Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or Bogota?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bogota or Puerto Viejo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bogota or Puerto Viejo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Bogota or Puerto Viejo?
Bogota
Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBogota $53Puerto Viejo $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Bogota is $53, 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 Bogota and Puerto Viejo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBogota $26Puerto Viejo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBogota $52Puerto Viejo $142
Compare Hotels in Bogota and Puerto Viejo
Looking for a hotel in Bogota 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.
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: Bogota Hotel Prices and Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bogota $8.77Puerto Viejo $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:
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Taxi from Airport$7.56
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Taxi Ride$0.39
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2 Bus Passes$0.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota
Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private SUV from Bogota City - Bogota Airport (BOG): $18
- Transfer from El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogota (one way): $15
- Salt Cathedral Zipaquira • Premium Private Transfer: $39
- Private Visit to Zipaquira's Town & Salt Cathedral + In&Out Transfer + (6 hours): $176
- Private Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Bogota: $12
- Private Transfer from Bogotá-El Dorado (BOG) Airport to Bogotá City: $33
- Private Transfer El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogotá: $20
- Private Salt Cathedral and Nemocón Salt Mines + In & out Transfer + (8 hours): $242
- Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport (One Way): $13
- Layover Bogotá Private Tour + Transfer in & Out (4 Hrs.) : $149
- El Dorado International Airport (BOG) - Private Round trip transfer Bogota: $80
- Bogotá to or from Villavieja or Tatacoa Desert Private Transfer: $167
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 Bogota or Puerto Viejo?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo and Bogota 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
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Food Meals for one dayBogota $14Puerto Viejo $33
Typical Food Prices in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$1.57
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Hot Dog$0.92
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota
For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Peruvian cooking workshop: $26
- Bogotá Bites: Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $45
- Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
- PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
- Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
- Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
- Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bogota $13Puerto Viejo $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Beer$1.31
Tours and Activities in Bogota
For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bogota Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Private Tour + Lunch: $80
- Express Salt Cathedral Tour• Guided Tour & Tickets • 5h: $219
- La Candelaria and Monserrate Walking Half Day Tour: $234
- Lake Guatavitá Private Day Tour: $255
- Salt Cathedral Zipaquira - Group tour and daily departure: $80
- *Private tour* to Guatavita sacred lagoon + Nemocon salt mine: $153
- 3h 30 -Hour StopOver—Walking Tour: Bogota Historical Center: $54
- 4 Hours Private Tour to Monserrate from Bogotá: $69
- 4-Hour Private Tour of Bogotá with Guide and Transportation: $77
- 4-hour Paragliding Adventure from Bogota: $170
- 5-hour Bogota Street Art Tour with transportation: $184
- 5-hour Tour through Bogotá during the stopover. Includes round-trip from airport: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBogota $14Puerto Viejo $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:
- Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá : $25
- Saturday Bar Crawl in La Candelaria, Bogotá: $25
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bogota and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Bogota much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bogota is in South America 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 Bogota would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bogota 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 Bogota.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bogota Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Bogota 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 Bogota or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?
Both Puerto Viejo and Bogota are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota 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. In July, Bogota usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Bogota gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Bogota is generally much colder than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Bogota average around 14°C (57°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBogota 14°C (57°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bogota or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Viejo and Bogota during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota 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 Bogota. Bogota usually gets less rain in October than Puerto Viejo. Bogota gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Bogota is much colder than Puerto Viejo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bogota averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBogota 14°C (57°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bogota or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bogota and Puerto Viejo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota 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. In January, Bogota usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Bogota gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Bogota is much colder than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bogota in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBogota 14°C (57°F)Puerto Viejo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Bogota or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bogota as well as Puerto Viejo. Bogota 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. Bogota usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejo. Bogota gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Bogota is generally much colder than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Bogota average around 15°C (59°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBogota 15°C (59°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Bogota
| Bogota | Puerto Viejo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.