Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: travel guide
A charming Pacific coast resort town backed by the Sierra Madre, with a cobblestone Old Town, whale watching, sport fishing, and jungle zip-lines.
- Country
- Mexico
- Currency
- MXN
- Time zone
- America/Mexico_City
- Nearest airport
- PVR
Top places to visit in Puerto Vallarta
Playa Los Muertos
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 4 h
Puerto Vallarta's most famous beach in the Zona Romántica — Blue Flag certified with beach clubs, parasailing, and direct access from Old Town cobblestones.
El Malecón PV
Cultural · 4.6 rating · about 1 h
A 1km Pacific promenade with sculptures, the Seahorse statue, restaurants, and panoramic views. The social centre of PV's Old Town.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Church · about 0.5 h
Landmark parish church with a crown-shaped tower, symbol of Vallarta's Old Town.
Los Arcos Marine Park
Wildlife · about 3 h
Protected islets and underwater arches south of the bay, prime for snorkelling and diving.
Zona Romántica (Old Town)
Heritage · about 1.5 h
Cobblestone quarter of galleries, rooftop bars and the pier, south of the Cuale River.
Vallarta Botanical Garden
Nature · about 3 h · entry MXN 400
Hillside gardens with orchids, jungle trails and a river swimming hole south of town.
Marina Vallarta
Viewpoint · about 1.5 h
Yacht marina district with a seaside boardwalk, lighthouse and waterfront dining.
Playa Las Ánimas
Beach · about 3 h
Golden south-shore beach reached only by boat, with palapa restaurants.
Playa Yelapa
Beach · about 5 h
Secluded fishing-village cove with a waterfall walk, accessible by water taxi.
Playa Conchas Chinas
Beach · about 2 h
Rocky cove beach with tide pools and clear water just south of Los Muertos.
Things to do
- Whale Shark Swimming Riviera Nayarit Water Sports · 8 h · from MXN 3,500 per person
- Marietas Islands Hidden Beach Tour Water Sports · 7 h · from MXN 1,800 per person
- Yelapa Waterfall & Beach Boat Tour · 6 h · from MXN 900 per person
- Puerto Vallarta Malecón Food Tour Tour · 3.5 h · from MXN 850 per person
Day trips and tours
- Marietas Islands Hidden Beach + Snorkel 8 h · from 2,800
Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta
- Zona Romántica (Old Town) about MXN 3,500 per night
PV's soul — cobblestone streets, gay-friendly beach, independent restaurants, Malecón north end, best boutique hotels. Most visitors prefer this to the Hotel Zone.
- Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) about MXN 8,000 per night
North of downtown — large beach resort hotels, marina, shopping malls, less character but convenient for families.
Hotels
- Casa Kimberly 5-star · MXN 9,000 to MXN 22,000 per night
- Hotel Mercurio 4-star
- Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa 5-star
- Oasis Hostel Downtown 2-star
- Hotel Rosita 3-star
Where to eat
- La Palapa seafood, mexican · about MXN 500 per person
- El Arrayán mexican, traditional · about MXN 600 per person
- The River Café International, Mexican · about MXN 600 per person
- Café de Olla Mexican · about MXN 250 per person
- Barcelona Tapas Spanish, Tapas · about MXN 550 per person
- Pancho's Takos Mexican, Tacos · about MXN 150 per person
- Tintoque Mexican, Seafood · about MXN 900 per person
- Tacos Revolución Mexican, Tacos · about MXN 140 per person
Getting around
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Taxi main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
Safety and scams to avoid
Jet Ski Damage Scam
Los Muertos Beach and Playa de Oro, Puerto Vallarta
You rent a jet ski; when you return it the operator claims you caused damage that was pre-existing. Demands MXN 5,000–20,000 or threatens to call police.
How to avoid it: Photograph the jet ski from every angle before renting. Rent only from operators with official signage and receipts. If a dispute arises, call 911 — legitimate damage claims go through police.