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Many people ask my opinion on Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun, and which beach town offers the best Mexican vacation?
After living here for many years, I’ve learned that Mexico is a wonderful countrywith many magical places. It’s also one of the most visited destinations on Earth.
When planning to visit Mexico, I know that deciding where exactly you want to go for your vacation can be tricky.
The truth is that all of Mexico’s travel destinations are equally worth visiting and have something special to offer.
But since you can’t tour the whole country at one time, you can choose the best places based on what you are looking for.
In this post, I’ll compare Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun, showing you the main differences and highlights to help you decide which of the two destinations best suits your needs.
Both coastal cities attract millions of visitors from all across the world each year. And despite being hundreds of miles apart, they’re both “hotspots” for a beautiful Mexican vacation.
If you’re confused about the differences between the two and can’t pick one for your Mexican vacation, let me guide you through what’s best in both spots and what’s different and unique about them, hopefully helping you decide which is ideal for your trip.
Despite each city being a great place for your beach vacation, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta are also considerably different.
I’ve lived in both cities, so from my experience, I’ll share my first-hand knowledge of each with you.
Are you planning a trip soon? I’ve got you covered
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Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun – Ambiance
Cancun
The ambiance in Cancun is exactly what you’d expect from an urban city designed for the purpose of serving as a tourist hub.
Lots of high-rise buildings dot the foreground, leading to the deep jungle surrounding Cancun. The hotels are luxurious and elegant in the hotel zone, which juts out into the Caribbean and is separated from the downtown.
Although in Cancun, you can visit a few small Mayan ruins and a small Mayan museum to learn about local culture, everything else is modern and lacks the historical charm found in much of Mexico.
That being said, Cancun’s beaches and coastal areas are spectacular. You will find endless soft white sand and turquoise water, where you can swim comfortably most of the time.
The hotel zone, where the main beach is located, spans a 20 km stretch of white sand lined with highrise hotels, most opulent and expensive, with a few exceptions.
There is no historical center with sidewalks or walking paths to stroll around. The only places you can do that are the large shopping malls scattered around the city.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta offers a more authentic way to experience traditional Mexican culture.
The downtown in Puerto Vallarta has the colonial charm that so many travelers fall in love with in Mexico’s baroque cities. You will see old buildings, cobblestone streets, art galleries, and pretty shops here.
The city is rich in culture and history and offers spectacular scenery with the lush Sierra Madre mountain range as a backdrop, contrasting the blue ocean washing the coastline of Banderas Bay.
Top it off with amazing hotels for all budgets and styles, offering top-notch Mexican hospitality, and you have the perfect beach destination.
You can also check out:
► Playa del Carmen vs Tulum
► Cancun vs Playa del Carmen
► Cancun vs Cozumel
► Cancun vs Cabo
► Tulum vs Puerto Vallarta
► Cancun vs Tulum
Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun – Location
Cancun
Cancun is located on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea. This location makes Cancun beaches some of the most amazing in the entire Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
The international airport is just 10 kilometers away from the Cancun beach zone and downtown, and there are plenty of other tourist hotspots such as Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Holbox, Isla Mujeres, and Chichen Itza at easy reach.
Puerto Vallarta
Even though Puerto Vallarta isn’t on the coast of the Caribbean, it’s still just as picturesque as Cancun.
The city overlooks the Pacific, the world’s largest ocean, and boasts golden-sand beaches and stunning beachfront hotels but also walkable areas, such as the famous Malecon (sea promenade) Puerto Vallarta Old Town and the Zona Rosa.
The airport servicing Puerto Vallarta is just 8 kilometers from the city center. There are also quaint beach towns nearby like Sayulita and San Pancho and all the Riviera Nayarit to explore.
Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun – The Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Cancun
Cancun is the perfect tourist destination all year round, and although it’s a popular destination for spring breakers, other times of the year are much more enjoyable, depending on what you are looking for.
If you want to visit Cancun and desire perfect weather and the most enjoyable experience, December through April is the best time for your Mexican vacation.
The Cancun weather report is perfect during these months, too. In contrast, summer tends to be much hotter with high humidity.
The downsides of visiting between December and April are that the prices of accommodations are higher than usual, and crowds are on the heavy side.
But there’s a good reason for that; it’s absolutely amazing during this time of the year, and everyone wants to enjoy the good life.
Read more on the best time to visit Cancun
Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta
The same months that are best to visit Cancun are also best for Puerto Vallarta.
On top of everything mentioned above, you also get to watch whales during your visit to Puerto Vallarta in the winter from December to March. This is the whale watching season in Mexico and the high season for tourism.
The Puerto Vallarta weather report is usually warm and sunny. However, summer brings intense heat and humidity, while winter is slightly cooler and drier.
If you are looking for great deals, you should visit between April and June, when it gets hot and tourism slows down.
During this time of the year, you will miss out on whale watching, but you will find great lodging prices, hardly any rain, and fewer crowds.
Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun – Safety
Cancun Safety
Cancun is considered a safe place overall. Despite a few drug-related accidents, tourists are pretty much safe unless they are looking for trouble.
But it goes without saying that all the common sense rules apply here, just like anywhere else in the world. If you want to learn about recommended safety tips in Cancun, check out my post about how to stay safe while traveling to Cancun.
Puerto Vallarta Safety
Like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta is also considered a safe place to travel. Just use your best judgment, avoid peripherical areas or outskirts, and avoid walking alone on narrow, dark roads at night.
It’s best to stay in the tourist area and avoid overdrinking, among other common-sense rules, especially if you are alone.
The fact that millions of tourists visit here annually and the presence of a big ex-pat community loving life in Puerto Vallarta only shows how people consider it a safe place.
Still, there are some instances of petty crimes here, so make sure to read some safety tips before your trip.
Read also
Is it safe to travel in Mexico?
Is Puerto Vallarta safe to travel?
Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun – Beaches
Despite being on opposite coasts and having very different characteristics, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun are hugely popular for their beaches and incredible water-related activities.
In fact, both destinations are home to some of the best Mexico beaches.
Below is a look at what you can expect from the beaches of both places.
Cancun Beaches
Cancun is located on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, famous for its picturesque white-sand beaches and turquoise water.
The Caribbean coast is unbeatable if you want crystal-clear waters and soft, sandy beaches lined with palm trees. Plus, the plethora of luxurious hotels and beach resorts in Cancun make it the top tourist destination in all of Mexico.
Cancun also has abundant water sports, such as paddleboarding, jet skiing, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing, and swimming with some of the most exotic aquatic creatures.
The long stretches of picture-perfect beaches in Cancun make for a wonderful stay for beach lovers.
A half-hour ferry trip to Isla Mujeres is always an easy option when you’re in Cancun. In the summer, you can swim with whale sharks, an amazing and once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Not to mention the unique Nichupte’ lagoon, where you can kayak and paddleboarding among mangroves and all sorts of bird species.
Puerto Vallarta Beaches
As impressive as Cancun’s beaches are, you won’t be disappointed by Puerto Vallarta, either. The classic Mexican city is on the Pacific Coast, meaning golden-sand beaches and great marine life for snorkeling and diving activities.
Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta offers incredible scenery for photography lovers and amazing boat tour adventures. In winter, it becomes a playground for whales and dolphins, easily visible from the beach.
There’s no shortage of water sports activities here, so don’t worry about missing out on anything you might have found in Cancun.
And last but not least, being on the West Coast, you can enjoy watching spectacular sunsets over the ocean.
Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun – Food and Nightlife
I can safely tell you that Cancun and Puerto Vallarta each have plenty to offer when it comes to nightlife and food. But Puerto Vallarta is more popular for these activities, so it’ll be your best bet if your trip is centered around nightlife and partying.
Cancun Restaurants and Nightlife
There is plenty of variety on the menu in Cancun. You will find everything from Mexican cuisine to food from all across the globe. The all-inclusive resorts in Cancun offer non-stop food for a flat fee.
As a tourist, you won’t have to look hard for anything, no matter your taste. But for those who prefer to try an array of culinary choices, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Cancun.
During the Spring Break months, Cancun comes to life with its wild party scene. In the hotel area, places like Coco Bongo, Mandala, or others will offer crazy nights out.
Puerto Vallarta Restaurants and Nightlife
Most of the eateries in Puerto Vallarta are owned by locals and offer delicious Mexican and international food for every budget and palate. And if authentic Mexican cuisine is what you’re looking for, Puerto Vallarta is the best place after Mexico City.
The nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is mesmerizing. The destination event—Puerto Vallarta’s annual White Party—is just the tip of the iceberg for this vibrant city’s party scene.
Zona Romantica is famous for its bars and clubs, many of which host colorful gay parties at night—after all, it’s one of Latin America’s largest gay-friendly neighborhoods.
The vibrant nightlife is one of the reasons why Puerto Vallarta is walkable day and night, as everything is close by and people are always around. Walking the city at any time is something you wouldn’t be able to do in Cancun unless you’re touring a mall.
Another important thing to consider is that all the nightclubs and bars in Puerto Vallarta are located in PV main zones, Zona Romantica and Centro, which are easily walkable.
While in Cancun, you will need to reach your party place by taxi from your hotel, as everything is so spread out.
Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun – Hotels
Considering Cancun was designed for tourists only, you would think it would have a significant edge over Puerto Vallarta when it comes to lodgings.
But Puerto Vallarta really isn’t far behind.
Even though it was originally a fishing village, it’s now one of the top tourist destinations of Mexico, with all the luxuries and facilities you’d want readily available.
Let’s take a look at the hotel scene in both of these cities.
Cancun Hotels
The Cancun hotel zone was created for one purpose: to build hotels. However, here, you will only find big all-inclusive resorts, with only a few boutique hotels, if any.
It’s worth mentioning here that all the hotels in the hotel zone are relatively expensive, with mostly very modern architecture and amenities.
The resorts have bars and restaurants and even arrange all-night parties, which makes Cancun your go-to resort destination.
The downtown area, which is a little farther away from the coastline, has cheaper lodgings, including homes for rent and hostels available as well.
Staying in the Cancun downtown area is not as charming as in Puerto Vallarta. And it wouldn’t really make much sense for a vacation because it’s an urban area, a good distance from the beach.
Top All-Inclusive Adult-Only Hotels in Cancun
👉 Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun
Live Aqua Cancun is one of the finest all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, both for its strategic location and spacious luxury suites.
Plus, it is located on one of the best Cancun stretches of beach and right in front of Plaza La Isla where you will find great shopping and sunset watching.
Loved being able to swim lengths in the pool, have access to pool loungers. The whole environment outside was excellent and the staff were amazing!
Bethany | July 2023
👉 Le Blanc Spa Resort
One of the most elegant all-inclusive adult-only resorts in all of Cancun, Le Blanc Spa is the crown jewel of the Palace Resorts brand.
Sitting on Cancun’s white sand beach, Le Blanc Spa Resort ranks among the top 100 Hotels & Resorts in the World.
Most guests love the property’s spectacular luxury accommodations, exceptional personalized service, world-class restaurants, and pristine white sand beach.
Great food and the staff was so friendly and hard working. Laura at the pool works her butt off and is great to everyone. Supplying suntan lotion at the pool is a great perk!
gary | may 2023
👉 Hyatt ZilaraCancun Resort
Hyatt Zilara is one of Cancun’s most affordable luxury all-inclusive Adult-only properties.
The beautiful hotel is part of the renowned Playa Resorts group, known for its quality and high standard of service.
All the spacious suites and guest rooms offer an ocean view or oceanfront with fully furnished, premium bedding, 24-hour room service, coffee/tea maker, free bottled water, and other minibar items.
Our room was tidied 3 times a day.
Asaf | April 2023
Great dining options for every meal.
They made a great effort to clean the beach from seaweed.
👉 Read more about the top All Inclusive Adult only Hotels in Cancun
Puerto Vallarta Hotels
Puerto Vallarta is filled with boutique hotels, resorts, and Airbnb accommodations for every budget and style. You will also find hotels dedicated to gay travelers.
Compared with Cancun, the lodgings here are slightly cheaper. Additionally, you can stay in the charming historical center and the vibrant Zona Romantica while being within walking distance from the beach.
You don’t necessarily need an all-inclusive if you are in the Zona Romantic or Old Vallarta, as you have so many nearby dining options.
However, if you are staying in Nuevo Vallarta or near the Marina, you may love splurging on one of the spectacular all-inclusive hotels.
Here below, I am sharing my top picks among all the beautiful hotels in Puerto Vallarta
Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
👉 Melia Puerto Vallarta All-Inclusive
The Melia Resort is perfect for groups, solo travelers, and families.
Located on a beautiful stretch of beach, it offers 4 world-class restaurants and stylish rooms equipped with all the modern amenities.
The hotel is also located beside the Marina Vallarta Golf Club if you want to play a round and has an amazing on-site spa if you would like some pampering.
The property was much nicer than the reviews lead you to believe and I had a great experience. The food was better than a bigger name all-inclusive I was at previously as well. The location is fabulous, and it’s very close to the marina.
tory | February 2023
👉 Luna Liquida
This is one of my favorite hotels downtown (Old Vallarta).
Looking for an exquisite boutique hotel with a spectacular view over the bay from the rooftop terrace, where breakfast is served?
If so, this is your spot.
The hotel has the cutest decor, and each of the rooms has a different color scheme with delicate local art pieces. It feels like home!
👉 Hacienda San Angel
The former home of Richard Burton, Hacienda San Angel is an iconic hotel in Puerto Vallarta.
The entire building boasts a romantic colonial style with beautiful bright pink bougainvillea vines dripping from the white balconies.
The rooms are very spacious and tastefully decorated, making it the perfect place for a romantic getaway or a solo retreat.
Wonderful quality accommodation and dining experience. Friendly staff. Beautiful gardens, swimming pools and antiques to admire.
Vivienne | june 2023
Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun – Culture
In terms of culture, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun have quite different things to offer.
The former has a very authentic experience of local life in Mexico and its culture and activities.
The latter is a gateway to ancient Mayan civilization and its history, as it sits just two hours from the colonial Yucatan and the Mayan ruins.
Cancun
Even though Cancun itself is relatively new and doesn’t have much to offer when it comes to culture and history, it has enough places surrounding it to make history buffs happy.
You can take a drive to the nearby Chichen Itza, one of Mexico’s most famous Mayan ruins sites, which is exactly what a huge number of tourists who come to Cancun do.
Tulum, Coba, Valladolid, and the mystical cenotes are also not far away. In fact, many tourists choose Cancun as a base to explore around the area.
Puerto Vallarta
Apart from the local life in Puerto Vallarta, you will notice that the city is brimming with art. There are so many art shops and galleries everywhere you go.
Remember me mentioning how Puerto Vallarta is explorer-friendly?
Take a leisurely stroll around the artsy zona Romantica or along the Malecon, get lost along the cobbled alley of the historical center, check out the old colonial buildings, try the local street food, and walk by the beach at sunset.
Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta – Things to Do
Both cities offer incredible experiences that you will enjoy. So no matter which one you choose you are going to have the time of your life.
Below, I will share the top things to do in each city and a link to the full guides to the best things to do in each one.
Top Things to Do in Cancun
Among the highlights of Cancun are the spectacular beaches, the archeological sites in Cancun and nearby, scuba diving and snorkeling, and Isla Mujeres, or you could rent a car and get to Tulum and Coba.
You could also join one of the many incredible guided tours. Here below, I am sharing the top-ranking ones.
Just make sure you check what is included before booking a tour and a few reviews to avoid unpleasant surprises!
► Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
5⭐ 14,489 Reviews
In this tour to Chichen Itza, you will be visiting the spectacular archeological site of Chichen-Itza, one of the world’s seven wonders and a UNESCO heritage site.
You will then take a refreshing dip in one of the most beautiful cenotes on the Yucatan peninsula and visit the cute colonial town of Valladolid. A delicious buffet meal is also included.
Free cancellation – Up to 24 hours in advance!
Great trip and tour! Rey was a good guide, offered great information, and made it memorable. Would recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Onnie_W,AUG 2023
► Isla Mujeres All Inclusive Luxury Catamaran & Snorkel from Cancun
4.5⭐ 2,191 Reviews
This half-day trip will take you sailing along the beautiful crystal-clear waters of Cancun’s Caribbean coastline all the way to Isla Mujeres.
The trip includes some snorkel time in a beautiful area, and a delicious lunch will be served on your catamaran before getting to Isla Mujeres, which you can explore on your own.
Free cancellation – Up to 24 hours in advance!
The BEST excursion we did!! The staff for boat 17 was absolutely AMAZING!!! The lunch was great, the pictures were excellent. My family of 16 thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. My daughter shared her birthday with a crew member as well and it was lit!! Thank you all so much!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Constance_T, Jul 2023
Read more about Luxury Catamaran and Snorkel.
► Reef and Shipwreck Snorkeling Tour in Cancun
4.5⭐ 905 Reviews
If you love snorkeling, this tour is for you. An experienced guide will take you to exploresome of Cancun’s most stunning underwater landscapes, including ashipwreck and coral reefs.
A small-group tour that ensures personalized attention. Round-trip transportation from your Cancun hotel is also included
Free cancellation – Up to 24 hours in advance!
Fantastic day with our amazing guide Daisy, the Captain & our fantastic photographer. Warm, welcoming & helpful for every one no matter your level. Incredible last day for us in beautiful Mexico. Highly recommended!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Erin_B,Jul 2023
►Read about all the 45 unique things to do in Cancun in 2023
Top Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is also filled with a lot of things to do, both for culture junkies and outdoorsy folks!
There are many food tours by night and by day. Plus, you will find amazing hiking trips in the lush Sierra Madre hills embracing Bandera Bay and the city of Puerto Vallarta.
Many different snorkeling and whale-watching tours are available for sea lovers.
Below, I will just share the top-rated tours you can join, but make sure you head over to my full post on the things to do in Puerto Vallarta for further reading.
► Swimming With Dolphins (In the Wild)
4.5⭐ 442 Reviews
I never promote tours where animals are kept in captivity, so I was thrilled to learn about this dolphin tour where dolphins are left in the wild. Though, you can swim with them if you find them.
On this dolphin tour, you are not 100% certain to see the dolphins, but the boat captain knows more or less where they go, and you will have a very good chance to swim with these majestic animals.
But you’ll do it with complete respect for nature without supporting animal exploitation.
Our guide Pilar was amazing, knowledgeable and friendly. We saw lots of dolphins from the boat and in swimming, will never forget this experience. Highly recommend this tour.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Patricia_K, Jul 2023
► Check Out Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens
4.5⭐ 118 Reviews
Puerto Vallarta’s botanical garden is one of the most beautiful in Mexico. A 30-minute local bus ride from Puerto Vallarta makes a great day trip from the city.
Take beautiful walks around the park to see the many flower species and plants, and then stop by their local restaurant while watching birds eating from fruit plants nearby.
You can get around on your own or take a local tour where they show you around and tell you about the place’s history and initiatives.
Botanical Gardensadmission cost:200 MXN ( 10 USD)
Opening hours: Open from 9 AM – 6 PM, seven days a week, December 1 to March 31. Between April 1 and November 30,it’s closed on Mondays. On Thursday mornings, they offer early morning birding at 8 am.
Had such an incredible time on this tour!! I loved every moment!! The pictures that we purchased at the end had beautiful composition and some of them were even candid. In love with the botanical gardens.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Marketta_B,Mar 2023
► Take a Tour of the Marietas Islands
4.5⭐ 550 Reviews
While you’re around the Bay of Banderas, you can also tour the Islas Marietas National Park, a group of small islands in the open water near Bahía de Banderas.
The hour-long tour will fill you with excitement and provide breathtaking views of the sea cave, where you’ll find a hidden beach.
We loved exploring the Islands and Hidden Beach! Carlos and Javier were great guides. They took care of us throughout the tour. We would definitely recommend the tour!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Nora_B,Jul 2023
►Read about all the amazing things to do in Puerto Vallarta in 2023
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun
Which Beach is Better Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?
Both Cancun and Puerto Vallarta have fantastic beaches and water activities.
Cancun’s Caribbean coast offers white-sand beaches, clear waters, and lots of water sports.
Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific coast, has golden-sand beaches, great marine life, and beautiful sunsets over the ocean
Is Cancun or Puerto Vallarta More Expensive?
In terms of cost, Cancun tends to be more expensive than Puerto Vallarta. Cancun is a popular tourist destination with luxurious hotels and resorts, which can drive up prices.
Why Is Puerto Vallarta So Popular?
Its stunning golden-sand beaches, great marine life for snorkeling and diving, and breathtaking sunsets over the ocean make it a dream destination.
Is Puerto Vallarta a Walkable City?
Yes, Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable city!
With its charming cobblestone streets and compact downtown area, you can easily explore the city on foot. Enjoy strolling along the Malecon, visiting shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Which Destination Offers a Better Nightlife Experience, Puerto Vallarta or Cancun?
Puerto Vallarta takes the crown. The city is renowned for its vibrant and energetic party scene, with numerous clubs, bars, and entertainment venues that cater to all tastes.
You can easily walk there from your accommodation whereas in Cancun you’ll have to take a taxi because it’s so spread out.
Which Destination Is More Suitable for a Family Vacation, Puerto Vallarta or Cancun?
For a family vacation, I’d recommend Puerto Vallarta.
It offers golden-sand beaches, great marine life for kids to explore while snorkeling and amazing boat tours in Banderas Bay. Plus, you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the ocean together.
Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta: Which One Should You Choose?
So, after reading this post, which one will you pick? Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?
In summation, the difference between Puerto Vallarta and Cancun boils down to the kind of experience they offer.
If you care more about the beaches and all-inclusive hotels and want to be close to the Mayan culture to explore, Cancun is your place.
Puerto Vallarta is more famous for its nightlife and cultural richness, so if you want to experience a more authentic Mexican atmosphere, you like charming historical towns and yet enjoy the beach, watersports, hikes, and all sorts of outdoor activities, Puerto Vallarta is where you will find that.
In terms of expenses, pretty much both of them are equal. But if you know when to visit, you can save some big bucks in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.
Both are generally safe for tourists and offer fun in the sun with little care or worry.
So, with all the facts being laid out in front of you, let me know which one you picked. Happy vacation!
Before You Go…
Here are some useful posts that you may be interested in…
- How to find Cheap Car Rentals in Puerto Vallarta
- 13 Puerto Vallarta Travel Tips for First Timers
- The Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta for Weather, Prices, Events, and More
- 3 Mayan Ruins in Cancun that you may have never heard of
- Cancun Cenotes: The Most Spectacular Cenotes Near Cancun
✨ Mexico Travel Planning Guide ✨
👉 Do I Need Travel Insurance to Travel to Mexico?
I would do it if I were you. You never know what can happen and know that no matter what, you will be covered with any expenses will give you peace of mind, and make your travel worry-free. You can check out SafetyWing which I have used and find it affordable and comprehensive and also Travel Insurance Master which is great because you can insert all your information and what kind of insurance you need and their system will pull out the best insurance for your need.
🚰 Can I Drink Tap Water in Mexico?
No, you can’t! Maybe in some areas or in some homes where they have installed water filters but to be on the safe side, I would say, never drink tap water in Mexico. Carry a water bottle with you and fill it up where you find available potable water sources. Most of the hotels have those.
🚗 Is It Safe to Drive in Mexico?
The short answer is: depending on where you are. Although in general if you stick to the main roads and don’t drive at night you should probably be safe. In lesser tourist areas you should probably check the local news to stay up to date. Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is easy everywhere, even at night, although I would still avoid it. I recommend Discover Cars because the site offers the option to compare prices among different car rentals and you can add their own full coverage.
Read more on my guide on Renting a car in Mexico.
📱 Will My Phone Work in Mexico?
It will probably work, especially if you have a European or US phone, but your roaming rates may be to the stars (check with your SIM provider). Even if have an affordable international rate, you will be much better off by buying a Mexican SIM Card. It’s cheap, easy to set up, and it will keep you connected with your friends, family, and, more important, google Maps so you will never get lost!
🤕 Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico Right Now?
The short answer is, yes it is. However, there are parts of Mexico that are indeed troubled and you should avoid for now, and others that are super safe and easy to travel around.
Regardless of where you are you should always use some common sense rules such as, never flaunting expensive clothing, accessories, electronics, or money and keeping a low profile.
Read more on my detailed guide on safety in Mexico. If you are traveling to a specific destination I have got you covered as well:
- Is Cancun Safe?
- Is Tulum Safe?
- Is Puerto Vallarta safe?
💉 Do I Need Any Vaccine to Travel to Mexico?
No, there is no vaccine requirement (of any kind) to travel to Mexico
🇲🇽 Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Mexico?
If you are coming from the US or Europe you don’t need a VISA to enter Mexico. Once you get in you need to fill out a form that you need to keep with you until you leave. If you don’t have it you will pay a fine.
Although the tourist visa for US and European travelers used to be 6 months long which you could easily renew by leaving the country for a couple of days and going back, nowadays they have been stricter. You may be asked how you would sustain your living and other similar questions. Sometimes they even ask you to show your credit cards.
It seems odd but they can do that. If you intend to stay longer than a usual couple of weeks’ vacation time, just be honest and explain your plans. If you are not from the US, check this site to see if you need a visa
💸 Where Do I Find the Best Travel Deals for Mexico? 💸
A trip to Mexico can be expensive if you love to travel with all the comforts (like I do). There are a few tricks that will help you find the best deals. Here are my tips:
👉 DON’T travel in the high season, which is Holy week, Christmas and winter in general, and August.
👉 Book months in advance to find early booking discounts
👉 Use aggregators such as Discover Cars to find price comparisons and VRBO for vacation rentals!
👉 Look for packages flights+hotels on Expedia.
👉 Check on Booking.com or Hotels.com for hotel deals
Happy travels!!
