Tulum vs Puerto Vallarta: Which Is A Better Vacation?
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Trying to decide where to go on your trip, Tulum vs Puerto Vallarta? We can help!
Quick Rundown On Tulum vs Puerto Vallarta
Tulum is about 90 minutes south of Cancun and has boomed in popularity over the last five years. It has become a hotspot for travelers looking for a party scene. Tulum is the hottest spot in Mexico with its beach clubs and bar scene.
Puerto Vallarta is a long-standing popular getaway for tourists. It’s a bigger city, and it’s been around for a long time, so it’s very developed and provides a lot of options for activities. There is a great food scene and some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see.
Tulum vs Puerto Vallarta: The Comparison
The decision between Tulum and Puerto Vallarta will largely depend on what type of vacation you want to have.
To properly compare the two, we’ll look at 9 different areas:
- Price
- Accessibility
- Nightlife
- Food
- Scenery
- Atmosphere
- Safety
- Family-Friendliness
- Nearby Sights
Let’s get into it.
Price and Budget-friendliness
Tulum Budget-Friendliness
It’s important to mention at the beginning here that there are two very different parts of Tulum: the town and the beach.
The town of Tulum is budget-friendly, cheap even. The beach, however, can get quite expensive. The beach club experience that many go to Tulum for carries a hefty price tag.
There are some luxurious lodging options down by the beach too, whereas, in town, the options are more affordable. Tulum can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be done on a budget.
Just remember that everything will be cheaper and more affordable in town, but the beauty and the experience and many of the things that likely made you want to visit Tulum are found along the beach.
Puerto Vallarta Budget-Friendliness
You’d think that because of its status as one of the more popular tourist destinations Puerto Vallarta would be expensive. I thought so too. But I found everything in PV to be surprisingly affordable.
I never paid more than $10 for an Uber ride, which is far less expensive than I’m used to in the US. I also found the dining to be surprisingly affordable. The nicest meal in the nicest restaurant I went to (drinks included) cost me about $15.
There are certainly more luxurious options available, but in general, Puerto Vallarta checked the budget-friendly box.
Winner Of Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum: Budget-Friendliness
We’re giving the edge to Puerto Vallarta here due to its overall budget-friendliness. Tulum Pueblo is cheaper than PV, but Tulum Beach is quite expensive. And since that’s the most popular part of Tulum, we’ve got to give this round to PV.
Accessibility
Tulum Accessibility
Once you arrive in Tulum, everything you’ll want to see is fairly accessible, especially if you choose to splurge and stay by the beach. If you stay in town, the beach is a quick 10-minute drive away.
Tourism is growing rapidly in Tulum (both the town and the beach), so all the sights and tours you’ll want are easy to find. There are tour offices, pickup points, and public transportation methods that make Tulum and the surrounding area very accessible.
There is a downside though. There is no international airport in Tulum. The recommended method to arrive in Tulum is flying into Cancun and arranging a ride to Tulum. It’ll take 1.5-2 hours.
Puerto Vallarta Accessibility
The airport in Puerto Vallarta is right in the city, near downtown, and close enough to Zona Romantica and the Malecon to make it quite accessible.
Puerto Vallarta’s downside in accessibility is traffic. It’s a big city and a lot of people live and travel there. Sometimes the streets are slow-moving. Also, because of the size of the city, sometimes things you want to do are far apart.
Winner Of Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum: Accessibility
We’re declaring Puerto Vallarta the winner of this round. The main reason for this is the $100 (approximately) ride from the Cancun airport to Tulum. That really hurts Tulum’s accessibility for us.
Tulum Pueblo is walkable and Tulum Beach is walkable, but you’ll need a ride between them, and those rides can get pricey.
In PV, if you stay in Zona Romantica, you’ll be able to walk that whole area and rides to any of the surrounding areas are affordable and easy (traffic dependent). Puerto Vallarta for the win!
Nightlife
Tulum Nightlife
The main reason that Tulum has blown up as a travel destination in the last few years is its party atmosphere. Along the beach, you’ll find a string of bars and clubs where the party never stops from midday until late night.
Taboo, Tantra, Papaya Playa, those are just a few of the many options!
Tulum’s beach club market is competitive! They’ve all tried to one-up each other with beautiful settings, live music, and Instagrammable photo ops.
You could easily spend all weekend partying along Tulum Beach and never revisit the same place more than once.
Remember, Tulum is a hip and stylish destination. Make sure your packing list includes plenty of clothes for fun nights out.
Puerto Vallarta Nightlife
Around the Zona Romantica area of PV, which is my favorite area there are some great bars for low-key drinks and hanging out. That’s my preference for nightlife.
But, in the Centro area, which is just north of Zona Romantica, there are more vibrant nightclubs with music and dancing that can get pretty wild if you’re up for a night of debauchery. Check out La Vaquita, the Zoo Bar, and others along the Malecon.
Winner Of Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum Nightlife
Because of the plethora of options and the quality of experience, Tulum’s nightlife comes out ahead. It’s hard (maybe impossible) to match the fun and beautiful scenery you’ll find at the beach clubs in Tulum.
Prices will be high, but the nightlife experience in Tulum is second to none. There’s a reason it’s the hottest destination in Mexico. Tulum is fun!
Food
Tulum Food
Because it’s a booming destination, Tulum Beach attracts top-notch chefs and restauranteurs. Along the beach in Tulum, you’ll find some of the nicest, fanciest, most well-prepared food in all of Mexico.
The town of Tulum offers excellent value for money when it comes to local cuisine. During my stay there, I indulged in tacos every day, and they were hands down the best tacos I have ever had in any destination. The local-style food in Tulum is unbeatable in terms of taste and value.
Tulum’s streets are a haven for foodies on a budget, where I found three authentic tacos al pastor for just 30 pesos (approximately $1.50). If you’re interested in discovering other hidden gems in Tulum, we’ve got a post for you.
Puerto Vallarta Food
The food scene in Puerto Vallarta is unique. PV is famous for its ceviches and aguachiles. If you’re not familiar with aguachile, it’s similar to ceviche. It’s a protein (fish, shrimp, or other seafood) with onion and cucumber, and a spicy sauce poured over it.
The ceviches and aguachiles in PV are usually prepared “Vallarta Style”. I’m not a fan of this, as the shrimps are still grey and raw when you get them. I’m a big texture guy, and this raw texture doesn’t do it for me. I wanted to warn you in case you’re like me.
Seafood is big in PV, so if you’re a fan of fish dishes, you’ll be happy with your choices. With the ocean right there, you can count on fresh tasty seafood!
Winner Of Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum Food
This is a personal taste thing for me since I wasn’t a fan of PV’s most famous and beloved dishes. And, if you haven’t noticed, I LOVE tacos. So, we’re giving this round to Tulum.
Between the tacos and the traditional food of the Yucatan Peninsula like Cochinita Pibil, that puts Tulum ahead of PV this time.
Scenery
Tulum Scenery
Tulum takes pride in being a nature-conscious destination. The local building ordinances reflect this as structures higher than 12 meters (around 3 stories) are prohibited.
This ensures that Tulum and its surroundings do not overshadow the natural beauty of the area, unlike its neighboring city of Cancun.
As you explore Tulum, whether in the town or along the beach, you’ll experience the small-town feel that the area is known for. The jungle-like ambiance creates a unique aesthetic, providing a vastly different experience than other destinations.
Tulum’s commitment to preserving its natural surroundings provides visitors with a truly memorable and immersive experience.
Puerto Vallarta Scenery
Though in a different part of Mexico entirely, Puerto Vallarta has similar tropical scenery to Tulum. The surrounding landscape is very green and jungle-y.
Because of its west-facing geography, Puerto Vallarta offers some of the best nightly sunsets you’ll ever see. The waters of the bay are normally calm, providing a glassy reflective surface for the bright sunsets.
It’s a big city so it’s not in touch with nature like Tulum is. But it doesn’t feel like just another big city. It still feels new and tropical like you want on your vacation. Walking the streets of Zona Romantica you’ll see colorful buildings and art all over.
Winner Of Tulum vs Puerto Vallarta Scenery
Surprising even myself here, Puerto Vallarta wins this round. While the scenery in Tulum is beautiful, it’s only when looking east. The beachside is beautiful and would win if that was the only consideration.
But we have to look at the whole picture. Tulum is still growing. There is a lot of building and road fixing that needs to be done. And while I love the atmosphere of the town (more on that in the next section), it’s not beautiful.
This section is about scenery, and Puerto Vallarta takes the cake with its amazing sunsets, colorful streets, and great beachside scenery along the Malecon.
Atmosphere
Tulum Atmosphere
Despite its rapid growth, Tulum still maintains a small-town feel. The beach area is also expanding, but it’s still primarily one street that runs along the shore, although it’s surprisingly narrow and filled with potholes.
With the increasing popularity of Tulum, it hasn’t lost its charm or become overly touristy. Even in the pricier areas down by the beach, the ambiance still retains that small-town feel, making for a unique and authentic experience for visitors.
Tulum manages to retain its authenticity and charm, even during peak times when crowds gather at popular spots such as the ruins, clubs, or the famous Ven a la Luz sculpture.
In my eyes, travelers and tourists are two different groups of people. Despite the dense crowds, Tulum still manages to avoid the “touristy” feel that can detract from the experience in other popular destinations.
The town’s unique vibe, local culture, and emphasis on sustainability attract travelers who are looking for a more authentic experience. Tulum offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a glimpse into a different way of life.
Puerto Vallarta Atomostphere
Again, PV is a bigger city. There are tons of tourists, and everything is very American-friendly. Many of the menus in the restaurants are in English The majority of the people you’ll encounter will speak at least rudimentary English.
The people are friendly and there are a lot of unique things to do. Being in PV is a genuinely pleasant experience. Sometimes, in the streets or down by the Malecon, it gets crowded and feels like there are just too many people, but every city has its spots like this.
Winner Of Tulum vs Puerto Vallarta Atmosphere
The fun, party atmosphere in Tulum is tough to beat. During the day, there’s a feeling of relaxation and gearing up for the wild Tulum nights.
Tulum isn’t quite as Americanized as Puerto Vallarta, so it feels more authentic. You’ll get to practice your Spanish a lot (which is something I enjoy). The locals are friendly and caught up in the party atmosphere as well.
It’s a great feeling being in Tulum, there’s always the sense that something exciting is about to happen!
Safety
Tulum Safety
Safety while traveling has been well-researched and well-documented. While crime rate statistics can provide some insight, it’s important to note that taking precautions is essential regardless of where you are.
Sticking to more populated areas, such as the beach or the main part of town, is generally a safer option. It’s worth noting that Tulum, like many other cities, does experience incidents of violent crime.
By taking proper precautions and being mindful of their surroundings, travelers can enjoy all that Tulum has to offer while minimizing the risk of becoming a victim of crime.
Travelers should not let safety concerns deter them from visiting Tulum. While it’s important to exercise caution and take appropriate safety measures, the area is generally safe for visitors.
Staying alert and being mindful of your surroundings is crucial in ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip.
By taking the necessary precautions and being aware of potential risks, visitors can enjoy all that Tulum has to offer while staying safe.
Puerto Vallarta Safety
PV is one of the safest places in Mexico. It’s a destination for travelers for a reason. It’s perfect for families (more on that in a moment), couples, and groups of friends looking for a fun and safe vacation.
There are zones that are less safe than others, sure. It’s that way with any city. But if you stay within a mile or so of the beach, you’ll be just fine. And frankly, there isn’t much reason to go beyond that anyway.
Winner Of Tulum vs Puerto Vallarta Safey
When it comes to safety, Puerto Vallarta has the edge. The safe zone is much larger and encompasses everything you’ll want to see and do in PV.
The Tulum Beach area is quite safe, but in town, you’ll want to stick to the main roads. I wouldn’t call it dangerous, but you’ll want to exercise an abundance of caution, if you’ll allow me to steal an oft-used sports phrase.
If safety is your deciding factor, go with Puerto Vallarta.
It’s always a good idea to check travel advisories before your trip, to make sure the Department of State agrees with me. There, you’ll find updated recommendations from the government about each state in Mexico.
Family-Friendliness
Tulum Family-Friendliness
Even though Tulum is incredibly fun, it’s more of an adult playground for party enthusiasts. Nightlife, bars, and party atmosphere play a large role in attracting visitors.
As far as family-friendly activities go, Tulum offers less than some other destinations. Although there are some beautiful places to relax as a family at the resorts, Tulum is primarily geared toward adults when it comes to activities.
Puerto Vallarta Family-Friendliness
Long a destination for traveling families, Puerto Vallarta offers a plethora of activities that are great for families.
Remember that PV isn’t just an airport destination, it’s also a cruise ship port. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and others are constantly stopping in Puerto Vallarta and families never struggle to find something to do.
Around the port especially, you’ll find many activities, tours, and excursions that will be perfect for your family vacation.
Winner Of Tulum vs Puerto Vallarta Family-Friendliness
Puerto Vallarta is the clear winner here. With Tulum being the beach club and nightclub capital, Puerto Vallarta offers far more family-friendly activities.
Best Family-Friendly Activities In Puerto Vallarta
Marietas Islands & Hidden Beach
Zipline, Speedboat, & Tequila Tasting
Cruise and Dinner Show
The tequila tasting is still fun for kids, I promise! It’s interesting and the toasts they do will have the kids laughing their heads off.
Nearby Sights
Tulum Nearby Sights
When deciding between Tulum and Cancun, it’s important to consider the specific sights and destinations that you want to visit. If you choose to stay in Tulum, you will be closer to the following attractions:
- Tulum Ruins (of course!)
- Chichen Itza (Here’s how to get there from Tulum)
- Xcaret Eco Park
- Coba Ruins
- Bacalar (Lake of Seven Colors)
If you are interested in exploring ancient ruins, swimming in natural cenotes, and immersing yourself in natural beauty, Tulum will be right up your alley.
Puerto Vallarta Nearby Sights
If you are interested in exploring a charming coastal city, enjoying a variety of outdoor activities and water sports, and experiencing the local culture and cuisine, Puerto Vallarta is the place to be!
If you choose to stay in Puerto Vallarta, you will be closer to the following sights and destinations:
- Tequila: Where the popular alcoholic beverage was born.
- Marietas Islands: These tiny uninhabited islands off the coast of Puerto Vallarta offer stunning scenery and are home to a unique hidden beach that can only be accessed through a natural tunnel. Get ready for a tough swim!
- Sayulita: A charming small beach town 30 mins north of PV.
- Playa Los Muertos: This is one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta, offering a variety of water activities and a lively atmosphere with beach bars and restaurants.
Winner Of Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum Nearby Sights
Both Tulum and Puerto Vallarta offer unique and interesting attractions, and which destination is better for you depends on your personal preferences.
However, if we compare the nearby attractions of Tulum and Puerto Vallarta, Tulum may have a slight edge in terms of the variety of outdoor and natural attractions, at least for our tastes here at Flights and Footsteps.
That being said, Puerto Vallarta also has its own unique charm, with a historic city center, art galleries, and a vibrant nightlife scene. It ultimately depends on what type of experience you’re looking for, and both Tulum and Puerto Vallarta offer plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained.
Tulum is located on the Caribbean coast and has easy access to ancient Mayan ruins, natural cenotes, and eco-parks. Its access to variety gives it the edge.
Conclusion: The Overall Winner
Well, it was a close one! We went all nine rounds and Puerto Vallarta came out ahead by a score of 5-4. It’s simply a more well-rounded destination.
Remember though, it depends on what sort of vacation you want to have. If some of our 9 categories are more important to you than others, those might weigh more heavily in your decision.
If family-friendliness is your big concern, go with PV. If nonstop partying is your priority, go with Tulum. The important thing is now you have all the info you need to make the right decision!
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