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

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Puerto Viejo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a relaxing, laid back, and idyllic island. Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Isla Mujeres 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 beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Puerto Viejo travel costs.

Isla Mujeres and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo?

Both Puerto Viejo and Isla Mujeres have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Isla Mujeres is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Puerto Viejo is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, and small town charm. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Puerto Viejo and is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Puerto Viejo is popular for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Puerto Viejo is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

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

Isla Mujeres 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.

Isla Mujeres has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

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 Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Viejo is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its evening party scene.

Puerto Viejo has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

Is Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres 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, Isla Mujeres is a perfect choice. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Puerto Viejo is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres is not to be missed. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

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 Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres 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, Isla Mujeres is a very popular vacation destination. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

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 Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Puerto Viejo is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Puerto Viejo offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Isla Mujeres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo?

Both Isla Mujeres and Puerto Viejo are good shopping destinations.

Isla Mujeres offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Puerto Viejo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You can wander through the town center and enjoy shopping at the local boutiques that sell clothes and other touristy items.

Is Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Isla Mujeres and Puerto Viejo are somewhat similar when it comes to the good scenery.

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Puerto Viejo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The beaches are beautiful and lined with rainforests. There's also easy access to the beautiful Cahuita National Park.

Is Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres 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.

Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

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 Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres 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, Isla Mujeres has plenty to offer. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

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 Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Isla Mujeres and Puerto Viejo are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Isla Mujeres is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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 Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Isla Mujeres and Puerto Viejo offer good public transit options.

Isla Mujeres has a few public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

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

Is Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres and Puerto Viejo both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable island. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

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 Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Viejo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isla Mujeres and Puerto Viejo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Viejo than in Isla Mujeres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 2-3 days is enough time in Puerto Viejo.

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

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

One day in Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo?

In Isla Mujeres, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this laid back island offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this island.

In Puerto Viejo, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this mellow town 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.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo?

Isla Mujeres is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Puerto Viejo is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the laid back destination of Isla Mujeres. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the mellow destination of Puerto Viejo. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Puerto Viejo?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Puerto Viejo is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.

When comparing the travel costs between Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.