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

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

Puerto Vallarta

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

Jasper National Park

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

Puerto Vallarta and Jasper National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Jasper 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 Jasper National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. Jasper National Park is well known for its wildlife and pristine natural beauty

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Jasper National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Jasper National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You can learn about the area with a visit to the Jasper Yellowhead Museum & Archive.

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

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Jasper National Park. There are several decent restaurants and bistros near or in the park. Many are connected to lodges and some offer great views.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Jasper National Park Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for nightlife. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Jasper National Park Stargazing and sitting by an open fire is the best way to spend the evening.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Jasper National Park Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is terrific for its resorts. However, Jasper National Park is not a resort destination.

Puerto Vallarta offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Jasper National Park is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Jasper National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Jasper National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Jasper National Park Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its beaches. However, Jasper National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Jasper National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Jasper National Park Better for Hiking?

Jasper National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Jasper National Park specifically for its hiking. Hiking is a truly world class experience in this large park. There are miles of trails, both backcountry and more accessible, that allow access to the park's stunning beauty. Whether you're looking for a shorter family-friendly hike, or planning a multi-week backcountry adventure, this park has it all.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is well known for shopping. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known 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, Jasper National Park has some nice offerings. In town you'll find shops where you can pick up souvenirs or things you may have forgotten.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Jasper National Park More Beautiful?

Jasper 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 Jasper National Park as well. The Canadian Rockies create a stunning backdrop for this beautiful and vast national park.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Jasper National Park Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Jasper 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.

Jasper National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who love running, hiking, and exploring will enjoy a visit to this iconic park. The hiking trails are world class and you'll likely see some wildlife during your trip. Camping with s'mores and hot dogs will make for a memorable family vacation.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Jasper National Park Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Jasper National Park are excellent 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.

Jasper National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are lodges where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway. For the more adventurous, camping is a great way to experience the park. If you enjoy outdoor adventures together, then this is a great place to spend some time in nature.

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

Jasper 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.

Jasper National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Camping is the best way to experience the park in full. You'll be surrounded by nature, and if you're lucky, some wildlife might pass by as well.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Puerto Vallarta, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Jasper National Park. If you don't have your own vehicle, a bus tour is your best option for experiencing the park.

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

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its walkability. However, Jasper National Park is not particularly known 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.

Jasper National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large, and a vehicle is necessary to reach most trailheads.

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

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

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Jasper National Park?

In either Puerto Vallarta or Jasper National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Puerto Vallarta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Jasper National Park. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-5 days is enough time in Jasper National Park.

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Puerto Vallarta. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The stunning destination of Jasper National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Jasper National Park?

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The national park of Jasper 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 Jasper National Park?

Many people visit Puerto Vallarta for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Puerto Vallarta. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Jasper National Park is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. This national park offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Jasper National Park?

The laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta offers museums and nightlife. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Jasper 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 Canada, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada.

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