A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Marathon for Resorts, Food, Nightlife, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Marathon?

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 Marathon 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.

Marathon

Marathon is a quaint, beautiful, and relaxing island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Puerto Vallarta and Marathon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Marathon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Marathon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Marathon is more popular for its impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. Marathon is well known for its Loggerhead sea turtles, the Dolphin Research Center, Sombrero Beach, and its many places to scuba dive and snorkel.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Marathon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marathon does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Puerto Vallarta is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Marathon. There are restaurants with waterfront terraces, raw bars, and other seafood eateries where you can enjoy fresh caught fish for a reasonable price.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Marathon Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is great for nightlife. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Puerto Vallarta for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Marathon. Popular nightlife venues include JJ’s Dog House & Sports Bar, Brass Monkey, and Cabana Club.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Marathon Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its resorts.

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.

In Marathon, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort.

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

Puerto Vallarta is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Marathon is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Marathon. There are many dive shops around Marathon and the area has dive spots that are great for every level. Some of the best sites are Sombrero Reef, Coffins Patch, and Thunderbolt wreck. There are also many snorkeling trips that head out to Sombrero Reef.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Marathon Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta and Marathon are excellent choices for a beach vacation.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Marathon. Sombrero Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and seeing the Loggerhead Turtles from April through October.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Marathon?

Puerto Vallarta is great for shopping. However, Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Marathon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Marathon Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Marathon.

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.

Marathon is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy getting face-to-face with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center. Families can also explore Pigeon Key or play in the water at Sombrero Beach. Families will find no shortage of activities on the island.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Marathon Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Marathon are excellent 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.

Marathon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful views, 7 Mile Bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. There are beaches and waterfront spots that offer a romantic setting for couples.

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

Puerto Vallarta is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Marathon is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marathon is not a good destination 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 Marathon. There's no real public transportation in town. A car is essential.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Marathon a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is great for its walkability. However, Marathon is not a good destination 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.

Marathon is generally not very walkable. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible.

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

Should I spend more time in Marathon or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Marathon?

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

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

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 quaint destination of Marathon offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Marathon?

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 island of Marathon offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. 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 Marathon?

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.

Marathon is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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 Marathon?

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.

The beautiful island of Marathon offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Marathon?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Marathon. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Marathon, 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.