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

Should you visit Ocho Rios or Puerto Viejo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios or Puerto Viejo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Ocho Rios or Puerto Viejo?

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or Ocho Rios?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios and Puerto Viejo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ocho Rios $53
    Puerto Viejo $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ocho Rios $106
    Puerto Viejo $142
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Puerto Viejo

Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios 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.

Hotels in Ocho Rios


Hotels in Puerto Viejo


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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices and Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ocho Rios $7.67
    Puerto Viejo $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios

Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shuttle Transfer From Montego Bay Airport - Ocho Rios : $29
  • Sandals Ocho Rios Resort Airport Transfer: $67
  • Round-Trip or Direct Private Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $50
  • Riu Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer: $81
  • Private Transfer to horseback,Bluehole,River rafting in OchoRios.: $70
  • Private Transfer to Yaaman Adventure Park from Ocho Rios: $60
  • Private Transfer to White River Tubing Ocho Rios: $40
  • Private Transfer to Hotels in Ocho Rios from Montego Bay Airport: $63
  • Private Transfer from Ocho Rios to Sangster Airport MBJ: $60
  • Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Resorts in Ocho Rios : $160
  • Private Transfer from Ian Fleming Airport to Ocho Rios: $20
  • Private Transfer From Kingston Airport To Kingston Hotel One Way : $40

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 Ocho Rios or Puerto Viejo?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo and Ocho Rios 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 day
    Ocho Rios $17
    Puerto Viejo $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios

For Ocho Rios, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • From Flavors of Jamaica Guided Food Tour: $89
  • Taste of Jamaica Farm & Food Tour: $98
  • Taste of Jamaica Food Tour: $140
  • The Jamaica School of Cooking and Ocho Rios Highlights Tour: $141
  • Ocho Rios Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ocho Rios $16
    Puerto Viejo $79
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios

For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate
    $11
  • Admission to Coyaba Gardens
    $5.52
  • Tour of Prospect Plantation
    $18

Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ocho Rios.

  • Authentic Jamaican Bamboo Rafting Tour from Runaway Bay: $194
  • Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios: $77
  • Combo Blue Hole and Horseback Riding Tour From Ocho Rios : $160
  • Dunn's River Falls & Blue Hole Combo Tour from Ocho Rios: $115
  • Dunn's River Falls and Tubing Combo Tour from Ocho Rios: $140
  • Full-Day Tour to Blue Hole Falls with Horseback Ride from Montego Bay: $220
  • Private Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios : $30
  • ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
  • ATV, Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Riding Experience in Ocho Rios: $275
  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Runaway Bay: $206
  • Bamboo Rafting in Ocho Rios Private Experience: $210
  • Bamboo Rafting on the Lethe great/river(:),tour: $120

Tours and Activities in Puerto Viejo

For Puerto Viejo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private night adventure in Manzanillo refuge: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ocho Rios $7.78
    Puerto Viejo $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Ocho Rios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ocho Rios is in Caribbean Islands 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 Ocho Rios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios.

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



When is the best time to visit Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Puerto Viejo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios 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. In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the summer. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ocho Rios 29°C (83°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Puerto Viejo. Ocho Rios 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. Ocho Rios receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in October than Puerto Viejo. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 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 Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ocho Rios in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ocho Rios 28°C (82°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

Both Puerto Viejo and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios 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, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 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 Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 26°C (79°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ocho Rios 26°C (79°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Ocho Rios or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

Both Puerto Viejo and Ocho Rios during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios 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. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejo. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun.

Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the spring. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ocho Rios 26°C (80°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios Puerto Viejo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)