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

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

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.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a adventure-filled, unique, and natural national park. Everglades National Park offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Everglades National Park travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Everglades National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Everglades 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 Everglades 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. Everglades National Park is famous for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Everglades National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Vallarta
Everglades National Park

Puerto Vallarta is very good for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


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

Puerto Vallarta
Everglades National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Everglades National Park Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta
Everglades National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Puerto Vallarta has something for everybody. 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.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Everglades National Park Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta
Everglades National Park

Puerto Vallarta is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.

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.

Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.


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

Puerto Vallarta
Everglades National Park

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

Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Everglades National Park Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta
Everglades National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for the beach. However, Everglades 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.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Everglades National Park Better for Hiking?

Puerto Vallarta
Everglades National Park

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

Everglades National Park is a popular spot for hiking. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Everglades National Park?

Puerto Vallarta
Everglades National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known 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.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Everglades National Park More Beautiful?

Puerto Vallarta
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Everglades National Park offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The natural beauty is impressive and it's easy to see why this is a highlight for many visitors to southern Florida.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Everglades National Park Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta
Everglades National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park 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.

Everglades National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.


Is Puerto Vallarta or Everglades National Park Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta
Everglades National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park 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.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

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

Puerto Vallarta
Everglades National Park

Both Puerto Vallarta and Everglades National Park are very good destinations for backpackers.

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Everglades National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

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

Puerto Vallarta
Everglades National Park

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

While Puerto Vallarta offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.


Is Puerto Vallarta or Everglades National Park a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta
Everglades National Park

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known 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.

Everglades National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

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

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

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Everglades National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Puerto Vallarta and Everglades National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than in Everglades National Park. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Everglades National Park.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Everglades 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 Everglades 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 Everglades 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.


  • How many days in Puerto Vallarta or Everglades National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Puerto Vallarta 3-5 
    Everglades National Park 2-3

One day in Puerto Vallarta or Everglades National Park?

With nightlife and food around the cultural town of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The natural destination of Everglades 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 Everglades National Park?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The national park of Everglades 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 Everglades National Park?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal town of Puerto Vallarta, there's plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Everglades 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 Everglades National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Everglades 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Everglades National Park or Puerto Vallarta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Puerto Vallarta Prices
    Mexico Prices
    Everglades National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Puerto Vallarta $128
    Everglades National Park $169

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto Vallarta is $128, while the average daily cost in Everglades National Park is $169. 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 Puerto Vallarta and Everglades National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto Vallarta $57
    Everglades National Park $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto Vallarta $114
    Everglades National Park $160
Compare Hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Everglades National Park

Looking for a hotel in Puerto Vallarta or Everglades National Park? 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 Puerto Vallarta


Hotels in Everglades National Park


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: Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto Vallarta $17
    Everglades National Park $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Private Transfer from Punta de Mita Area to PVR Airport: $180
  • Sayulita hotels to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) – Private Departure Transfer : $155
  • Puerto Vallarta Roundtrip Shuttle Airport Transfer: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto Vallarta or Everglades National Park?

Prices for flights to both Everglades National Park and Puerto Vallarta 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
    Puerto Vallarta $58
    Everglades National Park $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Puerto Vallarta

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

  • Winner 2025 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
  • Mexican Cooking Class, Tequila Tasting & Unlimited Margaritas: $89
  • Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour : $99
  • Puerto Vallarta- Market tour and Cooking Experience : $134
  • Rhythms of the night, sunset cruise, open bar & oceanfront dinner: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto Vallarta $17
    Everglades National Park $28

Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta

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

  • Sayulita Minivan Transportation Service Tour: $165
  • ATV Tour Rio Cuale Sierra Madre Mountains and tequila tasting: $73
  • ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge Experience in Puerto Vallarta: $167
  • Beachfront Massage Experience in Mismaloya: $42
  • Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary: $67
  • Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos: $46
  • Cachasol Raicilla and Tequila Tour: $83
  • Canopy Tour Experience in Sayulita, Nuevo Nayarit.: $68
  • City tour express; butterfly, tequila, and beach an ecological day: $22
  • EcoHike experience through the jungle, mountains and hidden beach: $30
  • Edenva Ecotourist Park in Puerto Vallarta: $69
  • Food & Mixology Tour:Tequila,Tacos, Mezcal and Agave Cocktails: $98

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto Vallarta $22
    Everglades National Park $7.86


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto Vallarta and Everglades National Park, we can see that Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Everglades National Park 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 Puerto Vallarta Expensive? and Is Everglades National Park Expensive?.