Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salvador or Puerto Viejo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador 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: Salvador or Puerto Viejo?
Salvador
Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.
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 Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, 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 daySalvador $44Puerto Viejo $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, 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 Salvador and Puerto Viejo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Puerto Viejo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Puerto Viejo $142
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Puerto Viejo
Looking for a hotel in Salvador 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: Salvador Hotel Prices and Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $6.02Puerto Viejo $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:
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Bus from Airport$1.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Salvador HTL-APT(SSA): $66
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Salvador APT-HTL(SSA): $66
- Transfers: Airport, Hotels, Maritime Terminals, Bus Station.: $23
- Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $285
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Praia do Forte/Guarajuba: $61
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $128
- Transfer to Sauipe Iberostar Palladium and Galé: $47
- Transfer to Iberostar Selection Praia do Forte or Bahia: $43
- Transfer in Salvador: $140
- Transfer from Salvador Airport to North Coast of Bahia: $100
- Transfer between Salvador Airport and Costa do Sauipe: $94
- Transfer Vila Galé Marés (Guarajuba) - Private: $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 Salvador or Puerto Viejo?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo and Salvador 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 daySalvador $13Puerto Viejo $33
Typical Food Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:
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Dinner for 2$1.37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $132
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $140
- Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $152
- Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.67Puerto Viejo $78
Tours and Activities in Salvador
Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Afro-Brazilian Roots city Tour in Salvador with lunch at Favela: $150
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $60
- Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $102
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $142
- Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
- Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $61
- Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
- City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil - En: $140
- Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $152
- Culinary Traditions Tour: $180
- Easy Diving - Lord Beach Snorkeling - Leaving Forte Beach by Emytour: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySalvador $5.38Puerto Viejo $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:
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Beers for 2$1.37
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Drinks$2.74
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salvador is in South 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 Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Salvador.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Salvador or Puerto Viejo?
Salvador 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 Salvador or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Puerto Viejo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the summer. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salvador this time of the year. In the summer, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejoin July. Salvador gets 246 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Salvador receives a lot of rain in the summer. Salvador usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejoin July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Viejo and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Salvador is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Salvador in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.
Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during autumn. Salvador gets 190 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 Salvador. In April, Salvador usually receives more rain than Puerto Viejoin October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?
Both Puerto Viejo and Salvador during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.
In July, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejoin January. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 24°C (75°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In the winter, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejoin January. Salvador gets 181 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Viejoin January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)Puerto Viejo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the spring. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
In Salvador, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salvador usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during spring. Salvador gets 228 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. Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Salvador usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejoin April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Salvador
| Salvador | Puerto Viejo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 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.