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

Should you visit Sydney or Puerto Viejo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Puerto Viejo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sydney

Sydney is a adventurous, glamorous , and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Sydney 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Puerto Viejo travel costs.

Sydney and Puerto Viejo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Puerto Viejo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney. Although Sydney and Puerto Viejo are popular destinations, Sydney has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sydney is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Puerto Viejo attracts visitors for its small town charm. Sydney is more touristy than Puerto Viejo and is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House. Puerto Viejo is famous for its surfing, snorkeling, and seafood.

How is Sydney different from Puerto Viejo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney 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, Sydney has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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

Sydney 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.

Sydney has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo Better for Nightlife?

Sydney 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 Sydney just to party. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find nice snorkeling or scuba diving in both Sydney and Puerto Viejo.

Sydney has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo Better for Beaches?

Sydney 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, Sydney is a very popular vacation destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo Better for Hiking?

Sydney is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo?

Sydney 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 Sydney specifically to go shopping. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo More Beautiful?

Sydney 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, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo Better for Families?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is one of the most popular family destinations. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo Better for Couples?

Sydney 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, Sydney has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Puerto Viejo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo Better for Students?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Puerto Viejo is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Sydney. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Puerto Viejo is not popular with students.

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

Sydney is a world-class destination 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.

With a huge network, the transit system in Sydney can get you around easily. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo a more walkable city?

Sydney and Puerto Viejo both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Viejo or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Puerto Viejo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Sydney or Puerto Viejo?

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo?

Sydney 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 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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo?

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo?

Sydney is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 authentic 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, 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 Sydney and Puerto Viejo, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Viejo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive? and Is Puerto Viejo Expensive?.

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

Sydney 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 Sydney or Puerto Viejo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Puerto Viejo. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Puerto Viejo throughout the year.

Sydney is cooler than Puerto Viejo in the summer. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the summer, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejoin July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Viejo receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Puerto Viejo. Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sydney usually gets less rain in January than Puerto Viejoin July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 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.

Should I visit Sydney or Puerto Viejo in the Autumn?

Both Puerto Viejo and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Sydney because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Puerto Viejo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Sydney is cooler than Puerto Viejo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sydney in April average around 19°C (65°F), and Puerto Viejo averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.

Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during autumn. Sydney gets 195 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. It's quite rainy in Sydney. In April, Sydney usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejoin October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 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.

Should I visit Sydney or Puerto Viejo in the Winter?

Both Puerto Viejo and Sydney during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Puerto Viejo year-round.

In July, Sydney is generally much colder than Puerto Viejoin January. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 12°C (53°F), and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the winter, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Puerto Viejoin January. Sydney gets 208 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. Sydney usually gets less rain in July than Puerto Viejoin January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 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.

Should I visit Sydney or Puerto Viejo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Puerto Viejo. Many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Puerto Viejo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Sydney is cooler than Puerto Viejo in the spring. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Puerto Viejo fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Viejo during spring. Sydney gets 240 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 October, Sydney usually receives less rain than Puerto Viejoin April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Viejo receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Puerto Viejo and Sydney