A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Puerto Viejo for Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a stunning, vibrant, and picture-perfect town. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a mellow, authentic, and laid back town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Puerto Viejo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Puerto Viejo travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Puerto Viejo are popular destinations, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Puerto Viejo attracts visitors for its small town charm. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Puerto Viejo and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Puerto Viejo is famous for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo.

Playa del Carmen offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

While most people don't head to Puerto Viejo specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There aren't any real museums in the area, but there are a couple of art galleries.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Viejo can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Puerto Viejo. Many restaurants have a local atmosphere and serve typical Costa Rican food or seafood. You'll find no shortage of rice and beans!

Is Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

People head to Playa del Carmen just to party. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

The people in Puerto Viejo know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Puerto Viejo is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Playa del Carmen is a perfect choice. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Puerto Viejo is not a resort destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen is not to be missed. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

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 Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen 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, Playa del Carmen is a very popular vacation destination. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

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 Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Viejo both have nice trails.

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for hiking. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Puerto Viejo and Playa del Carmen.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Puerto Viejo. You can wander through the town center and enjoy shopping at the local boutiques that sell clothes and other touristy items.

Is Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Puerto Viejo is a gorgeous place to visit. The beaches are beautiful and lined with rainforests. There's also easy access to the beautiful Cahuita National Park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular family destinations. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Puerto Viejo is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Playa del Carmen has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Couples visit Puerto Viejo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Puerto Viejo is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Playa del Carmen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Is Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Playa del Carmen and Puerto Viejo.

You'll find some public transit in Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

While Puerto Viejo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel the longer distances, but most people walk or bike around town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Playa del Carmen. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Puerto Viejo is very walkable. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Viejo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Playa del Carmen and Puerto Viejo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Puerto Viejo. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-3 days is enough time in Puerto Viejo.

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

Couples should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Puerto Viejo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Playa del Carmen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this picture-perfect town 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the mellow destination of Puerto Viejo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo?

Playa del Carmen is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the mellow town of Puerto Viejo. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo?

In Playa del Carmen, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this stunning destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Puerto Viejo is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo?

Playa del Carmen is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Puerto Viejo is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in 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 Playa del Carmen and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen.

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

When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo?

Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Puerto Viejo. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Viejo. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, September to October in Puerto Viejo is the dry season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

Both Puerto Viejo and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season. The dry season in Puerto Viejo is September to October. The rainy season in Puerto Viejo is November to January.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

Both Puerto Viejo and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

Puerto Viejo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejo. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Puerto Viejo. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Playa del Carmen