My husband and I are hoping to make our first trip to
Mexico early next year. We can't make our minds up whether
to go to Playa del Carmen (Nr. Cancun) or Puerto Vallarta.
Does anyone have any recommendations ? We are hoping to
avoid the All-Inclusive holiday trap.
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to see Mexico and not some Gringo-filled Disneyland of
destination resorts, don't stay in any of the big resort
areas. My recommendation would be to utilize the cheap
airfare to a place such as Puerto Vallarta, then utilize
local bus service to find a beach community several hours
away from the resort. You will save a tremendous amount of
money, enjoy the beach much more, and realy see a bit of the
country instead of an outpost of Americana. Do some research
as to towns that could be likely destinations -- both the
Lonely Planet guide as well as the highly recommended Moon
Guide to Pacific Mexico should get you pointed in the right
direction. Lodging and food will be a fraction of the cost,
and bus service is (ridiculously) cheap, even for first
class service. The bus system is also very easy to use, and
frankly knowing just basic Spanish phrases will get you
where you need to go. Don't be put off by Mexico's
reputation for high crime -- rural areas (especially away
from resorts) are generally very safe, and are probably
safer than many similar American communities.
yes, both places are pretty much tourist traps. I agree
with Mtn Man, take advantage of the cheap airfare then take
the bus a few hours. I don't have much experience near PV
but there are some great beaches down the road a couple
hours past Playa del Carmen... past Tulum...
Suerte.
Pedro
Having been to both locations, I would strongly recommend
Playa over Puerto, for many reasons, The biggest of which
is the difference in the water. I prefer the turquise blue
of the Caribean.
I also think that there is more variety of things to see
in the Yucatan, ie: Chichtzen Itza, Tullum, Isla de
Mujeras, Sian Kaan Bioshpere etc.
Have a great trip
C.H.
We just returned from Playa (Took a Charter Airline from
S.L.C. to Cancun) and like it because of the water and
beach. If you are looking for the "Small, undiscovered
Mexican Beach Towns," you'd have better luck either North
or South of P.V. There are several off the main highway
between 20 and 40 miles North, and several more after that.
I've heard there are some South. The small towns South of
Cancun are developing fast, but still there. You may look
at "Holgren Island" (or some name similar) between Cancun
and Merida.
We just returned from Playa (Took a Charter Airline from
S.L.C. to Cancun) and like it because of the water and
beach. If you are looking for the "Small, undiscovered
Mexican Beach Towns," you'd have better luck either North
or South of P.V. There are several off the main highway
between 20 and 40 miles North, and several more after that.
I've heard there are some South. The small towns South of
Cancun are developing fast, but still there. You may look
at "Holgren Island" (or some name similar) between Cancun
and Merida.
I loved Puerto Vallarta. Check out the Hotel Villa del Mar
in the old section of the city. It's not too touristy and
they have great prices. An awesome village south of P.V. is
Yelapa. It's only accessable by boat and definitely worth a
few nights stay.
Buena Suerte,
Chris
I agree with chris if you go to puerto vallarta stay in the
villa del mar. its a great place and the staff is super
nice. i just spent a month there. but i also agree with
posts from above, puerto vallarta is a tourist trap but a
great base to see mexico from. punta de mita is nice and it
is a hour north. but i would reccommend to go even
further.have fun!
I too have been to both..Cancun 4 years ago including Tulum
and all the way to the Belize border. The water yes, was
lovely but the trash on the beaches that were away from the
tourists was truely off-putting. I found the beaches this
Jan around PV to be lovely, water was great except watching
for the undertow at times and the people much more
friendly. I agree to go out of the area is best especially
south. If anyone wants to see Punta Mita, better go now
before the Four Seasons Hotel has opened.
sounds like you want to go somewhere where there are
tourists since your top two picks are of the top 3 resort
areas. I've been to both, detested cancun. Your best bet,
fly into cancun, take the bus an hour south and stay at
playa del carmen (1hr south) less touristy, but developing
quickly. Gorgeous crystal-clear turqouise water, long
white sandy beaches. I loved it. there is a lot to do
there, night life, dining, hotels.