A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) vs. Guadalajara for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara?

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Guadalajara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a remote, local, and authentic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) travel costs.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a cultural, historical, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Guadalajara travel costs.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Guadalajara: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Guadalajara than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Guadalajara is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is well known for its fishing and wildlife. Guadalajara is well known for its mariachi music, tequila, and many festivals. Also, Guadalajara is famous for the Guadalajara Cathedral.

How is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) different from Guadalajara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Guadalajara and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Guadalajara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). People visit the town for the nearby national park, so you won't find much in the form of museums.


Is the Food Better in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Guadalajara makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many places have local Costa Rican dishes, but you'll also find pizza joints and the occasional cafe as well.

Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

Guadalajara offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). There are a few bars on the town's main street, but most visitors don't come to town for the nightlife.

Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Guadalajara

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find nice snorkeling with calm waters and you might even see dolphins.

Guadalajara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara Better for Beaches?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Guadalajara

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for the beach. However, Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Near town you'll find wonderful beaches and long stretches of sand bordered by lush rainforests.

Guadalajara is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara Better for its Old Town?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Guadalajara. 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.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) does not have a historic old town.

Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara Better for Hiking?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Guadalajara

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for hiking. However, Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) for the hiking trails. Corcovado National Park can be challenging to reach, which is part of what makes it such a wonderful place to explore. The rainforest and wildlife still feels untouched by the tourist crowds and you can lose yourself hiking through the forest.

Guadalajara is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a well-known place for shopping. However, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is not a good town for its shopping opportunities.

Guadalajara is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) has some nice offerings. It's a small local town so you won't find many shopping options that cater to tourists.

Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara More Beautiful?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Guadalajara

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) attracts visitors from all around. The beaches, wildlife, and rainforests make this a unique and beautiful place to visit.

Guadalajara is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara Better for Families?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Guadalajara

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Kids will love the beaches, kayaking, surfing, wildlife, hiking, and swimming. There really is something for the whole family to enjoy.

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara Better for Couples?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Guadalajara

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is great for couples. Also, Guadalajara is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will love the stunning nature and wildlife that nearby Corcovado National Park offers. There are also many great beaches where you can take a stroll or go kayaking.

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Guadalajara

Both Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Guadalajara are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). It's become a popular backpacker destination because there are a number of hostels nearby.

Many backpackers visit Guadalajara. There are plenty of hostels and cheap hotels around town.

Is Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Guadalajara

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Guadalajara is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many visitors take the colectivo taxi, which is a flatbed truck that is more affordable than private taxis.

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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara a more walkable city?

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Guadalajara

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Guadalajara both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is very walkable. The town is relatively easy to walk around.

Guadalajara is a very walkable town. 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Worth Visiting? and Is Guadalajara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Guadalajara or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

How long in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) than Guadalajara. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Guadalajara than Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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.


  • How many days in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara? Ideal Length of Stay
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 3-4 
    Guadalajara 2-3

One day in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the remote town of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

In Guadalajara, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the remote destination of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

In Guadalajara, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Guadalajara has to offer.


Five days in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara?

The authentic town of Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Guadalajara is a popular choice for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara?

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park). Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Guadalajara is a great place to explore. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It offers something for everyone.


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


Which place is cheaper, Guadalajara or Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)?

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

  • Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Prices
    Costa Rica Prices
    Guadalajara Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $140
    Guadalajara $138

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) is $140, while the average daily cost in Guadalajara is $138. 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Guadalajara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $49
    Guadalajara $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $98
    Guadalajara $76
Compare Hotels in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Guadalajara

Looking for a hotel in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara? 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)


Hotels in Guadalajara


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: Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Hotel Prices and Guadalajara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -
    Guadalajara $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guadalajara

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

  • Transfer by car to or from Guadalajara Airport: $35
  • Transfer from International Airport to Tequila Jalisco: $89
  • Tequila to Guadalajara Airport (GDL) - Departure Private Transfer: $101
  • Guadalajara Airport (GDL) to Guadalajara hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
  • Private Airport Transfer to Guadalajara Hotels Safe & Stress-Free: $159
  • Guadalajara to Tequila - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $179
  • Tequila to Guadalajara - Private Transfer with English-speaking driver: $179
  • Guadalajara Airport(GDL) to Tequila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
  • Guadalajara Airport Private Transfer to Ajijic & Chapala: $289

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) or Guadalajara?

Prices for flights to both Guadalajara and Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $60
    Guadalajara $75
Typical Food Prices in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) are as follows:


  • Dinner at Finca Exotica
    $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guadalajara

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

  • Private Street Food Tour and City Tour Guadalajara - Best Rated : $44
  • Guadalajara Private Food Tour: $70
  • Authentic Mexican Cooking & Tequila tasting experience-Casa Humo: $108
  • Mexican Cooking Classes and Market Visit in Guadalajara: $195
  • VIP Tequila Night Tour with Dinner and Tasting: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) $119
    Guadalajara $25

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:

  • 30-minute Corcovado National Park Tour by Plane: $256
  • 4 Hour Private Guided Tour in Osa Jungle : $163
  • Bio-Luminescence and Sunset Kayak Tour: $67
  • Corcovado La Leona Day Tour from Puerto Jimenez - All Inclusive: $120
  • Corcovado National Park - Day Tour from Drake Bay: $145
  • Corcovado National Park - Private Siren Day Tour: $190
  • Gold Panning Private Adventure in Puerto Jimenez: $35
  • Isla del Caño snorkel tour from Drake Bay (Cano island) : $125
  • Kayak experience on Playa Blanca in Puerto Jiménez: $65
  • One Day Tour To Caño Island From Drake Bay: $145
  • One Day Tour to Corcovado (La Leona Station) From Puerto Jiménez: $230
  • Puerto Jimenez Birdwatching Tour Osa Peninsula Golfo Dulce: $60

Tours and Activities in Guadalajara

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Guadalajara.

  • Bar Tour of the Coolest Quarter of Guadalajara: $17
  • Great Experience With A Tour Guide With Spark: $21
  • Guadalajara City Center Walking Tour: $25
  • Guadalajara Tour: $27
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Guide in Guadalajara, you choose!: $36
  • Walking Tour Historic Center Guadalajara: $39
  • Lucha Libre Tour at the Arena Coliseo de Guadalajara as a local: $39
  • Chapala Ajijic Area Tour from Guadalajara: $40
  • Tequila Route Experience from Guadalajara: $40
  • Classic Tequila Tour and CANTARITOS EL GÜERO: $41
  • Guadalajara Private Walking Tour: $42
  • History and Murals: Walking Tour Guadalajara: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) -
    Guadalajara $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Guadalajara

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guadalajara:

  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Guadalajara Mexico: $25
  • Tequila distillery experience, Jose Cuervo & Tequila Magic Town: $65
  • full day Tequila tour visiting artisanal distillery and downtown.: $95
  • Guided Tour of Guachimontones and Tequila Distillery: $105
  • Full-Day Tour to La Fortaleza Distillery and Cantaritos: $155
  • Private Adventure Day Tour to Tequila and Cazcanes Distillery: $156
  • Private Adventure to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $161
  • Private One Day Adventure Tour in Tequila and La Fortaleza Distillery: $167
  • Private Tour Cascahuin Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour to El Tequileño Distillery and visit to Tequila: $190
  • Private Tour one day in Guachimontones and La Fortaleza Distillery: $211
  • Guachimontones and Tequila Distillery in One Day: $264


When comparing the travel costs between Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) and Guadalajara, we can see that Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) 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 Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park) Expensive? and Is Guadalajara Expensive?.