Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.
Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Viejo?
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesPuerto Viejo Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $56Puerto Viejo $169
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, while the average daily cost in Puerto Viejo is $169. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Puerto Viejo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $40Puerto Viejo $71
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $80Puerto Viejo $142
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Puerto Viejo
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10Puerto Viejo $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires HTL-APT (EZE): $109
- Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $143
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Port to Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE): $125
- Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $105
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal to International Airport (EZE): $105
- Transfer from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery to your Hotel in Buenos Aires: $40
- Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $85
- Transfer Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Downtown Hotel: $87
- Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel to Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal: $52
- Transfer Buenos Aires Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal to Downtown Hotel : $52
- The house of D10S With Transfers: $38
- Tango Show in Tango Porteño - no transfers - : $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Viejo
Also for Puerto Viejo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport to Puerto Viejo Limon: $320
Is it cheaper to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Viejo?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $7.60Puerto Viejo $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $25
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Lesson: $31
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $32
- Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $35
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $38
- Tango Show and Dinner at: Tango Porteño: $40
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
- Dinner at Arte de Mafia, Mafioso Theme Restaurant in Palermo: $44
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- Exclusive Italian Lunch or Dinner at Puny Pasta and Grill: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $30Puerto Viejo $78
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Buenos Aires Private City Tour Designed for Seniors: $250
- E-Scooter Tour: Recoleta, Palermo & Downtown + Local Flavors: $69
- Football Matchday In Argentina (Ticket+Transport+Guide): $130
- Private City Tour with Local Gastronomy: $120
- Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $300
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food) : $300
- 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $262
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina : $43
- 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
- 2 Hours Private Tour in Buenos Aires: $127
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $13
Tours and Activities in Puerto Viejo
For Puerto Viejo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Canoe Adventure & Caribbean Family Experience: $47
- Puerto Viejo Limón: Birdwatching Tour at Nativo Park: $50
- Wildlife Night Tour in the Jungle: $55
- Kayaking Tour in Gandoca Lagoon throug mangrove forest: $58
- Indigenous Experience & Chocolate Tour: $74
- Puerto Viejo Limón: Best Canopy Tour / Ziplines: $83
- Night Adventure in the Wild Talamanca: $85
- Dolphin Watching & Netflix Featured Organic Jungle Farm Tour: $88
- Epic Manzanillo Combo Tour: Snorkel, Dolphins & Farm Tour: $119
- Puerto Viejo&Cahuita: Tour of 3 Waterfalls, Talamanca, Limón: $149
- Puerto Viejo Talamanca: Quad Tour with 2 Waterfalls: $310
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.27Puerto Viejo $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $37
- Boutique Wine Tasting: A Unique Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
- BA: Wine Tasting and Blending Experience in Palermo : $51
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $61
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $63
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Viejo?
Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Puerto Viejo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.
In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejoin July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, September to October in Puerto Viejo is the dry season.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?
Both Puerto Viejo and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally cooler than Puerto Viejoin October. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejoin October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Puerto Viejo is September to October. The rainy season in Puerto Viejo is November to January.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?
Both Puerto Viejo and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Puerto Viejo in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than Puerto Viejoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 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. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Viejoin January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Puerto Viejo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 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. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejoin April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 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 AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Puerto Viejo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.