A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Jaco for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco?

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

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a cultural, authentic, and traditional city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Oaxaca de Juarez travel costs.

Jaco

Jaco is a laid back, popular, and touristy town. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Jaco travel costs.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Jaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez than Jaco, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Oaxaca de Juarez is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Jaco is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Jaco is more touristy than Oaxaca de Juarez and is known for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for Mercado Benito Juárez.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Jaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Oaxaca de Juarez has many famous sights for visitors. There are many museums and historical sights in the city and nearby. The Oaxaca Cathedral is located on the city's main square, Zocalo. Also worth visiting is the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude. Just a few kilometers outside of the city is the historic settlement of Monte Albán as well as the Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol. Also check out the Rufino Tamayo Museum and Museo Casa Juárez.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Oaxaca de Juarez is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. This is a city for foodies. Of all the destinations in Mexico, this one always tops the list for its cuisine. The food is influenced by traditional ingredients like corn and many of the recipes have been passed on through the generations. Local dishes include mole, Oaxaca cheese, coloradito, and tlayudas.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco Better for Nightlife?

Jaco is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Jaco is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene starts late in the evening and can continue into the early hours. Many people meet up around Oaxaca Zocalo and it's very lively in the evenings. You'll often find live music and a fun atmosphere. As the night progresses, many people make their way to Santo Domingo, which is where you'll find a number of bars and clubs.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Jaco is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Jaco has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco Better for Beaches?

Jaco is a popular place for its beaches. However, Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Jaco is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez is not a beach destination.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Jaco does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Oaxaca de Juarez is revered around the world. The historic center is filled with colonial Spanish architecture. It's laid out in a grid pattern and there are many historic monuments. The surrounding region also has a history that dates back 1500 years.

Jaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Oaxaca de Juarez specifically to go shopping. The region's indigenous populations are known for the artisan crafts and handmade items. Many visitors enjoy shopping at the city's markets, where you'll find handmade ceramics, hand blown glassware, and more.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco.

Oaxaca de Juarez offers lots of family activities. For trampolines, bouncy houses, and other fun activities, head to El Llano Park on a weekend. There's also an outdoor playground and other fun activities for kids at Museu Infantil de Oaxaca. Kid-friendly restaurants are abundant, and if the kids enjoy hiking, you can head out of town for a day trip.

Jaco is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a very popular place for couples. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Oaxaca de Juarez makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is famous for its cuisine, so food lovers will enjoy dining their way through town. There are also great hotels, beautiful gardens, and fascinating architecture.

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 Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Oaxaca de Juarez, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are many very affordable hostels around town. The city is a mecca for backpackers in Mexico, and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with and great restaurants to explore.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

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

Oaxaca de Juarez 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.

Oaxaca de Juarez has some public transit options. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

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

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez and Jaco are very good when it comes to walkability.

Oaxaca de Juarez is very walkable. It's a walkable city that's fun to explore on foot, particularly in the historic center.

Jaco is a very walkable city. 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 Oaxaca de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Jaco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jaco or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco?

It's fun to spend time in either Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 3-4 days is enough time in Jaco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Oaxaca de Juarez.

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the touristy destination of Jaco. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco?

Oaxaca de Juarez 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the touristy town of Jaco. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the traditional destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Jaco is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco?

The traditional city of Oaxaca de Juarez 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.

Jaco is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. 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 Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, 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 Oaxaca de Juarez and Jaco, we can see that Jaco is more expensive. And not only is Oaxaca de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Oaxaca de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oaxaca de Juarez 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 Jaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaco than you might in Oaxaca de Juarez.

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

Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Jaco?

Oaxaca de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez 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.