A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cancun vs. Jaco for Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Cancun or Jaco?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Jaco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a active, adventurous, and wild city. With stunning beauty, Cancun attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Cancun travel costs.

Jaco

Jaco is a popular, touristy, and laid back town. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Jaco travel costs.

Cancun and Jaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Jaco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cancun. Although Cancun and Jaco are both popular with visitors, Cancun has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cancun is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Jaco is popular for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches.

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How is Cancun different from Jaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Jaco and Cancun. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cancun or Jaco?

Cancun is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cancun can be an interesting and educational experience. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Jaco offers a few options for museum-goers. Most people spend their time outside or partying while they're in town.

Is the Food Better in Cancun or Jaco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Cancun and Jaco.

Cancun has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Jaco area. There's a range of restaurants around town that include hamburger joints, pizza shops, and other casual favorites. You'll find a variety of options along the main strip as well.

Is Cancun or Jaco Better for Nightlife?

The terrific nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cancun and Jaco.

Cancun is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

Jaco has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. What was once a quiet surfing town is now one of the most famous party destinations in Costa Rica. There are a constantly growing number of bars and clubs around town and you'll find tons of young tourists and backpackers looking for a party.

Is Cancun or Jaco Better for Resorts?

Cancun is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Jaco is not a resort destination.

Cancun offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Jaco is not a resort destination.

Is Cancun or Jaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cancun is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

People travel to Cancun specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Jaco. You can't really snorkel at Jaco Beach because of the waves and water conditions, but there are a number of snorkeling tours that leave from town and take you to better spots.

Is Cancun or Jaco Better for Beaches?

Cancun is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Cancun are among the best in the world. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Jaco. Jaco Beach is a great spot for swimming and surfing. It's lost some of its original charm, but there's still golden sand and nearby horseback riding.

Is Cancun or Jaco Better for Hiking?

Cancun is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Jaco is not a hiking destination.

Cancun has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Jaco is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cancun or Jaco?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cancun and Jaco.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cancun. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Many visitors go to Jaco to go shopping. Many of the shops are found along the main street. There are a number of souvenir stores and a few art galleries that are worth checking out.

Is Cancun or Jaco More Beautiful?

Cancun is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Jaco is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Cancun attracts visitors from all around. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Jaco is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cancun or Jaco Better for Families?

Cancun is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cancun is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jaco. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, monkey tours, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy the beaches in the area as well.

Is Cancun or Jaco Better for Couples?

Cancun is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cancun has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Jaco is a nice destination for couples. It's one of the more touristy parts of Costa Rica, but if you enjoy surfing and beach life, then you'll find a lot to do in the area.

Is Cancun or Jaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun and Jaco are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Jaco is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a touristy town with a bit of a party reputation. There are plenty of hostels and other backpackers around so you shouldn't have trouble meeting people.

Is Cancun or Jaco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cancun is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Cancun has some public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Public transit is generally limited in Jaco. Most people walk or get around by bicycle.

Is Cancun or Jaco a more walkable city?

Cancun and Jaco are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Cancun is a very walkable city. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

Jaco is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and walkable. You'll find many of the restaurants and shops along the main street, and it's easy to reach the beach on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Cancun Worth Visiting? and Is Jaco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jaco or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Jaco?

It's fun to spend time in either Cancun or Jaco. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cancun due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 3-4 days is enough time in Jaco.

Families should spend more time in Cancun than Jaco. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cancun, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cancun than Jaco. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cancun that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun than Jaco 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 Cancun.

One day in Cancun or Jaco?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cancun. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Jaco. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or Jaco?

Cancun is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Jaco is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or Jaco?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the wild destination of Cancun. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jaco. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or Jaco?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the party-hard city of Cancun. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the popular destination of Jaco. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cancun Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cancun or Jaco?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Cancun and Jaco, 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.