What is the difference between cancun and puerto vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, on the other hand, is a quieter more relaxed place with many boutique hotels and a great variety of independent restaurants.

There are some lovely beaches here too, plus the jungle and mountains surrounding the city and bay are spectacular, and a completely different landscape to Cancun. We also feel that the vibe, character and culture feels far more authentic and Mexican in Puerto Vallarta than in Cancun. Subsequently, Puerto Vallarta is a destination that often attracts tourists that are looking for more than just sun, sea, sand and shopping. There are some bars and nightclubs so there are things to do in the evening as well.

Puerto Vallarta is a safe destination for tourists too — as is Cancun — but as always you must be vigilant in regards to petty crime in both destinations, and be careful of leaving drinks unattended. Below we look at what things you can see and do in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta in more detail, so you have an idea of what excursions are possible. Cancun has many gorgeous white sand beaches, and within the Hotel Zone we would say Playa Delfines is one of the best.

The turquoise water here is shallow and warm making it perfect for swimming, but another fun aspect of this beach are the iguanas that come to sunbathe here too. You can often spot dolphins from the beach as well! Of course Cancun is a destination where adventure is always just around the corner, so why not head to Playa Ballenas where you can hire jet skis and go racing over the strong waves.

For something a bit different, become a pirate in the evening and join Captain Hook Cancun. This huge mall has a fascinating array of shops, from locals selling handicrafts to the world-renowned Prada. Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Your support means a lot and helps me to keep traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you. Helping thousands of people worldwide to learn more about Latin America. Layer Culture means to dig deeper into the ideas, customs, and behavior of a group of people. When comparing Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun which do you go to?

Puerto Vallarta versus Cancun With almost 1, hundred miles apart, two of the most popular vacation spots in Mexico attract close to millions of people annually. But which one is the best? What are the differences between them?

Which one is more touristy? Table of Contents. Are you thinking of traveling to Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, soon? Search this website.

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Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Hotel Mousai is the only hotel certified Five Diamond resort in town. You can even stay in the Elizabeth Taylor suite — it used to be her bedroom!

Overall, Cancun has a far greater selection of hotels. Cancun takes the edge over most places when it comes to hotels. So, go for Cancun if you favour big resorts and Puerto Vallarta if you favour boutique hotels. Cancun itself is not really considered to be a cultural destination. You can opt for a coach tour with a local guide. It will give you a fascinating glimpse into a lost world.

Puerto Vallarta is home to a big art scene. Take a stroll down the Malecon — the main shopping street and promenade in PV. Puerto Vallarta gives you a real taste of Mexican life. From PV, you can take day trips to small towns nearby, such as Sayulita and the historic town of San Sebastien del Oeste. You can also visit some of the oldest Spanish towns in Mexico, such as Talpa and Mascota — both were founded by the conquistadors. Both destinations are roughly the same price for luxury travellers and they are especially popular destinations for North Americans.

Last Name. Contact Number. Both Cancun and Puerto Vallarta have an excellent reputation for their beaches. These coastline cities are brimming with sand, sea, and sunshine, perfect for earning those vacation tan lines.

Cancun sits along the Mexican Caribbean. There you can expect white sands, pristine waters, and photo-worthy vistas. The water there is brimming with large sea life, and the best beaches are hidden in remote but spectacular coves. If you like long, flat, white sand beaches that stand in sharp contrast to a bright crystal-clear sea, Cancun is the place to visit.

Lush greenery and rocky outcroppings line striking golden shores. You may not be able to walk around barefoot as readily here as the ground gets burning hot, but if you come between December and March, you can whale watch right from the beach! For some, a beach vacation is all about the surf! Whether you want to catch a few waves, snorkel, or just enjoy the feel of the tide, the water temperature may be a crucial factor in deciding between Puerto Vallarta and Cancun.

Puerto Vallarta has beautiful underwater caves and striking hidden coves, but the water is a little cold, and the waves can be fierce. So, can you swim in the ocean in Puerto Vallarta? You may want a wetsuit and fins if you plan to snorkel or scuba dive. In Cancun, the water stays at bathtub temperatures, and there are plenty of calm, shallow areas to swim in. Whether you decide to visit Puerto Vallarta or Cancun, both cities offer plenty to do.

However, their styles are distinctly different. A stroll down the boardwalk reveals jaw-dropping views of the coast along with a whole host of fun restaurants and merchant-stands to explore. Puerto Vallarta also offers numerous boat tours that show off remote beaches and other hidden Pacific coast gems. Cancun provides more of a traditional tourist experience. There are several nightclubs and lounges that keep the party going well into the next morning, and a young, Vegas-on-the-beach type vibe dominates the scene.

Cancun has a wealth of art museums and cultural attractions to explore. They also have wildlife programs that allow tourists to participate in sea turtle hatchling releases.

And, you can famously swim with the dolphins. Cancun is also an excellent spot for sailing lessons, zipline adventures, and snorkeling. The Pacific coast city boasts prices less expensive than nearly any other city in Mexico, including Tijuana. Both Puerto Vallarta and Cancun are tourist destinations and are relatively safe. That said, Puerto Vallarta has less crime than Cancun.

Cancun has made headlines in recent years for spiking murder rates and other unfortunate statistics. However, the government there has taken steps to improve safety , especially in tourist areas.