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

Should you visit Liberia or Puerto Vallarta?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Liberia and Puerto Vallarta. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Liberia

Liberia is a fascinating, accessible, and colonial city. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a cultural, coastal, and colorful town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Liberia and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Liberia or Puerto Vallarta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Liberia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Liberia is more popular for its hiking. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Liberia and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. Liberia is well known for its "cowboy" culture as well as its proximity to some of Costa Rica's best national parks, beaches, and rainforests.

How is Liberia different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Puerto Vallarta is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Liberia does not have museums and landmarks.

Puerto Vallarta is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

Liberia does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Liberia is a mediocre city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Puerto Vallarta makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Liberia. The city has a number of traditional restaurants where you can find the ubiquitous Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto and casado.

Is Liberia or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for nightlife. However, Liberia is a mediocre city for nightlife and partying.

Puerto Vallarta has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Liberia. If you're in town for the night, you should have no problem finding a bar to hang out at.

Is Liberia or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Liberia is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Puerto Vallarta for its luxury resorts. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Liberia is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Liberia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Liberia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Liberia or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its beaches. However, Liberia is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Puerto Vallarta for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Liberia is not a beach destination.

Is Liberia or Puerto Vallarta Better for Hiking?

Liberia is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Liberia specifically for its hiking. Head to the nearby Rincon de la Vieja National Park for some of the country's best hiking. You'll see stunning waterfalls and hopefully catch a glimpse of local wildlife.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Liberia or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for shopping. However, Liberia is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Liberia is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Liberia or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Liberia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Puerto Vallarta is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Liberia is a family-friendly city. This city is often used as a base for exploring the nearby Rincon De La Vieja National Park. Kids love the hikes, waterfalls, and wildlife that you see in the area.

Is Liberia or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for romance. Also, Liberia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Liberia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy hiking through rainforests, seeing splendid waterfalls, and checking out the local wildlife will enjoy a visit to Rincon De La Vieja National Park near town.

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

Both Liberia and Puerto Vallarta are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Liberia. Like much of Costa Rica, this city is an easy backpacker destination with affordable accommodation and unique places to explore.

Many backpackers visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Liberia or Puerto Vallarta Better for Students?

Liberia is very good for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Liberia is a good city to visit for students. As the capital of the Guanacaste province, many students use this city as a base to explore the nearby parks. You'll find study abroad groups as well as researchers and Phd students in the area.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Liberia is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Liberia can get you to most places easily. There is a comprehensive bus system that travels throughout the city and is used by many people.

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

Is Liberia or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Liberia and Puerto Vallarta both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Liberia is very walkable.

Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable city. 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 Liberia Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Liberia?

How long in Liberia or Puerto Vallarta?

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

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

The fascinating destination of Liberia offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Puerto Vallarta, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Liberia or Puerto Vallarta?

The city of Liberia offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while 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.

In Puerto Vallarta, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Liberia or Puerto Vallarta?

Liberia is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Liberia or Puerto Vallarta?

Many people enjoy the when visiting Liberia. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Puerto Vallarta. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Liberia 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 Liberia 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 Liberia Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Liberia or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Liberia. When comparing the sizes of Liberia 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.