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

Should you visit San Juan del Sur or Cordoba?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Juan del Sur and Cordoba. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

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

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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan del Sur is $53, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $8.40. 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 Juan del Sur and Cordoba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Juan del Sur $21
    Cordoba $3.05
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Juan del Sur $42
    Cordoba $6.10
Compare Hotels in San Juan del Sur and Cordoba

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


Hotels in Cordoba


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 Juan del Sur Hotel Prices and Cordoba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Juan del Sur $18
    Cordoba $2.08

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

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

  • Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61

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

Prices for flights to both Cordoba and San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur $18
    Cordoba $3.83

Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:


  • Empanadas
    $0.01
  • Sandwich
    $0.00
  • Ice Cream
    $0.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Juan del Sur $15
    Cordoba $1.88

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:

  • ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $130
  • Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur also in Costa Rica: $90
  • Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159
  • SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $103
  • San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $118
  • atv tour also in Costa Rica: $132

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.

  • Traditional Córdoba CityTour x 2 Pax: $45
  • Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $48
  • Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
  • Cordoba City Tour: $50
  • Private Cordoba City Tour: $53
  • Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
  • Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $60
  • Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
  • Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
  • La Cumbrecita and Villa General Belgrano Full Day Tour: $73
  • Full Day Tour to Punilla Valley from Cordoba: $75
  • Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Juan del Sur $13
    Cordoba $1.48

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:

  • Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $120
  • Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
  • Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150


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

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


Which is Bigger, San Juan del Sur or Cordoba?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of San Juan del Sur and Cordoba, 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 Juan del Sur or Cordoba?

Cordoba has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan del Sur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

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

Both Cordoba and San Juan del Sur during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, San Juan del Sur is generally much warmer than Cordobain January. Daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur average around 27°C (81°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, San Juan del Sur often gets less sunshine than Cordobain January. San Juan del Sur gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur usually gets more rain in July than Cordobain January. San Juan del Sur gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F) 
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan del Sur and Cordoba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round.

San Juan del Sur is much warmer than Cordoba in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Juan del Sur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cordoba fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

San Juan del Sur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cordoba during autumn. San Juan del Sur gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Juan del Sur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Juan del Sur usually receives more rain than Cordobain April. San Juan del Sur gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    San Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F) 
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F)

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

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

In the winter, San Juan del Sur is around the same temperature as Cordoba. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Juan del Sur in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Cordoba averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan del Sur this time of the year. In the winter, San Juan del Sur often gets more sunshine than Cordobain July. San Juan del Sur gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun.

San Juan del Sur usually gets less rain in January than Cordobain July. San Juan del Sur gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    San Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F) 
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F)

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

Both Cordoba and San Juan del Sur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year.

In April, San Juan del Sur is generally much warmer than Cordobain October. Daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur average around 29°C (84°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Cordoba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cordoba during spring. San Juan del Sur gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Juan del Sur usually receives less rain than Cordobain October. San Juan del Sur gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    San Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F) 
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Cordoba and San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur Cordoba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)