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

Should you visit Recife or Puerto Vallarta?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Recife and Puerto Vallarta can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Recife

Recife is a authentic, cultural, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Recife travel costs.

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.

Recife and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Recife or Puerto Vallarta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Recife than Puerto Vallarta, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Recife is more popular for its museums and attractions and big city activities, while Puerto Vallarta is known for its resorts and scuba diving & snorkeling. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Recife and is known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Recife is popular for its football and music scenes. It is also home to Praia de Boa Viagem.

How is Recife different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Puerto Vallarta and Recife. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Recife or Puerto Vallarta?

Recife is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Recife specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is large and cultural, so there are a number of museums that you can explore. Some of the favorites include the Instituto Ricardo Brennand, the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center, the State of Pernambuco Museum, and the Recife City Museum.

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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Recife and Puerto Vallarta can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Recife. You'll find plenty of local restaurants around town. Grilled meat is a staple in many of the dishes and you should definitely visit a churrascaria, which is a restaurant that specializes in cooking meat in the churrasco style. Food carts are great for picking up a coxinha (a pastry), and other local dishes include camarão na moranga (pumpkin stuffed with shrimp) and picanha (sirloin cap).

Puerto Vallarta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Recife or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

Both Recife and Puerto Vallarta are superb when it comes to partying.

Recife offers plenty to do in the evening. Many visitors come for Carnival, and this is the obvious time to visit if you're looking for the best parties. Even during the other times of the year, you'll find many happy hours, dance clubs, and live music to enjoy.

Puerto Vallarta has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Recife or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Recife is not a resort destination.

Puerto Vallarta is a world class resort vacation destination. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Recife is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Recife is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Recife is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Recife or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Both Recife and Puerto Vallarta are considered to be superb beach destinations.

The beaches at Recife attract visitors from all over. The city's beaches are clean and enjoyable to visit and one of the most famous is Praia de Boa Viagem. Some beaches are lined with hotels and nightclubs while others are a bit more removed. If you decide to swim, do take note that shark attacks in the area are a real concern.

Many people visit Puerto Vallarta for it's beautiful 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Recife or Puerto Vallarta?

Both Recife and Puerto Vallarta are superb shopping destinations.

Recife is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many local shops, art galleries, and larger shopping centers. Whether you're looking for clothing or a cultural souvenir, there are many places to browse.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Is Recife or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Recife is not a good city 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.

Recife is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a couple of museums that are good for kids, like Museu do Mamulengo. There are also beaches that are relatively clean for swimming, but make sure you go where the locals go and be very aware of the water conditions.

Is Recife or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Recife is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Recife is a good city for couples to visit. There are beaches and restaurants that make for a nice date day. You can explore the city, visit some museums, and soak up the local culture.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Recife is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Recife. There are a few hostels around town, but they do fill up quickly. The city is often overlooked by tourists but if you're looking for an authentic experience, then this is your place.

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

Both Recife and Puerto Vallarta offer good public transit options.

Recife has a few public transit options. The city has a metro system as well as city buses.

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

Is Recife or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Recife is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Recife is generally not a very walkable city. Parts of the city are more walkable than others. It's also best not to walk alone at night.

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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Recife?

How long in Recife or Puerto Vallarta?

In either Recife or Puerto Vallarta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Recife because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Recife, and 3-5 days is enough time in Puerto Vallarta.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Recife. 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 Recife. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Puerto Vallarta that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Recife 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 Recife or Puerto Vallarta?

The cultural destination of Recife offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Puerto Vallarta. 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.

A weekend in Recife or Puerto Vallarta?

The city of Recife offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Recife or Puerto Vallarta?

Recife is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Recife or Puerto Vallarta?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Recife. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Puerto Vallarta. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, and The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Recife and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Recife is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Vallarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Recife is in South America and Puerto Vallarta is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Recife would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Recife 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 Recife Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Recife or Puerto Vallarta?

Recife has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Recife and Puerto Vallarta, 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.