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

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

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a coastal, colorful, and laid-back town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Grand Canyon National Park

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

Puerto Vallarta and Grand Canyon National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Grand Canyon National Park is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is popular for its iconic beauty, layers of color, breathtaking sunsets, and world-renowned geological history. 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 Grand Canyon National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Grand Canyon National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Puerto Vallarta. 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 Grand Canyon National Park. There are several markets, restaurants, and cafes in the park but, in general, the options are expensive and not the best. If possible, bring your own food and plan for a picnic with a view.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Puerto Vallarta has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a couple of bars that aren't too far from the park but you'll do better to bring your own drinks and enjoy the scenic setting.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Puerto Vallarta for its luxury resorts. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

With a selection of resorts, Grand Canyon National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several options within and near the park that range from luxury to affordable. Reservations should be made well in advance for most hotels within the park. Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon Lodge (North Rim) and Phantom Ranch are all unique places to stay.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Puerto Vallarta for it's beautiful 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Grand Canyon National Park is a popular spot for hiking. Hiking options at the Grand Canyon include an easy walk along the rim or a hike into the canyon. If you're planning to enjoy a view from the rim and then stroll along the rim walk, a day or two is plenty. Hiking into the canyon is a thrilling experience, but it does require more preparation and planning. You should also check out the weather before you depart as temperatures within the canyon can become dangerously hot.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Grand Canyon National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for shopping. However, Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Grand Canyon National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Canyon National Park More Beautiful?

Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon National Park as well. The canyon is a breathtaking national landmark that has striking colors and spectacular views.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Families?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Grand Canyon National Park. This park is a spectacular landmark with a number of nature programs that kids can enjoy. There's also a simple rim walk along the edge of the canyon that is perfect for little legs.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Couples?

Grand Canyon National Park 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, Grand Canyon National Park has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy beauty, nature, and adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are amazing hikes and breathtaking views that make this a truly romantic destination. There are also several hotels and lodges that make for a truly romantic getaway (book well in advance!).

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 Puerto Vallarta or Grand Canyon National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grand Canyon 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpackers and budget travelers can take in one of America's most notable landmarks while camping at the large and affordable national park campground.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Grand Canyon National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Grand Canyon National Park. There are free shuttle buses that run along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Grand Canyon National Park a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Grand Canyon National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Grand Canyon National Park is a somewhat walkable place. There's a nice rim walk that is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, but to reach many parts of the park you'll want to have a car or plan to take some form of transit.

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

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

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Grand Canyon National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Puerto Vallarta or Grand Canyon 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 1-4 days is enough time in Grand Canyon National Park.

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

In Puerto Vallarta, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this laid-back 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 striking destination of Grand Canyon 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 enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Puerto Vallarta or Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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.

Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 G Adventures Tours to United States of America, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas.

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