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

Should you visit Belize City or Puerto Viejo?

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

Should I visit Belize City or Puerto Viejo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Belize City or Puerto Viejo?

Belize City

Belize City is the largest city in Belize. It was once the capital of the country, but due to massive hurricane damage in 1961, the country decided to relocate it capital. With a population of 57,000 people, Belize City is located right at the mouth of the Haulover Creek.

This gorgeous tropical city experiences a monsoon climate – meaning there are warm and humid conditions throughout the course of the year. There is a wet season from May to January, so plan for a little bit of rain in that time.

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 G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belize, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or Belize City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Belize City is $88, while the average daily cost in Puerto Viejo is $145. 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 Belize City and Puerto Viejo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belize City $49
    Puerto Viejo $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belize City $98
    Puerto Viejo $142
Compare Hotels in Belize City and Puerto Viejo

Looking for a hotel in Belize City 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 Belize City


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: Belize City Hotel Prices and Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belize City $5.83
    Puerto Viejo $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belize City

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

  • We do transfers from airport to any where in Belize.: $49
  • Transfer Belize city to bacalar: $50
  • Private Transfer from Belize City and Airport to Placencia: $160
  • Private Transfer from Belize City Port to Belize Airport (BZE): $61
  • Private Airport Transfer Service to San Ignacio: $125
  • Philip Goldson Airport BZE to Belize City Arrival Transfer: $23
  • Belize: Belize City to/from San Ignacio Shuttle Transfer: $68
  • Belize city water taxi terminal to Airport transfer: $30
  • Belize City to/from Placencia/Hopkins Shuttle Transfer: $113
  • Belize City to Philip Goldson Airport BZE Departure Transfer: $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Viejo

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

  • Puerto Viejo de Limon: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela: $373

Is it cheaper to fly into Belize City or Puerto Viejo?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo and Belize City 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
    Belize City $27
    Puerto Viejo $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belize City

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

  • Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belize City $29
    Puerto Viejo $79

Tours and Activities in Belize City

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

  • "Taste Bud EXPLOSION" Food Tasting City Tour : $89
  • Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure from Belize City: $167
  • ATM Cave Adventure "Actun Tunichil Muknal" (from Belize City): $235
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal tour from Belize City: $200
  • Altun Ha Mayan Ruins & Zipline Tour from Belize City All Inclusive: $170
  • Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and Belize City tour: $100
  • Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City: $85
  • Altun Ha and Cave Tubing Tour from Belize City: $174
  • Altun Ha, Monkey Sanctuary and Rum Factory Tour from Belize City: $170
  • Belize City Tour: $40
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Full Day Tour: $190
  • Cave Tubing & Zipline Adventure Tour: $110

Tours and Activities in Puerto Viejo

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

  • Private night adventure in Manzanillo refuge: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belize City $12
    Puerto Viejo $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Belize City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Belize City:

  • Belize: City Highlights Tour with Rum Distillery Visit: $49


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

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



When is the best time to visit Belize City 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 Belize City or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. It's quite rainy in Belize City. In July, Belize City usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Belize City gets 243 mm (9.6 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 Belize City. Belize City usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during summer. Belize City gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

Belize City is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the summer. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belize City 28°C (82°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Belize City or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

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

Puerto Viejo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Belize City. Belize City usually gets more rain in October than Puerto Viejo. Belize City gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Belize City often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Belize City gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Belize City is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belize City in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belize City 26°C (80°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Belize City or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

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

Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Belize City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Belize City usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Belize City gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Belize City usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during winter. Belize City gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belize City is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 24°C (74°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belize City 24°C (74°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Belize City or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belize City as well as Puerto Viejo. Belize City 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. Belize City usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejo. Belize City gets 52 mm (2 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 Belize City this time of the year. In the spring, Belize City often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Belize City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun.

Belize City is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the spring. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belize City 27°C (80°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Belize City

Belize City Puerto Viejo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)