A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jaco vs. Guadalajara for Nightlife, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Jaco or Guadalajara?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jaco or Guadalajara, 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.

Jaco

Jaco is a touristy, laid back, and popular town. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Jaco travel costs.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a vibrant, cultural, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Jaco and Guadalajara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jaco or Guadalajara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Guadalajara. Although Jaco and Guadalajara are popular destinations, Guadalajara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Guadalajara is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Jaco attracts visitors for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Jaco is more touristy than Guadalajara and is known for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. Guadalajara is famous for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. It is also well known for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Jaco different from Guadalajara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara can be an interesting and educational experience. It's a city that's filled with culture and history, with many impressive landmarks such as the Guadalajara Cathedral. Also make sure you visit the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, Expiatory Temple, the Government Palace, and the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.

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 Jaco or Guadalajara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Guadalajara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine uses some key ingredients such as corn tortillas, chilis, and beans. You'll find a lot of street food which includes tacos and tortas as well as restaurant dishes like birria (meat stew), pozole (hominy soup), and fish ceviche.

Jaco offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Jaco or Guadalajara Better for Nightlife?

Jaco is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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.

Guadalajara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city comes to life at night. You'll find vibrant dance clubs, live music, and traditional bars. The craft beer scene has also grown in recent years. The most active areas are around Chapultepec Avenue and Zapopan.

Is Jaco or Guadalajara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Jaco is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Jaco has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Jaco or Guadalajara Better for Beaches?

Jaco is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Jaco has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Jaco or Guadalajara Better for its Old Town?

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Jaco does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Guadalajara to see the historical old town. The city center is filled with Spanish colonial architecture. With a walking tour you will find baroque, neoclassical, renaissance, and Gothic style buildings that highlight the city's long running past and rich history.

Jaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Jaco or Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Guadalajara. One of the best shopping streets is Avenida Juarez. A must-see stop is also the large indoor market of Mercado Libertad. You'll also find shopping centers and retail outlets around town.

Jaco is a great destination for 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 Jaco or Guadalajara Better for Families?

Jaco is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Jaco offers lots of family activities. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, monkey tours, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy the beaches in the area as well.

Guadalajara is not the most family-friendly destination. While it's not the most popular destination for families, those who visit will enjoy exploring the nature parks or amusement parks.

Is Jaco or Guadalajara Better for Couples?

Jaco and Guadalajara are both nice to visit as a couple.

Jaco is a good town for couples to visit. 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.

Guadalajara is a nice destination for couples. It's filled with nice architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene, and great urban parks, making it a nice and romantic destination for couples.

Is Jaco or Guadalajara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jaco and Guadalajara are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Jaco. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Jaco and Guadalajara.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Guadalajara. There's a bus system as well as a metro system with two lines, which are primarily used by commuters.

Is Jaco or Guadalajara a more walkable city?

Jaco and Guadalajara are superb when it comes to walkability.

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.

Guadalajara is very walkable. The city center is pedestrian-friendly. This is also where you'll find most of the sights.

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

Should I spend more time in Guadalajara or Jaco?

How long in Jaco or Guadalajara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Jaco and Guadalajara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Jaco than in Guadalajara. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Jaco, and 2-3 days is enough time in Guadalajara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara 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 Guadalajara.

One day in Jaco or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the touristy town of Jaco. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Guadalajara. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jaco or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the touristy destination of Jaco. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Guadalajara is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Jaco or Guadalajara?

The laid back town of Jaco offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Guadalajara. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Jaco or Guadalajara?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Jaco. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The vibrant city of Guadalajara offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between Jaco and Guadalajara, we can see that Guadalajara is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Jaco is in Central America and Guadalajara is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Jaco or Guadalajara?

Guadalajara has a larger population, and is about 400 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Jaco and Guadalajara, 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.