A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Puerto Viejo for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Auckland or Puerto Viejo?

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 Auckland and Puerto Viejo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Auckland travel costs.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a relaxed, mellow, and authentic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Puerto Viejo is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Puerto Viejo travel costs.

Auckland and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Puerto Viejo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Auckland. Although Auckland and Puerto Viejo are both popular with visitors, Auckland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Auckland is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Puerto Viejo is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Auckland is more touristy than Puerto Viejo and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also home to the Sky Tower. Puerto Viejo is popular for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood.

How is Auckland different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Puerto Viejo and Auckland. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auckland or Puerto Viejo?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Puerto Viejo is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Auckland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Puerto Viejo offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There aren't any real museums in the area, but there are a couple of art galleries.

Is the Food Better in Auckland or Puerto Viejo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Auckland has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Puerto Viejo offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants have a local atmosphere and serve typical Costa Rican food or seafood. You'll find no shortage of rice and beans!

Is Auckland or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Both Auckland and Puerto Viejo have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

The people in Puerto Viejo know how to have a good time. It's a laid back town during the day and at night there's a chill but lively atmosphere. You'll find a few bars and clubs that have live music, and it's not hard to find something interesting to do.

Is Auckland or Puerto Viejo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Viejo is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Auckland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Puerto Viejo. You'll find the best snorkeling in Cahuita National Park, where you'll see coral and colorful fish. There's a dive shop in town as well, but most people enjoy the snorkeling in the area more.

Auckland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Auckland or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Auckland and Puerto Viejo are very good choices for a beach vacation.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Puerto Viejo. The beaches in the area are beautiful and offer great waves for surfing and patches of coral reef for snorkeling. Many of the beaches are lined with forest and have a more laid back and less developed atmosphere than the beaches on the Pacific side.

Is Auckland or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

You'll find good hiking in both Auckland and Puerto Viejo.

Many people include a hike when visiting Auckland. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Puerto Viejo has hiking trails worth exploring. The hike through nearby Cahuita National Park is a highlight for many visitors. It wanders along the coastline and takes about three hours to walk. You'll likely see some wildlife during your walk.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Puerto Viejo?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for shopping. You can wander through the town center and enjoy shopping at the local boutiques that sell clothes and other touristy items.

Is Auckland or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Puerto Viejo is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Puerto Viejo is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beaches are beautiful and lined with rainforests. There's also easy access to the beautiful Cahuita National Park.

Auckland is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Auckland or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Auckland or Puerto Viejo.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Auckland is very family-friendly. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Puerto Viejo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its easy access to Cahuita National Park and many wildlife experiences, this is a great destination for the kids. Kids can see sloths and monkeys, or enjoy snorkeling and hanging out on a chill beach.

Is Auckland or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Both Auckland and Puerto Viejo are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Couples visit Puerto Viejo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, which has a more laid back and less touristy atmosphere. While you won't find the larger resorts and tourist amenities in this area, couples who enjoy hiking and a local vibe will love their time here.

Is Auckland or Puerto Viejo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland and Puerto Viejo are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Puerto Viejo is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There's a local atmosphere and enough hostels and budget accommodation to keep backpackers happy. It's also easy to explore and makes the perfect place to chill out for a few days.

Is Auckland or Puerto Viejo Better for Students?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Puerto Viejo is not popular with students.

Auckland is very popular with students. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Puerto Viejo is not popular with students.

Is Auckland or Puerto Viejo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Auckland and Puerto Viejo.

Auckland has some public transit options. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

You'll find some public transit in Puerto Viejo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel the longer distances, but most people walk or bike around town.

Is Auckland or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Puerto Viejo is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Puerto Viejo is a very walkable town. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Viejo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Puerto Viejo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Auckland and Puerto Viejo. In our opinion, Auckland has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Auckland than Puerto Viejo. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Puerto Viejo 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 Auckland.

One day in Auckland or Puerto Viejo?

Each neighborhood in Auckland has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The town of Puerto Viejo offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Auckland or Puerto Viejo?

Auckland is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Puerto Viejo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Puerto Viejo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Puerto Viejo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the thrill-seeking big city of Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Puerto Viejo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or Puerto Viejo?

Auckland is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Puerto Viejo is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.

When comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Auckland 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 Auckland is in Pacific and Puerto Viejo is in Central 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 Auckland Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.

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

Auckland has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Puerto Viejo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

Both Puerto Viejo and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Auckland is cooler than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Auckland in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejoin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Puerto Viejo is September to October.

Should I visit Auckland or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

Both Puerto Viejo and Auckland during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

In April, Auckland is generally much colder than Puerto Viejoin October. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 16°C (61°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In the autumn, Auckland often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto Viejoin October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

Puerto Viejo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Auckland usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejoin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year. September to October is the dry season in Puerto Viejo. November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo.

Should I visit Auckland or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Puerto Viejo. Many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Auckland is much colder than Puerto Viejo in the winter. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Puerto Viejo during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Auckland usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejoin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo.

Should I visit Auckland or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Puerto Viejo. Many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

In the spring, Auckland is much colder than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Auckland in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.

In the spring, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejoin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Auckland usually gets less rain in October than Puerto Viejoin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Auckland