If you are not sure if you should stay in Puerto Vallarta v. Nuevo Vallarta, consider this Nuevo Vallarta panorama.

A bit difficult to see, so I’ve added a scrollable version below. You can see construction cranes working on new developments, as well as large expanses of space between the different resorts. Don’t be fooled by the riviera moniker because Riviera Nayarit is nothing like the French Riviera. The region is not walkable or developed at all.

Nuevo Vallarta can be nice, and I enjoyed my stay at Villa La Estancia. But, understand that while the food and transportation in Nuevo Vallarta can be American in price, the level of infrastructure and development is not commensurate with the cost.