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

Should you visit Curitiba 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 Curitiba 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.

Curitiba

Curitiba is a vibrant, cultural, and active city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Curitiba travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a laid-back, cultural, and coastal town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Curitiba and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Puerto Vallarta than Curitiba. While Curitiba is larger than Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is more touristy than Curitiba and is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Curitiba is famous for its performing arts, walkability, and culture.

How is Curitiba different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Puerto Vallarta and Curitiba.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Curitiba. There are a variety of museums around town that include a number of history museums, a few art museums, and other cultural museums that are worth checking out.

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

Both Curitiba and Puerto Vallarta offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Curitiba has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The official dish of the town is carne de onça, which first originated here and is a beef tartare that's served on flat bread. There are also many other traditional and authentic Brazilian restaurants around town, so this is a great place for a foodie to explore.

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.

Is Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Curitiba and Puerto Vallarta.

The nightlife in Curitiba has something for everybody. Like most cities in Brazil, you'll find a great nightlife scene with plenty of bars and restaurants. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Batel, which is one of the most international parts of the city, Itupava Street, which is lined with Brazilian restaurants and bars, and São Francisco, which is popular with the student population because of its affordability.

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.

Is Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Curitiba 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.

Curitiba is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Curitiba 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.

Curitiba is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for the beach. However, Curitiba is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Puerto Vallarta attract visitors from all over. 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.

Curitiba is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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

Curitiba is a great destination for shopping. The city has large shopping malls and many great fashion boutiques. It's a great place to spend some time shopping.

Is Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Puerto Vallarta. 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.

Curitiba is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has parks and museums that are great for kids. In particular, the botanical gardens and Bosque Alemao appeal to young visitors.

Is Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for couples. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Puerto Vallarta is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Curitiba is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great parks and restaurants that make it a pleasant place to explore with your significant other.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Curitiba is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Plenty of backpackers visit Curitiba. The nightlife and music scene, combined with a great public transit system, make this a good, but often overlooked destination for backpackers in Brazil.

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

Curitiba is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Curitiba can get you to most places easily. There's a great public transit system here that includes a metro system, trolleybuses, and buses.

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

Is Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Curitiba and Puerto Vallarta are superb when it comes to walkability.

Curitiba is a very walkable destination. It is a walkable city that is fun to explore on foot, but as always, take precautions in certain areas, particularly at night.

Puerto Vallarta is very walkable. 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 Curitiba Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Curitiba?

How long in Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta?

In either Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Curitiba because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Curitiba, and 3-5 days is enough time in Puerto Vallarta.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Curitiba. 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 Curitiba. 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 Curitiba 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 Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta?

The active destination of Curitiba offers nightlife and food. 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.

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.

A weekend in Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta?

The city of Curitiba offers food and shopping. 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 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.

Five days in Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta?

Curitiba is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

A week in Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta?

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

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 Curitiba and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Puerto Vallarta is more expensive. And not only is Curitiba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Curitiba 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 Curitiba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Curitiba 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 Puerto Vallarta would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto Vallarta than you might in Curitiba.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Curitiba Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Curitiba or Puerto Vallarta?

Curitiba has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Curitiba 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.