A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Recife vs. Vieques Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Recife or Vieques Island?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Recife and Vieques Island can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Recife or Vieques Island?

Recife

One of the largest cities on Brazil's northeast coast, Recife is also the capital of the state of Pernambuco. The city gets its name from the Portuguese word for "reef," as it was built around a landscape of natural reef beaches. Many people visit to enjoy these beaches, experience the culture, and explore the history of this important Brazilian city.

Vieques Island

Amidst the melodious chorus of coqui frogs and gentle whispers of palm trees blowing in an evening breeze, you will find that the waters around you glow just as brightly as the stars above. This tropical paradise is none other than Vieques, Puerto Rico. Tropical forests, bioluminescent bays, coral reefs--this island attracts visitors from all around the world who seek to see the wonders and beauties of the tropics. This island suits those from all walks of life, from history buffs seeking to learn about its unique past to nature-lovers wanting to admire its untouched wilderness. Vieques is the place for a perfect vacation!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Vieques Island or Recife?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Recife is $209, while the average daily cost in Vieques Island is $210. 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 Recife and Vieques Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Recife $84
    Vieques Island $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Recife $168
    Vieques Island $184
Compare Hotels in Recife and Vieques Island

Looking for a hotel in Recife or Vieques Island? 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 Recife


Hotels in Vieques Island


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: Recife Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Recife $8.13
    Vieques Island $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Recife

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Recife:

  • Private Transfer from Igarassu to Recife (REC) Airport : $111
  • Departure Transfer from Olinda to Recife Airport: $100
  • Private Transfer from Olinda to Recife (REC) Airport: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Recife or Vieques Island?

Prices for flights to both Vieques Island and Recife 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
    Recife $117
    Vieques Island $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Recife $11
    Vieques Island $34

Tours and Activities in Recife

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Recife are as follows:

  • Olinda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48

Tours and Activities in Vieques Island

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vieques Island.

  • Vieques Biobay Kayaking Tour: $60
  • Unforgettable One Day Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure in Vieques: $60
  • El Yunque Rainforest Tour: Natural Waterslides Adventure : $65
  • Bio Bay Tour Vieques – Full Clear Canoes Experience: $65
  • Biobay Vieques Tour Kayak Night Tour: $65
  • Overnight Bio Bay Kayak Tour in Vieques Island: $66
  • CLEAR BOTTOM KAYAKS Tour in Bioluminescent, Mosquito Bay: $67
  • Isla de Vieques Beach Hopper Sightseeing Tour: $90
  • 1-Hour Bioluminescent Boat Tour in Mosquito Bay, Vieques : $100
  • Full Clear Kayak Bioluminescent Experience Vieques, Puerto Rico: $110
  • Vieques Island Rich History Tour : $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Recife -
    Vieques Island $30


When comparing the travel costs between Recife and Vieques Island, we can see that Vieques Island 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 Recife is in South America and Vieques Island is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Recife Expensive? and Is Vieques Island Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Recife or Vieques Island?

Recife has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Vieques Island. When comparing the sizes of Recife and Vieques Island, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Recife or Vieques Island?

Recife has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vieques Island experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Recife or Vieques Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Recife as well as Vieques Island. The summer months attract visitors to Recife because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vieques Island throughout the year.

Recife is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Recife this time of the year. In the summer, Recife often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin July. Recife gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 287 hours of full sun.

Recife receives a lot of rain in the summer. Recife usually gets more rain in January than Vieques Islandin July. Recife gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. March to August in Recife is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Recife 26°C (79°F) 
    Vieques Island 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Recife or Vieques Island in the Autumn?

Both Vieques Island and Recife are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Recife this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Vieques Island because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Recife is around the same temperature as Vieques Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Recife in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Vieques Island averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Vieques Island. Recife usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during autumn. Recife gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vieques Island. It's quite rainy in Recife. In April, Recife usually receives more rain than Vieques Islandin October. Recife gets 338 mm (13.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Recife 26°C (79°F) 
    Vieques Island 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Recife or Vieques Island in the Winter?

Both Vieques Island and Recife during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Recife for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vieques Island year-round.

In July, Recife is generally around the same temperature as Vieques Islandin January. Daily temperatures in Recife average around 24°C (76°F), and Vieques Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Vieques Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Recife often gets less sunshine than Vieques Islandin January. Recife gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vieques Island receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Recife. Recife usually gets more rain in July than Vieques Islandin January. Recife gets 388 mm (15.3 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. March to August is the rainy season in Recife.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Recife 24°C (76°F) 
    Vieques Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Recife or Vieques Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Recife and Vieques Island. Many visitors come to Recife in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Vieques Island attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Recife is around the same temperature as Vieques Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Recife averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Vieques Island fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vieques Island this time of the year. In Recife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Recife usually receives less sunshine than Vieques Island during spring. Recife gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Vieques Island receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Recife usually receives less rain than Vieques Islandin April. Recife gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Vieques Island receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. October to December in Recife is the dry season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Recife 25°C (77°F) 
    Vieques Island 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Vieques Island and Recife

Recife Vieques Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 338 mm (13.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 25°C (78°F) 319 mm (12.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 378 mm (14.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 24°C (76°F) 388 mm (15.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 205 mm (8.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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