A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grande-Terre vs. Jaco for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Grande-Terre or Jaco?

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

Should I visit Grande-Terre or Jaco? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Grande-Terre or Jaco?

Grande-Terre

Grande Terre is an island that makes up the eastern half of the Guadeloupe 'mainland.' It is divided from the other half of the main Guadeloupe island, Basse Terre, by a narrow channel called Rivière Salee (or the Salt River). The island itself is characterized by rolling hills, white sand beaches, and cliffs, and its indented coastline is surrounded by coral reefs. It is home to most of Guadeloupe's farmlands and tourist resorts.

Jaco

Jaco is a beach destination on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This resort city is located in the county of Garabito in the Puntarenas province. It has a population of about 10,000 residents and a 2.5 mile long beach that is an excellent surfing destination.

Because Jaco is located on the coast, it's weather is influenced by the water. The climate is humid with a relative humidity of about 80%, but climbing to 90% in the month of June. The temperature is usually between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night. There are distinct wet and dry seasons with August through early December being the rainy season and late December through early April being the dry season. Rain is irregular during the rest of the year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Jaco or Grande-Terre?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Grande-Terre is €179, while the average daily cost in Jaco is €102. 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 Grande-Terre and Jaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grande-Terre 82
    Jaco 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grande-Terre 164
    Jaco 116
Compare Hotels in Grande-Terre and Jaco

Looking for a hotel in Grande-Terre or Jaco? 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 Grande-Terre


Hotels in Jaco


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: Grande-Terre Hotel Prices and Jaco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grande-Terre 9.00
    Jaco -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grande-Terre

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grande-Terre:

  • Transfer Guadeloupe Airport to Cruise Port: $38
  • PrivateTransfer from Pointe-à-Pitre Cruise Port to Airport (PTP) : $75
  • PrivateTransfer from Pointe-à-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Cruise Port : $75
  • Private Transfer from Pointe-à-Pitre to Pointe-à-Pitre Port: $75
  • Private Transfer from Pointe-à-Pitre Port to Pointe-à-Pitre: $75
  • Private Transfer from Pointe a Pitre Airport to Deshaies or Trois Riviers by SUV: $91
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Pointe-a-Pitre Arrival Transfer: $47
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Pointe-a-Pitre - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Guadeloupe island hotel-Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Pointe-a-Pitre Airport (PTP) to Guadeloupe island - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Pointe a Pitre Airport PTP to Le Gosier by SUV: $50
  • Arrival Private Transfer Pointe a Pitre Airport PTP to Pointe a Pitre by SUV: $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco

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

  • Jaco to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) - Departure Private Transfer: $144
  • Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $204
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Jaco to Juan Santa Maria Airport: $175
  • Private Direct SJO ↔ Jaco Beach/Los Sueños Transfer Service: $70
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Jaco Beach Puntarenas: $66
  • Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Playa Jaco Puntarenas: $63
  • Shuttle & transfer rides to SJO Airport Costa Rica: $55
  • Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $235

Is it cheaper to fly into Grande-Terre or Jaco?

Prices for flights to both Jaco and Grande-Terre 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
    Grande-Terre 82
    Jaco 31

Typical Food Prices in Jaco

For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hermosa BeachLlunch
    3.37
  • Tsunami Sushi Dinner
    15
  • Taco Bar Dinner
    7.71
  • Pizza & Smoothie Lunch
    5.40
  • Ice Cream
    5.06
  • Breakfast Taco Bar
    2.86
  • Fruit Plate
    2.53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco

For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Costa Rican cooking class with cookbook author Melissa Guzman: $85
  • Traditional Costa Rican cooking class and meal with a modern twist: $139
  • Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grande-Terre 45
    Jaco 51

Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Dance Class
    8.40
  • Surf Lesson
    42
  • Bike Rental
    8.40
  • Tortuga Island Tour
    84
  • Massage
    38

Tours and Activities in Jaco

For Jaco, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Crocodile Man Tour THE ORIGINAL: $35
  • Cold Plunge Experience in Jaco: $35
  • Jungle Crocodile Safari and Bird Watching tour/Tarcoles River CR: $40
  • Chocolate Experience in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos : $45
  • 10 WATERFALLS and NATURAL POOLS HIKING EXPERIENCE 4x4 TRUCK RIDE: $60
  • Party Safari Tractor Tour with Visit the waterfall: $60
  • Jaco Beach Horseback Riding Tour: $60
  • Jaco Horseback Riding Adventure Tours: $61
  • Horseback Riding in Tarcoles Garabito, a Life Experience.: $62
  • Birdwatching tour in Carara National Park: $65
  • Mountain View Zip-line Tour: $67
  • Jacó beach horseback riding experience : $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grande-Terre 12
    Jaco 27

Typical Alcohol Prices in Jaco

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:


  • Wine
    13
  • Night at the Bar
    23


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grande-Terre and Jaco, we can see that Grande-Terre is more expensive. And not only is Jaco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grande-Terre is in Caribbean Islands 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 Grande-Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grande-Terre 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 Grande-Terre Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Grande-Terre or Jaco?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Grande-Terre or Jaco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Grande-Terre as well as Jaco. Grande-Terre attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Jaco. Grande-Terre receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grande-Terre usually gets less rain in July than Jaco. Grande-Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Grande-Terre this time of the year. In the summer, Grande-Terre often gets more sunshine than Jaco. Grande-Terre gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Grande-Terre is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grande-Terre in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Jaco averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grande-Terre 27°C (81°F) 
    Jaco 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Grande-Terre or Jaco in the Autumn?

Both Jaco and Grande-Terre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grande-Terre throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Jaco is November to May. June to October is the hurricane season in Jaco. It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. It's quite rainy in Grande-Terre. In October, Grande-Terre usually receives less rain than Jaco. Grande-Terre gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Grande-Terre. Grande-Terre usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during autumn. Grande-Terre gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Grande-Terre is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in Grande-Terre average around 27°C (80°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grande-Terre 27°C (80°F) 
    Jaco 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Grande-Terre or Jaco in the Winter?

Both Jaco and Grande-Terre during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grande-Terre because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.

Grande-Terre usually gets more rain in January than Jaco. Grande-Terre gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Grande-Terre. In the winter, Grande-Terre often gets less sunshine than Jaco. Grande-Terre gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun.

Grande-Terre is cooler than Jaco in the winter. The daily temperature in Grande-Terre averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grande-Terre 24°C (76°F) 
    Jaco 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Grande-Terre or Jaco in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Grande-Terre and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grande-Terre year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to May in Jaco is the dry season. June to October in Jaco is the hurricane season. Grande-Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Grande-Terre usually receives more rain than Jaco. Grande-Terre gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. In Grande-Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Grande-Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco during spring. Grande-Terre gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Grande-Terre is cooler than Jaco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grande-Terre in April average around 26°C (78°F), and Jaco averages at about 29°C (85°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grande-Terre 26°C (78°F) 
    Jaco 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Jaco and Grande-Terre

Grande-Terre Jaco
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 29°C (85°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 226 mm (8.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 289 mm (11.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 27°C (81°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)