A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Puerto Vallarta vs. Ensenada for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Ensenada?

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

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a colorful, laid-back, and cultural town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a outdoorsy, historic, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Ensenada travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Ensenada?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Ensenada. While Ensenada is larger than Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Malecon. Ensenada is popular for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Ensenada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Ensenada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ensenada. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ensenada Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Ensenada has a few options to choose from. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ensenada Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its resorts. However, Ensenada is not a resort destination.

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.

Ensenada is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ensenada Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for the beach. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for the beach.

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.

The beach in Ensenada is worth checking out. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Ensenada?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ensenada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ensenada Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ensenada offers lots of family activities. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ensenada Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Puerto Vallarta frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Ensenada is a good town for couples to visit. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ensenada is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around town.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ensenada is a city 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 mostly limited in Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ensenada a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Ensenada is very walkable. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ensenada or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Ensenada?

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

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

The town of Puerto Vallarta offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The cultural destination of Ensenada offers nightlife and food. 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 Ensenada?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

The city of Ensenada offers food and shopping. 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 Ensenada?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Puerto Vallarta, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Ensenada 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 Ensenada?

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ensenada. 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 Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.

When comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada, 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. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Ensenada Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Ensenada?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada, 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.