Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.
Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Viejo?
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, The Best Photography Tours in Argentina, 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $10Puerto Viejo $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Puerto Viejo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $4.13Puerto Viejo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $8.26Puerto Viejo $142
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Puerto Viejo
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58Puerto Viejo $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires APT-HTL (EZA): $36
- Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $80
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires Port: $51
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal to International Airport (EZE): $80
- Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $75
- Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel to Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal: $44
- Transfer Airports-City Tours-Connections between airports-Airport Transfers //: $110
- Tango Show La Ventana only show exclusive with transfer: $76
- Tango Porteño Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $70
- Skip the line Boca Juniors & River Plate Stadium and Museum tour with transfer: $196
- Shore Excursion: Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $250
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $40
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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Viejo?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $3.25Puerto Viejo $33
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.03
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.02
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.53
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Dinner$1.88
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Powerade$0.12
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Lunch$0.83
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Dinner$1.21
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Chocolate$3.12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $39
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
- Argentinian grilled pizza class in San Telmo: $40
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34Puerto Viejo $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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Bar entrance$0.58
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
- Premium Buenos Aires by Night Small-Group City Tour: $59
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- Small group Yerba Mate Experience with snacks: $35
- 1-hour Paramotor Experience in Buenos Aires Argentina: $100
- 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
- 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour of the Most Exclusive Places: $70
- 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (optional street food): $35
- 8 Hours Guided Bike Tour in Delta El Tigre: $140
- @argentinahighlights Private City Tour in Buenos Aires: $96
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $1.81Puerto Viejo $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $56
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Viejo?
Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Puerto Viejo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.
In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Viejo and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than Puerto Viejoin October. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 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. It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejoin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?
Both Puerto Viejo and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Puerto Viejo in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than Puerto Viejoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 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. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Viejoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Puerto Viejo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 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. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejoin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Puerto Viejo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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 | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.