A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. Puerto Viejo for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Ensenada or Puerto Viejo?

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

Should I visit Ensenada or Puerto Viejo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a outdoorsy, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Ensenada 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 is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Puerto Viejo travel costs.

Ensenada and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ensenada or Puerto Viejo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Viejo. Although Ensenada and Puerto Viejo are both popular with visitors, Puerto Viejo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Puerto Viejo is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ensenada is known for its museums and attractions and food. Ensenada is more touristy than Puerto Viejo and is popular for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. Puerto Viejo is popular for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood. It is also home to .

How is Ensenada different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ensenada 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 Ensenada. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

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

Ensenada is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Ensenada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

Puerto Viejo offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants have a local atmosphere and serve typical Costa Rican food or seafood. You'll find no shortage of rice and beans!

Is Ensenada or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Puerto Viejo know how to have a good time. 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 Ensenada has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

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

Puerto Viejo is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ensenada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Puerto Viejo has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Ensenada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ensenada or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for the beach. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for the beach.

Puerto Viejo is considered a top beach destination. 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.

The beach in Ensenada is worth checking out. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Is Ensenada or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Puerto Viejo is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Puerto Viejo is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or Puerto Viejo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Puerto Viejo and Ensenada.

Ensenada offers some nice shopping areas. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

Puerto Viejo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You can wander through the town center and enjoy shopping at the local boutiques that sell clothes and other touristy items.

Is Ensenada or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Puerto Viejo is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

Puerto Viejo is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beaches are beautiful and lined with rainforests. There's also easy access to the beautiful Cahuita National Park.

Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ensenada or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Puerto Viejo is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Ensenada offers lots of family activities. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is Ensenada or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Ensenada is a good city for couples to visit. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

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

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Puerto Viejo is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Ensenada is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

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

Puerto Viejo is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Puerto Viejo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel the longer distances, but most people walk or bike around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

Is Ensenada or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Ensenada and Puerto Viejo both are great when exploring on foot.

Ensenada is a very walkable city. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or Puerto Viejo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ensenada and Puerto Viejo. In our opinion, Puerto Viejo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Puerto Viejo than Ensenada. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Viejo than Ensenada. 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 Ensenada. 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 Ensenada 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 Ensenada or Puerto Viejo?

In Ensenada, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this outdoorsy city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Ensenada or Puerto Viejo?

Ensenada 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 Ensenada or Puerto Viejo?

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

Ensenada 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, 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 Ensenada and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Ensenada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ensenada is in North 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 Ensenada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ensenada 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 Ensenada.

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