A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amman vs. Puerto Viejo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Amman or Puerto Viejo?

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 Amman and Puerto Viejo. 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: Amman or Puerto Viejo?

Amman

Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a small coastal town in Caribbean Costa Rica in the province of Limon. There are two gorgeous National Parks nearby - Cahuita and Manzanillo, and it rains more than on the Pacific side, which is why it is so lush and green with the rainforest coming down to the sea. Clear water, coconut palms, great surf and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere make Puerto Viejo a favorite among travelers. Located on about an hour south of Limon, Puerto Viejo is the center of activity between the smaller villages of Cahuita and Manzanillo. The relaxed, seaside town is framed by jungle, turquoise seas, banana plantations and scenic rivers. It's known for the Salsa Brava surf break and beaches like black-sand Playa Negra, but this burgeoning party town is no longer a destination only for intrepid surfers; it's bustling with tourist activity. Stylish eateries serve global fusion, and intentionally rustic bamboo bars pump dancehall and reggaeton. With its blend of Afro-Caribbean descendants, expat Europeans and indigenous Costa Ricans, Puerto Viejo charms visitors with a unique mix of people and cultures. Rastafari culture has a firm foothold in the town, and many Rastas sell handmade jewelry and other wares along the town's vibrant roadside. Nearby you'll find rainforest fruit and cacao farms and wide-open beaches. If you're looking to chill a little, party a little and eat a little, you've come to the right place.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or Amman?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $135, while the average daily cost in Puerto Viejo is $188. 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 Amman and Puerto Viejo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $49
    Puerto Viejo $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    Puerto Viejo $158
Compare Hotels in Amman and Puerto Viejo

Looking for a hotel in Amman or Puerto Viejo? 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 Amman


Hotels in Puerto Viejo


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: Amman Hotel Prices and Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    Puerto Viejo $42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:


  • Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.71
  • RIde to Airport
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman

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

  • Transfer to Petra from Amman /Amman Airport: $250
  • Transfer from Queen Alia Airport to Dead Sea Hotels or visa versa: $46
  • Queen Alia Airport Transfers From / To Amman, Petra, Dead Sea.: $45
  • Private Transfers from Amman City Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $77
  • Private Transfer: Amman Airport to Wadi Rum: $133
  • Private Transfer: Airport or Amman to Petra Vice Versa: $96
  • Private Transfer from Madaba Hotel to Amman Airport: $47
  • Private Transfer from Amman to the Dead Sea: $53
  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Araba Border: $153
  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Amman Hotel: $19
  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport QAIA to Your Hotel in Amman: $65
  • Private Transfer From Amman City To Petra: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Puerto Viejo?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo and Amman 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
    Amman $58
    Puerto Viejo $64
Typical Food Prices in Amman

For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $4.23
  • Tea
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman

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

  • Amman by Night Tour with Local Dinner: $31
  • private cooking with local chef: $40
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant in Amman: $80
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Amman: $100
  • Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman: $107
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at Alee Restaurant in Amman: $120
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Wine Experience: $147
  • Private Food Tour in Amman by Day (inc Citadel & Roman Theatre): $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amman $32
    Puerto Viejo $87

Tours and Activities in Amman

For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1Day Private spiritual Tour to Amman Madaba Baptism site Dead Sea: $100
  • 2 Day Group Tour from Amman to Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba Dead Sea: $250
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Baptism and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Madaba and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Madaba and Mount Nebo Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum Mount Nebo and Dead Sea Private Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Aqaba Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Baptism Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Bubble Experience: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Tour: $175

Tours and Activities in Puerto Viejo

For Puerto Viejo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Canyoning Adventure in the Costa Rican Jungle: $257
  • Chocolate Experience by Bribri Indigenous Culture: $80
  • Kayaking Tour in Gandoca Lagoon throug mangrove forest: $50
  • Night Adventure in the Wild Talamanca: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $14
    Puerto Viejo $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Amman

Also in Amman, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Full Day Tour of Ajloun Castle with Cable Car and Wine Tasting: $127


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amman and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Amman much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amman is in Middle East and Puerto Viejo 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 Amman would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Amman 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 Puerto Viejo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto Viejo than you might in Amman.

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



When is the best time to visit Amman or Puerto Viejo?

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 Amman or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

Both Puerto Viejo and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Puerto Viejo is September to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. In July, Amman usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during summer. Amman gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Amman is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amman in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amman 25°C (77°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Amman or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

Both Puerto Viejo and Amman during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

September to October is the dry season in Puerto Viejo. November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Amman usually gets less rain in October than Puerto Viejo. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Amman. In the autumn, Amman often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Amman gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

In October, Amman is generally cooler than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 20°C (68°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amman 20°C (68°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Amman or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Puerto Viejo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Amman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Amman usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Amman usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during winter. Amman gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

Amman is much colder than Puerto Viejo in the winter. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amman 8°C (46°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Amman or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Amman as well as Puerto Viejo. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Amman usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejo. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. In the spring, Amman often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Amman gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Amman is much colder than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amman in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amman 16°C (61°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Amman

Amman Puerto Viejo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)