Which do you recommend? My wife and I are looking into nice vacation for 1 week in January.. good town, beaches, culture, outdoor activities... basically just a good place for romantic luxurious vacation. Also, which has better beaches, swimming, ocean?

I recommend Zihuataneo. There are two wonderful hotels here: Villa del Sol and La Casa Que Canta -- both Small Luxury Hotels (www.slh.com). The beach, Playa La Ropa, is beautiful. Pueto Vallarta is nice, too, but it is a lot busier and more crowded. PV is has grown to be the third largest city in Mexico.

I would agree with the previous post as well. Zihuatanejo is very nice. But I disagree with the stats - Mexico City would be the largest, then Guadalajara (I think), then ? Surely not PV? I would think that there are many cities larger - Acapulco for one.

Puerto Vallarta is only pop. ~250,000 last I read, I can't imagine that makes it the 3rd largest in the country!

The beaches, swimming, ocean are similar since they are both on the same stretch of Pacific coastline.

Zijuat is much smaller. I'm not sure what you'd consider "culture" in either place actually. Both would be muy romantico!! As far as luxurious, would just depend the type of hotel you choose. Both locations offer everything from simple no-star hotels to deluxe resorts.

I love Puerto Vallarta and vacation there every year. But think either would suit what you describe quite nicely. With Zijuat being the more quiet choice.

Possibly PV is the 3rd most popular tourist destination?

I was curious so looked at some population charts and ALL kinds of cities in Mexico are larger than PV: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Leon, Acapulco, Chihuahau, just at a glance.

Have been to both P. Vallarta is my choice, much more to do much more to see and much more of everything else.Zihauntaneo is ver nice quaint and I am glad I saw it same for Ixtapa but I do prefer P. Vallarta

I like the Costa Alegre between PV and Zihuatanejo! Sone nice, quaint fishing vilalge settings!

Definately Zihuatenejo. So much charm and definately the most romantic spot I've ever been. The water is clearer there too. I'm ready to go back!

Where do you recommend in the costa allegre? What are good places to check out there?

I have been to both and think both are great. I do prefer P.V., it seems to have a little more charm, in my opinion. However, I do agree that Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo has clearer water. Either destination is great. Also, P.V. has a better selection of restaurants and I think the food is better and less expensive.