A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Key Largo vs. Puerto Viejo for Families, Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Key Largo or Puerto Viejo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Key Largo and Puerto Viejo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a relaxed, peaceful, and family-friendly island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Puerto Viejo travel costs.

Key Largo and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Puerto Viejo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Viejo. Although Key Largo and Puerto Viejo are popular destinations, Puerto Viejo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Viejo is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is more touristy than Puerto Viejo and is known for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Puerto Viejo is famous for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood. It is also well known for .

How is Key Largo different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Puerto Viejo is adequate for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Puerto Viejo specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There aren't any real museums in the area, but there are a couple of art galleries.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Key Largo or Puerto Viejo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Viejo is a town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Puerto Viejo is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many restaurants have a local atmosphere and serve typical Costa Rican food or seafood. You'll find no shortage of rice and beans!

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is Key Largo or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Viejo is great for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Puerto Viejo for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is Key Largo or Puerto Viejo Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Puerto Viejo is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Key Largo. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Puerto Viejo is not a resort destination.

Is Key Largo or Puerto Viejo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Key Largo. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

Puerto Viejo has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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 Key Largo or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Puerto Viejo is great for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

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.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Is Key Largo or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Puerto Viejo is a town with good options for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Puerto Viejo. 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.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Puerto Viejo?

Puerto Viejo is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Puerto Viejo is a town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Puerto Viejo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The beaches are beautiful and lined with rainforests. There's also easy access to the beautiful Cahuita National Park.

Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key Largo or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Key Largo 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.

Key Largo is one of the most popular family destinations. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

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 Key Largo or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Puerto Viejo is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Puerto Viejo is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Key Largo is a nice destination for couples. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

Is Key Largo or Puerto Viejo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Viejo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Puerto Viejo. 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.

Key Largo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This area is a bit more affordable than the more southern keys so it appeals to budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Puerto Viejo is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination 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 Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.

Is Key Largo or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Puerto Viejo is great for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Key Largo is not a walkable island. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Puerto Viejo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key Largo and Puerto Viejo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than in Puerto Viejo. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Puerto Viejo.

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

Couples should spend more time in Puerto Viejo than Key Largo. 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 Key Largo 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 Key Largo or Puerto Viejo?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this family-friendly island offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Puerto Viejo. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Key Largo or Puerto Viejo?

Key Largo is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Puerto Viejo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Puerto Viejo?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this relaxed destination offers. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the mellow town of Puerto Viejo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Puerto Viejo?

Key Largo is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, 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 Key Largo and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Viejo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Key Largo 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 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 Key Largo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key Largo 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 Key Largo Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Key Largo or Puerto Viejo?

Key Largo 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 Key Largo or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Puerto Viejo. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Key Largo is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during summer. Key Largo gets 316 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. Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 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 Key Largo or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Puerto Viejo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

In the autumn, Key Largo is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key Largo usually gets less rain in October than Puerto Viejo. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, September to October in Puerto Viejo is the dry season. November to January in Puerto Viejo is the rainy season.

Should I visit Key Largo or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

Both Puerto Viejo and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Key Largo is generally cooler than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during winter. Key Largo gets 243 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, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 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 Key Largo or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

Both Puerto Viejo and Key Largo during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

Key Largo is cooler than Puerto Viejo in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the spring, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Key Largo gets 300 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. Key Largo usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejo. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Key Largo