A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cesis vs. Puerto Vallarta for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cesis or Puerto Vallarta?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cesis and Puerto Vallarta can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cesis

Cesis is a natural, traditional, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Cesis travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a colorful, laid-back, and cultural town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Cesis and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cesis or Puerto Vallarta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Cesis and Puerto Vallarta are both popular with visitors, Puerto Vallarta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Cesis is known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Cesis and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Malecon. Cesis is popular for its medieval castle and nearby hikes.

How is Cesis different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Puerto Vallarta and Cesis. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cesis or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Cesis does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cesis or Puerto Vallarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Puerto Vallarta. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

Cesis may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The town is small so there are a limited number of restaurants to choose from. You'll find some nice cafes and bakeries though where you can enjoy local foods and traditional Latvian dishes.

Is Cesis or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Cesis is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Cesis The town is small and many travelers visit as a day trip from Riga, so you'll find limited nightlife options around town.

Is Cesis or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its resorts. However, Cesis is not a resort destination.

Puerto Vallarta is a world class resort vacation destination. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Cesis is not a resort destination.

Is Cesis or Puerto Vallarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cesis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

Cesis is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cesis or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for the beach. However, Cesis is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Puerto Vallarta attract visitors from all over. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

Cesis is not a beach destination.

Is Cesis or Puerto Vallarta Better for its Old Town?

Cesis is a moderate town for its historic old town charm. However, Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Cesis is worth visiting. The old town is small but charming and authentic. There are a few unique sites that are worth visiting as well.

Puerto Vallarta does not have a historic old town.

Is Cesis or Puerto Vallarta Better for Hiking?

Cesis is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cesis. The town makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Gauja National Park, which has many hiking and cycling trails. Two of the most well known hikes are the Baltic Forest Trail and the Camino Latvia, both or which pass through town. There are also shorter day hikes to choose from as well.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cesis or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Cesis is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cesis or Puerto Vallarta More Beautiful?

Cesis is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cesis offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Head outside of town to experience the hiking trails and natural beauty. The park is best explored during the summer months.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cesis or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Puerto Vallarta is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.

Cesis offers lots of family activities. The Cēsis Medieval Castle has a unique interactive set of tasks and games that the whole family can enjoy. Other fun family-friendly activities around town include adventure parks such as Supervāvere, the camel park of Rakši, and a farmhouse bakery where kids can learn about traditional baking and breadmaking.

Is Cesis or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Puerto Vallarta frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

Cesis is a good town for couples to visit. There are a number of outdoor activities that adventurous couples can enjoy. The medieval castle is also a unique place to explore.

Is Cesis or Puerto Vallarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for backpackers. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Puerto Vallarta is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cesis. Many people visit town as a day trip from Riga, so there are a limited number of hotels and hostels to choose from. If you want to enjoy hiking and the area's natural beauty, it is recommend that you spend more time here.

Is Cesis or Puerto Vallarta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Puerto Vallarta is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Cesis is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Puerto Vallarta, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Cesis. There are some bus options, but to thoroughly explore the surrounding area you'll really need access to a car.

Is Cesis or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Cesis is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable town. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

Cesis is a somewhat walkable town. It's fun to explore old town on foot but many places in the surrounding countryside require a car to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Cesis Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Cesis?

How long in Cesis or Puerto Vallarta?

In either Cesis or Puerto Vallarta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Cesis because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cesis, and 3-5 days is enough time in Puerto Vallarta.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Cesis. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Puerto Vallarta, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Cesis. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Puerto Vallarta that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Cesis if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Puerto Vallarta.

One day in Cesis or Puerto Vallarta?

Cesis is a small town with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this laid-back destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Cesis or Puerto Vallarta?

Cesis might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cesis or Puerto Vallarta?

Cesis is a great place to explore. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Cesis or Puerto Vallarta?

Since Cesis is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Puerto Vallarta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, and The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between Cesis and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Cesis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Cesis is in Europe and Puerto Vallarta is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cesis Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cesis or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cesis. When comparing the sizes of Cesis and Puerto Vallarta, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.