Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or David?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit David 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 David and Puerto Viejo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: David or Puerto Viejo?
David
In the Pacific West of Panama, David is the capital city of Chiriqui province. The city's population of almost 150,000 is among the wealthiest in the country. There is a well established middle class and unemployment remains low in the area. The area has grown rapidly in recent years with growing commercial and banking sectors. The city is well connected to the rest of the country by the Pan American Highway.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Panama City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.
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David Prices
Panama PricesPuerto Viejo Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDavid $39Puerto Viejo $170
The average daily cost (per person) in David is $39, while the average daily cost in Puerto Viejo is $170. 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 David and Puerto Viejo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDavid $12Puerto Viejo $72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDavid $24Puerto Viejo $144
Compare Hotels in David and Puerto Viejo
Looking for a hotel in David 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: David Hotel Prices and Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.David $12Puerto Viejo $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Viejo
Also for Puerto Viejo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo Limon: $320
Is it cheaper to fly into David or Puerto Viejo?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo and David 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 dayDavid $17Puerto Viejo $58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.David $4.38Puerto Viejo $79
Tours and Activities in Puerto Viejo
For Puerto Viejo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Puerto Viejo Limón: Birdwatching Tour at Nativo Park: $50
- Kayaking Tour in Gandoca Lagoon throug mangrove forest: $58
- Canoe Adventure and Caribbean Family Experience: $59
- Wildlife Night Tour in the Jungle: $60
- Nocturnal tour in Manzanillo Refuge: $65
- Puerto Viejo&Cahuita: Tour of 3 Waterfalls, Talamanca, Limón: $149
- Puerto Viejo Talamanca: Quad Tour with 2 Waterfalls: $258
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDavid -Puerto Viejo $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between David and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is David much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to David would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in David 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 David.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is David Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.
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.