Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum: Which is better in 2023?

Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum: Overview

Puerto Vallarta and Tulum are two completely different tropical locations with endless appeal.

While I think they’re both worth a visit, the final decision will come down to your preferences.

About Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant coastal city, situated on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, in the state of Jalisco.

Renowned for its scenic beauty, it offers a unique blend of the azure Pacific Ocean waters and the lush jungle backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains.

The city’s geographical location gives it a tropical feel with a moderate climate, making it an attractive beach destination all year round.

But it’s not just the beaches and warm weather that draws in visitors–the city itself is one of Mexico’s original beach towns and steeped in classic Mexican charm.

Cobblestone streets wind their way through Spanish colonial architecture, while the stunning hillside offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Some of Puerto Vallarta’s most famous sites include the impressive beachfront boardwalk known as the “Malecón”, the spiral-shaped Los Muertos Beach Pier, and the beautiful pink-hued Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Plus, its jungle-covered mountains and sandy beaches make Puerto Vallarta an ideal place for outdoor activities like ziplining, hiking, and water activities.

And with a wide variety of resorts catering to tourists, cruise ship passengers, and local families on vacation, Puerto Vallarta offers a great blend of relaxation and adventure.

About Tulum

Tulum is situated along the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, just an hour south of Playa del Carmen.

This tiny bohemian beach town has gained popularity in recent years for its untouched white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Tulum is known for being sustainably boho chic, attracting influencers, celebrities, and yogis with boutique eco-hotels, wellness retreats, and Instagrammable spots at nearly every turn.

The town is divided into two distinct areas: the downtown area (also known as “Tulum Pueblo”) and Tulum Beach (also known as the Hotel Zone).

Tulum Pueblo is more local and laid back, offering a lot more affordability and plenty of great restaurants, shops, bars, and nightlife.

Alternatively, the Hotel Zone is where most of the luxury resorts (and their private beaches) are located and where most visitors spend their days and nights.

Tulum is also home to the archaeological site of Tulum, the only beachfront Mayan Ruins in the state of Quintana Roo, as well as numerous freshwater cenotes.

Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum Map

Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum: Who are they best suited for?

Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel are beach destinations catering to beach tourism, but they differ in many ways and are suited for different types of travelers.

Who is Puerto Vallarta best suited for?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination to consider because it’s very well-rounded and caters to many different types of travelers.

Not only does it attract beach and sun seekers, but families will find plenty of family-friendly resorts and fun activities for children including outdoor activities, whale watching, and water sports.

Additionally, couples and honeymooners can book one of the adults-only all-inclusive resorts and take romantic strolls along the Malecón boardwalk or watch the sunset from the Los Muertos Beach Pier.

Plus, Puerto Vallarta can be a very affordable destination and budget travelers will be able to find great deals on dining and accommodation to meet their budget.

LGBTQ+ travelers will appreciate Puerto Vallarta’s growing reputation as an LGBTQ+ friendly destination with its inclusivity and gay neighborhoods.

Finally, for the adventure seekers, the city’s surrounding jungle and ocean provide a huge variety of outdoor activities such as scuba diving, ziplining, and hiking.

Who is Tulum best suited for?

Tulum is best suited for luxury travelers or those with a higher budget as the town is considerably more expensive than Puerto Vallarta.

Now budget travelers can still visit Tulum but you’ll just have to search for more affordable accommodation and dining options.

Tulum is also well-known for its wellness scene with plenty of yoga retreats and holistic healing centers, making it a great destination for yoga enthusiasts and those looking to connect with their spiritual side.

Tulum also attracts vegan and vegetarian travelers since there are many health-conscious restaurants and juice bars that serve up delicious plant-based meals.

And with its many Instagram-worthy backdrops, it’s also a popular destination for influencers and content creators.

Couples looking for a romantic getaway will love the luxury boutique resorts, white sand beaches, and private eco-chic accommodations.

Tulum is not really the best place for families as the hotels and resorts are not super kid-friendly.

Puerto vs Tulum: Pros and Cons

Here’s a look at the Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum pros and cons to help with your decision:

Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum: Safety Comparison

Now, let’s look at a safety comparison between Puerto Vallarta and Tulum.

U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory

The official U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory for Puerto Vallarta is currently “Level 3 – Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping in the state of Jalisco.

The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory for Tulum is currently “Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime in the state of Quintana Roo.

The United States Mexico travel advisory mentions violent criminal activity in Jalisco but references Guadalajara, not Puerto Vallarta.

Crime and Safety Index

Is Puerto Vallarta safer than Tulum?

According to Numbeo, Puerto Vallarta has a slightly higher safety index than Tulum but both cities have very similar statistics when it comes to safety.

It’s important to know that drug crime and cartel activity is present in both cities, as they are popular tourist destinations with a market for drug sales.

However, as long as you don’t buy drugs and avoid any illegal activity, you more than likely won’t have any interaction with the drug scene.

From my experience, both Puerto Vallarta and Tulum feel about the same when it comes to safety, and I’ve never felt unsafe when visiting either destination.

But it’s very important to use common sense and take basic safety precautions such as not traveling alone at night, keeping your belongings close to you, and staying in well-lit areas.

As long as you take basic precautions, most travelers will not have any safety issues as it’s more the late-night illegal activity where most of the safety problems occur.

Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum: Cost Comparison

When deciding a vacation destination, it’s important to know which city is going to be less expensive.

Let’s compare Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum on cost and see which city is the most budget-friendly.

How expensive is Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta can be very budget-friendly, as the city has a wide range of accommodation options, from hostels and Airbnbs to luxury hotels.

The average cost of a mid-range hotel in Puerto Vallarta is around $200 USD per night, while luxury resorts can start from $500 USD per night.

Dining out in Puerto Vallarta can start from $2 USD for local street food or more than $30 USD per person for higher end restaurants.

Additionally, Puerto Vallarta has a large international airport (PVR) that’s relatively close to the city center so you can save money on transportation when flying into the city.

Plus, Uber in Puerto Vallarta is available, which is a very affordable and easy way to get around the city.

How expensive is Tulum?

Tulum is much more expensive than Puerto Vallarta, as the city has become a luxury hotspot for travelers.

The average cost of a mid-range hotel in Tulum Pueblo is around $100 USD per night, while a luxury hotel in the Hotel Zone is around $600+ USD per night.

Additionally, most hotels in Tulum are not all-inclusive so you’ll need to factor in food and drinks to your overall costs.

Dining out in Tulum can start from $2 USD for local food or more than $50 USD per person for higher end restaurants in the Hotel Zone.

Additionally, there is no airport in Tulum so in order to fly to Tulum, you’ll need to fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN), and then take ground transportation to Tulum.

A private transfer from Cancun to Tulum can cost around $180 USD each way so that’s a considerable cost you’ll need to consider.

Plus, Uber in Tulum is not available so you’ll need factor in costs for taxis or public transportation to get around.

Is Tulum more expensive than Puerto Vallarta?

Yes, Tulum is considerably more expensive than Puerto Vallarta and prices are generally much higher due to the town’s popularity as an exclusive and luxurious destination.

The difference in cost can be quite substantial depending on where you stay and dine. For example, staying the Hotel Zone in Tulum will likely be more than double what you would pay in Tulum Pueblo.

There are ways for budget travelers to save money in Tulum such as staying in the Pueblo, eating local food, and taking public transportation.

But overall, you’ll need to plan and budget a lot more for your stay in Tulum if you want to avoid breaking the bank on your trip.

Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum: Beaches Comparison

Another important difference to consider is the beach comparison between Puerto Vallarta and Tulum.

Beaches in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta beaches are quite different than beaches in Tulum. While still beautiful, the sand is more golden brown and tends to be more rocky and not quite as powder soft.

Plus, the color of the water is more of a deep blue and you don’t have that bright, turquoise blue coloring like the Mexican Caribbean.

The good thing about Puerto Vallarta beaches though is that they are swimmable, as the Bay of Banderas offers protection from rough waters.

Compared to other beach destinations on Mexico’s Pacific coast with rough waves, Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are some of the best in the area.

Beaches in Tulum

Tulum has some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, with powder white sand and that bright, turquoise blue water that you’d expect from a Caribbean beach.

And the great thing about Tulum beaches is that they are much more widespread and untouched and way less crowded than the beaches in nearby Playa del Carmen or Cancun.

The only downsides to Tulum beaches are that there aren’t many public beach access points, meaning you may need to stay at a beachfront hotel or pay for a beach club to gain access.

Additionally, it’s important to know that the beaches in Tulum can have seaweed depending on the weather conditions and the time of year.

Does Tulum have better beaches than Puerto Vallarta?

Yes, Tulum has much better beaches than Puerto Vallarta. Tulum has gorgeous white sand beaches with bright turquoise water. Plus, they are much more untouched and widespread.

However, it is important to know that access to the beaches in Tulum can be limited and that there may be seaweed present at times.

Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum: Hotels Comparison

Here’s a look at how the hotels compare in Puerto Vallarta and Tulum:

Hotels in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has a diverse range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences.

From budget-friendly hostels and homely Airbnbs to extravagant luxury resorts, there’s something for everyone.

Many Puerto Vallarta hotels offer all-inclusive packages, providing you with meals, drinks, and on-site activities in the price, making planning your vacation hassle-free.

Hotels in Puerto Vallarta are also found in various locations, from the walkable Zona Romantica neighborhood to the larger resorts in the Hotel Zone, Marina Vallarta, or Nuevo Vallarta, so you can choose a location that best suits your vacation style.

In general, though, Puerto Vallarta resorts are older and not as modern compared to other beach destinations in Mexico.

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

Hotels in Tulum

On the contrary, Tulum provides a different kind of experience. Known for its upscale eco-resorts and luxury boutique hotels, Tulum provides a unique blend of luxury and nature that is hard to find elsewhere.

Hotels in Tulum often boast private beach access, yoga classes, and wellness spas, providing a serene and tranquil environment for relaxation.

However, it’s important to know that Tulum’s focus on sustainability means a lot of the hotels may not have all of the comforts and modern amenities of normal luxury hotels, such as air conditioning or televisions.

Mosquito nets and outdoor showers add to the overall design aesthetic, but may not be to everyone’s taste.

Tulum accommodations are also generally pricier, and fewer hotels offer all-inclusive options, meaning you’ll have to plan and budget your meals and drinks separately.

The city is divided into two main areas: Tulum Pueblo, where you can find more affordable accommodations and Tulum Airbnbs, and the Tulum Hotel Zone, which is home to the city’s most luxurious hotels.

Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum: Activities Comparison

Since Puerto Vallarta and Tulum are both tropical beach towns, they offer similar activities. You’ll find snorkeling tours, boat excursions, ziplining, and ATV tours in either destination.

The main difference is that Tulum is home to both Mayan Ruins and cenotes, two activities that Puerto Vallarta does not have.

Visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum is a must-do activity when visiting this part of Mexico and offers a unique insight into the region’s past.

Exploring the cenotes in Tulum is also highly recommended, as these underground sinkholes were once considered sacred by the Mayans and offer a truly unique experience.

Alternatively, Puerto Vallarta does have whale watching tours during migration season, an experience you won’t be able to find in Tulum.

Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

• Go Ziplining in the Jungle: Puerto Vallarta’s location in the Sierra Madre mountains makes it the perfect place for ziplining. You can book a fun Puerto Vallarta ziplining tour to soar through the jungle canopy and enjoy the incredible views.

• Go Whale Watching: Whale watching season is between December and March when humpback whales enter Banderas Bay. It’s a really fun activity, perfect for any family vacation.

• Walk the Malecón: Puerto Vallarta’s “Malecón” is a beautiful beachfront boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and bars where you can enjoy incredible ocean views.

Best Things to Do in Tulum

• Explore Freshwater Cenotes: There is an abundance of cenotes near Tulum, which are stunning natural swimming holes formed by underground sinkholes. Visiting a cenote is such a unique experience where you can swim, snorkel, or just hang out in beautiful natural setting. Some of the best cenotes near Tulum are Cenote Taak Bi Ha and Casa Cenote.

• Relax at a Beach Club: Tulum is home to several beach clubs that offer an unforgettable experience. You can chill out on a lounge bed with a refreshing cocktail and enjoy the beautiful Caribbean Sea views.

• Visit an Adventure Park: There are several Xcaret adventure parks near Tulum that offer activities such as zip-lining, rappelling, and ATV tours. The closest adventure park to Tulum is Xel-Ha, which is a stunning natural water park with snorkeling, water ziplines, a lazy river, and high-speed water slides.

Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum: Restaurants Comparison

To be honest, you can find good food in both Puerto Vallarta and Tulum but neither of them are really considered to be food capitals in Mexico.

Puerto Vallarta is known for having good seafood so you can definitely get some delicious fish tacos, ceviche, aguachiles, and other seafood dishes when visiting.

I can still remember an amazing pulpo (octopus) burrito I ate in Puerto Vallarta at a hole-in-the-wall type of place near the airport!

In contrast, Tulum is known for its eco-friendly dining scene with a focus on sustainability and fresh locally-sourced ingredients.

Vegetarians will appreciate Tulum’s abundance of vegan and vegetarian options, including vegan tacos, tempeh burgers, and smoothie bowls.

But probably the biggest difference between restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and Tulum is the atmosphere.

The restaurants in Puerto Vallarta are generally more casual, but what’s great is that a lot of them have incredible ocean views of the Pacific.

Tulum restaurants, on the other hand, are often more upscale outdoor eateries with a jungle-like atmosphere–and a much higher price tag!

Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum: Transportation Comparison

Another main difference between Puerto Vallarta and Tulum is transportation options available.

Puerto Vallarta has a lot more options for getting around, including local buses, traditional taxis, and ride-sharing services.

Uber in Puerto Vallarta is available and is usually much cheaper than taxis, making it a great option for getting around the city.

Plus, Puerto Vallarta International Airport is relatively close to downtown Puerto Vallarta, which makes getting to and from the airport quick and affordable.

Tulum, on the other hand, is much farther from Cancun Airport and does not have Uber.

So to get around Tulum and for short rides around town, you’ll need to rely on bicycles or taxis, which can often be overpriced.

Plus, driving from Cancun to Tulum is a 2+ hour long journey that will cost you around $180 USD each way for a private transfer.

Or you can opt for the ADO bus from Cancun to Tulum, which is a charter bus that costs around $20 USD.

Overall, transportation in Puerto Vallarta is much more convenient and practical than Tulum so keep that in mind when choosing your destination.

Puerto Vallarta vs Tulum: Nightlife Comparison

Both Puerto Vallarta and Tulum have a vibrant nightlife scene and are good destinations for those looking to party.

Overall, Puerto Vallarta has a more casual nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs to visit. Plus, a lot of the nightclubs are located along the Malecón, so you get a unique indoor/outdoor nightclub experience.

On the other hand, Tulum has a more upscale and trendy nightlife scene with chic cocktail bars, moody lounges, and unique beachfront parties.

Plus, Tulum is known for its EDM music and techno parties that bring in famous DJs, as well as the full moon party at Papaya Playa Project.

Overall, it really just depends on what kind of nightlife experience you’re after. If you prefer something more casual and affordable, Puerto Vallarta is your best bet.

But if you’re looking for a more upscale and trendy party scene, then Tulum is the place to be.

Tulum vs Puerto Vallarta: FAQs

Final Thoughts: Which is better to visit Tulum or Puerto Vallarta?

Ultimately, the choice between Puerto Vallarta and Tulum depends on your personal preferences.

If you’re seeking a more affordable vacation packed with diverse activities, incredible ocean views, and a casual dining and nightlife scene, then Puerto Vallarta is a great option.

Plus, what I love about Puerto Vallarta is its classic Mexican charm, cobblestone streets, and walkability, which you won’t find in Tulum.

On the other hand, if you want incredible Caribbean beaches and don’t mind paying more for the experience, then Tulum provides an unforgettable atmosphere with its eco-chic boutique hotels.

You’ll also find stunning cenotes tucked into the jungle near Tulum that you won’t find anywhere else in Mexico.

Both Puerto Vallarta and Tulum have their own unique allure and attractions, making either choice an unforgettable experience!