Puerto Viejo is a relaxed town known for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Puerto Viejo and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're enjoying the nightlife or relaxing on the beaches.
How much does it cost to travel to Puerto Viejo?
You should plan to spend around $168 (₡85,842) per day on your vacation in Puerto Viejo. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $57 (₡29,337) on meals
- $38 (₡19,159) on local transportation
- $141 (₡72,088) on hotels
A one week trip to Puerto Viejo for two people costs, on average, $2,353 (₡1,201,788). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,177
₡600,894
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,353
₡1,201,788
-
One Month
Per person
$5,042
₡2,575,260
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,353
₡1,201,788
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,706
₡2,403,576
-
One Month
For a couple
$10,085
₡5,150,520
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Puerto Viejo cost?
A one week trip to Puerto Viejo usually costs around $1,177 (₡600,894) for one person and $2,353 (₡1,201,788) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Puerto Viejo on average costs around $2,353 (₡1,201,788) for one person and $4,706 (₡2,403,576) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Puerto Viejo will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Puerto Viejo on average costs around $5,042 (₡2,575,260) for one person and $10,085 (₡5,150,520) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Puerto Viejo expensive to visit?
Puerto Viejo is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
While Puerto Viejo can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $70 (₡36,153) per day, mid-range travelers spend $167 (₡85,842) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $359 (₡184,455) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Puerto Viejo.
Within Central America, Puerto Viejo is a very expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Central America for its travel costs. There are only a few cities as expensive as Puerto Viejo in the region, such as San Pedro.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Puerto Viejo?
The average Puerto Viejo trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Puerto Viejo travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Puerto Viejo cost?
Puerto Viejo on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$31
(₡15,716)
|
$71
(₡36,044)
|
$136
(₡69,639)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$15
(₡7,491)
|
$38
(₡19,159)
|
$97
(₡49,593)
|
|
Food 2
|
$25
(₡12,758)
|
$57
(₡29,337)
|
$112
(₡57,179)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$28
(₡14,234)
|
$78
(₡39,752)
|
$239
(₡121,958)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-9
(₡1,488-4,463)
|
$7-20
(₡3,400-10,200)
|
$13-38
(₡6,497-19,491)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Puerto Viejo on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $70 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Puerto Viejo will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $167 per person, per day.
In Puerto Viejo, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Caribe Town is a great choice for families, and Hotel Banana Azul - Adults Only is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Puerto Viejo.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $359. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the town, be prepared for premium pricing.
Accommodation Budget in Puerto Viejo
Hotel rates in Puerto Viejo vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season (winter) brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $103 to $192. Expect prices to range from $56 for budget hotels to $383 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Puerto Viejo for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $141 (₡72,088). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $71 (₡36,044) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Puerto Viejo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Puerto Viejo include:
- Sueno Grande B&B starting at $118
- Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel starting at $230
- Caribe Town starting at $149
- Lizard King Resort starting at $89
- Hotel Sunshine Caribe starting at $81
Puerto Viejo has a good public transit that lets you stay outside the town to save on accommodations. But you'll likely end up spending more time and money on transportation.
Families visiting Puerto Viejo will find that choosing accommodations with more room can make their trip much more comfortable.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of winter, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Many enjoy the charm of walking through Puerto Viejo, so aim for a central lodging option. However, this may lead to higher accommodation rates.
Transportation Budget in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo's public transit system connects to several major sights. There are buses that travel the longer distances, but most people walk or bike around town. To save money and travel efficiently, public transport is a good option if it's near your location, but taxis and rideshares are always around for convenience.
Those who enjoy exploring on foot will have a great time here. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $38 (₡19,159) per person, per day, on local transportation in Puerto Viejo. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Puerto Viejo is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$38
₡19,159
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo Limon for $320 details
- Puerto Viejo de Limon: Transfer to San Jose or Alajuela for $373 details
How much does it cost to go to Puerto Viejo? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Puerto Viejo will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Puerto Viejo
While the culinary offerings in Puerto Viejo are good, many people don't specifically come here for the cuisine. Look for a few special spots around the town that are worth a try. Many restaurants have a local atmosphere and serve typical Costa Rican food or seafood. You'll find no shortage of rice and beans!
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Puerto Viejo can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Puerto Viejo is $57 (₡29,337) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$57
₡29,337
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Puerto Viejo is around $57 (₡29337) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $111. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Puerto Viejo are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $17
- Lunch: $9 to $23
- Dinner: $17 to $40
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
The easygoing, friendly area of Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean Coast not only has some of the prettiest beaches in Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo also is the gastronomic capital of the Costa Rica Caribbean region. Considering the size of Puerto Viejo – a small beach town – you might not expect to find such good specialty restaurants, like Italian and Spanish, but they have both of these and many more! They have excellent Caribbean cuisine restaurants, and many other trendy places. There is a lot to offer in such a small place in terms of culinary options. Puerto Viejo's dining scene reflects its widely-varied international population – Caribbean, Italian, Argentinean, Mexican, Asian, Spanish, Middle Eastern, North American, and of course, Costa Rican. From fresh seafood to paella, pasta, sushi and steak, you can find just about anything you might have a craving for.
If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Puerto Viejo
The allure of Puerto Viejo is undeniable, especially since it offers nightlife, beaches, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Puerto Viejo typically cost an average of $78 (₡39,752) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$78
₡39,752
Tropical forest surrounds the village and palm trees line the beach, adding to Puerto Viejo's natural beauty. Travelers can glimpse spectacular wildlife in Cahuita National Park or the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, which border the town to its north and south, respectively. Just south of Puerto Viejo, visitors will discover the sublime beaches of Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, and Punta Uva.
Black and white sand beaches extend for miles; they are wide and often deserted, offering stretches ideal for walking and sunbathing. Snorkeling is excellent when the water is calm, and nearby Cahuita and Manzanillo are home to beautiful, living coral reefs that provide some of the best snorkeling in Costa Rica.
There are beautiful birds, butterflies and animals to be seen. Look out for monkeys and sloths in the trees alongside the road as you cycle or walk. There is also the Iguana Conservation Tour at Iguana Verde Foundation.
Refugio de Gandoca de Manzanillo: the beauty of this refuge is incredible - it contains forest, lagoons, coral reefs and white sand beaches and is the one of the most exotic places on the entire South Caribbean coast.
Many of the activities in Puerto Viejo revolve around the beach, water, and other natural environments, after all, that is what makes the area so popular. For a fun day of adventure, rent a bike. Ride it the full 24km round trip to Manzanillo and back. Make it a day trip. Each time you see a side road leading to the ocean, follow it for a hundred meters or so and you will usually find a beautiful secluded beach. It's a long but easy, flat ride on a mostly paved road. You will be rewarded with many spectacular views and experiences along the way.
Go surfing! The Caribbean coast is known for having a rasta-mentality, but it also has a strong native culture. Come in Puerto Viejo and learn to surf! There are surf schools in the area to help you learn the exciting sport. There are plenty of popular surf spots in the area to take advantage of. The swell comes during the dry season, roughly from December to April. Other time of the year the sea is extremely flat.
Take some time to sun bathe or go for a snorkel in calmer waters. With beautiful coral reefs, it is the perfect place to do so. Or go for a tour of a rain forest and get the chance to see some of the local wildlife in its natural habitat.
Beaches:
Numerous travelers flock to Puerto Viejo to unwind on the beach. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Puerto Viejo. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private night adventure in Manzanillo refuge for $55 details
- Wildlife Night Tour in the Jungle for $52 details
- Sloth and Kayak Tour for $60 details
Nightlife Budget in Puerto Viejo
Visitors to Puerto Viejo find the nightlife exhilarating, enjoying nights filled with fun at the local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $13 (₡6,800) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Puerto Viejo per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$13
₡6,800
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
Enjoy the nightlife, but stay cautious, especially if you're drinking. Thieves or criminals may target you, so stay close to trusted friends and avoid wandering off alone.
Travel cost data last updated: Jan 24, 2024
Traveling in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
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.
Neighborhoods & Around
Puerto Viejo
The neighborhood of Puerto Viejo Costa Rica is famous for its authenticity. Colorful fishing boats rock against a coral covered harbor, reggae sounds from nearby bars and restaurants, and sarong, jewelry, and souvenir vendors set up shop on the beach. In town you will find the only banks and ATMs in the entire area. Bicycle rentals are on every corner and taxis are readily available if you do not have a car to explore other neighborhoods.
Playa Cocles
Expats and vacationers looking for tranquility and proximity to town stay in Cocles. The beaches are sprawling and the waves can get enormous. These beaches are best for sunning and surfing rather than swimming. Beach Break is the most populated beach in the area and the only beach with lifeguards. There are many restaurants to choose from. The one luxury hotel in Puerto Viejo, El Cameleon, is next door and throws Reggae and Calypso parties on Friday and Saturday nights. Laid-back travelers will enjoy the beach bonfire party every Tuesday night at Tasty Waves in front of Beach Break.
Playa Chiquita
The moment you step foot in Playa Chiquita the community vibe becomes apparent. Expats from all over the world carry their children and groceries down the street, sit and sip coffee in open air organic cafes, and swim in the natural pools created by the coral reef.
Punta Uva
Beautiful beaches, elegant cabins, and incredible cuisine all grace the quiet jungle neighborhood of Punta Uva. This neighborhood is popular with long-term vacationers and families. Three of the best restaurants in the entire area are in Punta Uva. The beaches are calm for swimming and snorkeling and are famed as some of the most beautiful in all of Costa Rica. Playa Chiquita nearby is a necessary stop for markets and cafes.
Manzanillo
The quiet Caribbean fishing village of Manzanillo rests along a rugged wildlife refuge with stunning wilderness beaches. Accommodations and restaurants are somewhat sparse in this area so having a car is essential. If you are looking for proximity to animals, peace and quiet, and do not mind the 10 mile trek to town, Manzanillo is right up your alley.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.
We loved that this chill place had a lot of free stuff around the beach and the water. We just walked down the shore and went snorkeling without spending much more than our hotel and meals. The food was also really nice and didn't cost a lot.