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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Zion 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 Zion National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

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

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a stunning, world-renowned, and breathtaking park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Puerto Vallarta and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Zion 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 Zion National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Zion National Park is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is known for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Zion National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Zion National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

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

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its luxury 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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Zion National Park offers a few options. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

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

Puerto Vallarta is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Zion National Park Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its beaches. However, Zion National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Zion National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Zion National Park specifically for its hiking. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Zion National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Zion National Park Better for Families?

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

Zion National Park is a very family-friendly destination. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Zion National Park Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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

Zion 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.

Zion National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

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 Zion National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Zion National Park offer notable public transit options.

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

Zion National Park has some public transit options. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Zion National Park a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly 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.

Zion National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

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

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

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Zion National Park?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion National Park.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion 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.

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta. This town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The breathtaking destination of Zion National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Zion National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid-back town of Puerto Vallarta. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The park of Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Puerto Vallarta. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

Zion National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Zion National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

The breathtaking park of Zion National Park offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Puerto Vallarta and Zion National Park, we can see that Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park Expensive?.