Things To Do
in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a charming coastal town located on the Pacific Ocean with stunning beaches and a vibrant nightlife. The city is known for its picturesque sunsets, cobblestone streets, and lively Malecon boardwalk. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities, delicious local cuisine, and shopping in the city's boutique stores.
Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for couples, families, and adventurers looking for a mix of relaxation and entertainment.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Playa Los Muertos, where you can relax and soak up the sun. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear waters before grabbing breakfast at a nearby café.
Head to Playa Conchas Chinas for a more secluded experience. This quiet beach is perfect for snorkeling and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Finish your day by dining at a beachfront restaurant and watching the sunset. Savor fresh seafood while enjoying the sound of the waves.
Visit the El Eden ecological park for hiking and exploring its lush surroundings. Take in the breathtaking views and listen to the sounds of nature.
Try canopy zip-lining through the treetops for a thrilling experience. This adventure offers a unique perspective of the beautiful landscape.
Wind down with dinner in the charming town of Mismaloya. Enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine while surrounded by picturesque scenery.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning beaches and scenic views
- Vibrant cultural scene with art galleries and festivals
- Warm and welcoming local community
- Variety of outdoor activities, including water sports and hiking
- Excellent dining options featuring local and international cuisine
- History and charm in its colonial architecture
- Year-round pleasant climate
- Tourist crowds can be overwhelming during peak seasons
- Higher prices in tourist areas compared to local shops
- Public transportation can be limited
- Safety concerns in certain areas, requiring vigilance
- Strong humidity during summer months
- Potential for hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season
- Service availability may vary in less touristy areas
Best Activities in Puerto Vallarta
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the underwater caves and vibrant marine life at this marine park.
Enjoy breathtaking views while soaring through the treetops on a zip line tour.
Embark on a scenic coastal hike with opportunities for birdwatching and beach relaxation.
Take an adventurous ATV excursion through the jungle to reach the filming location of the movie 'The Predator'.
Tours
Uncover the best of Puerto Vallarta with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Puerto Vallarta
Visit one of these nice places.
The iconic boardwalk offers stunning views of the ocean and the city, with numerous photo opportunities of sculptures, street performers, and the vibrant atmosphere of Puerto Vallarta.
This viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta, including the city, bay, and the surrounding mountains, providing excellent photo opportunities at sunset and during the day.
A beautiful beach with a scenic coastline, perfect for capturing the beauty of Puerto Vallarta with the ocean as the backdrop and the iconic pier extending into the water.
Food in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pescado a la Talla, or fish with 'a la Talla' sauce, is a must-try local dish in Puerto Vallarta. The flavorful sauce, made from a blend of chili peppers and spices, is often slathered over fresh grilled fish, creating a spicy and savory delight. Check out Marisma Fish Taco for an authentic experience.
Must-Try!
Tacos de Birria, a beloved local specialty, feature tender, slow-cooked meat seasoned with rich spices and served in a lightly crisped tortilla. For an exemplary taste of this dish, visit Tacos Memo's, a popular spot known for its irresistible Birria tacos.
Fresh, citrus-marinated seafood takes center stage in Puerto Vallarta's ceviche. This dish, featuring a medley of fish, shrimp, or octopus, offers a refreshing and zesty flavor. Indulge in exquisite ceviche at the famous El Barracuda Restaurant & Bar.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Puerto Vallarta better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Nestled in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, this bustling market is a paradise for food enthusiasts. It offers an array of street food stalls and vendors selling local delicacies such as tamales, tacos, and fresh fruit. Don't miss the opportunity to savor authentic Mexican street food here.
Every Friday, this market becomes a haven for both locals and tourists seeking a variety of street food options, from empanadas to churros. The vibrant atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings make it a must-visit for food lovers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Puerto Vallarta, it's important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when in lines or crowded areas.
It's customary to greet people with a handshake or a small kiss on the cheek, especially when meeting for the first time or when entering and leaving social gatherings.
Showing respect for elders is highly valued in Puerto Vallarta, so it's important to address them with formal titles and use polite language when speaking to them.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Puerto Vallarta with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto Vallarta
Ensure a smooth experience
In Puerto Vallarta, it is customary to tip restaurant servers, hotel staff, and tour guides. A typical tip is around 10-15% of the total bill. Additionally, it is common to tip taxi drivers and spa service providers.
Most businesses in Puerto Vallarta accept major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. Some smaller establishments may prefer cash, especially for smaller purchases. It is advisable to carry some Mexican pesos for convenience, particularly in local markets and street vendors.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Puerto Vallarta.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta, with pleasant temperatures and low humidity. Ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration.
Warm temperatures, perfect for various outdoor activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and whale watching. Spring also brings vibrant vegetation and blooming flowers.
Hot and humid weather, but great for water sports and enjoying the beach. Summer is also the time for sea turtle nesting and releases, adding to the unique experiences.
The rainy season, with occasional storms and high humidity. However, this is also a quieter time to visit, with reduced tourist crowds and lower prices.
Puerto Vallarta at Night
Hiking in Puerto Vallarta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A series of small granite islands and cliffs that offer stunning views and hiking trails along the coastline, with opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
A scenic hiking trail that takes you through lush forests, leading to the charming town of El Tuito, where you can enjoy local culture and cuisine.
The Sierra Madre Mountains provide numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, showcasing diverse flora and fauna, stunning vistas, and waterfalls.
While primarily known for their marine activities, the Marietas Islands also have hiking paths that lead to beautiful beaches and hidden lagoons.
A combination of hiking and eco-tourism, this area is dedicated to turtle conservation and offers trails through coastal vegetation and opportunities to learn about local wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Puerto Vallarta through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Puerto Vallarta by plane.
The main international airport serving Puerto Vallarta, located about 5 kilometers from the city center.
Located approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Puerto Vallarta, this major airport serves Guadalajara and the surrounding area.
Located about 130 kilometers to the north of Puerto Vallarta, serving Tepic and the Nayarit region.
Situated about 1,500 kilometers east of Puerto Vallarta in Cancún, this airport is one of the largest tourist airports serving the Caribbean region.
Located approximately 400 kilometers to the north of Puerto Vallarta, serving Mazatlán and the surrounding areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population, comprising various regional backgrounds and cultures throughout Mexico.
Includes expatriates and retirees from the United States, Canada, and Europe, contributing significantly to the local community.
A diverse group of visitors from across the globe, particularly from North America, drawn to Puerto Vallarta for its beaches and culture.
A small percentage of the population, representing indigenous communities with distinct cultural heritage and languages.
The Soul of Puerto Vallarta
Discover the essence of Puerto Vallarta through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Puerto Vallarta is known for its beautiful beaches and favorable waves, making it a popular destination for surfing enthusiasts.
Football is immensely popular in Puerto Vallarta, with both local teams and international matches drawing large crowds.
Sport fishing is a popular activity in Puerto Vallarta, attracting anglers looking for trophy catches in the Pacific Ocean.
Beach volleyball is widely played in Puerto Vallarta, with numerous courts available along the sandy beaches.
The warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and several pools make swimming a favored activity among locals and tourists alike.
Puerto Vallarta features several world-class golf courses that attract golf enthusiasts from around the globe.
Tennis is popular in Puerto Vallarta, with many clubs offering facilities for both amateurs and professionals.
The vibrant marine life and beautiful underwater landscapes make scuba diving a popular sport in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Vallarta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Puerto Vallarta welcomes vegetarians and vegans with a wide range of meat-free options. Many restaurants, such as El Arrayán and Pancho's Takos, offer delectable vegetarian and vegan dishes, ensuring that plant-based eaters can fully relish the local culinary experience.
Visitors with gluten intolerances can find accommodating menu options in Puerto Vallarta's dining scene. Numerous establishments, including Café des Artistes, are adept at catering to gluten-free diets, offering delicious and safe alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Puerto Vallarta with these cultural adventures.
