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

Should you visit Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells?

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 Wisconsin Dells can help you decide which place is right for you.

Puerto Vallarta

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

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is a high energy, fun-filled, and lighthearted city. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food. See Wisconsin Dells travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta and Wisconsin Dells: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta and Wisconsin Dells are both popular with visitors, Puerto Vallarta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Puerto Vallarta is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Wisconsin Dells is known for its hiking. Wisconsin Dells is more touristy than Puerto Vallarta and is known for its many waterparks and unapologetically playful atmosphere. Puerto Vallarta is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to the Malecon.

How is Puerto Vallarta different from Wisconsin Dells?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.

While most people don't head to Wisconsin Dells specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art galleries in the area, but most visitors spend the majority of their time at the theme parks and waterparks.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Wisconsin Dells is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak in a family-friendly atmosphere are the most common options in the area. There are also a few fine dining restaurants as well as pubs and brunch places to choose from.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells Better for Nightlife?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Wisconsin Dells are great when it comes to partying.

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.

Wisconsin Dells has a large number of nightlife venues. In the evening the fun-filled atmosphere takes on a different vibe. There are bars, clubs, casinos, and shows that keep things lively throughout the evening.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells Better for Resorts?

Puerto Vallarta is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

Wisconsin Dells has a few great resort options. Many of the waterparks in the area have affiliated resorts that offer family-friendly entertainment.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells Better for Beaches?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for the beach. However, Wisconsin Dells 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.

Wisconsin Dells is not a beach destination.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells Better for Hiking?

Wisconsin Dells is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wisconsin Dells. Visitors often forget that this was originally a destination for its natural beauty. There are still many hiking trails in the area with some of the favorites found at Mirror Lake State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, and Chimney Rock Private Park.

Puerto Vallarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Wisconsin Dells has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find shopping malls and shopping centers, as well as gift shops in the area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells Better for Families?

Wisconsin Dells is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Wisconsin Dells is one of the most popular family destinations. While it used to be known for its impressive sandstone formations along the Wisconsin River, today it has a more touristy atmosphere with theme parks and amusement parks. It's also become known as the "Water Park Capital of the World", and it won't disappoint. There are both indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as train rides, boat rides, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.

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.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells Better for Couples?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wisconsin Dells is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Puerto Vallarta frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is a good town for couples to visit. There are a number of resorts with spas and romantic atmospheres. There are also wineries and plenty of entertainment options in the area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for backpackers. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Puerto Vallarta is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Wisconsin Dells is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find campgrounds in the area, but most places are very built up and don't have the natural setting that backpackers appreciate.

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

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for its public transit. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options 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 Wisconsin Dells. There's no real public transportation in the area.

Is Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells a more walkable city?

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Wisconsin Dells is a city with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Wisconsin Dells is generally not a very walkable town. While the downtown area is walkable, you really need a car to access everything that the area has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Wisconsin Dells or Puerto Vallarta?

How long in Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells?

It's fun to spend time in either Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells. 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 2-4 days is enough time in Wisconsin Dells.

Families should spend more time in Puerto Vallarta than Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells. 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 Wisconsin Dells 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 Wisconsin Dells?

The coastal destination of Puerto Vallarta offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The fun-filled destination of Wisconsin Dells offers nightlife and food. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

The town of Puerto Vallarta offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Wisconsin Dells offers food and nightlife. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Puerto Vallarta is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Wisconsin Dells is a great place to explore. 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 Wisconsin Dells?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Puerto Vallarta. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Wisconsin Dells. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Puerto Vallarta or Wisconsin Dells?

Puerto Vallarta has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Wisconsin Dells. When comparing the sizes of Puerto Vallarta and Wisconsin Dells, 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.