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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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.

Sequoia National Park

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

Puerto Vallarta and Sequoia National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Both Sequoia National Park and Puerto Vallarta have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Sequoia National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Sequoia National Park is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is popular for its spectacularly large sequoia trees and its dramatic beauty. Puerto Vallarta is well known for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Sequoia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a town with good options for its museums and history. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its 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.

Sequoia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The visitor centers have informational exhibits and there's also The Giant Forest Museum.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Sequoia 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 Sequoia National Park. There are restaurants, cafes, and markets in the park where you can pick up food. Some options are only open seasonally so check in advance to make sure you understand the options.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Sequoia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Sequoia 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Sequoia National Park. Nightlife is limited to stargazing and campfire chats.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Sequoia National Park Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Puerto Vallarta is a world class resort vacation destination. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Sequoia National Park offers a few options. Wuksachi Lodge is the signature hotel option in the park.

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

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

Puerto Vallarta is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Sequoia National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Sequoia National Park Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Puerto Vallarta attract visitors from all over. 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.

Sequoia National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Sequoia National Park Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Sequoia National Park specifically for its hiking. Hiking options range from day hiking to overnight backpacking. The hikes can be easy and accessible or more challenging, but whatever your style, you're sure to be amazed by this spectacular setting. The trails wander through high reaching trees or along steep canyons. Some of the most popular trails include Big Trees Trail, Crescent Meadow Loop Trail, Congress Trail, Tokopah Falls Trail, Hazelwood Nature Trail, Alta Peak Trail, and the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for shopping. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

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

If you're looking to go shopping, Sequoia National Park has some nice offerings. There are markets within the park.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Sequoia National Park More Beautiful?

Sequoia 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 Sequoia National Park as well. The spectacular trees tower over you and the setting is simply magical. There are world class hikes and settings that will leave you in awe.

Puerto Vallarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Sequoia National Park Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Puerto Vallarta or Sequoia 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.

Sequoia National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy driving through the tunnel log and gazing up at the impressive trees. It feels like a fairytale world where even adults can run around and embrace their inner child. There are also plenty of kid-friendly hikes.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Sequoia National Park Better for Couples?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Sequoia National Park are superb 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.

Sequoia National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, hiking, exploring, and camping will embrace the opportunity to visit the spectacular national park. There are beautiful romantic hikes and sunset views that will take your breath away.

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

Sequoia 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.

Sequoia National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Backpacking through the park will let you experience places that most visitors don't make it to. This is the best way to truly enjoy the nature, serenity, and beauty of the park.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Sequoia 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 Sequoia National Park. There is a shuttle service, but it's limited to the summer months and other peak travel times.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Sequoia National Park is lacking in good options 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.

Sequoia National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are countless hiking trails, you'll need a car to efficiently get around the park.

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

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

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Sequoia National Park?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Sequoia National Park have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sequoia National Park than in Puerto Vallarta. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Puerto Vallarta, and 2-7 days is enough time in Sequoia National Park.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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 magical destination of Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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 national park of Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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.

Sequoia 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 Sequoia National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the colorful 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.

The impressive national park of Sequoia National Park offers . Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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