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

Should you visit Havana 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 Havana and Puerto Viejo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Havana or Puerto Viejo?

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

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

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Havana or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Havana as well as Puerto Viejo. Havana 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. Havana usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Viejo. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Havana is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the summer. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Havana or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

Both Puerto Viejo and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana 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. In October, Havana usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Havana is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Havana in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Havana or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

Both Puerto Viejo and Havana during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana 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. Havana usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejo. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Havana is generally cooler than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 21°C (70°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Should I visit Havana or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Puerto Viejo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Havana usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Havana is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the spring. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Havana