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

Should you visit Cancun or Puerto Viejo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Puerto Viejo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cancun

Cancun is a tropical, active, and adventurous city. With stunning beauty, Cancun attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Cancun travel costs.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a relaxed, mellow, and authentic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Puerto Viejo is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Puerto Viejo travel costs.

Cancun and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cancun or Puerto Viejo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cancun. Although Cancun and Puerto Viejo are both popular with visitors, Cancun has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cancun is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Puerto Viejo is known for its small town charm. Cancun is more touristy than Puerto Viejo and is known for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. It is also home to . Puerto Viejo is popular for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood.

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How is Cancun different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cancun is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Puerto Viejo is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Cancun specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.

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 Cancun or Puerto Viejo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Cancun and Puerto Viejo.

Cancun has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Puerto Viejo area. Many restaurants have a local atmosphere and serve typical Costa Rican food or seafood. You'll find no shortage of rice and beans!

Is Cancun or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Cancun 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 Cancun just to party. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

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 Cancun or Puerto Viejo Better for Resorts?

Cancun 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, Cancun is a perfect choice. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Puerto Viejo is not a resort destination.

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

Cancun 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 Cancun is not to be missed. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

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 Cancun or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Cancun 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, Cancun is a very popular vacation destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

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 Cancun or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

You'll find good hiking in both Cancun and Puerto Viejo.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

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 Cancun or Puerto Viejo?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cancun and Puerto Viejo.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cancun. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Many visitors go to Puerto Viejo to go shopping. You can wander through the town center and enjoy shopping at the local boutiques that sell clothes and other touristy items.

Is Cancun or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Cancun 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, Cancun attracts visitors from all around. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

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 Cancun or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Cancun is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cancun is one of the most popular family destinations. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

Puerto Viejo is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Cancun or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Cancun 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, Cancun has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

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 Cancun or Puerto Viejo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cancun and Puerto Viejo are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Cancun. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

Puerto Viejo is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Cancun or Puerto Viejo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cancun and Puerto Viejo.

Cancun has some public transit options. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

You'll find some public transit in Puerto Viejo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel the longer distances, but most people walk or bike around town.

Is Cancun or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Cancun and Puerto Viejo are very good when it comes to walkability.

Cancun is a very walkable city. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Cancun?

How long in Cancun or Puerto Viejo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cancun and Puerto Viejo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Puerto Viejo. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Cancun, and 2-3 days is enough time in Puerto Viejo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cancun 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 Cancun.

One day in Cancun or Puerto Viejo?

In Cancun, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this tropical city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Puerto Viejo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cancun or Puerto Viejo?

Cancun 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.

Puerto Viejo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cancun or Puerto Viejo?

In Cancun, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this wild destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Viejo. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cancun or Puerto Viejo?

Cancun is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the mellow destination of Puerto Viejo. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.

When comparing the travel costs between Cancun and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Cancun is in North America and Puerto Viejo is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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