Which place is cheaper, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or San Juan del Sur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit San Juan del Sur or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?
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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?
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.
Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Situated in the Golfo Dulce, Puerto Jiminez has grown from a logging and gold mining town in the 1960s to become the largest town on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. Today, it serves as a main gateway to Corcovado National Park, a last stopping point before visitors enter the park. Puerto Jiminez also has a lively night life, a beach, and easy access to a number of outdoors activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.
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San Juan del Sur Prices
Nicaragua PricesPuerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan del Sur $72Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $154
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan del Sur is $72, while the average daily cost in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is $154. 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan del Sur $26Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan del Sur $52Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $108
Compare Hotels in San Juan del Sur and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Looking for a hotel in San Juan del Sur 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.
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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan del Sur $18Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan del Sur
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Juan del Sur:
- Granada: One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $39
Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan del Sur or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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
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Food Meals for one daySan Juan del Sur $32Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan del Sur
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Juan del Sur.
- Mombacho Volcano Adventure Tour with Dinner: $235
Typical Food Prices in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are as follows:
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Dinner at Finca Exotica$59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan del Sur $15Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $131
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:
- Gran Nelson Xtreme Zipline Adventure: $45
- La Flor Beach Natural Reserve Bus Tour: $80
- Surfing Adventure Morning in San Juan del Sur: $105
- Kayak and Paddle Boarding Adventure in San Juan del Sur: $105
- Surf and Paradise View Tour in San Juan del Sur: $129
- Masaya Volcano Tour in Nicaragua: $130
- ATV Adventure Tour in San Juan del Sur, NICARAGUA: $145
- SJDS PORT EXCURSION: Zipline and Adventure Park: $150
- Mombacho Volcano Hike and Ziplining Adventure from San Juan del Sur: $159
- San Juan del Sur Shore Excursion: Private Masaya Volcano and Catarina Tour: $201
- Catamaran Cruise with Meals in San Juan del Sur: $220
- Whale Watching Adventure in San Juan del Sur: $250
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:
- Kayak experience on Playa Blanca in Puerto Jiménez: $65
- Bio-Luminescence and Sunset Kayak Tour: $67
- Isla del Caño snorkel tour from Drake Bay (Cano island): $110
- Puerto Jimenez: Sunset Wildlife Tour (3PM Afternoon Expereince): $110
- Corcovado National Park - Day Tour from Drake Bay: $127
- Corcovado National Park: La leona Wildlife Day Tour: $145
- One Day Tour To Caño Island From Drake Bay: $145
- Corcovado National Park Day Tour: Guided Wildlife Walk at Sirena: $148
- Corcovado National Park Sirena Day Tour From Puerto Jimenez: $155
- 4 Hour Private Guided Tour in Osa Jungle: $163
- Corcovado National Park LA LEONA Ranger Station Full Day Tour: $175
- Scuba Diving Tour at Cano Island (Isla del Caño) from Drake Bay: $190
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan del Sur $13Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Juan del Sur and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), we can see that Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 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 Juan del Sur.
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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Expensive?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.