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

Should you visit Beijing or Puerto Viejo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Puerto Viejo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a cultural, fascinating, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Beijing offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Beijing travel costs.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a mellow, authentic, and laid back town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Puerto Viejo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Puerto Viejo travel costs.

Beijing and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Puerto Viejo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing. Although Beijing and Puerto Viejo are popular destinations, Beijing has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beijing is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Puerto Viejo attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Beijing is more touristy than Puerto Viejo and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also well known for The Forbidden City. Puerto Viejo is famous for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood.

How is Beijing different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beijing is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Puerto Viejo is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Beijing has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

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 Beijing or Puerto Viejo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Beijing has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Puerto Viejo has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

The nightlife in Puerto Viejo has something for everybody. 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 Beijing or Puerto Viejo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Viejo is a town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Beijing or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for the beach. However, Beijing is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Puerto Viejo attract visitors from all over. 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.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is Beijing or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Puerto Viejo is a town with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Puerto Viejo. 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.

Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Puerto Viejo?

Beijing 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 Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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 Beijing or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of nice scenery and beauty in both Beijing and Puerto Viejo.

Beijing offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

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

Is Beijing or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Beijing or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

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

Beijing and Puerto Viejo are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Puerto Viejo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Beijing or Puerto Viejo Better for Students?

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

Beijing is very popular with students. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Puerto Viejo is not popular with students.

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

Beijing is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

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 Beijing or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Puerto Viejo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beijing and Puerto Viejo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Puerto Viejo. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 2-3 days is enough time in Puerto Viejo.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Viejo than Beijing. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Puerto Viejo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing 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 Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Puerto Viejo?

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

In Puerto Viejo, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Beijing or Puerto Viejo?

Beijing is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

In Puerto Viejo, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Puerto Viejo has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Puerto Viejo?

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Puerto Viejo is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Puerto Viejo?

Beijing is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Viejo. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Puerto Viejo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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

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

Beijing 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 Beijing or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Puerto Viejo. Many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the summer, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Viejo. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, September to October in Puerto Viejo is the dry season.

Should I visit Beijing or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

Both Puerto Viejo and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Beijing is much colder than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Puerto Viejo is September to October. The rainy season in Puerto Viejo is November to January.

Should I visit Beijing or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

Both Puerto Viejo and Beijing during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

The weather in Beijing can be very cold. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Beijing gets 201 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. Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejo. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo.

Should I visit Beijing or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Puerto Viejo. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Beijing is much colder than Puerto Viejo in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Beijing