Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta honeymoon choice is all about your prefrences. Cancun is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. While Puerto Vallarta is known for its picturesque beaches, charming old town, and outdoor activities.
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Cancun
Cancun has something for everyone. But it might feel too touristy. Once a Mayan fishing village, it developed into one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. Located on the Yucatan peninsula, it borders the Caribbean Sea and hence home to stunning white sand beaches.
Being a tourist area, many all-inclusive resorts with high-end amenities are perfect for pampering newlywed couples. The city has a lot to do and see, from the famous Mayan villages in the jungle to the water sports in the Caribbean waters.
If you love to party, Cancun is the right place.
Puerto Vallarta
While you’ll still find resorts, nightclubs, and eateries, you’ll be treated to a more authentic Mexican experience.
There’s much to do and see, from the stunning golden sand beaches with incredible sunset views to the lush hills beyond the Bay of Banderas.
The town’s colorful art showcases the culture on its beautiful streets. The party scene is vibrant, with plenty of nightclubs and beach bars. It is also an LGBTQ+ friendly honeymoon destination.
If you love outdoor activities like water sports and jungle tours, PV is where you go.
Beaches
Cancun
Cancun is located along the Caribbean coast, home to some of Mexico’s spectacular beaches. With warm turquoise waters and white sand, Cancun’s beaches are just perfect for a Caribbean experience.
You’ll enjoy numerous water sports such as snorkeling, jet skiing, swimming, or deep-sea fishing here.
You’ll also be spoilt with the numerous gorgeous beach resorts, especially on the Riviera Maya. If you want to move away from crowded places, hop on a ferry to Isla Mujeres for exploration. Alternatively, you can rent a car and head to Isla Blanca for more secluded beaches.
Puerto Vallarta
This beautiful town is located on the Pacific coast. So beaches include gold sand and lots of marine life when diving and snorkeling. While they may not feature the Caribbean blue waters, Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are magical in their own right.
For instance, they’re perfect for postcard-worthy photography owing to their scenery. You can start on the beautiful Banderas Bay or the stunning Playa de Los Muertos.
Here you can swim with the whales and dolphins, engage in fantastic water sports like surfing and diving, or sit and people-watch.
You can also enjoy a meal or drink in the plentiful beachfront bars and restaurants as you watch the most glorious sunsets in Mexico.
Also check: Beach Honeymoon Planning 101: Where, Why, and When
Excursions
Cancun
Cancun has a range of romantic activities to keep you busy during your entire honeymoon. Here are the best to try.
- Enjoy the Caribbean beaches: Cancun has some of the best beaches in Mexico in Riviera Maya. You can swim in the warm blue waters or stroll the white sandy beaches.
- Water sports: There are plenty of options due to the spectacular beaches. You can go kayaking, swimming, paddle boarding, or splurge on a cruise.
- Snorkeling: The Underwater Museum of Art has mesmerizing views of colorful marine life that hang around the over 400 underwater sculptures.
- A trip to the Yucatan Peninsula: You can experience jungle life, visit the famous Mayan ruins in Tulum and dive into the cenotes to cool off.
- Explore the islands: Isla Mujeres for seclusion or party in the vibrant Cancun nightclubs.
Puerto Vallarta
PV isn’t left behind regarding activities; you’ll have as much fun. The best things to include are:
- Water sports: Enjoy adventures like parasailing, swimming, and strolling the picturesque beaches.
- Snorkeling and diving: Experience the diverse marine life in some of Mexico’s best diving spots.
- Hiking: Explore the jungle as you hike the lush Sierra Madres hills that end on Banderas Bay and enjoy activities like zip-lining and ATV rides.
- Take a day trip to the uninhabited Marietas Island: It’s home to sea turtles; you can swim with the rays and dolphins.
- Hang around the beach bars: Wait for sundowners to experience the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen.
- Go on a romantic picnic: See numerous flower and tree species as you stroll the picture-perfect Vallarta Botanical Gardens.
Weather
Cancun
The weather in Cancun is primarily warm throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is December to April, when there’s no rainfall, and the weather isn’t too hot and humid.
Currently, the temperatures range between lows of 67 degrees Fahrenheit and highs of 83 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the shoulder season (April-November) is suitable for better deals, it’s characterized by rain and hurricanes.
Puerto Vallarta
Like Cancun, PV weather is usually warm all year round. But the peak season (November to April) is the best time to visit. Temperatures range between lows of 62 degrees Fahrenheit and highs of 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the summer (June-October) offers excellent deals, the weather is usually hot and humid and may experience floods.
Accessibility
Both beach destinations are easily accessible. Each has an international airport with direct flights from most major and minor cities in the United States.
When traveling to Cancun, you’ll land at Cancun International Airport, only about 30 minutes from downtown. From there, you can hop on a bus or a taxi to your destination.
On the other hand, PV’s international airport, Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, is about 20 minutes from town, and you can use a bus or taxi to connect.
Also, moving around the two towns is easy since you can use taxis, uber, public buses or rent a car.
Accommodations
Cancun and Puerto Vallarta have a lot to offer regarding accommodation. You’ll find beachfront resorts with modern architecture and amenities.
The best luxury resorts are built in Cancun’s hotel zone. The Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen are the best places for all kinds, including romantic adults-only and all-inclusive resorts.
On the other hand, Puerto Vallarta has an assortment of luxury hotels, resorts, and boutique hotels in Punta Mita.
Also, you can find budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals away from the touristy areas in both cities.
Food and Dining
Cancun
Cancun is more touristy. So, you’ll find international food chain stores with all your favorite delicacies. They’re most prevalent in the hotel zone where tourists are in plenty.
However, you can still sample local dishes. Look for authentic Mexican flavors in local restaurants and eateries. But you may have to go downtown if you’re staying in the hotel zone.
Some of the best Mexican dishes you can try here include ceviche, tacos, and enchiladas.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is more laid back, with fewer all-inclusive resorts and international food chain stores. Therefore, getting Mexican dishes from the numerous generational and independently owned eateries is easier.
Additionally, you can expect to sample authentic local dishes no matter where you stay. You’ll also find international foods in some establishments or all-inclusive accommodations.
Some dishes to try here include birria, pozole, and fresh seafood.
Nightlife
Cancun
The nightlife in Cancun is vibrant and matches no other. Whether you want to stay in the hotel zone or its outskirts, you’ll find dozens of nightclubs and bars.
If your heart beats for crowds and night parties, visit Cancun in time for the spring breakers whose only agenda is to bring this town to life.
You’ll enjoy the wild party scene in the best nightclubs, such as Coco Bongo and Mandala. You can also sample Cancun casinos and stand a chance to win some money.
Puerto Vallart
Whether you want the nightclub hype or to chill by the beachside and bond over cocktails, PV is a great place to enjoy it all. You’ll be spoilt for choice from the numerous nightclubs and bars where you can enjoy live music throughout the night.
You can find the best on the zona romantica and along the cobblestone streets of Los Muertos beach.
Cost
Cancun and Puerto Vallarta are within the same cost range. Whether planning a luxury or budget trip, you’ll conveniently do it in either of the towns. On average, a couple may spend $2500-5000 on a 7-day honeymoon in either of the cities. But this depends on your preferred accommodation, food, and excursions.
Culture
Cancun
Cancun goes back to the ancient Mayans, who were the inhabitants before the Spanish. The magnificent Mayan ruins, such as Chichen Itza and the walled city of Tulum, evidence this.
Currently, Mexicans on this side of town are festive and have many celebrations and traditions that date back to the Mayan time. These celebrations, including good friday and easter, involve parades and incredible decorations.
Partying culture is also a thing in Cancun, especially during spring break when the YOLO generation flocks to the region to party and have fun.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is an artistic town, and artists portray its culture and history. For this reason, you’ll find many iconic monuments on the streets, especially along the promenade in Malecon, PV.
In addition, many art galleries are tourist hubs since they showcase unique pieces by local and international artists. The streets are also lined with murals that decorate the shops and homes, telling beautiful stories of life in Mexico.
Language
The official language is Cancun and Puerto Vallarta in Spanish. But most people speak English, especially in the touristy areas.
Also, some people in Cancun speak French, Italian, and German, while the indigenous community speaks the Mayan language.
Safety
Cancun and Puerto Vallarta are generally safe places to visit. However, you might still fall victim to petty crimes such as theft and pickpockets. Therefore, wherever you go, ensure you exercise caution, and you should have a good time.
For instance, keep to the touristy areas, avoid walking in the dark, and always be aware of your surroundings.