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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Duck?

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 Duck can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

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

Duck

Duck is a compact, charming, and laid-back beach town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Puerto Vallarta and Duck: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Duck?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Duck, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Duck is more popular for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. Duck is well known for its quaint atmosphere and small town charm.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Duck?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Duck 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 Duck?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Duck is not a good beach town for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Duck. Hanging out at the beach and enjoy water sports or outdoor activities are the main draw of this town. You won't find much in the form of museums or indoor activities.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit 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.

Duck has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For such a small town, there's a decent selection of restaurants that range from local seafood eateries to pizza delivery. Homemade ice cream is a favorite in the area, but you also can't skip out on the flagship Duck Donuts store.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Duck Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Duck is not a good beach town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Duck. It's known as a family-friendly destination that isn't often associated with a strong nightlife, but there is often live music and other festivals during the summer months.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Duck Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its resorts. Also, Duck is not as famous, but is still a good beach town 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.

With a selection of resorts, Duck makes a nice vacation spot. Most of the accommodation around town is in the form of vacation beach rental houses that are perfect for family gatherings or larger groups.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Duck 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.

Duck is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Duck Better for Beaches?

Duck is renowned for the beach. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Duck is a very popular vacation destination. Long sandy beaches with great surf and a wonderful boardwalk make this a great beach destination. Kids play in the tidal pools and families relax under their beach umbrellas in a classic beach setting.

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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Duck Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Duck. The Duck Trail runs for six miles and passes through town. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and inline skaters.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Duck?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Duck are great shopping destinations.

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Duck. Head to the Waterfront Shops for some of the town's best shopping. You can wander along the boardwalk and check out the independent vendors and local restaurants.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Duck Better for Families?

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

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.

Duck is a very family-friendly destination. Kid-friendly beaches, local ice cream joints, and the famed Duck Donuts all make this an ideal kid's beach destination. There's a waterpark nearby and plenty of water sports that the whole family can enjoy. The boardwalk is also a very family-friendly environment.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Duck Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Duck 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.

Duck makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming beach town with great local restaurants and a beautiful and peaceful setting. For couples who want to enjoy a relaxing beach town without the energy of a larger destination, then this is the perfect place. Much of the accommodation is in the form of rental houses, which can be a bit much for a couple, but the setting is perfect for a weekend escape.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Duck is not a good beach town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Duck is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's an upscale town with many beach houses available for rent, and very little in the form of budget accommodation.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its public transit. However, Duck is not a good beach town 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 mostly limited in Duck. It's best to have a car if you want to exploring the Outer Banks and its many activities.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Duck a more walkable city?

Duck is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Duck on foot. It's a wonderfully walkable and pedestrian-friendly town with a great boardwalk and many walking and cycling paths.

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 Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting? and Is Duck Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Duck or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Duck?

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

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

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.

Duck is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It's no surprise that beaches 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.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Duck?

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.

Duck might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Duck?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the colorful 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.

Duck is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This beach town 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 Duck?

The coastal 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.

Duck is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Duck?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Duck. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Duck, 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.