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

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

Puerto Vallarta

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

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a gorgeous, stunning, and breathtaking park. You'll find world class beauty in Glacier National Park as well. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Glacier National Park travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Glacier National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Glacier National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Glacier National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is known for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

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.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is very popular for its resorts. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its 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.

With a selection of resorts, Glacier National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Glacier National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Glacier National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Glacier National Park Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its beaches. However, Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Puerto Vallarta is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Glacier National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Glacier National Park More Beautiful?

Glacier 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 Glacier National Park as well. This is one of the most stunning national parks in the United States with its many pristine lakes, striking mountain peaks, and breathtaking views.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Puerto Vallarta is 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.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly town. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Glacier National Park are great 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.

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

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

Glacier 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.

Glacier National Park is a very popular park to visit for backpackers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its public transit. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre 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 mostly limited in Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

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

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable town. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

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

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

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Glacier National Park?

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

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

In Puerto Vallarta, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The stunning destination of Glacier 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 Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

The park of Glacier 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 Glacier National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Glacier National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This 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 Glacier National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Glacier 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 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

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