A Travel Price Comparison for Mexico Isla Mujeres vs. Puerto Vallarta for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Puerto Vallarta. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a relaxing, laid back, and idyllic island. Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Isla Mujeres 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.

Isla Mujeres and Puerto Vallarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Isla Mujeres and Puerto Vallarta 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, nightlife, and shopping, while Isla Mujeres is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Isla Mujeres is popular for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Puerto Vallarta is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Malecon.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Puerto Vallarta is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isla Mujeres. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

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 Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its evening party scene.

Puerto Vallarta has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

Is Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

There are first-rate resorts to choose from in both Isla Mujeres and Puerto Vallarta.

Vacationers flock to Isla Mujeres for its luxury resorts. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Puerto Vallarta is a great choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Is Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres is not to be missed. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

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 Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres 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, Isla Mujeres is a very popular vacation destination. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

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 the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Isla Mujeres is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Isla Mujeres has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Is Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta More Beautiful?

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

Isla Mujeres offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Beautiful beaches with white sand and blue water make this a beautiful destination. The underwater world is also spectacular to explore.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

Puerto Vallarta is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres 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, Isla Mujeres has plenty to offer. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

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 Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Isla Mujeres and Puerto Vallarta are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Isla Mujeres is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

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.

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

Both Isla Mujeres and Puerto Vallarta offer good public transit options.

Isla Mujeres has a few public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

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

Is Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres and Puerto Vallarta both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable island. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable destination. 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 Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta?

In either Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Isla Mujeres because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Isla Mujeres, and 3-5 days is enough time in Puerto Vallarta.

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

Couples should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Puerto Vallarta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta?

The idyllic destination of Isla Mujeres offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta?

The island of Isla Mujeres offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta?

Isla Mujeres is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this coastal destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Isla Mujeres. 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.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Isla Mujeres and Puerto Vallarta, we can see that Isla Mujeres is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Vallarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Isla Mujeres would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Isla Mujeres 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 Isla Mujeres Expensive? and Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres 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.