Explore the debate between Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta for the perfect vacation. Discover why both resorts are immensely popular and offer unforgettable experiences.
Located on opposite sides of the Mexican coast these two picturesque coastal cities are popular destinations due to their perfect beaches, vibrant nightlife and first-rate amenities so it can be tricky to decide between the two.
We take a look at Cancun and Puerto Vallarta to help you decide which Mexican destination is right for you.
Location
Cancun is located on the eastern coast of Mexico in the Yucatan Peninsula, along the Caribbean Sea. Plenty of direct flights are available with Cancun International well-served by several airlines. The airport is around 20km from central Cancun and taking a taxi is the quickest way to get from the airport – it’s about 30 minutes. For a direct service, take the local ADO bus. You’ll get there in more or less 45 minutes.
Puerto Vallarta is located on the west coast of Mexico right on the Pacific Coast. Gustavo Diaz Ordaz is the city’s main airport and receives thousands of tourists every year. There are a number of direct flights to Puerto Vallarta from many major cities in the US and Canada and the airport is around 10km from the centre. Buses from the airport into the centre are exceptionally cheap with a travel time of around 40 minutes.
Beaches
Cancun’s beaches run along the Caribbean Sea so expect plenty of white sand and turquoise waters. Whilst the water may be calm, the beachside nightlife certainly isn’t! The beaches offer plenty of lively clubs and bars. The resort’s still and clear waters make it the perfect place for snorkelling and scuba diving where you’ll see an array of marine wildlife and coral reefs.
The palm-fringed beaches of Puerto Vallarta are equal in beauty when it comes to white sands and clear waters, but the vibe is notably more tranquil; think more authentic Mexican ambience than spring-break revellers! The waves of the Pacific Coast are perfect for surfing and various water sports and exploring numerous hidden coves and cenotes is a must!
Weather
Both Cancun and Puerto Vallarta have tropical climates with warm to hot temperatures.
Average daytime temperatures in Cancun remain between the high 20s and low 30s all year round, with the hotter temperatures coming during the summer months. Hurricane season is from June to November so the best time to visit Cancun is from December to April.
Puerto Vallarta doesn’t have hurricane season as such but there are tropical storms and rainfall is at its highest from June to October. Average temperatures are similar to Cancun but Puerto Vallarta can get extremely humid in the summer months.
Scenery and atmosphere
It’s worth bearing in mind that Cancun was quite literally made for tourists which is reflected through its myriad contemporary hotels, shops and bustling nightlife. Don’t expect to be able to wander around cobbled streets full of authentic charm – the city is extremely urban and modern throughout. With this comes a lot of high-end bars and restaurants to enjoy so if you like your modern luxury, Cancun is a winner!
There is still of course the natural beauty of its incredible beaches and the nearby Nichupte Lagoon, and the city is also close to a couple of small Mayan archaeological sites which can be visited in a day.
Puerto Vallarta offers a much slower and more relaxed pace of life. While tourists are still very well catered for things feel a little more laid back! In addition to its coastline, Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by the beautiful jungles of the Sierra Madre Mountains and waterfalls and generally offers a more diverse and dramatic landscape. There are also plenty of underground caves, rivers and cenotes that pepper the landscape and make it an exciting place to explore.
The centre has far more authentic Mexican charm with more traditional architecture and cobblestone roads lined with smaller independent shops, boutiques and cafes.
Nightlife
As has already been alluded to Cancun is party central! The Hotel Zone is home to a hugely energetic nightlife and offers numerous nightclubs and beach bars.
One of the most famous destinations for partygoers is Coco Bongo. This huge bar is always busy and offers some of the best entertainment in Cancun in the form of elaborate live shows and some of the best DJs around. There are plenty of calmer bars to enjoy a quiet cocktail or glass of wine on an evening, but the lively club scene is the focus here!
Whilst there are still plenty of bars and clubs in Puerto Vallarta, the nightlife is certainly more relaxed and diverse. The entertainment is often more reflective of the culture of Mexico with traditional mariachi bands and folkloric dance performances. The Old Town offers a laid-back scene with smaller bars and lounges, often catering to a slightly more mature crowd.
Puerto Vallarta is also known for its LGBTQ+ friendly nightlife with several gay bars and clubs in the Zona Romantica.
The culinary scene
The foodie scene in Cancun is highly influenced by its position as a major tourist hub and offers a wide range of international cuisine. Many of the hotels in the Hotel Zone offer upscale restaurants and there are plenty of places offering a fine dining experience.
Given its coastal location, it’s no surprise that Cancun excels at seafood! Plenty of dishes from freshly caught shellfish to ceviche can be enjoyed on the beach whilst watching the sun go down.
For many of us trying national dishes and experiencing traditional food whilst travelling is a huge part of the holiday. This is where Puerto Vallarta excels as it’s known for offering a more authentic Mexican food scene, with plenty of local dishes and street food on offer. The local markets are great for trying out an array of traditional Mexican dishes.
Rather than the glossy, urban hotel restaurants of Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, particularly in the old town, offers far more intimate and smaller independent restaurants and cafes.
Accommodation
Cancun is renowned for its upscale beachfront resorts and apartments. There are a large number of international hotel chains as well as plenty of all-inclusive hotels and spas. Many of the hotels on the seafront are geared towards those looking for a livelier holiday so do bear this in mind, particularly if you’re taking the family!
There are some quieter boutique hotels in downtown Cancun, for those wanting to be a little further from the heart of the nightlife.
There are all-inclusive resorts and hotels in Puerto Vallarta, but much of the accommodation takes the form of boutique, independent-style hotels that are a little more intimate than the large chain hotels of Cancun. The city also offers plenty of vacation rentals available in the form of beachfront condos and traditional Mexican casitas. For something a little different there’s also the option of staying in one of the city’s historic haciendas.
When it comes to deciding which destination to choose, it’s probably more a case of which is right for you as opposed to which is best overall. If you want your Mexican holiday with a touch of modern opulence, shiny new amenities, and your nightlife a little on the livelier side, then Cancun is the place for you. For something that feels more authentically Mexican with a little more old-world charm and laid-back vibes, then it’s time to book those flights to Puerto Vallarta.
Alternatively, there’s always the option to visit both and decide for yourself which one is best!
Comments are closed.