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

Should you visit La Paz 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 La Paz 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.

La Paz

La Paz is a authentic, cultural, and beautiful city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See La Paz travel costs.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a laid back, relaxed, and mellow town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. 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.

La Paz and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Puerto Viejo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Paz. Although La Paz and Puerto Viejo are both popular with visitors, La Paz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Paz is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Puerto Viejo is known for its nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. La Paz is more touristy than Puerto Viejo and is popular for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. It is also home to Balandra Beach. Puerto Viejo is popular for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood.

How is La Paz different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Puerto Viejo is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to La Paz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

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 La Paz or Puerto Viejo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Paz 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.

La Paz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

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 La Paz or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Viejo is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Puerto Viejo has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is La Paz or Puerto Viejo Better for Resorts?

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

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Puerto Viejo is not a resort destination.

Is La Paz or Puerto Viejo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz 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 La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

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 La Paz or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

La Paz is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, La Paz is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Puerto Viejo. 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 La Paz or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Puerto Viejo is a town with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, La Paz 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.

La Paz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Puerto Viejo?

La Paz is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in La Paz. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for shopping. You can wander through the town center and enjoy shopping at the local boutiques that sell clothes and other touristy items.

Is La Paz or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Puerto Viejo is a town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, La Paz 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.

La Paz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is La Paz or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Both La Paz and Puerto Viejo are superb to visit with kids.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Puerto Viejo. 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 La Paz or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Puerto Viejo is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Puerto Viejo is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Is La Paz or Puerto Viejo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both La Paz and Puerto Viejo are superb destinations for backpackers.

La Paz is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option 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.

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

Both La Paz and Puerto Viejo offer good public transit options.

La Paz has a few public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

Puerto Viejo has some public transit options. There are buses that travel the longer distances, but most people walk or bike around town.

Is La Paz or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

La Paz and Puerto Viejo both are superb when exploring on foot.

La Paz is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable.

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 La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Viejo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Puerto Viejo?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz than Puerto Viejo 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 La Paz.

One day in La Paz or Puerto Viejo?

In La Paz, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful city 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Puerto Viejo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in La Paz or Puerto Viejo?

La Paz is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Puerto Viejo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in La Paz or Puerto Viejo?

You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural destination of La Paz. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Viejo. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in La Paz or Puerto Viejo?

La Paz is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Puerto Viejo. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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 La Paz and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since La Paz 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 La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 La Paz.

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

When is the best time to visit La Paz or Puerto Viejo?

La Paz 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 La Paz or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

Both Puerto Viejo and La Paz during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Paz in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

In the summer, La Paz is a little warmer than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Paz in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the summer, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun.

Puerto Viejo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Paz usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Viejo. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year. September to October is the dry season in Puerto Viejo.

Should I visit La Paz or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Puerto Viejo. Most visitors come to La Paz for the shopping scene during these months. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, La Paz is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 27°C (80°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during autumn. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, La Paz usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. September to October in Puerto Viejo is the dry season. Also, November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo.

Should I visit La Paz or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Puerto Viejo. The winter months attract visitors to La Paz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

La Paz is cooler than Puerto Viejo in the winter. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 18°C (65°F) in January, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the winter, La Paz often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. La Paz usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejo. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to January in Puerto Viejo is the rainy season.

Should I visit La Paz or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

Both Puerto Viejo and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to La Paz 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 spring, La Paz is cooler than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Paz in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during spring. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. In April, La Paz usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and La Paz