{"id":572292,"date":"2023-04-29T11:12:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-29T08:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/"},"modified":"2023-04-29T11:12:00","modified_gmt":"2023-04-29T08:12:00","slug":"puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/","title":{"rendered":"#Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun \u2013 Which is better?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a256fc73eb6d\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a256fc73eb6d\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Cancun_vs_Puerto_Vallarta_%E2%80%93_Characteristics\" >Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta \u2013 Characteristics<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Cancun\" >Cancun<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Puerto_Vallarta\" >Puerto Vallarta<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Cancun_vs_Puerto_Vallarta\" >Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Location\" >Location<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#City_size_and_characteristics\" >City size and characteristics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#City_vibe\" >City vibe<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Tours_attractions_and_day_trips\" >Tours, attractions, and day trips<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Hotels_and_Resorts\" >Hotels and Resorts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Beaches_%E2%80%93_Puerto_Vallarta_vs_Cancun\" >Beaches \u2013 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Cancun_Beaches\" >Cancun Beaches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Puerto_Vallarta_beaches\" >Puerto Vallarta beaches<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Nightlife\" >Nightlife<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Shopping\" >Shopping<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Food_scene\" >Food scene<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Travel_Infrastructure\" >Travel Infrastructure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Travel_safety\" >Travel safety<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Costs\" >Costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#How_Touristy\" >How Touristy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Cancun_vs_Puerto_Vallarta_%E2%80%93_Whats_the_verdict\" >Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta \u2013 What\u2019s the verdict?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/#Can_you_visit_Cancun_and_Puerto_Vallarta\" >Can you visit Cancun and Puerto Vallarta?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-content\" itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>Planning a beach holiday in Mexico? Struggling to choose Puerto Vallarta vs. Cancun? It\u2019s only natural as they are two of the most popular destinations in Mexico, and they are simultaneously very different and very similar.<\/p>\n<p>Here, we will explore everything you need to know to choose whether to visit Puerto Vallarta or Cancun. We will explore which is the best <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/trip-and-travel\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"10\" title=\"Trip &amp; Travel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">travel<\/a> option and, more importantly, which fits you better.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cancun_vs_Puerto_Vallarta_%E2%80%93_Characteristics\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cancun_vs_Puerto_Vallarta_-_Characteristics\"><\/span>Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta \u2013 Characteristics <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-3\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cancun\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cancun\"><\/span>Cancun<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Great Beaches<\/li>\n<li>All-inclusive resorts<\/li>\n<li>Party Vibe<\/li>\n<li>Great nightlife<\/li>\n<li>Great shopping<\/li>\n<li>Closer to Airport<\/li>\n<li>Many day trips<\/li>\n<li>Day trips to Mayan Ruins<\/li>\n<li>Cenotes close by<\/li>\n<li>Isla Mujeres<\/li>\n<li>Not good for hiking<\/li>\n<li>Ok for biking<\/li>\n<li>No Surf<\/li>\n<li>Sunrises<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Puerto_Vallarta\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Puerto_Vallarta\"><\/span>Puerto Vallarta<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Average Beaches<\/li>\n<li>Hotels and AirBnBs<\/li>\n<li>Nice City Vibe<\/li>\n<li>Good nightlife<\/li>\n<li>Good shopping<\/li>\n<li>Next to the Airport<\/li>\n<li>Some day trips<\/li>\n<li>No Pre-Colombian ruins<\/li>\n<li>No Cenotes<\/li>\n<li>Isla Marietas day trip <\/li>\n<li>Pleasant urban and beach walking<\/li>\n<li>Ok for cycling<\/li>\n<li>Good for surfing nearby<\/li>\n<li>Sunsets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>We will compare them, exploring which country is better than the other in the following topics:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Location;<\/li>\n<li>Size;<\/li>\n<li>City Vibe;<\/li>\n<li>Tours, attractions, and day trips;<\/li>\n<li>Hotels and Resorts;<\/li>\n<li>Beaches;<\/li>\n<li>Nightlife;<\/li>\n<li>Shopping;<\/li>\n<li>Food scene;<\/li>\n<li>Travel Infrastructure;<\/li>\n<li>Travel safety;<\/li>\n<li>Costs;<\/li>\n<li>How Touristy;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"713\" alt=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31728\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Valllarta-in-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Valllarta-in-Mexico-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Valllarta-in-Mexico-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Valllarta-in-Mexico-768x535.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 1 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Valllarta-in-Mexico.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"713\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Valllarta-in-Mexico.jpg\" alt=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31728\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Valllarta-in-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Valllarta-in-Mexico-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Valllarta-in-Mexico-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Valllarta-in-Mexico-768x535.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 1 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Puerto Vallarta has several cool statues by the Seafront<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cancun_vs_Puerto_Vallarta\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cancun_vs_Puerto_Vallarta\"><\/span>Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Location\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Location\"><\/span>Location<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The first thing to note when comparing Cancun and Puerto Vallarta is that they are located almost on opposite sides of Mexico.<\/p>\n<p>Cancun is on the Yucatan Peninsula, in the Quintana Roo state, and the Caribbean sea bathes it. In contrast, Puerto Vallarta is located in Banderas Bay, in the Jalisco State, which is on the Pacific Coast.<\/p>\n<p>Both Cancun and Puerto Vallarta have airports close by, so it should be very easy to reach either of them. However, Cancun is closer to the US East Coast and Puerto Vallarta to the West Coast. For Europeans and anyone else, the difference probably won\u2019t matter. <\/p>\n<p>Curiously, both cities are surrounded by forests and lush vegetation. Cancun is in a completely flat area, and the Mayan Jungle surrounds it. Puerto Vallarta sits between the sea and the Sierra Madre Mountains, which are entirely covered with forest. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"562\" alt=\"Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta  \" class=\"wp-image-31724\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/City-of-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/City-of-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/City-of-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-150x82.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/City-of-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-768x422.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 2 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/City-of-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"562\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/City-of-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg\" alt=\"Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta  \" class=\"wp-image-31724\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/City-of-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/City-of-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/City-of-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-150x82.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/City-of-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-768x422.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 2 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">City of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"City_size_and_characteristics\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"City_size_and_characteristics\"><\/span>City size and characteristics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>These two beach resort cities are very different in terms of size. They are clearly some of Mexico\u2019s most popular beach destinations, but the cities differ.<\/p>\n<p>With almost 900 000 people, Cancun is clearly larger than Puerto Vallarta, which has only about 250 000 people. Although we should note that the city size doesn\u2019t make much difference if you are looking solely for a resort-like vacation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"635\" alt=\"Which is better- Cancun or Puerto Vallarta\" class=\"wp-image-31498\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Coast-Mexico-DP.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Coast-Mexico-DP-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Coast-Mexico-DP-150x93.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Coast-Mexico-DP-768x476.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 3 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Coast-Mexico-DP.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"635\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Coast-Mexico-DP.jpg\" alt=\"Which is better- Cancun or Puerto Vallarta\" class=\"wp-image-31498\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Coast-Mexico-DP.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Coast-Mexico-DP-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Coast-Mexico-DP-150x93.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Coast-Mexico-DP-768x476.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 3 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cancun\u2019s \u201czona Hotelera\u201d in Mexico  | photo by jdross75 via Depositphotos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"City_vibe\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"City_vibe\"><\/span>City vibe<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One important thing is that Cancun was built and idealized as a tourist hub, while Puerto Vallarta grew from a small fishing village to a port town and then an important tourist destination.<\/p>\n<p>These differences are <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>arent when visiting them. Cancun is modern and new (some will say that it lacks character), while Puerto Vallarta is older and more rustic, with cobblestone streets and a pinch of a colonial vibe.<\/p>\n<p>In Puerto Vallarta, you will feel that you are in a real town with a past and history. Cancun is much blander, almost like a make-believe place, an adult amusement park, as we usually say. There is nothing wrong with that, just don\u2019t expect to find much Mexican culture.<\/p>\n<p>While you can see a bit of Mexico in Puerto Vallarta, we also need to advise that it is still a very touristy place, and there are much better towns to visit if you want to experience Mexico. We would suggest Oaxaca, Merida, Puebla, or Mexico City.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" alt=\"Best beaches Puerto Vallarta or Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31727\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Historic-center-Puerto-Vallarta-Puebla.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Historic-center-Puerto-Vallarta-Puebla-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Historic-center-Puerto-Vallarta-Puebla-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Historic-center-Puerto-Vallarta-Puebla-768x576.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 4 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Historic-center-Puerto-Vallarta-Puebla.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Historic-center-Puerto-Vallarta-Puebla.jpg\" alt=\"Best beaches Puerto Vallarta or Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31727\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Historic-center-Puerto-Vallarta-Puebla.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Historic-center-Puerto-Vallarta-Puebla-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Historic-center-Puerto-Vallarta-Puebla-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Historic-center-Puerto-Vallarta-Puebla-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 4 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Puerto Vallarta\u2019s historic center in Mexico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tours_attractions_and_day_trips\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tours_attractions_and_day_trips\"><\/span>Tours, attractions, and day trips<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You will have a variety of day trips and attractions in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta. They both have a few pleasant day trips and tours to take that can easily entertain you for one week or two. <\/p>\n<p>That being said, we believe that Cancun has a bigger variety and diversity of attractions. There are so many landmarks and attractions relatively close to Cancun that it is almost <\/p>\n<p>While in Cancun, you can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Visit several Cenotes (unique and natural freshwater holes);<\/li>\n<li>Go to Isla Mujeres;<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy the Unique underwater Museum;<\/li>\n<li>Day trip to Valladolid (a lovely colonial town);<\/li>\n<li>Go to Chichen Itza, one of the new seven wonders;<\/li>\n<li>Explore Playa del Carmen or Tulum for a day;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"715\" alt=\"Whare should I go Cancun or Puerto Vallarta\" class=\"wp-image-31484\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chichen-Itza-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chichen-Itza-Mexico-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chichen-Itza-Mexico-150x105.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chichen-Itza-Mexico-768x536.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 5 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chichen-Itza-Mexico.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"715\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chichen-Itza-Mexico.jpg\" alt=\"Whare should I go Cancun or Puerto Vallarta\" class=\"wp-image-31484\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chichen-Itza-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chichen-Itza-Mexico-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chichen-Itza-Mexico-150x105.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chichen-Itza-Mexico-768x536.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 5 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chichen Itza, one of the seven wonders of the World in Mexico near Cancun<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Puerto Vallarta also has plenty of memorable day trips and tours. In fact, it is much above the average and better than most destinations worldwide, but unfortunately no ruins and no cenotes. Some of the best things to do around Puerto Vallarta include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Visit the Islas Marietas and the world-famous hidden beach;<\/li>\n<li>Explore the lovely beach towns of Sayulita and San Pancho;<\/li>\n<li>Go on a hiking trip in the Sierra Madre;<\/li>\n<li>Zip lining in the Sierra Madre range;<\/li>\n<li>Take a boat to Playa Colomitos;<\/li>\n<li>Discover the small fishing village of Yelapa;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>So, in hindsight, Puerto Vallarta is great, it has some amazing day trips and tours, but Cancun and the Yucatan region are almost unbeatable in this regard.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"692\" alt=\"Next travel destinations Puerto Vallarta or Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Playa-Colomitos-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Playa-Colomitos-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Playa-Colomitos-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Playa-Colomitos-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-768x519.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 6 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Playa-Colomitos-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"692\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Playa-Colomitos-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg\" alt=\"Next travel destinations Puerto Vallarta or Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Playa-Colomitos-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Playa-Colomitos-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Playa-Colomitos-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Playa-Colomitos-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-768x519.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 6 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Playa Colomitos near Puerto Vallarta in Mexico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hotels_and_Resorts\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hotels_and_Resorts\"><\/span>Hotels and Resorts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As expected, both Cancun and Puerto Vallarta have amazing hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and almost any kind of accommodation. Yet, they are somehow different.<\/p>\n<p>Cancun has an incredible array of hotels and resorts, but most importantly, it has numerous all-inclusive resorts. If you are looking for an all-inclusive resort and are trying to choose between Cancun vs. Puerto Vallarta, then Cancun is the answer.<\/p>\n<p>Puerto Vallarta has quite a few resorts, particularly in the northern part of the city and then outside the city on the way south. From what we gathered, they are good but not as impressive and as diverse as in Cancun.<\/p>\n<p>Puerto Vallarta also has many hotels and guest houses within the city. It has hotels for every price range, some of them right in front of the beach, which is great if you want to embrace both beach life and city life. <\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, it also has many Airbnb and short-term rentals, which is great for families or groups on a budget. These options aren\u2019t as good in Cancun. Cancun\u2019s \u201czona Hotelera\u201d was built for resorts and very high-end hotels.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"520\" alt=\"Best beaches Puerto Vallarta vs Cancune\" class=\"wp-image-31504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP-300x152.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP-150x76.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP-768x390.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 7 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP.jpg\" alt=\"Best beaches Puerto Vallarta vs Cancune\" class=\"wp-image-31504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP-300x152.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP-150x76.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP-768x390.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 7 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Resort Beach in Cancun, Mexico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Beaches_%E2%80%93_Puerto_Vallarta_vs_Cancun\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Beaches_-_Puerto_Vallarta_vs_Cancun\"><\/span>Beaches \u2013 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the main reasons people travel to Mexico for a vacation is to enjoy its paradisiac beaches. So when choosing to visit Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, it is central to compare the beaches. Here, we will mostly focus on the free, public beaches, as we haven\u2019t really tried the resorts. <\/p>\n<p>Both Puerto Vallarta and Cancun have plenty of beaches to choose from. Puerto Vallarta even has beaches within the city, but they aren\u2019t as great as the best beaches in Cancun (or Tulum). On the other hand, they are very accessible and easy to reach.<\/p>\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/general\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"3\" title=\"General\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">general<\/a>, we believe Cancun\u2019s beaches are better and prettier than in Puerto Vallarta, but we explain this better below. <\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cancun_Beaches\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cancun_Beaches\"><\/span>Cancun Beaches<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Crystal clear water, clear sand, warm water, and a few waves sometimes, but always safe and fun. This is the typical beach around Cancun. They are not perfect, but they are very close. <\/p>\n<p>Yet, we must note that Cancun doesn\u2019t have beaches in the city center because the city is well outside the <em>zona hotelera<\/em> and not by the sea. So you will have to take transportation to reach them.<\/p>\n<p>This is not a significant problem if you are in one of the resorts, as you\u2019ll have a private beach. However, to everyone else, it isn\u2019t great. In fact, most beaches (particularly the best ones) are private or almost impossible to reach if you aren\u2019t in a hotel\/pay to enter. <\/p>\n<p>Playa Delfines and Playa Langosta are possibly Cancun\u2019s main public beaches. They are great and easy to reach by public transportation. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"650\" alt=\"What to do in Puerta Vallarta vs Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Resorts-in-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Resorts-in-Mexico-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Resorts-in-Mexico-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Resorts-in-Mexico-768x488.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 8 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Resorts-in-Mexico.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Resorts-in-Mexico.jpg\" alt=\"What to do in Puerta Vallarta vs Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Resorts-in-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Resorts-in-Mexico-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Resorts-in-Mexico-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Resorts-in-Mexico-768x488.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 8 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Public Beach in Cancun, Mexico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Puerto_Vallarta_beaches\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Puerto_Vallarta_beaches\"><\/span>Puerto Vallarta beaches<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Puerto Vallarta is the opposite of Cancun, as the city naturally developed by the sea to take advantage of the beaches. However, the beaches within Puerto Vallarta aren\u2019t that great.<\/p>\n<p>Honestly, they look much better in photos than they are. As the city is right there, and there are many people, it\u2019s more of a party beach than a relaxing one. They aren\u2019t also very clean, particularly the sand.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, the beaches outside the city are pretty good! We particularly enjoy the beaches in Yelapa (boat day trip), Playa Colomitos (close to Boca de Tomatlan), Playa Patzcuarito (close to Sayulita), and the beach in San Pancho.<\/p>\n<p>One important thing to note is that many of the beaches around Puerto Vallarta have strong currents and big\/powerful waves. They are great for surfing, but sometimes not very good for swimming. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"740\" alt=\"Best holiday Cancun or Puerto Vallarta\" class=\"wp-image-31720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Puerto-Vallarta.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Puerto-Vallarta-300x217.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Puerto-Vallarta-150x108.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Puerto-Vallarta-768x555.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 9 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Puerto-Vallarta.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"740\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Puerto-Vallarta.jpg\" alt=\"Best holiday Cancun or Puerto Vallarta\" class=\"wp-image-31720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Puerto-Vallarta.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Puerto-Vallarta-300x217.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Puerto-Vallarta-150x108.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Beach-in-Puerto-Vallarta-768x555.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 9 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Los Muertos Beach in Puerto Vallarta Mexico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nightlife\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nightlife\"><\/span>Nightlife<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The whole of Mexico is known for having vibrant and fun nightlife. Whether you prefer Cancun or Puerto Vallarta will mostly depend on what you are looking for. <\/p>\n<p>As the mega tourist hub that it is, Cancun has it all. Restaurants, bars, clubs, beach parties\u2026 everything, and usually many options within each kind of fun. You will find hundreds of international restaurants, famous bars, and global brand shops.<\/p>\n<p>However, it\u2019s the parties and clubs that make Cancun excel. Coco Bongo, Congo, and City Nightclub are some of Cancun\u2019s most famous and popular.<\/p>\n<p>Puerto Vallarta is also pretty vivacious, but it feels different from Cancun. As it is a proper town, people tend to enjoy more of it. Going to restaurants, shops, and bars, going to the beach at night, and taking night walks. The nightlife in Puerto Vallarta feels more local, Mexican, and natural. Touristy but smaller than Cancun. <\/p>\n<p>However, it also has beach parties and clubs. Curiously Puerto Vallarta has a very active gay scene with lots of LGBT bars and clubs in Zona Romantica.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" alt=\"less expernsive Puerto Vallarta or Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Coco-Bongo-Cancun-Mexico-DP.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Coco-Bongo-Cancun-Mexico-DP-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Coco-Bongo-Cancun-Mexico-DP-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Coco-Bongo-Cancun-Mexico-DP-768x512.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 10 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Coco-Bongo-Cancun-Mexico-DP.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Coco-Bongo-Cancun-Mexico-DP.jpg\" alt=\"less expernsive Puerto Vallarta or Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Coco-Bongo-Cancun-Mexico-DP.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Coco-Bongo-Cancun-Mexico-DP-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Coco-Bongo-Cancun-Mexico-DP-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Coco-Bongo-Cancun-Mexico-DP-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 10 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">World-famous Coco Bongo in Cancun, Mexico | photo by czuber via Depositphotos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shopping\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shopping\"><\/span>Shopping<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>We are not huge shopping fans, and we don\u2019t travel to shop around, but even for us, the differences here are pretty obvious. <\/p>\n<p>As with almost everything else, Cancun is over the top. It is bigger and has way more shopping options than Puerto Vallarta. In fact, it is impressive! In Cancun, you\u2019ll find nearly anything you want from any brand you want. Even the most exclusive and luxurious ones.<\/p>\n<p>If shopping while traveling is your thing, Cancun may be your best bet. Some of the places you need to visit include La Isla shopping village, Mercado 28, and the Marina.<\/p>\n<p>Despite not being in the same league as Cancun in terms of size and variety, Puerto Vallarta also has plenty of shopping opportunities. It has extensive malls, and the city center has plenty of shops, mainly local art shops, which is great if you want to explore some of what Mexico offers.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, it has the significant advantage of being walkable, even at night. You can easily walk to the shops, bars, and restaurants. The distances are relatively short, it is safe and fun, and it is lively.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"689\" alt=\"Best nightlife Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta\" class=\"wp-image-31725\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Murals-in-Puerta-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Murals-in-Puerta-Vallarta-Mexico-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Murals-in-Puerta-Vallarta-Mexico-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Murals-in-Puerta-Vallarta-Mexico-768x517.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 11 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Murals-in-Puerta-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"689\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Murals-in-Puerta-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg\" alt=\"Best nightlife Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta\" class=\"wp-image-31725\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Murals-in-Puerta-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Murals-in-Puerta-Vallarta-Mexico-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Murals-in-Puerta-Vallarta-Mexico-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Murals-in-Puerta-Vallarta-Mexico-768x517.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 11 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cool murals in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Food_scene\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Food_scene\"><\/span>Food scene<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The food scene in Puerto Vallarta and Cancun are very different. While Cancun has a huge diversity, it is mostly focused on international cuisine to cater to the millions of tourists. Puerto Vallarta also has international cuisine but is not even close to Cancun. <\/p>\n<p>When it comes to trying local Mexican food, Puerto Vallarta is much better than Cancun. In fact, Puerto Vallarta has sometimes been put together with Puebla, Oaxaca, and Mexico City as the best places to eat in Mexico. While in our experience, it is slightly inferior to those cities, it still is one of the best in Mexico.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, despite the variety and international food, Cancun is notoriously famous for not having a great Mexican food scene. It obviously has many options, but they aren\u2019t usually typical and are exclusively aimed at tourists (especially Americans). So, there are many international fast-food restaurants.<\/p>\n<p>To be fair, in Cancun, you can also find Mexican street food in Parque de las Palapas. It is OK, but not great. Cancun could be a great place to try Yucatecan (and Mayan) food, but the truth is that it isn\u2019t. If you want to try typical Yucatecan food, Merida is the place to go.<\/p>\n<p>All in all, if you want buffets and international food, Cancun has your back, anything else, Puerto Vallarta is much better. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" alt=\"Travel destination in Mexico- Puerto Vallarta or Mexico\" class=\"wp-image-31729\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Mexican-food-in-Peurta-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Mexican-food-in-Peurta-Vallarta-Mexico-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Mexican-food-in-Peurta-Vallarta-Mexico-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Mexican-food-in-Peurta-Vallarta-Mexico-768x576.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 12 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Mexican-food-in-Peurta-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Mexican-food-in-Peurta-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg\" alt=\"Travel destination in Mexico- Puerto Vallarta or Mexico\" class=\"wp-image-31729\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Mexican-food-in-Peurta-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Mexican-food-in-Peurta-Vallarta-Mexico-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Mexican-food-in-Peurta-Vallarta-Mexico-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Mexican-food-in-Peurta-Vallarta-Mexico-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 12 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traditional Mexican food in Puerto Vallarta ate in a cantina<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travel_Infrastructure\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travel_Infrastructure\"><\/span>Travel Infrastructure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Cancun has a much larger travel infrastructure than Puerto Vallarta. As we said earlier, Cancun has everything and usually several options to choose from. Either shops, bars, clubs, hotels, beaches, all-inclusive resorts, or anything you can think of. If it\u2019s a tourist-related service, Cancun has it. <\/p>\n<p>Puerto Vallarta has fewer options and less diversity than Cancun, but it still has a pretty good infrastructure, and you probably won\u2019t miss anything. And as everything is more in-town, sometimes it is easier to reach or to find.<\/p>\n<p>An international airport serves both cities, but Cancun\u2019s is bigger and have more flights. They are both close to the town, so you can enjoy your vacation right after arriving.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"620\" alt=\"Which one is safer Cancun or Puerto Vallarta\" class=\"wp-image-31730\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Vallarta-Beaches-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Vallarta-Beaches-Mexico-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Vallarta-Beaches-Mexico-150x91.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Vallarta-Beaches-Mexico-768x465.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 13 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Vallarta-Beaches-Mexico.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"620\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Vallarta-Beaches-Mexico.jpg\" alt=\"Which one is safer Cancun or Puerto Vallarta\" class=\"wp-image-31730\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Vallarta-Beaches-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Vallarta-Beaches-Mexico-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Vallarta-Beaches-Mexico-150x91.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Vallarta-Beaches-Mexico-768x465.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 13 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Puerto Vallarta\u2019s Beach in Mexico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travel_safety\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Travel_safety\"><\/span>Travel safety<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Which is safer? Puerto Vallarta or Cancun? In all honestly, we didn\u2019t find much of a difference in terms of overall safety.<\/p>\n<p>People usually consider the Yucatan peninsula the safest area in Mexico, so you shouldn\u2019t have any issues there, including in Cancun, mainly if you stay in tourist areas. Puerto Vallarta is on Jalisco, which may be seen as a bit riskier, but while we were there, we saw nothing that could suggest danger.<\/p>\n<p>That being said, you still need to take the usual caution. Don\u2019t leave your things unattended, don\u2019t go to sketchy places, and don\u2019t get completely wasted. Also, don\u2019t be stupid and do illegal stuff (like drugs) in Mexico. <\/p>\n<p>Finally, be more aware of places with many people, like bus stops, the airport, and busy streets.<\/p>\n<p>These are all general safety tips for any city in the world. And we didn\u2019t find Cancun or Puerto Vallarta to be to be different or particularly dangerous.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"707\" alt=\"Best choice Puerto Vallarta or Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31731\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Sea-front-in-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Sea-front-in-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Sea-front-in-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Sea-front-in-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-768x530.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 14 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Sea-front-in-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Sea-front-in-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg\" alt=\"Best choice Puerto Vallarta or Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31731\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Sea-front-in-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Sea-front-in-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Sea-front-in-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Sea-front-in-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-768x530.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 14 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Puerto Vallarta Malecon, a boardwalk along the coast in Puerto Vallarta<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Costs\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Costs\"><\/span>Costs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>We found that prices were generally lower in Puerto Vallarta than in Cancun.<\/p>\n<p>Restaurants, Groceries hotels, and private transportation were pricier in Cancun than in Puerto Vallarta. We also found tours to be very expensive or at least more than we expected in both destinations.<\/p>\n<p>However, the costs of your trip will depend more on you than if you are visiting Puerto Vallarta or Cancun. For example, luxury hotels are similarly expensive, while hostel rooms are reasonably cheap and cost more a less the same wherever you stay. <\/p>\n<p>So, if you are looking for an all-inclusive hotel, you\u2019ll probably end up in Cancun, while if you want a short-term rental, you\u2019ll be in Puerto Vallarta. Consequently, you will spend less in Vallarta. But that\u2019s not because it\u2019s less expensive, but because you chose an AirBnB and not an all-inclusive hotel.<\/p>\n<p>That being said, if you are a budget traveler, we suggest Puerto Vallarta, particularly if you are traveling with family. Not only is it less expensive, but it will fit you better. You\u2019ll have an easier time finding what you want and having better time. Thus, it will be a better value for money.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"725\" alt=\"Cool stuff to do in Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Beach-in-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Beach-in-Mexico-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Beach-in-Mexico-150x106.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Beach-in-Mexico-768x544.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 15 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Beach-in-Mexico.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"725\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Beach-in-Mexico.jpg\" alt=\"Cool stuff to do in Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Beach-in-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Beach-in-Mexico-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Beach-in-Mexico-150x106.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cancun-Beach-in-Mexico-768x544.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 15 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Public beach in Cancun<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Touristy\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Touristy\"><\/span>How Touristy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>We have already confirmed that Cancun is bigger than Puerto Vallarta, and by now, you already know it receives more tourists. But you should note that Puerto Vallarta is only second to Cancun in terms of tourist received, so it is a very touristy place!<\/p>\n<p>So, while Cancun is Cancun, both are very touristy and live off tourism. They have a very different history and look very different, but they are similarly popular.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"717\" alt=\"Vest Beach Puerto Vallarta or Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31732\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Yelapa-Beach-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Yelapa-Beach-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Yelapa-Beach-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-150x105.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Yelapa-Beach-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-768x538.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 16 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Yelapa-Beach-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"717\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Yelapa-Beach-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg\" alt=\"Vest Beach Puerto Vallarta or Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31732\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Yelapa-Beach-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Yelapa-Beach-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Yelapa-Beach-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-150x105.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Yelapa-Beach-near-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-768x538.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 16 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yelapa Beach, near Puerta Vallarta, is a beautiful and relaxing beach in Mexico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cancun_vs_Puerto_Vallarta_%E2%80%93_Whats_the_verdict\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cancun_vs_Puerto_Vallarta_-_Whats_the_verdict\"><\/span>Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta \u2013 What\u2019s the verdict?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Despite being Mexico\u2019s two most popular beach destinations, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun are very different. Their origin, the way they are organized, the culture, what they offer, also the beaches and the people they attract.<\/p>\n<p>So, in hindsight, <strong>you should go to Cancun if:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You want an all-inclusive resort and large luxurious hotels;<\/li>\n<li>An adult playground;<\/li>\n<li>Holiday bubble, with easy access to anything you want;<\/li>\n<li>The best beaches;<\/li>\n<li>Day trips to Cenotes and Mayan Ruins, including Chichen Itza;<\/li>\n<li>Go partying and want massive clubs;<\/li>\n<li>Shopping opportunities;<\/li>\n<li>Ecstatic vibe;<\/li>\n<li>Be closer to the USA\u2019s East coast;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"746\" alt=\"Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta - What's the verdict?\" class=\"wp-image-31735\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resorts-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resorts-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP-300x219.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resorts-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP-150x109.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resorts-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP-768x560.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 17 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resorts-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"746\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resorts-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP.jpg\" alt=\"Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta - What's the verdict?\" class=\"wp-image-31735\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resorts-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resorts-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP-300x219.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resorts-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP-150x109.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resorts-in-Cancun-Mexico-DP-768x560.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 17 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cancun resorts in Mexico | photo by mariakray via Depositphotos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Puerto Vallarta is the best fit for:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Want more of a city experience;<\/li>\n<li>Urban beaches;<\/li>\n<li>Good beaches outside town;<\/li>\n<li>Surfing (not in town);<\/li>\n<li>Hotels and short-term rentals;<\/li>\n<li>Delicious local Mexican food;<\/li>\n<li>Family trip;<\/li>\n<li>Good Nightlife and shopping but not as much as Cancun;<\/li>\n<li>Stay close to the West Coast;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"691\" alt=\"Why go to Puerto Vallarta instead of Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31737\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Los-Muertos-Beach-Pier-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Los-Muertos-Beach-Pier-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Los-Muertos-Beach-Pier-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Los-Muertos-Beach-Pier-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-768x518.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 18 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Los-Muertos-Beach-Pier-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"691\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Los-Muertos-Beach-Pier-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg\" alt=\"Why go to Puerto Vallarta instead of Cancun\" class=\"wp-image-31737\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Los-Muertos-Beach-Pier-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Los-Muertos-Beach-Pier-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Los-Muertos-Beach-Pier-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Los-Muertos-Beach-Pier-Puerto-Vallarta-Mexico-768x518.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 18 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Los Muertos Beach Pier in Puerto Vallarta<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_visit_Cancun_and_Puerto_Vallarta\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_visit_Cancun_and_Puerto_Vallarta\"><\/span>Can you visit Cancun and Puerto Vallarta?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As we said earlier, the cities are far from each other, so it isn\u2019t the obvious choice. Technically it is possible if you lay over in Mexico city, but it wouldn\u2019t be my first choice. <\/p>\n<p>Anyway, our suggestion is to choose to visit either Puerto Vallarta or Cancun, and if you have more time in Mexico, explore Mexico City or Oaxaca instead.<\/p>\n<p>This article focused on Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, but other options exist in the Riviera Maya, like Playa del Carmen and Tulum. We compared Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum here. So have a look to see if you may enjoy those destinations instead. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1320\" height=\"600\" alt=\"What's the best beach destination in Mexico cover\" class=\"wp-image-31480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Whats-the-best-beach-destination-in-Mexico-cover.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Whats-the-best-beach-destination-in-Mexico-cover-300x136.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Whats-the-best-beach-destination-in-Mexico-cover-150x68.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Whats-the-best-beach-destination-in-Mexico-cover-768x349.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1320px) 100vw, 1320px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 19 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Whats-the-best-beach-destination-in-Mexico-cover.jpg\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1320\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Whats-the-best-beach-destination-in-Mexico-cover.jpg\" alt=\"What's the best beach destination in Mexico cover\" class=\"wp-image-31480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Whats-the-best-beach-destination-in-Mexico-cover.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Whats-the-best-beach-destination-in-Mexico-cover-300x136.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Whats-the-best-beach-destination-in-Mexico-cover-150x68.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Whats-the-best-beach-destination-in-Mexico-cover-768x349.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1320px) 100vw, 1320px\" title=\"Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun - Which is better? 19 Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun\"><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Beautiful beach in Tulum, Mexico<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMLG0nwswvr63Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For forums sites go to <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/forum.buradabiliyorum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forum.BuradaBiliyorum.Com<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more Like this articles, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/trip-and-travel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trip &#038; Travel category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/puerto-vallarta-vs-cancun-which-is-better\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Planning a beach holiday in Mexico? Struggling to choose Puerto Vallarta vs. Cancun? It\u2019s only natural as they are two of the most popular destinations in Mexico, and they are simultaneously very different and very similar. Here, we will explore everything you need to know to choose whether to visit Puerto Vallarta or Cancun. We&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":572293,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.traveldrafts.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Puerto-Vallarta-vs-Cancun-Cover-DP.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[94526],"tags":[80124,70504,94533],"class_list":["post-572292","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trip-and-travel","tag-central-america","tag-mexico","tag-travel-to"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/572292","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=572292"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/572292\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/572293"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=572292"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=572292"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=572292"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}