Located along the Mexican Pacific, Puerto Vallarta which known for its beaches and buzzing nightlife scene is a popular stop for many travelers.
Here you’ll find postcard-perfect beaches, a lively atmosphere as well as some epic day trips with which you can explore more of the Jalisco region.
It’s not all palm trees and golden sands, though, you’ll find hiking trails too, such as Mirador Cerro de La Cruz which offers epic 360° views of the city.
Table of Contents
How many days in Puerto Vallarta?
This guide explores Puerto Vallarta, how many days you should spend along with the best activities and experiences you can have while here.
It will also take a look at various itineraries you can follow, depending on how much time you have in this coastal town.
If you start to research the safest states in Mexico to visit, not often does Jalisco make the top of the list, but it has so much to offer in the way of tourism that makes it worth visiting. Below are some reasons why.
Is Puerto Vallarta worth visiting?
Yes – Puerto Vallarta is worth visiting and one of the many great things about this city is the fact that it has something in store for all travelers.
- Vibrant Atmosphere – Jalisco in general is a pretty warm and colourful region, and this all culminates here in Puerto Vallarta. Here you can enjoy the long malecón, which has memorable sunset views as well as various beaches to relax on.
- The Marieta Islands – A must visit when in Mexico, these dome-enclosed islands are home to a secluded beach which you can only reach by kayak. There’s also some really good snorkelling here too.
- Authentic Experiences – Whilst the town is great, there’s also really cool things to do just outside. These include tasting authentic chocolate and tequila, as well as horseback riding through the thick, untouched jungle.
There is more, but rather than spend time trying to convince with the why’s, let’s look at what you can do in just a short amount of time.
How many days in Puerto Vallarta are Enough?
As you can see, there’s many interesting things to do in this coastal town. When it comes to knowing how long to stay where do you begin?
You may have already heard that Puerto Vallarta and Cancun are quite similar which is true, but there are some factors that make Puerto Vallarta more attractive. Especially to those traveling on more of modest a budget.
Starting with just one day in Puerto Vallarta, let’s now take a look at how to best spend your time here with these customised itineraries.
Is one day enough for Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is primarily a destination to relax and wind-down in for a few days. So whilst one day isn’t ideal, you can still visit arrive here and see some of the main highlights if you’re pressed for time.
You can start by heading on a morning tour to the Marieta Islands, where you’ll enjoy the incredible beaches which are like no others in this country!
Here you can also snorkel in these calmer waters, enjoying a variety of exotic, colourful fishes. You’ll arrive back in Puerto Vallarta just after midday, where you can then grab some tasty lunch on the beach.
From here we recommend taking it easy, and enjoying the golden sands whilst sipping a few margaritas and coronas.
It’s also worth finding a great spot along the beach to watch the sunset, or instead going for a stroll along the bustling malecón with its various statues and open markets.
If you want to get up close and personal with the local food scene you definitely won’t want to miss out on this evening taco tour that will give you the chance to get to see new parts of the costal city as well.
Are 2 days in Puerto Vallarta enough?
Whilst still pushing it somewhat (for relaxing that is), 2 days is perfect for adventure travelers looking to see all of the highlights in Puerto Vallarta.
You can spend your first day as outlined above, and even go out for the night after to the variety of bars and nightclubs along the malecón.
Waking up early on your second day (if you’re able to), you’ll head up to the Mirador de la Cruz, which is a 360° lookout point that gives breathtaking views over the town, Pacific coast and nearby jungle.
The walk up is around 40 minutes, and it’s best to go early to avoid the hot midday temperatures. Be sure to carry some suncreen and water with you.
Heading back to town, you can then explore the highlights of the Plaza de Armas, which include bustling street markets as well as the towering cathedral (the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe).
You many find it best to get this City Bus Tour to be able to hop on and off the bus in different location around the city. You can then enjoy the beaches once again before taking your flight or bus out.
Is a week in Puerto Vallarta too long?
The ideal amount of time to spend here is between 4-6 days, so you’ll find a week is perfect for both relaxing and seeing the highlights of both the town and nearby region.
As well as living it up on Playa de los Muertos, it’s also great to visit other beaches such as Playa Conchas Chinas as well as Playa las Caletas.
Yelapa is a stunning, off the beaten path town worth visiting too. Here you can enjoy treks through the virgin rainforest, and really relax with virtually nobody else around.
When heading with a tour you’ll usually get to snorkel in hotspots whilst travelling there, as well as horseback riding along remote trails too.
With a week you can also visit various Tequila distilleries (which is a must given this is the region where this spirit was born), where you can tour around the agave fields as well as try and buy many rare blends that aren’t usually found in public markets.
Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta?
With options for travelers on all budgets, below are some accommodation options for you to consider while staying in Puerto Vallarta.
- Budget – El Sunset Hostel is a great option for backpackers and those looking to save on accommodation costs. Here you’ll be staying in a comfortable dorm room, with a spacious garden and an on-site BBQ.
- Boutique – Hostal Ten to Ten is for those who prefer to be closer to the action. Here you’ll be right next to the malecón, staying in either a spacious dorm room or private room. They also have an on-site restaurant and tour desk to help you book activities during your stay.
- Luxury – Emperador Vallarta Beachfront Hotel is great if you’re looking for the very best quality. Here you’ll be staying in an air-conditioned room literally footsteps away from the beach, as well as having an on-side restaurant to feast in.
Best Guided Tours in Puerto Vallarta
Now you’ve seen what can be done in a short amount of time, let’s now take a look at the very best tours in Puerto Vallarta you can do.
Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise
On this tour you’ll get to visit these incredible islands, where you’ll ride a catamaran out across the Pacific.
As well as having an open bar, you’ll also have lunch and all water sports equipment (snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding) included too!
Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop
Do you consider yourself a chocolate lover? Because if so, you will be in paradise here, given this origins of this sweet snack comes from Mexico!
While taking part in this this special tour you’ll learn how to prepare your own chocolate step by step, try some hot chocolate drinks as well as learn more about the history of chocolate in Mexico.
Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour
There’s no better way to see the sights than doing so with a bus tour, and this tour is particularly great for those who are here for a short time.
There’s over 20 stops on this route to various attractions and museums, and you’ll have total flexibility when deciding when to rejoin the bus.
Evening Taco Adventure Tour
When heading to Mexico you’ll of course want to try the local foods, however with this street food tour you can really go next level.
Here you’ll get to sample 7 dishes at different venues, even with a Mezcal tasting thrown in too!
How Many days in Puerto Vallarta?
This epic coastal destination is a popular place to visit in Mexico, where you can really relax and slow down on its beautiful Pacific beaches. You’ll also find many memorable day trips to take from this city too.
This guide has looked at how to spend various time-frames in Puerto Vallarta, as well as where to stay and some worthwhile tours to do here.
While you’re still here, read this guide on resorts in Mexico to get more tips on how to have a safe and memorable time while in this incredible city.
Dear responsible traveler: This post may contain affiliate links, which means, if you click through and make a purchase, book a tour or a hotel, we may earn a small commission. This is at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot and helps us to maintain the quality of this site.
