What is the Difference Between Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun?

At Anywhere But Here Travel, we often get questions about which part of Mexico is the “best” and really it depends on what you are looking for. Here are the top three areas that we book for our clients and a little bit about what sets each of them apart.

CABO SAN LUCAS

Located at the south end of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos is a unique mixture of desert landscapes, beaches, and mountainous zones that are a sight to behold. Baja California Sur is a state surrounded by the magnificence of the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific Ocean, it is a real paradise between two seas. Los Cabos has something for everyone, regardless of the type of trip you want, be it a chill weekend or an adventurous experience, a budget vacation or an over the top splurge, rest assured you will find what you’re looking for in this great beach and desert destination, located in northwest Mexico. The laid-back lifestyle of Los Cabos will quickly grow on you, including the events held in the region that are always a stress-free experience from beginning to end.

DID YOU KNOW… Cabo San Lucas is a lively town and marina at the very bottom tip of the Baja Peninsula and San Jose del Cabo is a colonial town about 20 miles (33 km) north and where the airport is located? These towns together are collectively known as “Los Cabos”.

Here are some key points to remember about Los Cabos:

• The beaches are not great for swimming, but they are great for sunbathing and walking
• The food has nice variety and lots of seafood options (try the tacos!)
• This is where Pacific Ocean meets Gulf of California
• The landscape is a contrast of desert and cactus with beaches
• Average temperature is 75F (86F high/64F low)
• Average humidity is 65%
• Most popular time to visit is Nov to May
• Best value time to visit is May/June or Oct/Nov
• Avoid the hurricane season from June to Nov

Our top unique or must-see experiences: Try a Camel Safari … Cruise around Lands End (El Arco) … Snorkel in the Sea of Cortez

PUERTO VALLARTA

You will find this coastal town framed by the mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental of Jalisco and the immense Mexican Pacific Ocean. This fascinating tourist destination with red roofs, golden sunsets, and cobbled streets, possesses everything that makes for an incredible vacation: beautiful beaches, leading hotels, and a variety of restaurants and activities. Puerto Vallarta’s art offering is amazing, from crafts found in the flea market to the fleeting creations made by artists with the sand of the beach. Its art galleries, boardwalk, calm Banderas Bay waters -excellent for scuba diving, by the way-, and its endless nightlife, are some of the contrasts that Vallarta holds.

DID YOU KNOW… Puerto Vallarta is in the state of Jalisco but right next door there are also a lot of resorts located in the state of Nayarit and the resort area is called Riviera Nayarit. The airport is right on the border of these two amazing states that often combine forces with their tourism efforts.

Here are some key points to remember about Puerto Vallarta:

• The beaches are narrow but protected by Bandaras Bay
• The food is more adventurous with strong seafood influence (try fish on a stick!)
• Don’t miss some of the best sunsets in Mexico!
• The landscape is a mixture of mountains, hidden islands, jungles and beaches
• Average temperature is 77F (85F high/69F low)
• Average humidity is 79%
• Most popular time to visit is Feb to Apr
• Best time to see the whales is Dec to Mar
• Best value time to visit is May/June and Sept/Oct
• There is less risk of hurricanes overall even though the rains come June to Sept

Our top unique or must-see experiences: Visit the Malecon … Go Whale Watching … Visit Las Caletas

CANCUN / RIVIERA MAYA

Cancun is located in Quintana Roo, where Mayan culture shines on every corner.  Surrounded by the breathtaking Caribbean Sea, soft coral sands, and the striking shade of blue that emerges from its crystal-clear waters, a visit to Cancun will make you wonder whether you are in a dream or else. The splendorous and mystical ruins will take you on an incredible journey back to the Mayan civilization.

DID YOU KNOW… Riviera Maya is located just south of Cancun and offers more lush greenery and some of the best diving and snorkeling. There are several cenotes (underground pools) to enjoy and it brings you closer to some famous archeological ruins.

Here are some key points to remember about Cancun:

• The beaches are turquoise in color with white sandy shores
• The food has more European influences with seafood (try lime soup!)
• The nightlight is vibrant in downtown
• Best for archaeological explorations and diving/snorkeling
• A great spot for ecological water parks/playgrounds
• The most variety of accommodations from ultra-luxury to boutique hotels
• Average temperature is 80F (86F high/73F low)
• Average humidity is 78%
• Most popular time to visit is Dec to April (try to visit before March to avoid spring breakers)
• Best value time to visit is April/May or Nov/Dec
• Avoid the rains & hurricane season from July to Oct

Our top unique or must-see experiences: Visit Chichen Itza … Swim in a cenote … Visit the underwater museum