A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ilha Grande vs. Puerto Vallarta for Food, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta?

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

Should I visit Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ilha Grande travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a coastal, colorful, and laid-back town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Ilha Grande and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Ilha Grande 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, beaches, and shopping, while Ilha Grande is known for its impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Ilha Grande and is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Malecon. Ilha Grande is popular for

How is Ilha Grande different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Ilha Grande 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.

Ilha Grande does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Puerto Vallarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ilha Grande area. The island still has a quiet, local vibe and that can be seen in the restaurants around town as well. Many places are locally owned and serve up traditional dishes. In particular, the seafood is excellent.

Is Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Puerto Vallarta has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Ilha Grande. It's a quiet island with a national park and most people visit specifically to get away from the busy and active city scene.

Is Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Ilha Grande is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Puerto Vallarta is a great choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Ilha Grande is not a resort destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's great scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Ilha Grande and Puerto Vallarta.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Ilha Grande. There are several places where you can rent snorkeling or dive equipment. The area has coral and tropical fish, with the occasional sea turtle sighting. The visibility is generally good and the experience is worth enjoying, but make sure you check on water conditions.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Puerto Vallarta. 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.

Is Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for the beach. However, Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Puerto Vallarta is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Ilha Grande is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Puerto Vallarta is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Ilha Grande is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta More Beautiful?

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

Ilha Grande offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The secluded beaches and surrounding nature make this a beautiful island to explore. It's made up of a national park and there are hiking trails and many scenic spots.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ilha Grande is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Puerto Vallarta is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ilha Grande. Most families who visit the island come for the beaches. There are also many nice hikes, waterfalls, and even wildlife that the kids will enjoy. In the village there are a few restaurants. Many aren't geared specifically to kids, but they do have a selection that kids might enjoy.

Is Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ilha Grande and Puerto Vallarta make for a great place to visit.

Ilha Grande makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Scenic beaches and beautiful nature make this a wonderful couples retreat that's not far from Rio de Janeiro. The beaches have a more relaxed and quiet vibe than many places in Brazil and the island still holds on to its undiscovered atmosphere.

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.

Is Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ilha Grande and Puerto Vallarta are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Ilha Grande. It is possible to reach the island with a backpacker's budget, but it will take you more time than if you hire a private tour. Once you're on the island there are some hostels and budget hotels to choose from as well.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Ilha Grande is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Puerto Vallarta has some public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Ilha Grande. You'll need to take a boat to reach the island, and once you're there, there are not vehicles around.

Is Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Ilha Grande and Puerto Vallarta are great when it comes to walkability.

Ilha Grande is a very walkable . There are no cars on the island and very few roads. You'll spend a lot of time hiking around, which is the best way to enjoy the island. They don't call it "big island" for no reason though, so make sure you understand the distance between destinations.

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Ilha Grande?

How long in Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta?

In either Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Ilha Grande because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Ilha Grande, and 3-5 days is enough time in Puerto Vallarta.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Ilha Grande. 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 Ilha Grande. 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 Ilha Grande 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 Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta?

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The destination of Ilha Grande offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid-back town of Puerto Vallarta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta?

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The of Ilha Grande offers scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta?

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the laid-back town of Puerto Vallarta. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Ilha Grande or Puerto Vallarta?

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Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Ilha Grande. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Puerto Vallarta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ilha Grande and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Puerto Vallarta is more expensive. And not only is Ilha Grande much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ilha Grande is in South America and Puerto Vallarta is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ilha Grande would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ilha Grande and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Puerto Vallarta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto Vallarta than you might in Ilha Grande.

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