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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Adirondack Mountains can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a cultural, coastal, and colorful town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a pristine, scenic, and serene region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Puerto Vallarta and Adirondack Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Adirondack Mountains are both popular with visitors, Puerto Vallarta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Adirondack Mountains is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Malecon. Adirondack Mountains is popular for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Adirondack Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains Better for Skiing?

Adirondack Mountains is very good for snow skiing. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a skiing destination.

Head to Adirondack Mountains for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

Puerto Vallarta is not a skiing destination.

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains.

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.

Adirondack Mountains is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Adirondack Mountains is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Adirondack Mountains. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for the beache. However, Adirondack Mountains 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains Better for Hiking?

Adirondack Mountains is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Adirondack Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains.

Puerto Vallarta is known to be 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.

Adirondack Mountains is a very family-friendly destination. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Adirondack Mountains are great destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Adirondack Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Adirondack Mountains are great destinations for backpackers.

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

Adirondack Mountains is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its public transit. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region 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.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable town. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Adirondack Mountains or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Adirondack Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than in Puerto Vallarta. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 3-7 days is enough time in Adirondack Mountains.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Adirondack Mountains 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 Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Puerto Vallarta. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The scenic destination of Adirondack Mountains offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains?

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The region of Adirondack Mountains offers food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains?

Many people visit Puerto Vallarta for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Puerto Vallarta. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Adirondack Mountains is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This region offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Adirondack Mountains?

The laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta offers museums and nightlife. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The scenic region of Adirondack Mountains offers museums and skiing. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Vallarta and Adirondack Mountains, we can see that Adirondack Mountains is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Vallarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto Vallarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Vallarta 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 Adirondack Mountains would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adirondack Mountains than you might in Puerto Vallarta.

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