Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril 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 Negril 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: Negril or Puerto Viejo?
Negril
Negril is a town in western Jamaica known for its miles of white sand beaches and cliffs. It is certainly one of the more laid back towns on the island yet still attracts a lot of tourists. The hotels are as close to the water as you can get, and the sand gets whiter and whiter the further away from populated areas you get. The water is unbelievably clear and warm in Negril!
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 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNegril $139Puerto Viejo $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, 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 Negril and Puerto Viejo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Puerto Viejo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Puerto Viejo $142
Compare Hotels in Negril and Puerto Viejo
Looking for a hotel in Negril 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: Negril Hotel Prices and Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71Puerto Viejo $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Negril:
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Taxi From Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril
Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sunset at The Palms Airport Transfer: $53
- Royalton Negril Resort Airport Transfer : $53
- Royalton Negril Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $280
- Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfer to Lucea Resorts: $37
- Private Transfer from Negril to Sangster Airport (MBJ): $50
- Private Transfer from Montego Bay Airport - Negril Hotels: $58
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Grand Palladium Hotel: $36
- Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort in Jamaica: $80
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Negril Hotels: $59
- Private Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium: $40
- Private Airport transfer to/from all hotels in Negril round trip: $170
- Private Airport Transfers to Negril Hotels: $48
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 Negril or Puerto Viejo?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo and Negril 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
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Food Meals for one dayNegril $23Puerto Viejo $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril
For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio: $105
- Local food tour and local fields : $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Puerto Viejo $78
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril
For Negril, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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2 Hr Horseback Ride$44
Tours and Activities in Negril
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.
- ATV Outback Adventure From Negril: $144
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour: $275
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour [Transportation services]: $125
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Negril: $232
- Appleton Estate Rum and Black River Safari Private Tour : $185
- Appleton Rum Factory and Black River Safari Tour: $280
- Appleton Rum Factory, YS Falls, and Reggae Horseback Ride & Swim Combo Tour: $195
- Appleton and Y.S Falls Tour from Negril Hotels: $261
- Atv Adventure and Ricks Cafe with Private Transportation: $367
- Atv Adventure and Ziplines with Private Transportation: $414
- Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Rick’s Cafe Tour & Transportation: $334
- Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe Private Tour: $294
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Puerto Viejo $13
When comparing the travel costs between Negril and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo 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 Negril is in Caribbean Islands 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 Negril Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Negril 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 Negril or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Puerto Viejo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril 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. Negril gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Negril usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Negril is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Negril in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Negril or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Negril as well as Puerto Viejo. Negril 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. Negril receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Puerto Viejo. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the autumn, Negril often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.
In October, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Negril or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?
Both Puerto Viejo and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril 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, Negril usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 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 Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
Negril is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the winter. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Puerto Viejo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Negril or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?
Both Puerto Viejo and Negril during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejo. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Negril. In the spring, Negril often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Negril is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Negril in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Negril
| Negril | Puerto Viejo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 mm (2.4 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.