A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a colorful, laid-back, and cultural town. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a active, beautiful, and peaceful recreation area. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Puerto Vallarta and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are popular destinations, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Chimney Rock and Lake Lure attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is famous for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Puerto Vallarta is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.

Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Puerto Vallarta is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Puerto Vallarta know how to have a good time. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Hiking?

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular spot for hiking. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a good destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are superb 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are superb 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a recreation area with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a very walkable town. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.

For even more information, also check out Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting? and Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Puerto Vallarta and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this colorful destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The active destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this coastal destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This town offers something for everyone.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This recreation area offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the town of Puerto Vallarta. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. 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.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Vallarta and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, we can see that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 1130 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, 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.