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

Should you visit Cordoba or Puerto Viejo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cordoba 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: Cordoba or Puerto Viejo?

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

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 Adventure Tours to Argentina, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina, 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 Cordoba and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cordoba 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 Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Cordoba.

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

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

Cordoba 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 Cordoba or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Cordoba is generally much colder than Puerto Viejoin July. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 10°C (50°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during summer. Cordoba gets 277 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Cordoba usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejoin July. Cordoba gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cordoba or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as Puerto Viejo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

Cordoba is much colder than Puerto Viejo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.

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

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Cordoba usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejoin October. Cordoba gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cordoba or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

Both Puerto Viejo and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Cordoba is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cordoba in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during winter. Cordoba gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. In July, Cordoba usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejoin January. Cordoba gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cordoba or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

Both Puerto Viejo and Cordoba during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

In October, Cordoba is generally cooler than Puerto Viejoin April. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 19°C (66°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Cordoba. In the spring, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejoin April. Cordoba gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun.

Puerto Viejo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cordoba usually gets less rain in October than Puerto Viejoin April. Cordoba gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Cordoba