A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto Vallarta vs. Juneau for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Juneau?

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 Juneau can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a cultural, coastal, and colorful town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Juneau

Juneau is a historic, scenic, and breathtaking city. You'll find world class beauty in Juneau as well. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Juneau travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Juneau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Juneau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Juneau are both popular with visitors, Puerto Vallarta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Juneau is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Malecon. Juneau is popular for its wildlife, natural beauty, and Gold Rush in 1880.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Juneau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Juneau 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 Juneau?

Juneau is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Juneau specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many museums focus on the history in the area, including the Gold Rush and the mining industry. You can visit several historic mines as well as the Last Chance Mining Museum. Other museums around town include the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Walter Soboleff Building, and the Alaska State Museum.

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.

Is the Food Better in Puerto Vallarta or Juneau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Puerto Vallarta and Juneau.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Juneau. The seafood is superb and visitors will regret if they miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab. There are many local restaurants and local chefs serving up the freshest caught fish. For the best seafood, head to the waterfront, and if you're looking for something other than seafood, the downtown is where you'll want to be.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Juneau Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Juneau is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Juneau. There are a couple of bars and breweries, but most people relax in the evening.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Juneau Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its resorts. However, Juneau is not a resort destination.

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.

Juneau is not a resort destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Juneau Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Juneau Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a well-known place for the beach. However, Juneau 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.

Juneau is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Juneau Better for Hiking?

Juneau is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Juneau specifically for its hiking. You'll find more than 250 miles of hiking trails in the area, and this really is the best way to experience Alaska. The area is known for its wildlife, but there are also glacier hikes, meadows, mountains, and more. In downtown Juneau there's the Perseverance Trail, the Granite Creek Trail, and the Mount Roberts Trail. From the Mendenhall Visitor Center there's the East Glacier Loop Trail, the West Glacier Trail, and the Nugget Falls Trail. There are also trails on Douglas Island and many options just outside of town.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Juneau?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Juneau are great shopping destinations.

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 is a popular activity when visiting Juneau. There's a mix of contemporary art and traditional artisan crafts. You'll find gift shops and art galleries around, particularly downtown and in the Mendenhall Valley business district. Visitors often enjoy buying art, wood carvings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, or dolls.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Juneau More Beautiful?

Juneau 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 Juneau as well. The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Juneau Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Juneau.

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.

Juneau is a very family-friendly destination. Its is filled with adventure that the whole family will enjoy. There's whale watching, dog sled tours, helicopter rides, hiking, and the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway. This bucket-list destination will have an impact on kids and adults alike.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Juneau Better for Couples?

Juneau 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, Juneau has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy exploring and adventuring will be in awe of this destination. Glacier trekking, superb gardens, and romantic helicopter rides will leave you feeling like a contestant on "The Bachelor". There are also opportunities for romantic evenings out and cozy hotels where you can stay in.

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 Juneau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Juneau are great 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.

Juneau is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular destination with budget hotels and even a hostel or two.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its public transit. However, Juneau is not a good city 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 Juneau. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane and there are three bus routes through town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Juneau a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta and Juneau both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Juneau is very walkable. The downtown is very walkable and many places can be reached within a reasonable walk.

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

Should I spend more time in Juneau or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Juneau?

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

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Juneau. 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 Juneau than Puerto Vallarta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Juneau that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Juneau 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 Juneau?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The scenic destination of Juneau offers shopping and museums. 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 Juneau?

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The city of Juneau offers museums and food. 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 Juneau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Juneau 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 city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Juneau?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful destination of Puerto Vallarta. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Juneau. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Juneau?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Juneau. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Juneau, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.