A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Grand Teton National Park for Resorts, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park?

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 Grand Teton National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a laid-back, cultural, and coastal town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a spectacular, impressive, and vast park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Puerto Vallarta and Grand Teton National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Grand Teton National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Grand Teton National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. Grand Teton National Park is well known for its grand peaks and diverse wildlife.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Grand Teton National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Puerto Vallarta
Grand Teton National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Grand Teton National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Visitor Centers have exhibits and other informational sessions.


Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Puerto Vallarta
Grand Teton National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Grand Teton National Park. There are a number of restaurants and cafes around the park where you can enjoy a meal, often with a view.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta
Grand Teton National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for nightlife. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Puerto Vallarta has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Grand Teton National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's a lounge at Jackson Lake Lodge, but most visitors enjoy a relaxing night in.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta
Grand Teton National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Grand Teton National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its 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 Grand Teton National Park. There are several impressive lodges within the park, as well as cabins and more rustic hotels.


Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta
Grand Teton National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Grand Teton National Park 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.

Grand Teton National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta
Grand Teton National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its beaches. However, Grand Teton National Park 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.

Grand Teton National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park Better for Hiking?

Puerto Vallarta
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Grand Teton National Park specifically for its hiking. Grand Teton National Park has more than 250 miles of trails that make their way through the mountains and around the rugged landscapes. There are hikes that range from short strolls to backcountry, mult-day trails and it's not uncommon to see wildlife.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park?

Puerto Vallarta
Grand Teton National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for shopping. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

If you're looking to go shopping, Grand Teton National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up souvenirs or gifts.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta
Grand Teton National Park

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park.

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.

Grand Teton National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy the hiking and wildlife spotting. There's also horseback riding and Ranger Programs that are designed for all ages.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is renowned for couples. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Grand Teton National Park has plenty to offer. With its stunning mountain views and scenic hikes, couples will be surrounded by romance. Many people visit the park for their honeymoon, or even for the wedding itself, and the setting couldn't be more spectacular.

Puerto Vallarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.


Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta
Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is renowned for backpackers. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Grand Teton National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. There are hostels, campgrounds, and backcountry hiking and camping that backpackers really enjoy.

Puerto Vallarta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Puerto Vallarta
Grand Teton National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Puerto Vallarta offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Grand Teton National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta
Grand Teton National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its walkability. However, Grand Teton National Park is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Grand Teton National Park is generally not very walkable. You'll need a car to reach most of the trail heads.


For even more information, also check out Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting? and Is Grand Teton National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Grand Teton National Park or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Grand Teton National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Grand Teton National Park 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 Grand Teton National Park.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Grand Teton National Park. 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 Grand Teton National Park. 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 Grand Teton National Park 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.


  • How many days in Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Puerto Vallarta 3-5 
    Grand Teton National Park 3-7

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the cultural town of Puerto Vallarta. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The impressive destination of Grand Teton National Park offers . People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that hiking 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Puerto Vallarta. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The park of Grand Teton National Park offers . 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

Grand Teton National Park is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This park 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 Grand Teton National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The impressive park of Grand Teton National Park offers . 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Teton National Park or Puerto Vallarta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Vallarta is $115, while the average daily cost in Grand Teton National Park is $162. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Puerto Vallarta and Grand Teton National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto Vallarta $63
    Grand Teton National Park $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto Vallarta $126
    Grand Teton National Park $158
Compare Hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Grand Teton National Park

Looking for a hotel in Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Puerto Vallarta


Hotels in Grand Teton National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices and Grand Teton National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto Vallarta $19
    Grand Teton National Park $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Private Transfer from Sayulita to Guadalajara: $240
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR): Transfer to Puerto Vallarta: $209
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Sayulita hotels - Private Roundtrip Transfer: $192
  • Airport Transfer Puerto Vallarta : $135
  • Private transfer round trip Puerto Vallarta Airport To Hotel In Luxury Vehicle: $129
  • Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port: Transfer to Puerto Vallarta: $118
  • Puerto Vallarta Airp.(PVR): Transfer to Puerto Vallarta Port: $118
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) for 4-7 people to Nayarit: $102
  • Sayulita hotels to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) – Private Departure Transfer : $96
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVT) -City Center: $93
  • Puerto Vallarta:Private Airport Transfer to Boca de Tomatlan: $86
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta - Arrival Private Transfer: $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Teton National Park

Also for Grand Teton National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private SUV Transfers to/ from Jackson Hole Airport JAC: $105
  • Private Luxury 4wd SUV To/From Transfer Jackson Hole Airport: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Vallarta or Grand Teton National Park?

Prices for flights to both Grand Teton National Park and Puerto Vallarta change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Puerto Vallarta $37
    Grand Teton National Park $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Puerto Vallarta

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Puerto Vallarta.

  • 3-Hour Guided Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $45
  • Off The Beaten Path Food Tour. Dinner in Pitillal : $55
  • Dinner Tacos Food Tour: $55
  • Puerto Vallarta 3-Hour Food Tour of Authentic Local Cuisine: $59
  • Puerta Vallarta: Seafood Lover's Food Tour: $59
  • Downtown Puerto Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
  • Seafood Lover's Tour with Vallarta Food Tours : $59
  • Signature Taco and Street Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $65
  • Mexican Cooking Class, Tequila Tasting & Unlimited Margaritas: $84
  • Bucerias Bike and Food Tour: $90
  • Mexican Cooking Class and Tequila Tasting: $96
  • Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour : $99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Grand Teton National Park

For Grand Teton National Park, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner Cookout Ride at Heart Six Ranch: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto Vallarta $19
    Grand Teton National Park $43

Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Vallarta are as follows:

  • 3-hr ATV Mountian Exclusive Tour to Sierra Madre: $65
  • Snorkel Adventure at Majahuitas Beach: $53
  • Zip Line Adventure in the heights in Puerto Vallarta 10 zip lines: $66
  • 2 Hour and 30 Minutes Walking Tour in 5 De Diciembre: $45
  • 3-Hour Exclusive Guided RZR Adventure Sierra Madre Mountains Tour: $125
  • 360 Puerto Vallarta City Tour with Lunch: $65
  • 4 Hour Surf Experience in Corral Del Risco: $75
  • 8 hour All Inclusive Tour in Catamaran Arcos Animas Quimixto: $77
  • 8 hour All Inclusive Tour in Catamaran Arcos Animas Quimixto: $82
  • ATV Adventure from Puerto Vallarta: $110
  • ATV Adventure in Vallarta (Shared) : $125
  • ATV Adventure in the Jungle Single in Puerto Vallarta: $106

Tours and Activities in Grand Teton National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Grand Teton National Park.

  • Snake River Scenic Float Private Guided Tour: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto Vallarta $24
    Grand Teton National Park $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Puerto Vallarta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Fun Mexican Wine Tasting in Beautiful Garden of Puerto Vallarta: $40
  • Brewery Bus Tour from Mexico: $85
  • All you can drink Bar Crawl: $99
  • Mountains Route, visiting a traditional distillery: $270


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