Puerto Vallarta or Mazatlan? Which is "better?"?

Question

I've ruled out cabo. I don't know if any of you has been to Isla Mujeres but this is the kinda chill atmosphere my girlfriend and i are looking for. If PV or Mazatlan isn't like isla Mujeres, thats fine too. I just want to know which place better for beaches, cool little beach bars, and resteraunts, great food, and great fun both in and out of the water. We LOVE beach life, but hate crowded, annoying, touristy beaches.

We love cool, little private, yet relatively inexpensive places to stay that are tranquil, and charming. We don't need loud clubs at night. We prefer nice beach bars and stuff like that.

Which place do you guys love? I am totally torn here. Thanks for the help.

Todd

Answer 1

im going to mazatlan this month and im hoping it's better, it's supposed to be the safest place to travel in mexico.

have fun on your trip! :)

Answer 2

I prefer Puerto Vallarta to Mazatlan...but based on how you describe the type of beaches you like, what about Manzanillo?  It's the type of beach you describe.  Not as touristy, more laid back.

Have fun wherever you decide to go!

Answer 3

why don't you try Todos Santos?  I've heard it's sort of like that.  This website lists it as "artist colony, surfing paradise, and tropical oasis."

Between Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, my husband says that Puerto Vallarta is nicer.

Answer 4

You can try IXTAPA ZIJUATANEJO too.

I love MZT, go every year.  Big city comforts and miles of beach front in the tourist area.

Answer 5

Mazatlan has areas that are much closer to Isla Mujeres than PV. Mazatlan is a BIG city with many areas and each one is different. You would probably love Isla De La Pierda. (Stone Island) It is on the other side of the harbor and can be reached in under an hour from any hotel with an 80 cent bus ride and a $1.50 water taxi ride across the harbor. Less than 2 and half bucks! Can't be beat. Then there is old town Mazatlan. And oh yea, we have the tourist zone too.