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

Should you visit Tulum or Puerto Viejo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Puerto Viejo 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.

Tulum

Tulum is a lively, ancient, and archeological town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Tulum travel costs.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a laid back, relaxed, and mellow town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Puerto Viejo is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Puerto Viejo travel costs.

Tulum and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Puerto Viejo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Puerto Viejo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Puerto Viejo is more popular for its small town charm. Tulum is more touristy than Puerto Viejo and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Puerto Viejo is well known for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood.

How is Tulum different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Puerto Viejo?

Tulum is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Puerto Viejo is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tulum has many famous sights for visitors. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Puerto Viejo offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There aren't any real museums in the area, but there are a couple of art galleries.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or Puerto Viejo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Tulum has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Puerto Viejo offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Many restaurants have a local atmosphere and serve typical Costa Rican food or seafood. You'll find no shortage of rice and beans!

Is Tulum or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Tulum 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 Tulum just to party. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or Puerto Viejo Better for Resorts?

Tulum 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, Tulum is a perfect choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Puerto Viejo is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Puerto Viejo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum 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 Tulum is not to be missed. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

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 Tulum or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Tulum 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, Tulum is a very popular vacation destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

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 Tulum or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Tulum is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Puerto Viejo has hiking trails worth exploring. 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 Tulum or Puerto Viejo?

Tulum is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for shopping. You can wander through the town center and enjoy shopping at the local boutiques that sell clothes and other touristy items.

Is Tulum or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Tulum 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, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

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 Tulum or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Puerto Viejo are superb to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Puerto Viejo is very family-friendly. 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 Tulum or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Tulum 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, Tulum has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum or Puerto Viejo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Tulum and Puerto Viejo are superb destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Many backpackers visit Puerto Viejo. 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.

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

Both Tulum and Puerto Viejo offer notable public transit options.

Tulum has a few public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Puerto Viejo has some public transit options. There are buses that travel the longer distances, but most people walk or bike around town.

Is Tulum or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Tulum and Puerto Viejo both are superb when exploring on foot.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Puerto Viejo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tulum and Puerto Viejo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than in Puerto Viejo. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-3 days is enough time in Puerto Viejo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Puerto Viejo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Puerto Viejo?

In Tulum, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

In Puerto Viejo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this laid back destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Puerto Viejo?

Tulum 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Viejo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Puerto Viejo?

In Tulum, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this tropical destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Puerto Viejo. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Puerto Viejo?

Tulum is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxed destination of Puerto Viejo. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours 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 Tulum and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tulum 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 Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.

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

When is the best time to visit Tulum or Puerto Viejo?

Tulum 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 Tulum or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

Both Puerto Viejo and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

In July, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the summer, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 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 Tulum. Tulum usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Viejo. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year. September to October is the dry season in Puerto Viejo.

Should I visit Tulum or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Puerto Viejo. Most visitors come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during autumn. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tulum usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October. September to October in Puerto Viejo is the dry season. Also, November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo.

Should I visit Tulum or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Puerto Viejo. The winter months attract visitors to Tulum because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

In the winter, Tulum is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the winter, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejo. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to January in Puerto Viejo is the rainy season.

Should I visit Tulum or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

Both Puerto Viejo and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during spring. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Tulum