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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan?

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 Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a quaint, local, and scenic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Ketchikan travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Puerto Vallarta than Ketchikan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Ketchikan is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Also, Puerto Vallarta is famous for the Malecon. Ketchikan is well known for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan.

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.

Ketchikan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

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

Ketchikan is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Ketchikan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for nightlife. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Ketchikan. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its resorts. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for its beaches. However, Ketchikan 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.

Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Ketchikan specifically for its hiking. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for shopping. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan More Beautiful?

Ketchikan is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Ketchikan attracts visitors from all around. It's located at the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage, so you can expect dramatic natural beauty and a breathtaking setting.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan.

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.

Ketchikan is a very family-friendly destination. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Ketchikan are very good 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.

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is notable for backpackers. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Puerto Vallarta. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ketchikan. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

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

Puerto Vallarta is very good for its public transit. However, Ketchikan is a mediocre town 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 Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta and Ketchikan both are very good 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.

Ketchikan is very walkable. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Puerto Vallarta and Ketchikan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than in Ketchikan. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Ketchikan. 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 Ketchikan. 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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Puerto Vallarta. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The local destination of Ketchikan offers shopping and museums. 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 Ketchikan?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the cultural destination of Puerto Vallarta. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The town of Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the colorful town of Puerto Vallarta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Ketchikan is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan?

Puerto Vallarta is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Ketchikan. 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 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Ketchikan?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ketchikan. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Ketchikan, 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.