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

Should you visit Islamorada or Puerto Viejo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada 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.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a tropical, adventurous, and relaxing village. With stunning beauty, Islamorada attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Islamorada travel costs.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a authentic, laid back, and relaxed town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Puerto Viejo is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Puerto Viejo travel costs.

Islamorada and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Puerto Viejo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Viejo than Islamorada, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Puerto Viejo is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and small town charm, while Islamorada is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and impressive beauty. Islamorada is more touristy than Puerto Viejo and is known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Puerto Viejo is well known for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood. Also, Puerto Viejo is famous for .

How is Islamorada different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Islamorada 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 Islamorada. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

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

Islamorada 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.

Islamorada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

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 Islamorada or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Viejo is a great town for nightlife. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Puerto Viejo has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Islamorada. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

Is Islamorada or Puerto Viejo Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Puerto Viejo is not a resort destination.

Islamorada has a few great resort options. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Puerto Viejo is not a resort destination.

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

You'll find notable snorkeling or scuba diving in both Islamorada and Puerto Viejo.

Islamorada has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Puerto Viejo. 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.

Is Islamorada or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Both Islamorada and Puerto Viejo have excellent beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Islamorada. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

The beaches at Puerto Viejo attract visitors from all over. 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.

Is Islamorada or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Puerto Viejo is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Puerto Viejo has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Puerto Viejo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Islamorada and Puerto Viejo both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Puerto Viejo offers some nice shopping areas. You can wander through the town center and enjoy shopping at the local boutiques that sell clothes and other touristy items.

Is Islamorada or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Islamorada is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Islamorada attracts visitors from all around. Striking blue water and white sand make this a truly tropical paradise. You can sip frozen drinks and relax in the sun as your troubles slip away.

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

Is Islamorada or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Islamorada is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Islamorada is one of the most popular family destinations. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

Puerto Viejo is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Islamorada or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Islamorada is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Islamorada has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

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.

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

Puerto Viejo is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known for backpackers.

Puerto Viejo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Islamorada is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels on this key and prices in general can be a bit high so backpackers will find it a bit challenging.

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

Puerto Viejo is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known for its public transit.

While Puerto Viejo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel the longer distances, but most people walk or bike around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Islamorada or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Puerto Viejo is a great town for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Islamorada is not a walkable village. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Puerto Viejo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Islamorada and Puerto Viejo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Islamorada than in Puerto Viejo. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 2-3 days is enough time in Puerto Viejo.

Families should spend more time in Islamorada than Puerto Viejo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Islamorada, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Islamorada than Puerto Viejo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Islamorada that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Viejo than Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Puerto Viejo?

In Islamorada, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing village offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

With shopping and nightlife around the relaxed town of Puerto Viejo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Islamorada or Puerto Viejo?

Islamorada is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Puerto Viejo, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Islamorada or Puerto Viejo?

In Islamorada, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Puerto Viejo, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Islamorada or Puerto Viejo?

Islamorada is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Puerto Viejo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.

When comparing the travel costs between Islamorada and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Islamorada is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Islamorada is in North America and Puerto Viejo is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

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

Islamorada 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 Islamorada or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Puerto Viejo. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Islamorada is generally a little warmer than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 84°F (29°C), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during summer. Islamorada gets 328 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 July, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. September to October in Puerto Viejo is the dry season.

Should I visit Islamorada or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Puerto Viejo. The autumn months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

Islamorada is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the autumn, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Islamorada receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Islamorada usually gets less rain in October than Puerto Viejo. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada. Also, September to October in Puerto Viejo is the dry season. November to January in Puerto Viejo is the rainy season.

Should I visit Islamorada or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

Both Puerto Viejo and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Islamorada is cooler than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamorada in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during winter. Islamorada gets 252 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 January, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Puerto Viejo is November to January.

Should I visit Islamorada or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

Both Puerto Viejo and Islamorada during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

In April, Islamorada is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 77°F (25°C), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the spring, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Islamorada gets 326 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. Islamorada usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejo. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Islamorada