Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or Ushuaia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ushuaia or Puerto Viejo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ushuaia 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.
Where Should I go: Ushuaia or Puerto Viejo?
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a city on the Tierra del Fuego island of Argentina on the Beagle Strait. The city is considered to be one of the southernmost cities in the world and is often used as a base for cruises to Antarctica. Ushuaia's close proximity to Antarctica and their amazing hiking trails have made it a popular tourist destination over the past few decades.
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 Wildlife Tours to Argentina, The Best Eco Tours in Argentina, 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 dayUshuaia $11Puerto Viejo $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Ushuaia is $11, 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 Ushuaia and Puerto Viejo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personUshuaia $5.64Puerto Viejo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomUshuaia $11Puerto Viejo $142
Compare Hotels in Ushuaia and Puerto Viejo
Looking for a hotel in Ushuaia 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: Ushuaia Hotel Prices and Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ushuaia -Puerto Viejo $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Ushuaia are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$0.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ushuaia
Also for Ushuaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared One-way Airport Transfer: $10
- Escondido and Fagnano Lakes with transfer: $97
- Ushuaia to Ushuaia Airport (USH) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Ushuaia city to Ushuaia Airport(USH) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Ushuaia Airport(USH) to Ushuaia city - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $46
- Ushuaia Airport Shared Transfer: $7.48
- Ushuaia Airport Shared Transfer: $7.25
- Ushuaia Airport Departure Transfer: $10
- Ushuaia Airport Arrival Transfer: $10
- Ushuaia Airport (USH) to Ushuaia - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $63
- Transfer from/to the airport: $89
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 Ushuaia or Puerto Viejo?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo and Ushuaia 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 dayUshuaia $2.18Puerto Viejo $33
Typical Food Prices in Ushuaia
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ushuaia:
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Lunch for Two$0.06
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ushuaia
For Ushuaia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The Martial Glacier at Night with Dinner Included: $94
- Ushuaia at night: A Snow and Fire dinner, sledding and adventure: $280
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ushuaia $13Puerto Viejo $78
Tours and Activities in Ushuaia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ushuaia.
- 2-day tour: Tierra del Fuego National Park + Fagnano and Escondido Lakes: $115
- 2-day tour:Tierra del Fuego NP + Beagle Channel Navigation + Fagnano & Escondido: $190
- 3-Hour Navigation Tour in the Beagle Channel with Isla de Lobos: $75
- 3-Hour Tour Sailing through the Beagle Channel: $105
- 4×4 Off Road Tour to Escondido and Khami Lakes: $122
- 4-Hour National Park - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $75
- 4WD Off-Road Lakes Adventure in Tierra del Fuego: $156
- 5-Hour Nat Park + City tour - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $195
- 5.5-Hour National park w/ hiking Shore excursion - USHUAIA (Private Tour): $280
- 5hrs of Trekking Experience in Martial Glacier: $95
- 7-Hour Lakes Escondido & Fagnano - USHUAIA (Shared tour): $105
- Adventure 360º in Quads with Lunch: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayUshuaia -Puerto Viejo $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ushuaia
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Ushuaia are as follows:
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Wine$0.05
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Beer$0.01
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ushuaia and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Ushuaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ushuaia Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Ushuaia or Puerto Viejo?
Ushuaia 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 Ushuaia or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ushuaia and Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Ushuaia is generally much colder than Puerto Viejoin July. Daily temperatures in Ushuaia average around 10°C (50°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Ushuaia usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during summer. Ushuaia gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Ushuaia usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejoin July. Ushuaia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyUshuaia 10°C (50°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Ushuaia as well as Puerto Viejo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.
Ushuaia is much colder than Puerto Viejo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ushuaia averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.
In the autumn, Ushuaia often gets less sunshine than Puerto Viejoin October. Ushuaia gets 74 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Ushuaia usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Viejoin October. Ushuaia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberUshuaia 6°C (43°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?
Both Puerto Viejo and Ushuaia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Ushuaia can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ushuaia is much colder than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ushuaia in July average around 2°C (36°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
Ushuaia usually receives less sunshine than Puerto Viejo during winter. Ushuaia gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. In July, Ushuaia usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejoin January. Ushuaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryUshuaia 2°C (36°F)Puerto Viejo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Ushuaia or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?
Both Puerto Viejo and Ushuaia during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.
In October, Ushuaia is generally much colder than Puerto Viejoin April. Daily temperatures in Ushuaia average around 6°C (43°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the spring, Ushuaia often gets less sunshine than Puerto Viejoin April. Ushuaia gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun.
Puerto Viejo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ushuaia usually gets less rain in October than Puerto Viejoin April. Ushuaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilUshuaia 6°C (43°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Ushuaia
| Ushuaia | Puerto Viejo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 6°C (43°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 1°C (34°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 2°C (36°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 4°C (39°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.