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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Tamarindo?

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 Tamarindo 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. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a scenic, laid back, and chill town. Tamarindo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Tamarindo travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Tamarindo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Tamarindo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Tamarindo are both popular with visitors, Puerto Vallarta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Tamarindo is known for its impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Malecon. Tamarindo is popular for its surfing, wildlife, and leatherback sea turtles.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Tamarindo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Tamarindo is not a good town 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 Tamarindo specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Aside from a few art galleries, there aren't many real museums around town.

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

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

Tamarindo is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There's a combination of beach bars and restaurants in town that offer local cuisine and international options. Many places have a laid back vibe that fits with the town's atmosphere but you'll also find some more upscale options.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Tamarindo Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Tamarindo are excellent when it comes to 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.

Tamarindo has a large number of nightlife venues. The town has beach bars, dance clubs, and regular parties that attract tourists and locals alike. The evening has a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a day of surfing or swimming.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Tamarindo Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Tamarindo 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.

Tamarindo is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Tamarindo 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.

Tamarindo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Tamarindo Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta and Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo. The beaches are popular with surfers but the currents can be strong so swimmers should use caution. The golden sand and beautiful setting make this a fun and chill beach destination. There are also plenty of water sports to choose from.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Tamarindo?

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

Tamarindo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find most of the souvenir shops along Diria Grand Boulevard. There are a few upscale clothing boutiques and jewelry shops as well.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Tamarindo More Beautiful?

Tamarindo is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Tamarindo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The golden sand beaches offer a beautiful setting where you can relax and soak up a chill beachfront vibe.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Tamarindo Better for Families?

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

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.

Tamarindo is a very family-friendly destination. The golden beaches offer a great escape for families. The surf can be a bit strong, but the kids will love seeing the sea turtles or going horseback riding. There are also beginning surfing lessons available.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Tamarindo Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Tamarindo 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.

Tamarindo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy romantic horseback rides along the beach, sunset cruises, and romantic meals. For the adventurous, there's surfing lessons and wildlife tours.

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

Both Puerto Vallarta and Tamarindo are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Tamarindo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area and many wonderful activities that let you experience everything that Costa Rica has to offer.

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

Both Puerto Vallarta and Tamarindo offer good public transit options.

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

Tamarindo has some public transit options. There are three public bus lines through town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Tamarindo a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta and Tamarindo both are excellent 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.

Tamarindo is very walkable. The town is easy to walk around and explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Tamarindo or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Tamarindo?

In either Puerto Vallarta or Tamarindo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Puerto Vallarta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Tamarindo. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Puerto Vallarta. People often spend their time 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The scenic destination of Tamarindo offers food and shopping. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Tamarindo?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural destination of Puerto Vallarta. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The town of Tamarindo offers shopping 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 Tamarindo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal town of Puerto Vallarta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Tamarindo is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This 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 Tamarindo?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Tamarindo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Costa Rica, and The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica.

When comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Tamarindo, we can see that Tamarindo 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. Even though Puerto Vallarta is in North America and Tamarindo is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Tamarindo Expensive?.