Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Grand Cayman or Puerto Viejo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Grand Cayman and Puerto Viejo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Grand Cayman or Puerto Viejo?
Grand Cayman
When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.
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 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 dayGrand Cayman $214Puerto Viejo $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, 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 Grand Cayman and Puerto Viejo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $150Puerto Viejo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $300Puerto Viejo $142
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Puerto Viejo
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman 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: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices and Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Puerto Viejo $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $53
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $53
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $53
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $53
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
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 Grand Cayman or Puerto Viejo?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo and Grand Cayman 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 dayGrand Cayman $39Puerto Viejo $33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Puerto Viejo $78
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
- Cayman Crystal Caves & Pedro St James Castle Tour in Grand Cayman: $179
- Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman Island: $126
- Cayman's Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience: $179
- East End Activities and Tour in Grand Cayman: $158
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $275
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $262
- Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Grand Cayman Reef & Stingray City Snorkeling Adventure: $159
- West Island Guided Tour with Entry Tickets: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Puerto Viejo $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
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Beer$4.97
Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:
- Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Viejo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands 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 Puerto Viejo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Viejo 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 Grand Cayman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand Cayman than you might in Puerto Viejo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Grand Cayman Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Grand Cayman or Puerto Viejo?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?
Both Puerto Viejo and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the summer. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Viejo and Grand Cayman during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.
Puerto Viejo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Puerto Viejo. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grand Cayman in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Puerto Viejo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Grand Cayman usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 24°C (76°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Puerto Viejo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Puerto Viejo. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Grand Cayman usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejo. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the spring. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Puerto Viejo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.