A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Key West vs. Puerto Viejo for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Key West or Puerto Viejo?

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

Should I visit Key West 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.

Key West

Key West is a active, lively, and quaint town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Key West 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.

Key West and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Puerto Viejo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Puerto Viejo are both popular with visitors, Key West has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Key West is more popular for its food, resorts, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Puerto Viejo is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Puerto Viejo and is popular for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. It is also home to Duval Street. Puerto Viejo is popular for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood.

How is Key West different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Puerto Viejo is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Key West or Puerto Viejo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Key West 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.

Key West has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

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 Key West or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Key West and Puerto Viejo.

Key West has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

Puerto Viejo has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Key West or Puerto Viejo Better for Resorts?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Puerto Viejo is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Key West. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Puerto Viejo is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Puerto Viejo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's good scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Key West and Puerto Viejo.

Key West has a few good snorkeling spots. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Puerto Viejo. 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 Key West or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Key West and Puerto Viejo are great choices.

Key West is considered a top beach destination. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Puerto Viejo is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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 Key West or Puerto Viejo Better for its Old Town?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Viejo does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Puerto Viejo does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Puerto Viejo is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

Puerto Viejo is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Puerto Viejo?

Puerto Viejo is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Puerto Viejo offers some nice shopping areas. You can wander through the town center and enjoy shopping at the local boutiques that sell clothes and other touristy items.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Key West or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Key West 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, Key West attracts visitors from all around. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

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 Key West or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Puerto Viejo.

Key West is a very kid-friendly town. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Puerto Viejo. 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 Key West or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Puerto Viejo make for a great place to visit.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

Puerto Viejo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Key West or Puerto Viejo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Viejo is notable for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Puerto Viejo is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Key West is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Key West is a pretty expensive destination, but there are Airbnbs and even a hostel or two that cater to budget backpackers.

Is Key West or Puerto Viejo Better for Students?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Puerto Viejo is not popular with students.

Key West is very popular with students. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Puerto Viejo is not popular with students.

Is Key West or Puerto Viejo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Puerto Viejo is a popular place for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Key West or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Puerto Viejo is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Key West is a somewhat walkable town. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Key West?

How long in Key West or Puerto Viejo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key West and Puerto Viejo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in Puerto Viejo. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 2-3 days is enough time in Puerto Viejo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Viejo than Key West 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 Puerto Viejo.

One day in Key West or Puerto Viejo?

In Key West, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this laid-back town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

The town of Puerto Viejo offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Puerto Viejo?

Key West 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Puerto Viejo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Puerto Viejo?

In Key West, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laid-back destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Puerto Viejo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Puerto Viejo?

Key West is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Puerto Viejo is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key West and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Viejo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Key West is in North 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 Puerto Viejo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Viejo 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Puerto Viejo.

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

When is the best time to visit Key West or Puerto Viejo?

Key West 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 Key West or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

Both Puerto Viejo and Key West during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

In the summer, Key West is a little warmer than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key West in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Key West. In the summer, Key West often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun.

Puerto Viejo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Key West usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Viejo. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year. September to October is the dry season in Puerto Viejo.

Should I visit Key West or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Puerto Viejo. Many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Key West is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 80°F (27°C), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Puerto Viejo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key West usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West. September to October in Puerto Viejo is the dry season. Also, November to January is the rainy season in Puerto Viejo.

Should I visit Key West or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key West as well as Puerto Viejo. Many visitors come to Key West in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

Key West is cooler than Puerto Viejo in the winter. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the winter, Key West often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Key West usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejo. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year. November to January in Puerto Viejo is the rainy season.

Should I visit Key West or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

Both Puerto Viejo and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Key West is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key West in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Viejo receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Viejo. In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Key West