Cabo or Puerto Vallarta – Which One to Choose ?

Cabo or Puerto Vallarta

When it comes to choosing a holiday destination in Mexico many people are confused because there are so many options that you can sample in the country. Mexico is a rich and diverse country that has gained a huge reputation in the recent past for having some of the best tourist destinations in the world. Some of the top locations include Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. 

Both Cabo and Puerto Vallarta have been rated as the best tourist destinations in Mexico according to the people who have visited the locations. These two places attract thousands of people every year and you be part of this group by checking the best location on the planet. They are both exquisite and easy to navigate with a well-laid-out city plan, the cuisine is delicious and the people are charming and friendly.

Choosing one location when you have options means that you have to compare the two and see what stands out for you and choose according to your taste and preference. Puerto Vallarta presents you with a chance to explore the intriguing landscapes coupled with mountains and amazing beaches which makes it a contrast between a jungle and a beach. Cabos on the other hand presents you with a tranquil place where you can relax and unwind on the white sandy beaches and swim or snorkel if you are an outdoor enthusiast. Puerto Vallarta is situated on the pacific coast in Jalisco state. The state is characterized by the Sierra Madre Mountain range which is unique and it brings with it amazing fauna and flora. On the other hand, can San Lucas be located in the Baja peninsula which is on the western coast of Mexico. Los Cabos contains a large area of beach corridor running between two towns.

How to get there

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta

If you are looking to visit Puerto Vallarta then you can access this region via the Puerto Vallarta international airport which is only 30 minutes away from the central business district. The airport receives direct flights from the United States as well as continental Europe. You can fly in from any major city across Europe, Canada, and the United States. A flight from Los Angeles will take you 3 hours, Chicago 3 hours, and Vancouver 5 hours.

Cabo 

Cabo San Lucas

On the other hand, if you choose to visit Cabo San Lucas then you can board flights from Europe and other parts of the world to the international airport in the region which is located 40 minutes away from Los Cabos town. The flight is about 3 hours from Los Angeles, 4.5 hours from Vancouver, and 5 hours from Toronto.

How is the weather?

It is important to note that these two destinations are in a tropical climate and both share over two hundred sunny days. The average temperatures are around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These two locations have rainy seasons and these usually increase the rate of precipitation especially from July through September. Puerto Vallarta is located in Banderas Bay and this makes this place less susceptible to seaborne storms.

However, the humidity in Cabo San Lucas is lower when compared to that of Puerto Vallarta. This makes Cabo a better place because the days are more comfortable and you do not have to worry about high levels of precipitation. Los Cabos usually experiences some storms during the hurricane season and you should be careful when choosing a place that you are to stay in the region.

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Things to do

Puerto Vallarta

There are so many activities that you can do and enjoy in Puerto Vallarta.

Visit art galleries

Puerto Vallarta is a renowned destination because of the large art galleries that are found in this region. There are local and international artists and this gives you a chance to explore the art collection of both the local and internationally renowned artists. Some sculptures and paintings date back centuries and you can learn more about the history of this location/

Watching whales

This is a fun activity that you can explore when visiting Puerto Vallarta because it presents you with the best opportunity to see the sea mammals in play. Thousands of humpback whales usually migrate into Banderas Bay and during this period you can capture the best photographs of these whales moving to the bay.

Snorkeling, diving, and scuba diving

Puerto Vallarta is a unique destination and you have the chance to explore what this destination is giving you. There are numerous water sports and activities that you can do in the area and these include diving, snorkeling, and swimming. The waters are clear and it is perfect for watersports.

Cabos

Ziplining

Cabos is not left behind because it is one of those locations that give you a chance to join others in ziplining. This is a fun adrenaline-filled activity and you can have your guide show you the best location.

Whale watching

Los Cabos is not left behind either because this destination is perfect for whale watching as they pass through the bay. the warm waters of Los Cabos make it perfect for the whales to go and reproduce by mating in the warm waters.

Explore the art scene

If you are a person who is into arts or you want to check something interesting about then you should check out San Jose del Cabo. They have unique galleries and you can explore them to your satisfaction.

 Enjoy an enchanting nightlife

One of the fun things that you can do while in Los Cabos is to check out the nightlife of this location. The people are friendly and outgoing and you will find some of the best clubs in the country.

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What distinguishes Puerto Vallarta?

The Hollywood Charm

Puerto Vallarta has gained a huge reputation among Hollywood actors and producers. It has been featured in different movies and series. The fabled nightlife coupled with amazing cuisine makes the region ideal for your parties. The seaside has become famous among many people because many of the films are set there.

Beachside

The Mexican waterfronts are some of the bests across the North American continent and these have been the best places that you can explore when visiting Puerto Vallarta. The waterfront and the walks have formed as a part of Puerto Vallarta and this is perfect for you. Check out the city and explore the best that the town has to offer. The Malecon is filled with restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, and there is so much that you can enjoy in this location. The experience is aiming.

Marine life

A majority of the marine wildlife is exceptional and you will encounter all kinds of animals such as whale sharks, giant mantas, dolphins among others. Puerto Vallarta is known as the best place where you can watch different plants and animals and get to understand the history of this place.

Embraces diversity

The people of Puerto Vallarta are amazing and they are welcoming to people of all groups. There are tourism boards that promote this destination as friendly to all people LGBTQ+. Since this is one of the friendliest cities in Mexico you are sure that you will have a good time when visiting the location. There are hotels, entertainment places, and communities where people of all gender can go and enjoy their time.

Cabo

Well equipped

One of the most fundamental things that have made Los Cabos the best destination to visit is because the area has everything that is exciting and guarantees you the best holiday. The town has grown exponentially and most of the things are tourist-oriented which means that you are going to get the best value for your money when you visit this awesome destination. The authentic stretch gives you a wide array of things to see and do in the area.

Cabo San Lucas

This is an area that makes Cabo unique because it is a bustling cosmopolitan filled with shopping centers, bars, clubs, and restaurants. There are also exceptional marinas in this location. You can catch the whiff of the city during your visit.

World aquarium

This is the highlight of your trip o Los Cabos because the aquarium is built on the west pacific coast. It is a perfect spot where you can enjoy different watersports and activities. There is a wide array of marine life when you visit the area and you can watch them or explore the open sea.

Endless sunny days

One of the best things that you will enjoy when you visit Los Cabos is that there are so many sunny days throughout the year. You will enjoy the expansive views of the area and enjoying the breeze while sampling local drinks is a perfect way to spend your holiday.

Renowned golf courses

Los Cabos is popular for many things; however, the 18 championship golf courses are some of the best features of this location because it gives you a chance to explore the region. You are in a better position in playing in one of the best golf courses in the world.

Accommodation

When traveling for your holiday one of the most important things that come to mind is accommodation. When visiting Puerto Vallarta, it is vital to note that you will find all kinds of accommodation from high-end accommodation such as all-inclusive resorts and presidential villas, mid-range hotels, and also Airbnb’s or hostels. Depending on your budget you can get a place to say in Puerto Vallarta.

Los Cabos is one of the best holiday destinations because you will have a chance to explore the area as you have options for a place to stay from hostels, Airbnb’s, mid-range hotels, and high-end hotels and villas. The price of these accommodation spots will depend on your taste and preference, hence the need to check out early before you visit.

Safety

One of the most important things that you should note is that Puerto Vallarta is one of the best tourist destinations because it is safe for tourists. There are police officers all around the clock to ensure your safety. When traveling always keep your jewelry safe to avoid tempting muggers.

Los Cabos is safe and if you are visiting this region, you should not be worried about your belongings because they are well protected by the security team in the region. However, when visiting the area, you should keep your money and jewelry in places not too flashy as they may attract thieves.

Cost

One of the main determinants for anyone traveling to Cabos for their holiday is the cost. The cost of a vacation in Cabo per day is about 100$ for a budget traveler, around $500 for a medium-range traveler, and $800 and above for a luxurious traveler. It is critical to note that these values may vary based on the food, mode of transport, and accommodation chosen.

On the other hand, you will spend about $ 120 per day in Puerto Vallarta for a budget traveler, $550 for a medium budget traveler, and anything above $1000 for a luxurious traveler. The price will also increase based on the type of meals, accommodation, and mode of transport selected.

Family-friendly

While both Los Cabo and Puerto Vallarta are perfect holiday destinations. It is important that you choose a place that is good for your family based on your taste and preferences. This will ensure that you have the best holiday or vacation. Puerto Vallarta is perfect for families because of the big spaces and family-friendly nature. Los Cabos is more of an adult location and you will experience more fun things as an adult than with a family of young kids.

Cuisine and drinks

Cabos is a Mexican location and you will find that most meals in this location are largely influenced by Mexican cuisine. However, you will find other hotels that serve other dishes from different parts of the world. This is a good thing because you can enjoy meals from different parts of the world even on your vacation.

Puerto Vallarta is the same and with the Mexican vibe going on you expect their dishes to be influenced by other Mexican cuisines. On the other hand, you can enjoy other international dishes prepared by the gourmet chefs around. The drinks served are from all parts of the world especially major beers, vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum.

In conclusion, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta are two awesome destinations and you should check the features of each location before making your final decision. However, you are sure that you will enjoy your vacation when you visit these destinations.

Aurimas Bio

Hi there! I’m Aurimas, a man behind Go Look Explore. I’m passionate about hiking, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, and everything outdoors related. Let’s connect.