Are you thinking of traveling to Puerto Vallarta in Mexico?
This iconic beach destination continues to rank among the most popular vacation spots in Mexico and is found in pretty much all travel brochures.
Located on the Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta is home to some stunning beaches, a lively center and also an impressive variety of local foods and cuisines.
As well as wide selection of nightlife options on offer here, there are also some great day trips that you can do such as trips to the nearby Marieta Islands.
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Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide
In this all-inclusive guide, we’ll explore at everything you need to know about Puerto Vallarta as a first time visitor to Mexico and/or the Pacific Coast.
To make this as practical as possible, we’ll look at how to get there, where to stay, how to stay safe, the best things to do, when to visit, and much more!
Where is Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is located along Mexico’s long Pacific Coast, which is on the west of the country. See the map of Puerto Vallarta below to get a better idea:
It’s situated within the captivating region of Jalisco, which is known for its culture, food, and warm people. Puerto Vallarta is located 333km west of Guadalajara, and roughly 880km from Mexico City.
Is Puerto Vallarta safe for tourists?
We’ve looked at some of the most dangerous parts of Mexico on this blog and compared to other tourist destinations Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest.
It’s common to be skeptical of visiting Mexico, and we recommend this somewhat so you can best prepare before leaving.
However, the country is nowhere near as bad as most publications make it out to be, with things getting much better in recent decades.
Puerto Vallarta is known as one of the safest cities to visit in Mexico, as well as the Jalisco region continues to be ranked among the safest in the country. The area of El Centro and Los Muertos are safe and can be walked at night with no problem.
Be sure to leave valuables at home when exploring, and to also keep your things somewhere safe when swimming in the sea (we recommend going with others).
Walking along the beach at night is okay, however, avoid heading into the lesser touristy areas (north towards the hotel zone) since they can be less safe.
Also carrying a money stash like this one with you is always a good idea as it allows you conceal your belongings effectively while exploring the city.
Is Puerto Vallarta worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely! If a tropical beach vacation is on your mind, then few can argue that Puerto Vallarta doesn’t tick all the right boxes.
The beaches here are more beautiful than those along the Riviera Maya, and also less touristy too (you can easily take buses and find more remote beaches along Jalisco’s coast or slightly more north in Nayarit).
Aside from the beach activities and going on a deep sea fishing trip, here you can also head on a hiking tour into the nearby jungle, as well as visit the picture-perfect Marieta Islands (a small group of uninhabited islands) just an hour away.
The seafood here is hard to beat, and you can try some of the most incredible Pacific dishes such as Marlin and Red Snapper. Local street food such as Elotes remains king, and you’ll also find many international restaurants and cuisines.
How to get to Puerto Vallarta
One thing we can say is that getting to Puerto Vallarta has definitely gotten more simple in recent times, where before it used to be a bit of a trek.
With its own small international airport, there are many direct flights from arriving major Mexican cities and also from cities in the USA (such as Los Angeles, Denver and Phoenix). You can get direct flight from London or Manchester too!
On arrival you can get a shuttle at the airport that will carry you directly to your hotel or accommodation so there no need to rely on public transport.
If already within Mexico, then Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey are the best bets as they have the most direct flights into Puerto Vallarta.
You can also take the bus from other nearby cities to save money. From the north, you have the popular seaside city of Mazatlán, which takes around 7 hours.
There’s also Sayulita which is closer to the bordering state of Nayarit, which is just an hour away. The bus journey from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta takes around 6 hours. Or, if you decide to rent a car here you’ll be able to save even more time.
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
The two most popular areas for a stay in Puerto Vallarta are the Hotel Zone, and also the coastal stretch from El Centro to Los Muertos.
The Hotel Zone is where you’ll head if you want all-inclusive resorts and extravagant hotels. It’s really exploded here in the last couple of decades, so you’ll find a ton of different options.
Our best recommendation is Krystal Vallarta, which is right on the beach and has a modern, yet beautifully authentic Mexican feel to the place.
El Centro and Los Muertos are actually two different areas, but due to their closeness and ease of walking to each, we’ve compiled them together. This area is much more authentic and full of a range of food and nightlife options.
You’ll also find more affordable hotels here too. We suggest staying in Los Arcos Suites, which is literally just one block from the famous Los Muertos Beach.
What to do in Puerto Vallarta
Now let’s explore the very best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, the surrounding region, as well as the top places to eat and party.
Best Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Now let’s explore the very best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, the surrounding region, as well as the top places to eat and to party while you’re here.
ATV Jungle Tour
Arguably the best (yet lesser known) activity to do in Puerto Vallarta, here you can explore the wild jungle and remote Mexican towns within the Sierra Madre.
It’s worth doing on one of your days to get away from the touristy areas and have an authentic experience. Some of the best ATV tours like this one will also include activities such as Hourse ridinfg and Zip lining so be sure to add it to your list.
Beaches
Located along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Some of the best include Playa Las Gemelas, as well as the popular Playa Los Muertos.
We also recommend walking along the Malecón which connects most of these beaches up, with the giant red sunsets here guaranteed to blow your mind.
For something more exclusive, head on over to Las Caletas Beach for the ultimate beach hideaway as it’s there you’ll find a unique tropical sanctuary.
Mirador el Cerro de la Cruz
Just 15 minutes from the Malecón, you can reach the best viewpoint of the city. With 360° views, here you can see all of Puerto Vallarta, the Mexican Pacific as well as the Sierra Madre jungle.
If you don’t feel like the hike up, there’s a gondola that takes you all the way to the final staircase. It’s perfect to visit around sunset with a few beers on hand!
Best day trips from Puerto Vallarta
Here we’ll take a look at the very best day trips you can take from Puerto Vallarta.
Marietas Islands
These stunning islands are a highlight of any trip to the Mexican Pacific. Located roughly an hour away by boat, you can take a tour where you can visit the famous Hidden Beach, fully enclosed within a dome of cliffs with perfect white sands.
You can only access it when the tide is low, as you’ll have to pass through a cave in a small boat or kayak. You can book your tour here which includes hotel pick up and drop off. If you suffer from motion sickness, carry the right preventative.
Palo Maria Waterfall
If you fancy a hike off the beaten path, then this is for you! Around 4km from Puerto Vallarta, you can find these stunning waterfalls which are perfect for a cool-off from the hot Mexican sun. From the trailhead it takes around an hour to reach the Palo Maria Waterfalls, so be sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen.
Where to Eat in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a seriously underrated food haven in Mexico. Whilst is mostly known for its seafood, here you’ll find a large range of cuisines on offer.
The Hotel Zone offers the most variety of cuisines with pretty much everything for everyone in the big resorts. If you find yourself in a resort, why not try this evening food tour to learn all about the gastronomy that the rest this city has to offer?
All you have to remember, is that when it comes to local dishes and Mexican staples, you can’t beat El Centro and the restaurants located along El Malecón.
Balam Balam is our top pick for seafood dishes, and here the shrimp tacos are a must-try. For those feeling more adventurous, be sure to stop off at Marisma Fish Taco, which is a very popular food stand located in the Zona Romántica area.
Another pick is Pancho’s Takos, which specializes in a larger range of Mexican dishes, ranging from Tacos al Pastor to other specialties like Alhambra.
Puerto Vallarta Nightlife
For some reason, Puerto Vallarta’s reputation is still based on just its beaches and all inclusive resorts. However, the city and wider region has much more to offer, like its incredible food scene, and the fact that is is also a superb nightlife hotspot.
There are almost unlimited options along the Malecón and beach area, which is the main place to be when the sun goes down.
El Colibrí Cocktail Bar is an good place to start, and from here you can then head out to some of the best nightclubs around including La Vaquita and Mandala.
For exclusive parties and events most nights of the week, head to the Hotel Zone. Whilst more expensive, hopping between the different hotel bars and surrounding clubs is a pretty memorable experience.
The Best time to visit Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta has a typical tropical climate, which is common amongst most Mexican coastal destinations.
The dry season starts in November and runs through until late May. Average daily temperatures hover between 71-79°F, with highs of up to 86°F, and evening lows of down to 62°F. We suggest you carry some sun protection during this season.
Rainfall can range from 0-1 inches throughout each of these months, with April the overall driest for a visit. This season is the best time to come for uninterrupted beach weather and to get that tan on.
The wet season picks up around June and continues through the summer until October. Average daily temperatures are much hotter, ranging from 82-83°F, with highs of 90°F and lows of down to 74°F. Rainfall increases exponentially during this time, and you can expect anywhere from 3.5-10 inches each month.
August is usually the wettest month for a visit. Whilst the wet season is less popular, the advantages include lower prices, as well as some much needed cool-offs from the hot weather, without even having to leave the beach!
Is Puerto Vallarta Expensive?
Despite being widely known as one of the best Mexican getaways, Puerto Vallarta has somehow managed to avoid prices hikes, unlike places in Cancun or Tulum.
Even within the Hotel Zone, it’s much more affordable compared to other hotel zones in the country. You’ll get much better value for your money here.
When you visit will of course affect this, as the Christmas period does see an increase in prices for those coming for some winter Sun. Visiting between July and September is the cheapest time of the year to visit Puerto Vallarta.
So to answer the question? No, not at all! If you stay within the El Centro and Los Muertos areas, you’ll find lots of cheap restaurants and nightlife options all over!
If you’re on a true backpacker’s budget and you want to be in downtown, check out Casa Kraken as a way to save more cash and still be close to all the action.
Events in Puerto Vallarta
Whilst celebrated all over Mexico, the Day of the Dead celebrations really take off here in Puerto Vallarta, which is held annually on the 1st-2nd November.
Even if getting hammered and dancing on people’s graves isn’t really your thing, there are many parties and events in the center to enjoy. You’ll also see many beautiful displays in and around the Plaza de Armas.
Another must-visit is the May Cultural Festival. Held throughout the month with many daily events, this festival celebrates the rich heritage of the Jalisco region.
From trying some of the best foods and tequilas in the country to watching concerts and dance performances, you’ll have a good time here.
Puerto Vallarta Travel Tips
- We recommend heading to Puerto Vallarta either in April or May. The weather during this time is arguably the best all year, with very little rain and some proper spicy temperatures for a good roasting. It’s also off-peak, meaning room and flight prices will be cheaper than normal.
- Aim to carry some sunscreen like this one with you as the heat can be enough to burn your skin, even as you walk around the crowded 5th Avenue which is shaded in some parts.
- Be sure to also explore off the beaten path too! It’s common to get into the routine of heading out at night, and then crashing on beaches the next day. Whilst it’s fun, we recommend breaking this and heading either into the Sierra Madre Jungle for a day or to the stunning Marieta Islands.
- If traveling on a budget or looking for a change of scenery, see one of these top rated hostels in Puerto Vallarta for a unique place to stay.
- We’ve found that 5 days is the optimum amount of time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. It’s enough to see all of the main sights, whilst also enjoying the tropical lifestyle to its full. If heading for longer, you can even take day trips to nearby Sayulita, and also to the region’s capital of Guadalajara.
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Traveling to Puerto Vallarta Guide
That is all for our guide on traveling to Puerto Vallarta.
As one of the best destinations along the Mexican Pacific, this city is famed for its incredible beaches and tropical lifestyle that is hard to compete with. From our experience, we cannot argue and would go back in a heartbeat!
This guide has explored Puerto Vallarta, including the best areas to visit, tips on how to get there, where to stay, what to do and how to stay safe.
Enjoy your trip to Puerto Vallarta and take a look at some of our best sustainable travel tips to see how your trip can have a positive environmental impact.
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