A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Tulum vs. Puerto Vallarta for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Tulum 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 Tulum 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.

Tulum

Tulum is a lively, ancient, and archeological town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Puerto Vallarta

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

Tulum and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Tulum or Puerto Vallarta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Puerto Vallarta, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife.

How is Tulum different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tulum
Puerto Vallarta

Tulum is renowned 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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Tulum on the map. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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 Tulum or Puerto Vallarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum
Puerto Vallarta

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Tulum and Puerto Vallarta.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Puerto Vallarta has a huge number of terrific 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 Tulum or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

Tulum
Puerto Vallarta

Tulum is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Tulum is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Tulum
Puerto Vallarta

If luxury resorts are your style, both Tulum and Puerto Vallarta have amazing options.

Tulum is a world class resort vacation destination. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Vacationers flock to Puerto Vallarta for its luxury resorts. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.


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

Tulum
Puerto Vallarta

Tulum is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum is not to be missed. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

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.

Is Tulum or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Tulum
Puerto Vallarta

Tulum is renowned for the beach. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Tulum is a very popular vacation destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

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.

Is Tulum or Puerto Vallarta Better for Hiking?

Tulum
Puerto Vallarta

Tulum is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Tulum is a popular spot for hiking. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Puerto Vallarta?

Tulum
Puerto Vallarta

Both Tulum and Puerto Vallarta are superb shopping destinations.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Puerto Vallarta is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Is Tulum or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

Tulum
Puerto Vallarta

Both Tulum and Puerto Vallarta are superb to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Puerto Vallarta is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Tulum or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

Tulum
Puerto Vallarta

Tulum 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, Tulum has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum or Puerto Vallarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum
Puerto Vallarta

Both Tulum and Puerto Vallarta are superb destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Many backpackers visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Tulum
Puerto Vallarta

Both Tulum and Puerto Vallarta offer notable public transit options.

Tulum has a few public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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

Is Tulum or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Tulum
Puerto Vallarta

Tulum and Puerto Vallarta both are superb when exploring on foot.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Puerto Vallarta?

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

Families should spend more time in Tulum than Puerto Vallarta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tulum, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Puerto Vallarta 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 Tulum.


  • How many days in Tulum or Puerto Vallarta? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tulum 3-5 
    Puerto Vallarta 3-5

One day in Tulum or Puerto Vallarta?

The archeological destination of Tulum 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.

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this laid-back destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Puerto Vallarta?

The town of Tulum offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Puerto Vallarta?

Tulum is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Tulum or Puerto Vallarta?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tulum. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Puerto Vallarta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Vallarta or Tulum?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tulum is $121, while the average daily cost in Puerto Vallarta is $114. 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 Tulum and Puerto Vallarta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tulum $59
    Puerto Vallarta $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tulum $118
    Puerto Vallarta $126
Compare Hotels in Tulum and Puerto Vallarta

Looking for a hotel in Tulum or Puerto Vallarta? 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 Tulum


Hotels in Puerto Vallarta


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: Tulum Hotel Prices and Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tulum $28
    Puerto Vallarta $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:

  • Tulum to Cancún Airport (CUN) - Private Departure Transfer: $71
  • Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $77
  • Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $83
  • Horseback Riding in the Jungle w/ Transfers and Lunch: $100
  • Departure Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport CUN by Minivan - Minibus: $117
  • Private Transfer: Tulum to Cancun Airport CUN in SUV: $139
  • Tulum to Bacalar - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $154
  • Tulum to Mahahual - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $162
  • Tulum to Chetumal - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $184
  • Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Akumal, Tulum: $193
  • Private Transfer From Cancun Airport - Tulum: $208
  • Private Transfer Tulum-Bacalar with optional 2h in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: $213

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Puerto Vallarta Roundtrip Shuttle Airport Transfer: $32
  • Water Taxi transfer from Paradise Village to Puerto Vallarta: $35
  • Private transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport - Hotel Zone: $37
  • Shared transfer from PVR airport to Downtown: $43
  • Puerto Vallarta hotels to Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port-Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • From Puerto Vallarta Hotels to Cruise Port Departure Transfer: $44
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Port Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Puerto Vallarta from Cruise Port to Hotels Arrival Transfer: $44
  • Puerto Vallarta Port to Puerto Vallarta Airport(PVR)-Departure Private Transfer : $44
  • Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port to Puerto Vallarta hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Mexico Private Transfer from Marina Vallarta to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) Airport: $56
  • Punta de Mita to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) - Private Departure Transfer : $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Tulum or Puerto Vallarta?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Vallarta and Tulum 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
    Tulum $34
    Puerto Vallarta $37
Typical Food Prices in Tulum

Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:


  • Lunch
    $2.98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum

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

  • Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $79
  • Vegan Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $81
  • Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
  • Authentic Mexican Food Tour in Tulum: $146
  • Gourmet Experience: 5 Course Dinner, Cocktail Class and Wine Pairing: $159
  • Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299

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: $46
  • Taco102 - dinner taco walk - all inclusive: $55
  • Dinner Tacos Food Tour: $55
  • Puerto Vallarta 3-Hour Food Tour of Authentic Local Cuisine: $55
  • Off The Beaten Path Food Tour. Dinner in Pitillal : $55
  • Downtown Puerto Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $55
  • Off The Beaten Path Food Tour, Breakfast in Pitillal: $55
  • Puerta Vallarta: Seafood Lover's Food Tour: $56
  • Versalles After Dark Food Tour: $59
  • Signature Taco and Street Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $65
  • Vallarta by Road Food Tour: $75
  • Sayulita Cultural and Food Tour by city bus: $76

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tulum $31
    Puerto Vallarta $19

Tours and Activities in Tulum

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

  • Skip-the-line Admission Ticket to Tulum Archaeological Zone: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Coba Ruins: The trail of the Mayas: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Return Home: $10
  • Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Self-Guided Mayan Ruins Tour: $13
  • Explore Coba: The Ultimate Self-Guided Audio & Map Tour: $15
  • Archaeological Site Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Mystika Immersive Entrance Ticket: $27
  • Tulum Mural Tours: $37
  • Mystika Immersive & Tulum Ruins Skip-the-Line Ticket: $37
  • Cenotes Casa Tortuga tickets: $38
  • Playa del Carmen: ATV, Cenote, and Zipline Tour with a Meal: $42

Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta

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

  • City Tour Puerto Vallarta - Churches, Tequila Test and more: $18
  • Mexico: Puerto Vallarta City Tour: $20
  • Skip the Line: Vallarta Botanical Garden Admission Ticket: $21
  • Guided SUP Board Tour with Digital Photos: $24
  • Hop-On-Hop-Off City Bus Tour: $24
  • Hop On Hop Off Tour with Free Stops in Puerto Vallarta: $24
  • Butterfly Sanctuary Guided Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $26
  • City Tour, Tequila and Coffee Factory Tour: $26
  • Full-Day Puerto Vallarta City Highlights Tour: $29
  • Puerto Vallarta City Tour: $29
  • Hike and Yoga Jungle Experience in Mexico: $30
  • EcoHike experience through the jungle, mountains and hidden beach: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tulum $25
    Puerto Vallarta $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:

  • 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
  • Wine Tasting at Pan y Vino Tulum: $59

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- Tacos y Cervezas: $85
  • Secret Agave Bar Crawl in Vallarta: $98
  • All you can drink Bar Crawl: $99


When comparing the travel costs between Tulum and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Tulum 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 Tulum Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tulum or Puerto Vallarta?

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