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

Should you visit Mexico City or Puerto Viejo?

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

Should I visit Mexico City 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.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a vibrant, dynamic, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Mexico City 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Puerto Viejo travel costs.

Mexico City and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mexico City or Puerto Viejo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mexico City. Although Mexico City and Puerto Viejo are popular destinations, Mexico City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mexico City is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Puerto Viejo attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. It is also well known for Zócalo. Puerto Viejo is famous for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood.

How is Mexico City different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Puerto Viejo is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mexico City has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History 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 Mexico City or Puerto Viejo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Mexico City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

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 Mexico City or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Mexico City 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 Mexico City just to party. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

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 Mexico City or Puerto Viejo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Viejo is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Puerto Viejo has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mexico City or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Puerto Viejo is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Puerto Viejo is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Is Mexico City or Puerto Viejo Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Viejo does not have a historic old town.

Mexico City has an old town worth visiting. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Puerto Viejo does not have a historic old town.

Is Mexico City or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Puerto Viejo is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Mexico City 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.

Mexico City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mexico City or Puerto Viejo?

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Mexico City specifically to go shopping. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Puerto Viejo is a great destination for shopping. You can wander through the town center and enjoy shopping at the local boutiques that sell clothes and other touristy items.

Is Mexico City or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

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

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.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mexico City or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Mexico City or Puerto Viejo.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Mexico City. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

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 Mexico City or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Puerto Viejo is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

Is Mexico City or Puerto Viejo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City and Puerto Viejo are both great destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Mexico City. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 Mexico City or Puerto Viejo Better for Students?

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

Mexico City is very popular with students. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Puerto Viejo is not popular with students.

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

Mexico City is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Mexico City offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

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 Mexico City or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Puerto Viejo is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Mexico City?

How long in Mexico City or Puerto Viejo?

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

Couples should spend more time in Puerto Viejo than Mexico City. 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 Mexico City 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 Mexico City.

One day in Mexico City or Puerto Viejo?

Each neighborhood in Mexico City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed town of Puerto Viejo. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mexico City or Puerto Viejo?

Mexico City is a fun place to experience. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the laid back destination of Puerto Viejo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Mexico City or Puerto Viejo?

Each neighborhood in Mexico City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

The relaxed town of Puerto Viejo offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mexico City or Puerto Viejo?

Mexico City is a popular place to visit. 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Puerto Viejo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, 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 Mexico City and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Viejo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mexico City 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 Mexico City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mexico City 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 Mexico City Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.