Cabo vs. Puerto Vallarta: Which Mexico Vacation Destination Should You Choose?

Thinking about planning a trip to Mexico, but still trying to decide which destination to visit? Mexico offers no shortage of fabulous choices for a beach vacation… but that does make deciding between some of the most popular spots — like Cabo vs. Puerto Vallarta — a challenge.

Just like how Cabo and Cancun each have their unique qualities, so do Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Below, we’ll break down some of the key differences and similarities between these two destinations, from the best beaches and local restaurants to the top attractions and best seasons to visit, to help you determine which spot is the best fit for your upcoming vacation to Mexico.

Is Cabo Close to Puerto Vallarta – And Is Cabo Safe for Tourists?

Before diving in, it’s important to clear up a common misconception – Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta are not close to each other. They’re separated by the Sea of Cortez, with Cabo located on the Baja California Peninsula and Puerto Vallarta on mainland Mexico, nearly 1,000 miles away.

While you may be seeing news about cartel activity in certain parts of Mexico, those situations are regional and not reflective of what’s happening in Cabo. Los Cabos remains a well-established, heavily visited tourist destination with strong infrastructure and a focus on visitor safety, and events in other areas of Mexico do not directly impact travel to Cabo.

Location and Weather

Cabo

Los Cabos is located on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Los Cabos tends to have a drier, desert climate, with limited rainfall. The best times to visit Cabo for dry, warm weather are winter and spring, before the rainy season begins in June.

Los Cabos encompasses two distinct cities, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Both towns are about a 30-minute drive apart, connected by a Tourist Corridor, so it’s easy to visit both on your trip. Cabo San Lucas is considered to be the “tourist hub” for dining, nightlife, and entertainment, while San Jose del Cabo offers a more authentic, local, and laid-back feel.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the state of Jalisco. This resort town is nestled in Banderas Bay and sits at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains, a large mountain range that provides a stunning backdrop to the beach and features a lush, tropical landscape.

Puerto Vallarta tends to be warmer and more humid than Cabo and experiences more rainfall during the rainy season from June to October. However, compared to Mexican destinations on the Caribbean Coast, like Cancun, both Puerto Vallarta and Cabo have less humidity. Like Cabo, the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is during the winter, from December to April.

Beaches

Cabo

Searching for a destination in Mexico with picturesque coastlines featuring pristine stretches of golden sand and deep-blue waters straight from a postcard? If so, you’ll love the beaches in Los Cabos!

Though many of the beaches along Cabo’s rocky shoreline are unsuitable for swimming, there are still several safe, swimmable beaches in Los Cabos, most notably, Medano Beach. Medano Beach is home to some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and is a central hub for beach sports in Cabo. And if a quiet, secluded beach is more your style, take a boat ride to Playa del Amor to see El Arco!

Puerto Vallarta

Because of its location in Banderas Bay, the beaches in Puerto Vallarta are protected from the open ocean and tend to have calmer waters than the beaches in Los Cabos.

Playa Los Muertos is one of the most popular beaches near Downtown Puerto Vallarta, which is surrounded by beach clubs, resorts, and a pier, making it perfect for a lively day at the beach! Playa Camarones is known for its calm, pristine waters, making it an exceptional spot for swimming and families with small children, while the rock formations at Conchas Chinas Beach make it one of the top spots for snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta.

You might also be interested in: Cabo vs. Tulum: Which Mexico Vacation Destination Is Right for You?

Activities and Attractions

Cabo

If you’re searching for adventure out on the high seas, from snorkeling and diving to sportfishing and whale-watching, you’ll likely find Cabo San Lucas to be the premier beach destination in Mexico.

Cabo San Lucas hosts some of the most prestigious fishing tournaments in the world, making it a top destination for avid anglers. And speaking of marine life… the waters off the coast of Los Cabos are teeming with aquatic life, including sea lions, dolphins, humpback whales, and even whale sharks, just a little further north in La Paz. Cabo is definitely the destination for travelers who want to dive and snorkel!

Puerto Vallarta

Cabo offers plenty of land adventures in the rocky desert, like ATV tours and mountain biking, but Puerto Vallarta is a great place for adventures off the coast. Head into the lush jungle and towering Sierra Madre Mountains surrounding Puerto Vallarta for thrilling adventures, like scenic ziplining tours, wildlife hikes, and horseback rides.

Atmosphere, Dining, and Nightlife

Cabo

Downtown Cabo San Lucas has a polished, upscale atmosphere influenced by its luxury beachfront resorts. The city caters to tourists and is filled with high-end restaurants with dramatic coastal views. Cabo has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of beach clubs and bars to choose from, and offers something for all types of tourists, including couples, families, and groups.

San Jose del Cabo, located about 30 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas, offers a more laid-back vibe, with local shops, authentic restaurants, and one-of-a-kind art galleries.

Puerto Vallarta

While both Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta offer a vibrant nightlife scene, generally speaking, Puerto Vallarta tends to provide a more relaxed vibe.

Travelers usually choose Puerto Vallarta vs. Cabo for an authentic, culturally-rich experience. The city’s charming local markets and cobblestone streets make it easy to immerse yourself in the Mexican culture and offer a stark contrast to the luxe resort vibe of other beach towns in Mexico.

Is Cabo Right for You? Book Your Luxury Getaway to Cabo San Lucas with Cabo Rentals by Jane

Ready for your next vacation? While you really can’t go wrong with a vacation to either Cabo or Puerto Vallarta, if you decide that Cabo’s picturesque coastlines, sophisticated flair, high-end restaurants, and thrilling water adventures are the right choice for you, we would love to host you at the Villa La Estancia Resort while you visit Los Cabos! Our beachfront condos, panoramic penthouses, and stunning villas right on Medano Beach will undoubtedly add to the phenomenal experience you’re bound to have while exploring all that Cabo has to offer. Browse our properties to find the perfect stay for you, and contact us with questions. We can’t wait to host you!