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

Should you visit Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo?

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

Should I visit Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is a authentic, historical, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Mazatlan travel costs.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a mellow, authentic, and laid back town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. 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.

Mazatlan and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mazatlan. Although Mazatlan and Puerto Viejo are both popular with visitors, Mazatlan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mazatlan is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and historical sights, while Puerto Viejo is known for its nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Mazatlan is popular for its historic center, authenticity, and surfing areas. It is also home to the Malecon. Puerto Viejo is popular for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood.

How is Mazatlan different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mazatlan
Puerto Viejo

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are colonial buildings around the Centro Historico. You should also check out the Historic Cathedral and the Angela Peralta Theater.

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

Mazatlan
Puerto Viejo

Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Stewed meats and shrimp are a big part of the cuisine here. Many recipes have a little bit of spice. The restaurants around town are authentic and local, making for a great dining experience.

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 Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Mazatlan
Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Puerto Viejo is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Mazatlan has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of bars and clubs around town, particularly along the beach. Like anywhere else, remember to stay cautious late at night around town. This is considered to be one of the less safe parts of Mexico.

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

Mazatlan
Puerto Viejo

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

Mazatlan has a few good snorkeling spots. Most of the diving takes place around the Pajaros, Venados and Lobos islands. This is where you'll see the most tropical fish.

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 Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Mazatlan
Puerto Viejo

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

Mazatlan is considered a top beach destination. There are many stretches of beach around town. Most notable is the 13 miles that run along Malecon where there's a boardwalk. Surfing is also popular in the area.

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 Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo Better for its Old Town?

Mazatlan
Puerto Viejo

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan. It's a historic port city with a charming colonial old town.

Puerto Viejo does not have a historic old town.

Is Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Mazatlan
Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Mazatlan 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.

Mazatlan is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo?

Mazatlan
Puerto Viejo

Shopping is a popular activity in both Puerto Viejo and Mazatlan.

Mazatlan offers some nice shopping areas. There are local shops, big box stores, and souvenir vendors where you can pick up anything you may need or items to commemorate your trip.

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 Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Mazatlan
Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Puerto Viejo is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beaches are beautiful and lined with rainforests. There's also easy access to the beautiful Cahuita National Park.

Mazatlan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Mazatlan
Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Puerto Viejo is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Mazatlan offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the waterfront setting. There are also many cultural opportunities such as markets, history, and shows. The food is very kid-friendly as well.


Is Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Mazatlan
Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Mazatlan is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Mazatlan is a good city for couples to visit. The resorts are romantic and the beaches are stunning. If you're looking for an idyllic escape that also has culture, authenticity, and great food, then this is your spot.

Is Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mazatlan
Puerto Viejo

Mazatlan and Puerto Viejo are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mazatlan is a great city to visit for backpackers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a great stopover for backpackers who want to experience the Mexican culture. Stick to the touristy areas if possible.

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

Mazatlan
Puerto Viejo

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Mazatlan and Puerto Viejo.

You'll find some public transit in Mazatlan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses around town.

While Puerto Viejo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel the longer distances, but most people walk or bike around town.


Is Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Mazatlan
Puerto Viejo

Mazatlan and Puerto Viejo both are great when exploring on foot.

Mazatlan is a very walkable city. The city is relatively 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 Mazatlan Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Viejo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Mazatlan?

How long in Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Puerto Viejo than Mazatlan. 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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.


  • How many days in Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mazatlan 3-5 
    Puerto Viejo 2-3

One day in Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo?

In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic city 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 Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo?

Mazatlan is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo?

In Mazatlan, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this cultural 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 Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo?

Mazatlan is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Viejo or Mazatlan?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mazatlan is $94, 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 Mazatlan and Puerto Viejo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mazatlan $29
    Puerto Viejo $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mazatlan $58
    Puerto Viejo $142
Compare Hotels in Mazatlan and Puerto Viejo

Looking for a hotel in Mazatlan 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.

Hotels in Mazatlan


Hotels in Puerto Viejo


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: Mazatlan Hotel Prices and Puerto Viejo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mazatlan $19
    Puerto Viejo $38

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 Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Viejo and Mazatlan 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mazatlan $54
    Puerto Viejo $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mazatlan $8.67
    Puerto Viejo $78

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mazatlan $16
    Puerto Viejo $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mazatlan and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Puerto Viejo is more expensive. And not only is Mazatlan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan.

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



When is the best time to visit Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo?

Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mazatlan as well as Puerto Viejo. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

In the summer, Mazatlan is around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mazatlan in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan this time of the year. In the summer, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Mazatlan gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Mazatlan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Mazatlan usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Viejo. Mazatlan gets 199 mm (7.8 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mazatlan 29°C (83°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

Both Puerto Viejo and Mazatlan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mazatlan for the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Mazatlan is generally around the same temperature as Puerto Viejo. Daily temperatures in Mazatlan average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during autumn. Mazatlan gets 233 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. In October, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Mazatlan gets 86 mm (3.4 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mazatlan 27°C (81°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

Both Puerto Viejo and Mazatlan during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Mazatlan in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

Mazatlan is cooler than Puerto Viejo in the winter. The daily temperature in Mazatlan averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. In the winter, Mazatlan often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejo. Mazatlan gets 203 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. Mazatlan usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejo. Mazatlan gets 17 mm (0.7 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mazatlan 20°C (67°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Mazatlan or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mazatlan and Puerto Viejo. Most visitors come to Mazatlan for the beaches during these months. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Mazatlan is cooler than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mazatlan in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mazatlan usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during spring. Mazatlan gets 250 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. In April, Mazatlan usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejo. Mazatlan gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mazatlan 22°C (72°F) 
    Puerto Viejo 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Mazatlan

Mazatlan Puerto Viejo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (67°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 319 mm (12.6 in)
Feb 20°C (67°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 201 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
May 24°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 276 mm (10.9 in)
Jul 29°C (83°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 219 mm (8.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 227 mm (8.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 367 mm (14.4 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 402 mm (15.8 in)