Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or San Juan del Sur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit San Juan del Sur or Cartagena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for San Juan del Sur and Cartagena. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: San Juan del Sur or Cartagena?
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur is a popular port destination on the Pacific coast of southwest Nicaragua. The town was once a quaint fishing village but has grown into a tourist town with activities for visitors that include surfing, fishing, and, of course, partying. The town has a population of just over 15,000, most of whom are either fishermen or involved in the tourism industry. There is also a large expat community from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Cartagena
The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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San Juan del Sur Prices
Nicaragua PricesCartagena Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Juan del Sur $66Cartagena $55
The average daily cost (per person) in San Juan del Sur is $66, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $55. 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 San Juan del Sur and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Juan del Sur $21Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Juan del Sur $42Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in San Juan del Sur and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in San Juan del Sur or Cartagena? 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.
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: San Juan del Sur Hotel Prices and Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Juan del Sur $17Cartagena $7.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan del Sur
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Juan del Sur:
- Granada: One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- 18.Transfer (Rafael N-Hotel Decameron Baru Airport) or vice versa: $156
- 2. Transfer from the Airport to the Cartagena Hotel (or vice versa): $40
- 20. Transfer Rafael N. Airport-HOTEL LAS ISLAS-CALABLANCA: $167
- 6.Transfer (Airport-Manzanillo KARIBANA-ESTELAR) Or Vice Versa: $56
- Airport Private Transfer to Hotel in the urban City : $12
- Airport Transfer - Hotel Cartagena: $29
- Airport Transfer Hotel: $35
- Airport Transfers Cartagena: $38
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minibus: $91
- Arrival Private Transfer Cartagena Airport CTG to Cartagena City by Minivan: $63
- Baru: Rafael Nunez International Airport Private Transfer: $94
- TRANSFER CARTAGENA TO SANTA MARTA OR VICEVERSA IN SHARED CAR: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into San Juan del Sur or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena and San Juan del Sur 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
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Food Meals for one daySan Juan del Sur $32Cartagena $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Cartagena Fritters Cooking Class – by Lunático Experience: $23
- Street food tour Cartagena: $40
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $44
- Traditional cooking class in a restaurant in the historic center: $45
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $47
- Flavors of Colombia: Cooking Class with Chef Andrés: $52
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $52
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Food Tour of the Old City Flavors and Culture: $59
- Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
- Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Juan del Sur $15Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Ghost of Downtown: Fear in the streets. : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Rise of the Wall City Part II: $10
- Republican Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour in Cartagena: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Legends of the Streets of Downtown : $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: Pirate Tales in Cartagena: $10
- Self Guided Audio Tour The Great Battle Fort of San Felipe: $11
- Shared Walking Tour of the Colonial Old Town: $11
- CITY TOUR OVERVIEW of the city Boots castle chiva: $11
- CITYTOUR of Cartagena Monuments, Walls and Castles : $11
- Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena : $12
- Cartagena Sunset Walking Tour: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySan Juan del Sur $13Cartagena $9.17
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Open Bar Sunset Cruise with Bar Crawl After Party: $16
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $21
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $21
- Getsemaní Pub Crawl with Shots and Dance Class: $22
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $24
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Centro Histórico Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $29
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Pub Crawl-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club) : $50
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Juan del Sur and Cartagena, we can see that San Juan del Sur is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Juan del Sur is in Central America and Cartagena is in South 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 Cartagena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cartagena 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 San Juan del Sur would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan del Sur than you might in Cartagena.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Juan del Sur Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Juan del Sur or Cartagena?
Cartagena has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of San Juan del Sur. When comparing the sizes of San Juan del Sur and Cartagena, 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.
When is the best time to visit San Juan del Sur or Cartagena?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Cartagena in the Summer?
Both Cartagena and San Juan del Sur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan del Sur throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in San Juan del Sur. In July, San Juan del Sur usually receives more rain than Cartagena. San Juan del Sur gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Cartagena. San Juan del Sur usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during summer. San Juan del Sur gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
San Juan del Sur is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the summer. The daily temperature in San Juan del Sur averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cartagena fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and San Juan del Sur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan del Sur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Cartagena gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Juan del Sur. San Juan del Sur usually gets more rain in October than Cartagena. San Juan del Sur gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, San Juan del Sur often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. San Juan del Sur gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, San Juan del Sur is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Juan del Sur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cartagena averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Juan del Sur 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Cartagena in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Juan del Sur and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan del Sur year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, San Juan del Sur usually receives less rain than Cartagena. San Juan del Sur gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In San Juan del Sur, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Juan del Sur usually receives less sunshine than Cartagena during winter. San Juan del Sur gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, San Juan del Sur is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in San Juan del Sur average around 26°C (79°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Juan del Sur 26°C (79°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit San Juan del Sur or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to San Juan del Sur as well as Cartagena. San Juan del Sur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
San Juan del Sur usually gets less rain in April than Cartagena. San Juan del Sur gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan del Sur this time of the year. In the spring, San Juan del Sur often gets more sunshine than Cartagena. San Juan del Sur gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun.
San Juan del Sur is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the spring. The daily temperature in San Juan del Sur averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Cartagena fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Juan del Sur 29°C (84°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and San Juan del Sur
| San Juan del Sur | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.