I'm trying to decide between Varadero and Puerto Vallarta - if you've been to both can you let me know which you prefer and why?
I'm looking at the first or second week February.
So far I've been to Ixtapa and Cancun in Mexico and Puerto Plata in the Domincan Republic.
Thanks!
Varadero, Cuba or Puerta Vallarta, Mexico?
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Hi Lynne, We've been to both.....Varadero 3 years ago, PV 2. Very different areas and charm. We liked the beach in Varadero (blue, blue water and white, white sand), Cubans are friendly if a little inexperienced in Tourism, food was just Ok at best, Havana was a great excursion, zero shopping, lame nightlife and accomodation fine(4 star).
In PV we were indifferent about the beach (darkish sand but really long), great people, lots of shopping, happenin' nightlife, great food, a couple of ok excursions and accomodations fine(4 star).
So what's our verdict? Cuba for beaches alone but if you like a vibrant food and nightlife scene plus all the things that we love about mexico (dry weather, mexicans, shopping and culture)I'd go for PV.
A difficultu choice. Mexico is excellent country for a holiday. But Cuba is unique. I will recommend you to go there now before Cuba becomes like all other westernized countries. You will have unforgettable experiences. Rent a car and drive to e.g. Santa Clara and Trinidad. Driving in the rural areas of Cuba is an experience "once in a lifetime". There is little or no violence in Cuba, but look out for thieves (like in most countries). I also strongly recommend Old Havana. Nils
If you haven't already decided, my vote is Varadero. We found the people in Cuba to be the best. There is little shopping if that is what you are looking for and PV is definately more active (ie: nightlife). However, the beach in Varadero is the best I've ever seen and we found the food to be quite good. There is very little crime and the locals genuinely seem happy to be around you. We went to Cuba in Feb. 1996 and PV in Feb 1997. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
I decided on Puerto Vallarta, Mexico because of the weather--January had average temps of 24 celcius for Cuba. I thought we might not have as good weather as we would have in Mexico. I have had a bad experience in the Dominican Republic with the weather -- I know it can be 'iffy' in January. I will definetly go to Cuba in the future!! Any advice for Puerto Vallarta? I'm staying at the Qualton Club early February.
Been to PV six times and enjoyed almost every minute of it. Great people, weather is perfect:low 80's day with a breeze, shirts and shorts at nite. Very inexpensive also-but there are the pricey restaurants/shops if you have $$. Most hotels are good, buses take you everywhere for less than .25 and they arrive every 2 minutes. Nuevo Vallarta is too far out, but a better beach. I agree that the beaches are not Caribbean - nor it the water: clean but not crystalline. Fishing and whale watching are good, diving not as good. Qualton Hotel is OK but noisy because of the pool-unless you like continual rock and scheculed entertainment. Sunsets are spectacular! Bars and restaurants downtown along the beach are acceptable and inexpensive ($1.00 coronas). Plenty to see and do in PV, but a long way north, south and east to another town.