A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jaco vs. Puerto Vallarta for Nightlife, Food, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Jaco or Puerto Vallarta?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jaco or Puerto Vallarta, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Jaco

Jaco is a touristy, laid back, and popular town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Jaco travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a coastal, colorful, and laid-back town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Jaco and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jaco or Puerto Vallarta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Jaco and Puerto Vallarta are popular destinations, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Jaco attracts visitors for its nightlife. Jaco is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is popular for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon.

How is Jaco different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Puerto Vallarta is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Puerto Vallarta. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Jaco offers a few options for museum-goers. Most people spend their time outside or partying while they're in town.

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

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

Puerto Vallarta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Jaco offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of restaurants around town that include hamburger joints, pizza shops, and other casual favorites. You'll find a variety of options along the main strip as well.

Is Jaco or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

Jaco is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Jaco is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. What was once a quiet surfing town is now one of the most famous party destinations in Costa Rica. There are a constantly growing number of bars and clubs around town and you'll find tons of young tourists and backpackers looking for a party.

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.

Is Jaco or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Jaco is not a resort destination.

Puerto Vallarta offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Jaco is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Puerto Vallarta to enjoy 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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Jaco. You can't really snorkel at Jaco Beach because of the waves and water conditions, but there are a number of snorkeling tours that leave from town and take you to better spots.

Is Jaco or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Puerto Vallarta. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Jaco. Jaco Beach is a great spot for swimming and surfing. It's lost some of its original charm, but there's still golden sand and nearby horseback riding.

Is the Shopping Better in Jaco or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Jaco is a great destination for shopping. Many of the shops are found along the main street. There are a number of souvenir stores and a few art galleries that are worth checking out.

Is Jaco or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Puerto Vallarta. 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 Jaco. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, monkey tours, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy the beaches in the area as well.

Is Jaco or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for couples. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Puerto Vallarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Jaco is a nice destination for couples. It's one of the more touristy parts of Costa Rica, but if you enjoy surfing and beach life, then you'll find a lot to do in the area.

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

Jaco and Puerto Vallarta are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Jaco. It's a touristy town with a bit of a party reputation. There are plenty of hostels and other backpackers around so you shouldn't have trouble meeting people.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jaco 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 generally limited in Jaco. Most people walk or get around by bicycle.

Is Jaco or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Jaco and Puerto Vallarta are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Jaco is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and walkable. You'll find many of the restaurants and shops along the main street, and it's easy to reach the beach on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Jaco?

How long in Jaco or Puerto Vallarta?

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

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

The laid back destination of Jaco offers nightlife and food. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Puerto Vallarta. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jaco or Puerto Vallarta?

The town of Jaco offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Jaco or Puerto Vallarta?

Jaco is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the coastal destination of Puerto Vallarta. This town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Jaco or Puerto Vallarta?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Jaco. 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.

The colorful town of Puerto Vallarta offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Jaco and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Puerto Vallarta 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 Jaco is in Central America 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 Jaco Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jaco or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Jaco 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.