Puerto Vallarta vs. Mazatlán: How Do They Compare?

[@alysmalls]

Are you team Puerto Vallarta or Team Mazatlan?! Here are the links to the blog posts & videos I mentioned in the video: 👉 Where to Stay in P. Vallarta: likewhereyouregoing.com/best-areas-to-stay-in-puerto-vallarta/ Where to Stay in Mazatlan: likewhereyouregoing.com/best-places-to-stay-in-mazatlan-mexico/ Unique Day Trips from P. Vallarta: likewhereyouregoing.com/day-trips-from-puerto-vallarta/ Safety in Mazatlan: likewhereyouregoing.com/safety-in-mazatlan-mexico/ Mexico Relocation Guide: mexicorelocationguide.com/guide/?campaign=pvmaz&ref=33 Mexico Relocation Guide Channel: www.youtube.com/@MexicoRelocationGuide

[@georgecole2655]

Been to Mazatlan about 5x and PV 2x. Both have their own natural beauty, Mazatlan has a more authentic feel and much lower prices for just about everything. PV is great for a short trip but I think the native people in Mazatlan are more respectful and sincere in their welcoming. They take advantage of the tourist in PV as would any vacation/resort area does. I think of Mazatlan being better for a week or longer and even living. Mazatlan is very big and along the coast there are many restaurants and things to do.

[@uliseszarate6561]

"Please don't come at me in the comments with the cartel BS!" Love it! Thank you sista' for putting that out there because it's sooo old and tiring when it's completely irrelevant if you're going to Mexico for the right reasons. 👏 ✌️ 👏

[@alysmalls]

😎

[@vanillascooplinda8849]

Those comments always come from people who’ve never been, and spend all their time watching the news.

[@ChrisBoyd78]

Just here for the cartel bs comments

[@RC_928]

Mexico is much safer than LA or Chicago

[@Arturo-e5s]

ty so much iv been considering retiring en mi hermoso mexico por que no ay otro. because its near impossible to buy a house here in the usa and mazatlan or somewhere in nayarit sounds great. both my parents are from nayarit

[@LosAngeles-le2bf]

I was just in Mazatlan and PV- I absolutely loved Mazatlan and thought the old town was so cute and charming. The people were very nice and it felt safe. PV was also fantastic!! But felt more “Americanized”. I am Mexican, born in MX but raised in the USA. Puerto Vallarta is the second safest in Mexico and safest in Jalisco. Cartels don’t bother you if you mind your own business and stay out of trouble. Nowadays, high crime exists in major US cities with a higher chance of getting robbed or shot. I live in LA and have my guard up if I am walking downtown.

[@fourthdeconstruction]

Very true . Mazatlan is a commercial port in Mexico and they have a fish industry so their inhabitants do not depend on tourism like PV does. It's also true that in Mazatlan you don't find a lot of variety in restaurants but they do have a great local cuisine. I honestly prefer Mazatlan and I always have since I was a teenager but I do enjoy going to PV from time to time.

[@sergiotirado3201]

I been in both but for me Mazatlan by far is better there are a lot more things to do and is a more Mexican

[@joygatewood8028]

I've visited both and prefer Mazatlán. It feels like "real Mexico" not just a tourist spot. Mazatlán has an ancient cathedral - PV does not. Mazatlán's many mercados have fresh food that is delicous - PV does not have food mercados that I could find.I like the climate in Mazatlan better too - not as humid. The 13 mile mercado is fun to walk - day or night.

[@missmayflower]

Malecon? There’s no 13 mile mercado, lol.

[@mariofigueroa6902]

i'll take Mazatlan any day of the week.

[@tinaibarra3136]

Mazatlan for the win!! Mazatlan is so much bigger, much more to do, food is delicious, party life is amazing and the natives are puro amor ❤

[@tonyelkevin7482]

Team Mazatlan 100%.. Love the sea food best in Mexico.. Great Local people and very friendly.. The music in Mazatlan is the best Bandas/live bands on the beach.. Mazatlan has the Largest Carnaval in Mexico..Love The Historic Beer Factory (Pacifico) fresh and cold🏭 Micheladas ❤Great Professional baseball and soccer teams.. Best Easy Transportation with patten (Pulmonias) only in Mazatlan.. Downside of Mazatlan is Growing way too fast and expanding very quickly.. New roads and expanded roads needed.. asap

[@mileshigh1321]

Love comparisons like this! Hopefully you do one on long term living in Mazatlán .

[@alysmalls]

We will definitely be back sooner than later, so I will keep this in mind! Thanks for watching 😊

[@rafaelescalante1289]

Your videos are the best, Aly! Mazatlan is now on my radar, thank you. Keep living your best life, and well wishes to you on your journey.

[@gilbert2303]

Aly. I've been waiting for someone to make this video for years. You knocked it out of the park, thanks!

[@alysmalls]

Awesome, thank you!

[@viffer94]

Mazatlan is a real working city, Puerto Vallarta feels like an overgrown tourist town which isn’t such a bad thing if you’re a tourist but it depends on what you’re looking for. Mazatlan feels more authentic but you’re going to get less catered to because it isn’t all about the tourism. The weather is also a little less hot and humid in Mazatlan, you’ll sweat a lot less. Both are great.

[@mexicoliferodcook9479]

You are so right about not getting into trouble down here. Stay away from the drugs and being blind drunk and you will be fine. I just got back from Acapulco last week and will be going back next week. This year will be 20 years living down here. Come on down for a vacation or to live.

[@MisPasatiempos.official]

We have been in Mazatlan 3 times, you mentioned something but there's a lot more to mention, we are planning to go back again next year... great video 💛

[@george-e1n]

Saying the malecons are a tie is bizarre. maz takes you from area to 3 or 4. Plus has a bije lane beside it that keeps the malecon even further from the traffic. 13 to 1 enough said.Cobble stone streets in PV are a bumpy mess

[@gissellearambula6277]

Great video comparing both cities, Aly. I will always be team Mazatlán. Just to mention, I’ll be visiting P.V in June for the first time, and I’m really looking forward to that trip. Your P.V videos have helped me plan what I want to explore there, so thank you for that. From P.V, I’ll be flying to Mazatlán AGAIN (for the 5th time) which is very exciting. I really appreciate you traveling to the country where my roots are from and you showing everyone that Mexico is beautiful and unique. ¡Viva México, si señor!

[@kathiewalli8746]

Im leaving canada early Nov for mazatlan for the winter This will be my 4th winter there and i love it We have an apt in centro two blocks from the beach near the fishing boats and we have many local friends there Your videos are fair and realistic We have spent time in San Luis Potosi, San Miguel, Oaxaca, Huatulco, visited where the butterflies migrate, mexico city, visited glaciers and many other places…..swam thru caves and came out to beautiful bodies of water were gorillas lived Mexico is a truly amazing and diverse country We love it there

[@watdahek2]

Yeah Pipis! Our favorite restaraunt. We have vacationed in PV now 9 times. In fact got married in Dec.2022 in Nuevo PV. We are talking about visiting Mazatlan in October of this year. Thanks for the video.

[@vinyl57]

I live on Cerritos Beach north of the Marina in Mazatlán, which is around 5 miles long and is the best beach in town. My condo is centered on this Beach and I have found nothing comparable in PV.😊❤

[@David-wk3yt]

Is this beach in Mazatlan??

[@vinyl57]

@David-wk3yt Absolutely.

[@David-wk3yt]

@@vinyl57 how far or close to the golden zone?

[@vinyl57]

@David-wk3yt About a twelve minute drive in my Prius from Pearl Tower.

[@David-wk3yt]

@@vinyl57 Which is better for nightlife, partying etc PV or Mazatlan????

[@paulamarsch1672]

we are going to try Mazatlan after watching this we have been to pv many times Thanks Paula

[@lanceandshelleypeters-en465]

Haven’t been to either, yet. Looking forward to our first visit to Vallarta, at least, this coming winter. That said, I think Mazatlán will be more our pace. Thanks Aly. Your videos are always informative, helpful, and entertaining. Fellow Canadians here.

[@daniellequesnel491]

Thanks for this video! I actually commented on another video about Mazatlan. Asking you what is the difference between PV and Mazatlan, then I came across this video. I think I will try Mazatlan just because I've never been there and it seems like a more budget-friendly option.

[@samb7603]

Perfect thank you. I was torn between the two for my first time.

[@hinojosacastanedajoseelias2160]

I like your videos. Currently I learn English with your chanel, your accent is so clear. In other words I hope that Americans who decide to move to Mexico do so because they truly like the country, the culture, food and traditions and not just because of how cheap it is compared to their country. Know how to integrate into Mexican society, contribute to the development of the country, learn Spanish and do not expect that English will always be spoken to you. Your stay sometimes makes the products and services of a town more expensive, at least leave something good behind while you live here.

[@3rd.hollis]

Currently learning Spanish in Mexico best of luck on your journey!

[@riaria83668]

When it comes to beaches around the area and nature. I'd definetely choose Vallarta. it has such a really cool jungle beaches at the south...

[@Katepwe]

What a great job! Big crowds are not my thing. I’ll stick to the more laid back feel of Bucerias !

[@michaelbraunz8405]

Excellent Video! I love Mexico and especially Bucerias. Heading back for my 22nd trip in March.

[@WilliamSchober-l8g]

Thanks Aly Looks pretty good to me. The food and accommodation is really interesting but also important to me. Thanks for sharing this.😊

[@forestc39]

Our family is going to mazatlan in 3 weeks!! Thanks for all the advice!!:)

[@Todoterreno_4x4]

Loved this review, thank you for all the information given. We've been to Vallarta a few time and are considering now going to Mazatlán or Puerto peñasco. I guess after your video we will look at mazatlán as the next place to go.

[@cruisingwithkristie]

Love your channel Aly. ❤

[@yelenakocheleva382]

Hello from Seattle USA 🇺🇸. Great information to know about Mazatlan.

[@petemilecmilec1782]

Another good one. Enjoyed it. 😊

[@georgemoore7196]

Excellent review. Just one comment. About the cobble stone streets in the Zona Romantic in Puerto Vallarta, if you have mobility issues, these streets are not for you. They are very uneven and treacherous. Forget about going there in a wheelchair. On the other hand, I have yet to see a cobble stone street in the Centro Historico in Mazatlan. They must have been paved over at some point. The streets all over in the center of Mazatlan are much less uneven and are also much more wheelchair friendly.

[@vinyl57]

And there are handicap ramps in many areas now in Mazatlán. 😊❤

[@In_con_ceivable]

Great comparison, thank you 👍🏻

[@DannysVids444]

All the people from Mazatlan visit and move to Puerto Vallarta. They actually prefer P.V. And Vallarta can't be compared. It has a unique vibe and energy that you just don't want to never leave

[@CarlosDelToro-k5v]

very informative and professional ... excellent work

[@bigradwolf5001]

There is something about the Sinoloa cartels running Mazatlan. I visited it last May and was shocked to see guys in fatigues roaming with CJNG tags. I'll still visit it every now and then as it's good for a week stay as long as you are careful and watchful. Never walk alone. I've not been to Puerta Vallarta.

[@missmayflower]

Hahahahaha

[@damonmelendez856]

They are there for your own protection. I wouldn’t worry if you’re just a tourist.

[@adamant3844]

Nah, I'm Team Manzanillo, lol. Never been to Mazatlan but enjoyed PV muchly a few years back. I miss having breakfast at the Pancake house in PV. I love the fact that the airport is right in town. For me Manzanillo is the ticket as there are no tourist traps there. No one bothers you there. Furthermore it is absolutely beautiful. I enjoyed your video Aly. You're VERY thorough and bang on when you talk about PV. Just subscribed. Thanks.

[@raindances3310]

How do you think that city compares with this one cost wise? I'm just starting to research both.

[@arrasandoferr2369]

Viva México 🇲🇽

[@sf3413]

I love that you love Mexico! So many beautiful people and places. You may really love St. Louis Patosi. It's inland, but the food is incredible and the mountains are really pretty. Being from Texas, our Spanish is pretty good, but it sounds like yours is too, so this city should be fine for you.

[@stevenrldenault7451]

Hi great video and information, thank you. I’m senior who is in to experiencing true Mexican food, that I’ve likely never heard of. Which of these two cities do you think would be a better destination for me? Thank you Steve(68yrs) Manitoba

[@PaulChristianJenkinsJD]

I lived in the Hawaiian Islands for many years, and these two cities seem like them at about 1/3 the price for accommodations.

[@travelingwithdogs]

You did good Aly 👏🏼 I enjoyed it 🫶🏼🍻

[@salharo8925]

I'm going for first time in Nov. By any chance do you know what months baseball plays?

[@dwarnke8233]

Yes , the seafood in MZT , the winner

[@dorisackermann6695]

And please don’t pee in the streets you can get arrested. Love this video Ali, I did check out real estate when I was in Bucerias I did notice that prices are five to six times higher then in 2018.

[@Katepwe]

It is getting more and more popular.

[@californianmarathi]

I recently visited PVR with family and your videos guided and helped me "a lot" while deciding where to live, what to explore, what to do and what not to do. We loved PVR and plan to visit there again.

[@blaineevans5902]

Aly, love your channel. I spent two weeks in PV in October. Your guidance was very helpful. Taking my GF back in a few weeks. Looking forward to more info on Mexico. Have you considered Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, etc?

[@alysmalls]

Would love to visit all 3!

[@stevenrldenault7451]

Forgot to ask, how can I find affordable solo accommodations in walking distance to most attractions? Steve (68yrs) Manitoba

[@pedrotorres4360]

Mazatlán is better 👍

[@vinyl57]

Absolutely IMHO. I retired there 7 years ago on Cerritos Beach - back when it was still affordable!😊❤

[@chadrud]

First time in Mexico a few years ago stayed at the Riu Mazatlan, Loved it was very disappointed we missed out on the oh you Loved it was very disappointed. We missed out on the oh. You keep shrimp we're apparently Loved it was very disappointed we missed out on the oh. You keep shrimp. We're apparently with the Loved it, i and were very disappointed. When My group missed out on the all you can eat shrimp that was down the street. Which apparently was the size of my hand. Been trying to get back ever since

[@magomago7819]

Where is the shrimp Market located?

[@richardkotula1179]

Hi Aly, this video was perfect! We as a family are planning on flying into Puerto Vallarta and renting a vehicle to drive to Mazatlan for 4 days and then drive back to PV. Do you have any experience with car rentals and is it doable to drive in cities or even perhaps find places to park?

[@mexicoliferodcook9479]

Hello Aly, I love Vallarta more than any other place here in Mexico, It was my home for 9 years. Mazatlan is an industrial city and always considered it to be a bigger dirtier Vallarta. I do love taking the ferry to La Paz from Mazatlan. We just got back from Zihuatanejo for the second time and are already booking for next July. For me it is a smaller Vallarta and suggest you check it out some year. With Ixtapa 15 minutes away, it really is 1 destination with 2 paradises.

[@charliejohnson2792]

Big fan of z.

[@ronhadfield2418]

I feel I need to chime in on a couple of things. Mazatlan is tropical desert. Puerto Vallarta is tropical jungle. Both are in the tropics. Mazatlan has miles of beautiful beaches where as Puerto Vallarta has some nice beaches, but many are narrow (the hotel zone) and some are quite rocky. The big surf is the same in both cities. I don’t understand why she thinks it’s calmer in Vallarta. It’s not. Puerto Vallarta is overrun with people from “north of the border” whereas Mazatlan has greater percentage Mexican tourists and a lot of retired expats. Mazatlan’s Centro histórico is actually an old colonial district unlike Puerto Vallarta’s romantic zone, which is charming, but it really isn’t all that old. If you’re more laid-back and cost is important then Mazatlan is your place. If you’re a young gringo and want to party then Puerto Vallarta wins hands down. I’ve spent a fair bit of time in Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta and agree that they are both lovely cities.

[@thetraveldude4u247]

What airport do you fly into for Mazatlan?

[@alysmalls]

MZT

[@george-e1n]

60% more rain in PV than maz. Most of that dump for 4 months in summer months

[@george-e1n]

As you go north in Nuevo on the beach to Bucerias the slope of the beach changes dramatically. The only time to walk beach in Buc is when the tide is out. Or your walking with one foot inches higher than the other one. Very uncomfortable. The only good time to walk beach is when the tide is out. In maz it is the best of both worlds. If tide in you walk the maecon. if out you walk the beach. There is no real good beach walking in PV as it is broken up in small chunks and not good for long walks regaedless if tide in or out.

[@juanmix2009]

Mazatlán is a beautiful destination, but Vallarta is in a entire different level completely.

[@oa7211]

Mazatlan aims for National tourism... Winter birds are just gravy

[@69daviddion]

Which is better for nightlife / shopping malls / beautiful women etc ???

[@douglasbuchanan4203]

I really liiked your comment about cartels.... If you're not doing anything wrong you'll probably never come in contact with the drug distribution side.

[@link4253]

Mazatlan is akin to seattle when it comes to side streets

[@midiacoste7506]

Sweet! Brava!

[@marlynhucal1147]

👍

[@charliejohnson2792]

I first went to PV in 1972 I love that town but for me it's gotten too busy so now I hang out in Bucerius. I'm a sailor so i'd like to go to PV because there's a sailing scene there. There's no sailing in mazatlan.

[@joygatewood8028]

Mazatlán has a large marina to the north of town.

[@jettrichmond9289]

I found that there was less alternative nightlife (ie LGBTQ bars, techno dance clubs) in Mazatlan, and you have to go outside of the tourist areas to find the more unique places. Fortunately, the Uber drivers REALLY know how to get around (our driver ran red lights, got stopped, paid the cops off and went right back to running red lights). I prefer Puerto Vallarta for alt nightlife. You can find very interesting LGBTQ-friendly cocktail bars, discos, karaoke bars, and even a video bar in PV. That said, Carnaval (Mardi Gras) in Mazatlan is the third largest Carnaval celebration in the world. It was a HUGE street party with parades and incredible music, and it NEVER felt unsafe. Both have pros & cons. I am TEAM PV, but will probably visit Mazatlan again anyway.

[@alysmalls]

Great points! I think Carnaval would be so cool to experience, I've heard it's wild and amazing!!

[@josealcala582]

I said it once and I'm saying it again, P.V. is the winner. No brainer.

[@jonathanheit3259]

Apparently not though..

[@josealcala582]

I beg to differ.​@@jonathanheit3259

[@josealcala582]

I know so. Been to both places. P.V. has way much more to offer!

[@Cr7sui1762]

PV. Any day ❤

[@LUKKA2020]

You are darn cute🥰😘😘

[@ernestomytv]

I prefer Miami or ft Lauderdale MAGA!!!😮😅😅

[@jonathanheit3259]

Haha. You dong even know what that means

[@DM-fp1eh]

We vacationed in Mazatlan in June and 9 times in Puerto Vallarta over the years. You omitted an obvious very prevalent all day and night occurance in Zona Dorado in Mazatlan. The very loud music comming from buses, tour busses almost all mini taxis and pickups converted to "ruta" taxis and the bars, restaurants and tourist shops. Another difference in Mazatlan you forgot to mention is the many restaurants, shops and businesses that are open to the outside and uses ceiling fans not air conditioning.

[@FernandoGarcia-nz9el]

Puerto Vallarta is starting to feel like Cancun.

[@barbaracameron5610]

Cruise ships stopped going to maz.airlines I think too. Gang wars.no thx.pvr is for me

[@charlesbromberick4247]

PV is much better, but both are full of superficialities for tourists.

[@horizanadventures]

AmyI would have like to write personally to tell you somethings about Mazatlán but I don't have the option here. I have 8 videos on Mazatlán 14 of fishing and more. Please I am in no trying to insult your intelligence you are obesely a well traveled young lady. Let me tell you something you don't know about Maz Me and my wife / then girl friend that you don't know. we rent a house in Prader durada for over 5 years. In realty it's dirty noisy town. The people mostly young people throw trash and garbage all over the place with no respect they don't care about civic pride nothing. We saw young people going to work with there Panamas and hotel uniform going to work every day. They don't have noise pollution standards like we have here. The parts of Mazatlán that you saw is not the norm, it's zona dorado. Try taking a trip to El Conchi Macardo.. You will see a different part of Mazatlán you have not seen were I lived

[@veganelduderino9392]

Vailarta is very gay , so if you are a straight guy ....good luck

[@bjones9942]

Mazatlán is a city with a little tourist area. Puerto Vallarta is a tourist area with a little city. Weather is very similar, Puerto Vallarta just has mountains right there to catch a little more rain. Mazatlán has a lower cost of living. Puerto Vallarta is México's version of San Francisco in the USA; Mazatlán has a few gay nightclubs, but not like Puerto Vallarta. I'm not sure where you were looking for day trips in Mazatlán, but there are a ton of places just a short bus ride away (or tour van). It's a lot more affordable flying into Puerto Vallarta than Mazatlán, so it evens out the cost of living. Garbage IS like that here in Mazatlán, but in the 'tourist' spots they keep it out of sight. Google translate (or similar) is on most people's phones these days - language isn't the barrier it used to be. We have some very good tacos al pastor - you should have asked a local where to go! I always recommend first timers to México to visit Puerto Vallarta first - because of the landscape; but I retired to Mazatlán (bigger city, less tourist crowds). Thanks for the video - you got almost everything spot on!

[@alysmalls]

What are your favorite day trips from Mazatlan? We had great al pastor at Sobrinos (I think that was the name) - do you have any other spots you like? and for me it's much cheaper to fly into MZT vs PVR, so I think that just depends where you're coming from!

[@bjones9942]

@@alysmallsTaquería Oaxaqueña in centro has great tacos al pastor. The people who live nearer Sobrinos like them a lot as well. Many other great restaurants in Mazatlán for meals other than pastor like Taquería Playa Sur, Tacos y Tortas Ahogadas El Mono, El Changuirongo, La Puntilla, ... Day trips - El Quelite, Copala, Concordia, La Noria - many organized tours to them, or you can take a local bus. Port fees at MZT are a lot higher than PVT, and the airlines pass the costs to the passengers - you're lucky if you can get here for less ... most of us find it otherwise. On your next visits to Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán you should stay in the non-tourist areas to get a better feel of the cities. And don't skip going to Acapulco! It's a lot of fun ;)