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

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

Where Should I go: Managua or Puerto Viejo?

Managua

Managua is the capital, and largest city in Nicaragua. The economy is generally centered around the trade of coffee, cotton, and other types of agriculture. It also is a textile capital for the area. Managua is also a very reasonably priced destination in Central America. Restaurants and hotels are quite affordable and you'll find all kinds of international cuisine around the city. Transportation is also incredibly affordable and you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised at the cost of intercity bus rides.

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 Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, 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 Managua and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Managua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Managua 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 Managua.

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

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Managua or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

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

Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Managua usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Managua usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during summer. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Managua is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Managua or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Managua as well as Puerto Viejo. Managua 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. Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Managua usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Puerto Viejo. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Managua often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Managua or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

Both Puerto Viejo and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua 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 January, Managua usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during winter. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Managua or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

Both Puerto Viejo and Managua during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Managua 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. Managua usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejo. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Managua. In the spring, Managua often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Managua