A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brasilia vs. Puerto Viejo for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Brasilia 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 Brasilia and Puerto Viejo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brasilia

Brasilia is a vibrant, cultural, and lively city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Brasilia 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.

Brasilia and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brasilia or Puerto Viejo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Viejo. Although Brasilia and Puerto Viejo are popular destinations, Puerto Viejo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Viejo is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Brasilia attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities. Puerto Viejo is more touristy than Brasilia and is popular for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood. It is also well known for . Brasilia is famous for its modernist architecture, abundant green space, and planned layout.

How is Brasilia different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brasilia is very good for its museums and history. However, Puerto Viejo is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Brasilia. There are a variety of museums that highlight the city's rich history, modernist architecture, and diverse culture. Notable museums include the Museu Nacional, showcasing contemporary art, and the Museu de Arte de Brasília (MAB), which focuses on Brazilian art. The Memorial dos Povos Indígenas offers insight into indigenous cultures, while the Museu do Catetinho takes visitors through the early days of the city’s creation.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Brasilia and Puerto Viejo.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Brasilia area. The city's food scene is diverse, offering a mix of traditional Brazilian dishes and international cuisine. Since it is home to people from all over Brazil, you can find food from many different regions in one place. Popular dishes include Picanha (Brazilian steak), Feijoada (black bean and pork stew), and Tucunaré na Brasa (grilled fish).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Puerto Viejo. Many restaurants have a local atmosphere and serve typical Costa Rican food or seafood. You'll find no shortage of rice and beans!

Is Brasilia or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Viejo is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Brasilia is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Puerto Viejo is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brasilia has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is more sophisticated and calm compared to other Brazilian capitals. It's not a party city by traditional standards, but it's ideal for those looking to enjoy good food, drinks, and live music in a more relaxed atmosphere. If you're looking for high-energy nightlife, the city might feel quieter, but it's still plenty of fun.

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

Puerto Viejo is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Brasilia 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.

Brasilia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brasilia or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Puerto Viejo is well known for the beach. However, Brasilia is not a beach destination.

Puerto Viejo is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Brasilia is not a beach destination.

Is Brasilia or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Puerto Viejo is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Brasilia is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Brasilia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brasilia or Puerto Viejo?

Brasilia 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 Brasilia. There is a mix of modern malls, local markets, and high-end boutiques. The city is home to several large shopping centers, such as Shopping Iguatemi, ParkShopping, and Conjunto Nacional, which feature a variety of international brands, local shops, and food courts. For more traditional items, the Feira da Torre is a popular open-air market where you can find local crafts, souvenirs, and handmade goods.

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 Brasilia or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

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

Puerto Viejo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The beaches are beautiful and lined with rainforests. There's also easy access to the beautiful Cahuita National Park.

Brasilia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Brasilia or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Puerto Viejo is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Brasilia 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.

Brasilia offers lots of family activities. While it doesn't have as many theme parks as some of the other large cities in Brazil, there are a number of activities that families can enjoy. There's the Parque da Cidade, where children can ride bikes and play on playgrounds. There's also Nicolândia, a small amusement park with exciting rides. At the Brasília Zoo, kids can see native animals like jaguars, toucans, and capybaras while learning about Brazil's wildlife. The Planetarium of Brasília is a great spot for young space enthusiasts, featuring interactive exhibits and fascinating star shows.

Is Brasilia or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Puerto Viejo is well known for couples. Also, Brasilia 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.

Brasilia is a nice destination for couples. There are sunset boat rides on Paranoá Lake. If you enjoy culture, you can visit the National Museum or admire the stunning architecture of the Cathedral of Brasília. A romantic dinner at a lakeside restaurant in Pontão do Lago Sul is perfect for a night out with delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere. For nature lovers, a peaceful walk or picnic at Jardim Botânico de Brasília provides a lovely escape from the city.

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

Puerto Viejo is well known for backpackers. However, Brasilia is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Puerto Viejo is a very popular town 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.

Brasilia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's fascinating architecture and great green spaces, but the city has limited nightlife and it isn't the most popular destination for backpackers. There are some budget-friendly hostels and public buses that make it possible to explore without spending too much. Though it lacks a strong backpacker scene, Brasília's mix of culture, green spaces, and history makes it an interesting stop for adventurous travelers.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Brasilia and Puerto Viejo.

You'll find some public transit in Brasilia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The public transit system is relatively limited compared to larger Brazilian cities, but it still offers a few options for getting around. The Metro is an efficient choice for traveling through central areas, with two main lines that connect key neighborhoods like Asa Norte and Plano Piloto. There are also buses that are more comprehensive.

While Puerto Viejo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel the longer distances, but most people walk or bike around town.

Is Brasilia or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Puerto Viejo is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Brasilia is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Brasilia is generally not a very walkable city. The city isn't particularly walkable because it is very spread out.

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Brasilia?

How long in Brasilia or Puerto Viejo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brasilia and Puerto Viejo. In our opinion, Puerto Viejo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Puerto Viejo than Brasilia. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Brasilia, and 2-3 days is enough time in Puerto Viejo.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Viejo than Brasilia. 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 Brasilia. 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 Puerto Viejo than Brasilia 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 Puerto Viejo.

One day in Brasilia or Puerto Viejo?

In Brasilia, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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 Brasilia or Puerto Viejo?

Brasilia is a fun place to experience. 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 Brasilia or Puerto Viejo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Brasilia. 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 Brasilia or Puerto Viejo?

Brasilia is a popular place to visit. 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 Eco Tours in Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Brazil, 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 Brasilia and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Brasilia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Brasilia 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 Brasilia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brasilia 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 Brasilia.

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