Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or Lima?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Lima 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 Lima 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: Lima or Puerto Viejo?
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, The Best Adventure Tours to Peru, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLima $77Puerto Viejo $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Lima is $77, 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 Lima and Puerto Viejo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLima $49Puerto Viejo $71
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLima $98Puerto Viejo $142
Compare Hotels in Lima and Puerto Viejo
Looking for a hotel in Lima 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: Lima Hotel Prices and Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lima $5.73Puerto Viejo $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$5.43
-
Taxi Ride$5.43
-
Short Taxi Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Lima APT-HTL (LIM) : $34
- Transfers from / to Lima airport: $43
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Lima Jorge Chávez Airport to Lima City: $40
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Lima City to Airport: $40
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Lima City - Lima Airport (LIM): $61
- Transfer from Lima city to the airport: $18
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers: $52
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $20
- Round-Trip Transfer in Private Minivan from-to Lima Airport (LIM) in Lima City: $122
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores Kennedy Park: $5.00
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 Lima or Puerto Viejo?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo and Lima 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
-
Food Meals for one dayLima $18Puerto Viejo $33
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$4.34
-
Ice cream$3.53
-
Coffee$2.99
-
Donut$0.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
- Lima Night Food Tour: $48
- Lima Market Food Tour: $52
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lima $8.66Puerto Viejo $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
-
Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
-
Movie Tickets$2.31
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima bike and 5 Step Food Tasting Experience: $92
- Lima in 1 Day! - City Tour + Miraflores, Barranco & San Isidro: $85
- Tour to Historical Places in Lima: $30
- Cultural Tour of the city of Lima & Gastronomic: $62
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $159
- 3-Day Trip to Lima Tour Package: $150
- 3-Hour Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Lima: $51
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLima $5.63Puerto Viejo $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$7.30
-
Beer$4.07
-
Cocktail$3.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lima and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lima is in South 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lima Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Lima 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 Lima or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?
Both Puerto Viejo and Lima during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lima 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. Lima usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Viejo. Lima gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Lima often gets less sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Lima gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun.
In July, Lima is generally cooler than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Lima average around 18°C (64°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLima 18°C (64°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Lima or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lima and Puerto Viejo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lima usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Lima gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Lima usually receives less sunshine than Puerto Viejo during autumn. Lima gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Lima is cooler than Puerto Viejo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lima averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLima 19°C (66°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Lima or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Lima as well as Puerto Viejo. Lima 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. Lima usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejo. Lima gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Lima often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Lima gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Lima is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lima in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 25°C (77°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLima 23°C (73°F)Puerto Viejo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Lima or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?
Both Puerto Viejo and Lima are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima 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 April, Lima usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Lima gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Lima usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto Viejo during spring. Lima gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Lima is generally cooler than Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Lima average around 22°C (72°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLima 22°C (72°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Lima
| Lima | Puerto Viejo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.