Comparison · Aruba vs San Juan · Aruba / Puerto Rico
Aruba vs San Juan
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: SIryn, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Aruba for Eagle Beach and Palm Beach; choose San Juan for El Morro, Old San Juan and a short break. San Juan is generally less expensive, and the two are about 780 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 780 km
- Less expensive
- San Juan
- Best time for Aruba
- January–May
- Best time for San Juan
- December–April
Side by side
| Aruba | San Juan | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Aruba | Puerto Rico |
| Known for | Eagle Beach, Palm Beach and Arikok National Park | El Morro, Old San Juan and Mofongo |
| Best time to visit | January–May | December–April |
| Ideal stay | 7 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$400 | $220–$370 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | August, 33°C (91°F) | June, 31°C (88°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 30°C (86°F) | January, 28°C (82°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 4 | 6 |
| Beaches | Eagle Beach | Isla Verde Beach |
| Airports | AUA | SJU |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Aruba for…
Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. Aruba is a small, dry island about 30 km long, lying some 25 km off the coast of Venezuela. Almost all hotels line the calm west and southwest coast, from the low-rise resorts of Eagle Beach to the high-rise strip at Palm Beach, a short drive north of the…
Choose San Juan for…
El Morro, Old San Juan and a short break. San Juan, founded by the Spanish in 1521, is one of the oldest European-founded cities in the Americas. Its walled old town sits on an islet guarded by the massive forts of El Morro and San Cristóbal, with pastel colonial houses along streets paved in…
Top sights compared
| # | Aruba | San Juan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eagle Beach | Castillo San Felipe del Morro |
| 2 | Palm Beach | Castillo San Cristóbal |
| 3 | Arikok National Park | Old San Juan streets and plazas |
| 4 | Conchi natural pool | Paseo de la Princesa and Paseo del Morro |
| 5 | Fontein and Quadirikiri caves | La Fortaleza |
Food compared
| Aruba | San Juan |
|---|---|
| Keshi yena | Mofongo |
| Pastechi | Lechón asado |
| Pan bati | Arroz con gandules |
| Fried fish and funchi | Alcapurrias |
Which is cheaper?
San Juan is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $220–$370 per person there, against $250–$400 in Aruba (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). San Juan on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 780 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 13 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Aruba or San Juan cheaper?
San Juan is usually less expensive: about $220–$370 a day mid-range against $250–$400 (estimates).
+Is Aruba or San Juan better for a first trip?
Pick Aruba for Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, or San Juan for El Morro, Old San Juan and a short break.
+How far is Aruba from San Juan?
About 780 km in a straight line.