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

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

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a cultural, coastal, and colorful town. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Puerto Vallarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for the Malecon. Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Vallarta is very good for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Puerto Vallarta. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Dining out in Puerto Vallarta is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Puerto Vallarta is a perfect choice. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Puerto Vallarta. 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Death Valley National Park Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Death Valley National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Death Valley National Park is a popular spot for hiking. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Death Valley National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Death Valley National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Death Valley National Park as well. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Death Valley 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.

Death Valley National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Death Valley National Park are very good 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.

Death Valley National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

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

Death Valley 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.

Death Valley National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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

Puerto Vallarta is very good for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its walkability.

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

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable town. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.

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

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

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Puerto Vallarta or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Death Valley 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 Death Valley 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 Death Valley 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 Death Valley National Park?

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this cultural destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The national park of Death Valley National Park offers . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Five days in Puerto Vallarta or Death Valley National Park?

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this colorful destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This town offers something for everyone.

Death Valley National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This national park offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the town of Puerto Vallarta. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Death Valley National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Vallarta and Death Valley National Park, we can see that Puerto Vallarta is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park.

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 Death Valley National Park Expensive?.