.

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

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

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

San Jose is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

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

Both San Jose and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Many places have local Costa Rican dishes, but you'll also find pizza joints and the occasional cafe as well.

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

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

San Jose offers plenty to do in the evening. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, San Jose 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.

San Jose is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place for its beaches. However, San Jose is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Near town you'll find wonderful beaches and long stretches of sand bordered by lush rainforests.

San Jose is not a beach destination.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Jose 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.

San Jose is not a hiking destination.

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

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

San Jose is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

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 San Jose or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) More Beautiful?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The beaches, wildlife, and rainforests make this a unique and beautiful place to visit.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the beaches, kayaking, surfing, wildlife, hiking, and swimming. There really is something for the whole family to enjoy.

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

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

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

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

San Jose and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

San Jose is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

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

Is San Jose or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Better for Students?

San Jose is very good for students. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not popular with students.

San Jose is a good city to visit for students. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both San Jose and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park).

San Jose has some public transit options. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

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 San Jose or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) a more walkable city?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

San Jose is a somewhat walkable place. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

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

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

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

It's fun to spend time in either San Jose or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Generally, people tend to spend more time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for San Jose, 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 San Jose. 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 San Jose. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

In San Jose, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this authentic destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities. 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 San Jose or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

In San Jose, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this city offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Jose has to offer.

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 San Jose or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

San Jose 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.

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 San Jose or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

San Jose 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 Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica.

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

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