Los Cabos or Puerto Vallarta in October?
 

Trying to decide on a last-minute trip to Mexico in October. Is there any difference in the weather of these two destinations in October?

I can't speak to the weather, only to the charm! Have been to both, and Cabo cannot hold a candle in beauty or charm to PV! I would think, though, in October, the weather would be very nice in PV or Cabo, as hurricane season should be winding down...

Another vote for Puerto Vallarta !! from a person who vacations regularly there, for the charm of the city, nice atmosphere, lovely jungle/mountain setting, friendly people, good tourist infrastructure, little to no crime.

Don't know a thing about Cabo, but as a West Coast Mexico regular, I think PV is by far the better choice (IMHO).

I agree with Frankie & Suze there is no comparision Puerto Vallarta is the place to go. I don't think the weather is any different both being on the Pacific. I have never been to P.Vallarta in October, we were going last year on Oct 31st but the first hurricane to hit P. Vallarta in 65yrs hit last year right before we were going. This year we are going in November. But Usually that time of year is very nice to go. I know this from my friends who live there. Let me know what you decide

Thank you for your replies. We've booked now for the Marriott in Puerto Vallarta. We suspect there won't be a significant difference in the weather of these two places at this time of year. Puerto Vallarta seems to offer more cultural charm while Los Cabos is strong on beach and ocean activities. Los Cabos may overlap a lot with what we can already do in Hawaii, while Puerto Vallarta seems to offer something different.

Helen,
before you book the Marriott, head on over to tripadvisor.com, and read reviews. The Marriott is supposed to be one of the nicest hotels in PV, and I'm sure it is. However, in my opinion, the location is not as pretty as it could be, nor is there much of a beach. Now, I'm acting like a big expert, and I've only stayed in PV one time! but we were very glad we didn't stay at the Marina and did stay just south of town at the Camino Real...

Marriott is a very nice property, but I think Camino Real does have a better beach because it is all alone on a separate beach. It feels more secluded. Camino is maybe not as new (depending on if you stay in the newer rooms) but it is a beautiful place, close enough to town to be convenient. Top notch service.

I'm a regular at inexpensive hotels in the south part of town.

But I did stay at Marriott Casa Magna one night (that's where Alaska Air put us up when my flight couldn't get out). It's in the Marina, so north of downtown by 15 mins. or so, not too far from the airport. The property is really beautiful in a mainstream, wellrun kind of way. Pools are lovely. The beaches in that part of town are narrow at all the hotels.

I wouldn't disagree with the suggestion of Camino Real, but it's different. More 'Mexican' and south of town. It does have it's own beach, more of a real one than the strips behind the hotel zone properties.

For a 1st trip, I wouldn't disagree with staying in the Marina, just be sure to grab a taxi or bus and have some nice dinners, stroll the Malecon, go shopping and exploring downtown (El Centro).

I don't disagree with Marriott, just to clarify, it is a beautiful hotel (I haven't stayed there, but I toured it). Either hotel is great, just different. I agree, Camino Real (I did stay there many years ago and have been back since to eat) is more "Mexican" feeling, and if you want the best beach available, I think the Camino has it. I agree that you should go into town (especially the south side) as much as possible for good shopping, incredible restaurants and a safe, charming downtown area. We are staying at the Velas (next to the Marriott) this coming winter for the first time, so we will see how it is to stay in the Marina instead of the hotel zone. Actually there are many hotels in PV that are wonderful, so you can hardly go wrong! Enjoy!

OK I'm getting in on this also. Having been to P. Vallarta many many times It's all a matter of opinion where to stay. The Marriott is a beautiful 1st class hotel at the Marina which is a nice location it's only been built in the last 10-12 yrs. As for the beach, the Marriott barely has one. Their
pool is really very very nice. There is much to do there for your 1st visit to P. Vallarta, As for the Camino Real I agree with Frankie ( I am one of the people who recommended him to go there)It is a great location the scenery and beach cannot be beat I think it's one of the best beaches in P. Vallarta. however the hotel is one of the original hotels in P. Vallarta and it's older but very Mexican we both loved it.
You can't go wrong with either one. I think you made a good decision I wouldn't change my plans. If you want any recommendations for dinner restaurants please let me know. My email is [email protected]

In choosing Puerto Vallarta over Los Cabos we realized that our water activities would be more focused on the hotel pools, rather than the beach. So the thin beach at the Marriott is no problem. We enjoy plenty of surf in Hawaii and will look to Mexico for other activities we can't do here.

Thanks to all who responded.

Like I said before either one would have been grerat but for the first time in P. Vallarta I am glad you chose the Marriott. I am a big fan of Camino Real
and will probably go back again, I do like the beach & scenery there but the Marriott is newer and I am sure you will be happy with your choice. Have great vacation and please e mail us all when you get back.

You're welcome & enjoy your first trip to Puerto Vallarta. Such a lovely town!

I'm glad to hear your comment about the ocean and your expectations. I've been to Mexico 16 times, and just last year went to Hawaii for the 1st time. Wow & amazing!! Absolutely no comparision as to where the sea is more beautiful.

But PV has a piece of my heart! Safe and happy travels.