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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Denver?

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 Denver 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.

Denver

Denver is a sprawling, park-filled, and suburban city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

Puerto Vallarta and Denver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Denver?

Both Denver and Puerto Vallarta have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Denver is known for its skiing, hiking, and big city activities. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Denver and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Denver is popular for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Puerto Vallarta or Denver Better for Skiing?

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

Head to Denver for some great skiing and other winter activities. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Puerto Vallarta is not a skiing destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver is not a good city 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.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Puerto Vallarta offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Denver. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Denver Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its resorts. However, Denver 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.

Denver is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Denver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Denver is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Denver Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for the beache. However, Denver is not a beach destination.

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.

Denver is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Denver Better for Hiking?

Denver is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Denver. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Denver?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Denver has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Denver Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Puerto Vallarta is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Denver is a family-friendly town. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Denver Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Denver is a good town for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Denver is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Puerto Vallarta is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Denver is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Some backpackers fly into Denver to begin their national park tour. There is a hostel or two around town, and if you leave town quickly you'll find campgrounds not far away.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Denver Better for Students?

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

Denver is a good city to visit for students. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Both Puerto Vallarta and Denver offer good public transit options.

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

Denver has some public transit options. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Denver a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Denver is not a good city 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.

Denver is not a very walkable town. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Denver or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Denver?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Puerto Vallarta and Denver. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than in Denver. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Denver.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Denver. 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 Denver. 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 Denver 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 Denver?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The park-filled destination of Denver offers nightlife and shopping. 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 Denver?

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The city of Denver offers shopping and skiing. 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 Denver?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Denver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal destination of Puerto Vallarta. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Denver. 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Denver, 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.