Puerto Vallarta

Cobblestones, a bay, and the mountains behind it

Region

Mexico · Mexico

Best time to go

The driest and most comfortable weather is generally from November through May. Summer is hot, humid, and rainy, and the Pacific hurricane season runs from late spring into fall.

Getting there

Nonstop flights from many West Coast and major US hubs; connections available from most other cities.

Why go to Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta sits on Banderas Bay on Mexico's Pacific coast, with a walkable old town, a seafront Malecon, and the Sierra Madre rising right behind the city. It suits travelers who want beach time plus real neighborhoods, good street food, and boat trips to small coves that roads do not reach.

Anglers Surfers Wildlife lovers Food lovers Night owls

Things to do in Puerto Vallarta

CultureThe MaleconThe Malecon is the seafront promenade through the center of town, lined with bronze sculptures, cafes, and street performers. Walk it in the late afternoon when the heat drops, and stay for sunset over the bay, when locals and visitors fill the walkway.Explore related tours

BeachLos Muertos Beach and PierLos Muertos is the busy town beach in the Zona Romantica, with beach chairs, vendors, and a pier whose tall sail-shaped spire lights up at night. The water taxis to the southern coves leave from the pier, so it is also a handy starting point for day trips.Explore related tours

CultureChurch of Our Lady of GuadalupeThis parish church near the main plaza is known for its crown-topped tower, which you can see from much of downtown. Visitors are welcome outside of services, and in early December the church is the center of a long series of processions for the Virgin of Guadalupe.Explore related tours

FamilyIsla CualeIsla Cuale is a narrow, shaded island in the Cuale River between downtown and the Zona Romantica, with a walking path, craft stalls, and small cafes. It makes a cool break from the sun, and the suspension bridges on each end are fun for kids to cross.Explore related tours

AdventureLos Arcos Marine ParkLos Arcos is a group of granite rock islands with natural arches off the southern shore near Mismaloya, protected as a marine area. Snorkel and dive boats stop here often, and the water is usually clearest in the calmer morning hours, so book an early departure.Explore related tours

NatureYelapaYelapa is a small village on a sheltered cove south of town, with no road connection, a sandy beach, and a short hike to a waterfall. Take a public water taxi from Los Muertos Pier or Boca de Tomatlan, and bring cash, since card payments are not always possible.Explore related tours

NatureWhale watching on Banderas BayHumpback whales come to Banderas Bay in winter to give birth and raise calves, and the season usually runs from about December through March. Boats must follow distance rules, so choose a trip that respects them, and bring a light jacket for the ride out.Explore related tours

NatureVallarta Botanical GardenThe Vallarta Botanical Garden is a hillside garden south of town along the highway toward El Tuito, known for orchids, native plants, and river views. Plan a half day, wear shoes with grip for the trails, and pair it with lunch nearby before heading back.Explore related tours

BeachLas Animas BeachLas Animas is a long, sandy beach south of town that you reach only by boat or a coastal hiking trail from Boca de Tomatlan. It is calmer than the town beaches on weekdays, and seafood shacks set up along the sand for lunch.Explore related tours

NatureMarietas IslandsThe Marietas Islands are a protected national park at the mouth of Banderas Bay, known for seabirds and the enclosed Playa del Amor. Landing and swimming access is strictly limited, so confirm exactly what your boat trip includes before you book, and expect rules to change.Explore related tours

CultureArt Walk and downtown galleriesThe Centro area has many art galleries showing Mexican painting, sculpture, and Huichol beadwork, and a seasonal evening art walk runs during the cooler months. Even outside the walk, browsing the streets above the Malecon is an easy way to spend an evening.Explore related tours

NightlifeZona Romantica nightsThe Zona Romantica comes alive after dark with live music, rooftop bars, and busy sidewalks around Olas Altas and Basilio Badillo streets. It is also the heart of Puerto Vallarta's well-known LGBTQ scene, and most spots are an easy walk from each other.Explore related tours

Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta

Zona RomanticaLively, walkable, old-town charmThe Zona Romantica, also called Old Town, has cobblestone streets, small hotels, rental apartments, and a dense mix of restaurants and bars near Los Muertos Beach. It is noisy at night in places but very convenient, and you rarely need a car. It suits couples, foodies, and LGBTQ travelers.Walking everywhereFood and nightlifeLGBTQ travelers

CentroHistoric, central, artsyCentro is the historic downtown around the Malecon, the main plaza, and the Guadalupe church, with hillside streets and many galleries. Lodging here tends to be smaller hotels and rentals with views. It suits travelers who want culture and evening strolls more than a big pool scene.Culture and galleriesSunset walksFirst-time visitors

Hotel ZoneBeachfront, practical, mid-rangeThe Hotel Zone stretches along the beach between Marina Vallarta and downtown, with many mid-size and large beachfront hotels. It is close to shopping centers and a short taxi or bus ride to the Malecon. It suits families and travelers who want beach access without being far from town.Beach accessFamiliesShort airport transfer

Marina VallartaPlanned, quiet, resort styleMarina Vallarta is a planned district built around a yacht marina and a golf course, close to the airport. It has a boardwalk with restaurants and larger resorts on the beach. It is quieter than downtown and suits golfers, boaters, and anyone who wants an easy arrival and departure.GolfShort transfersQuiet evenings

Nuevo VallartaBig resorts, calm beachesNuevo Vallarta lies just north of the airport across the Ameca River, in the state of Nayarit, with wide beaches and many large all-inclusive resorts. It is calm and family friendly but farther from Puerto Vallarta's old town, so plan on taxis for evenings out.All-inclusive staysFamiliesLong beach walks

Conchas Chinas and the south shoreHillside views, secluded covesSouth of the Zona Romantica, the coast road climbs past Conchas Chinas and toward Mismaloya, with homes and hotels set into green hills above rocky coves. The views are excellent and the setting is peaceful, but you will rely on taxis or buses to reach town.Ocean viewsCouplesSnorkeling coves

When to go

Dry season peak

Late December to April

Weather: Sunny, dry days, warm afternoons, and cooler evenings; whales in the bay
Crowds: Busiest time, with many winter visitors from the US and Canada
Value: Highest rates, especially over Christmas, New Year, and Easter week

Early dry season

November to mid-December

Weather: Rains have ended, green hills, warm and less humid
Crowds: Moderate and building toward the holidays
Value: Often good value before the holiday peak

Late spring

May to June

Weather: Hot and increasingly humid, with ocean water warming up
Crowds: Lighter, apart from Mexican holiday weekends
Value: Usually lower rates than winter

Rainy season

July to October

Weather: Hot and humid with afternoon or evening storms; this is also Pacific hurricane season
Crowds: Quietest months for international visitors
Value: Usually the lowest rates of the year, with more weather risk

Getting the best value

The highest rates usually fall from Christmas through Easter, with the holiday weeks costing the most. November, early December, and May to June are often a good balance of decent weather and lower prices. Summer and early fall are usually the least expensive, but they bring heat, humidity, rain, and hurricane season risk.

Check tour dates

Getting there and around

Getting there

Fly into Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), which sits just north of the Hotel Zone and Marina Vallarta.
Nonstop flights run from many West Coast cities and major US hubs, with more routes in the winter season; most other cities connect through a hub.
US citizens need a valid passport for air travel to Mexico. Check current entry rules before booking.
Transfers are short: licensed airport taxis, pre-booked shuttles, and rideshare pickups near the airport are all common, and most hotels are within about 15 to 40 minutes depending on area.

Getting around

You do not need a rental car if you stay in town; taxis are plentiful and rideshare apps operate in the area. Agree on the taxi fare before you get in.
Local buses run along the main coastal road and are cheap and frequent, though they can be crowded and hot.
Water taxis from Los Muertos Pier and Boca de Tomatlan reach Las Animas, Quimixto, and Yelapa, which have no road access.
Centro and the Zona Romantica are best on foot, but wear sturdy shoes, since cobblestones and steep hillside streets are uneven.

Eat and drink

Tacos at street standsEvening taco stands serve tacos al pastor, carne asada, and fish tacos all over town, especially in the Zona Romantica and local neighborhoods like Versalles and 5 de Diciembre. Pick stands that are busy with locals.Pescado zarandeadoA whole butterflied fish, marinated with chile and spices and grilled over wood or charcoal. It is a coastal specialty of this region and is often served at beach shacks to share with tortillas and salsa.Aguachile and cevicheRaw shrimp or fish cured in lime, chile, and onion is everywhere along the bay. Aguachile is the spicier, brighter version, and both pair well with tostadas and a cold drink on a hot afternoon.RaicillaRaicilla is an agave spirit from the mountains of Jalisco, related to mezcal and often sipped neat. Try a small pour at a tasting bar to compare styles from the coast and the highlands.Tuba and tejuinoStreet vendors sell tuba, a cool drink made from coconut palm sap topped with fruit and nuts, and tejuino, a fermented corn drink served with lime and salt. Both are local refreshers worth trying once.Birria and pozoleBirria, a slow-cooked spiced meat stew, is a Jalisco favorite often eaten for breakfast, while pozole, a hominy soup, is a classic evening dish. Look for them at small family-run spots and market stalls.

Day trips from Puerto Vallarta

SayulitaSayulita is a small surf town about an hour north on the Riviera Nayarit, with a busy beach, a lively plaza, and colorful streets. Go on a weekday morning to avoid traffic and crowds, and expect limited parking.Explore related tours

Yelapa by water taxiYelapa is a roadless village on a cove south of the bay, reached by water taxi from Los Muertos Pier or Boca de Tomatlan. Spend the day on the beach, walk to the waterfall, and catch a return boat well before dark.Explore related tours

San Sebastian del OesteSan Sebastian del Oeste is a historic mountain mining town in the Sierra Madre, with cobblestone lanes, old haciendas, and cooler air. The drive takes a couple of hours on mountain roads, so many visitors go with a guide.Explore related tours

Punta Mita and the MarietasPunta Mita sits at the northern tip of Banderas Bay, with calm beaches, a fishing village, and boats heading out to the Marietas Islands. Confirm what access the Marietas trip includes, since landing rules are strict and can change.Explore related tours

Sample itineraries

5 days in Puerto Vallarta

Day 1Settle in, then walk the Malecon at sunset and have tacos in Centro.
Day 2Spend the morning at Los Muertos Beach, then explore Isla Cuale and the Zona Romantica in the evening.
Day 3Take a boat trip to Los Arcos for snorkeling, then continue to Yelapa for lunch and the waterfall walk.
Day 4Visit the Vallarta Botanical Garden in the morning and relax at Mismaloya or Conchas Chinas in the afternoon.
Day 5Browse the downtown galleries and the Guadalupe church, then enjoy a final sunset dinner near the water.

Browse activities for this itinerary

7 days around Banderas Bay

Day 1Arrive, check in, and stroll the Malecon for sunset.
Day 2Spend a beach day at Los Muertos, then explore the Zona Romantica for dinner and live music.
Day 3Catch a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas and walk the coastal trail if you are comfortable with heat and hills.
Day 4Go whale watching in winter, or snorkel at Los Arcos the rest of the year, then rest by the pool.
Day 5Day trip north to Sayulita for surf and its small town plaza, stopping in Bucerias on the way back.
Day 6Visit the Vallarta Botanical Garden, then continue up the mountain road to El Tuito for a slower taste of rural Jalisco.
Day 7Shop for crafts on Isla Cuale and have a last seafood lunch before heading to the airport.

Browse activities for this itinerary

Good to know

Carry Mexican pesos in small bills for taxis, water taxis, beach vendors, and taco stands; cards work at most hotels and larger restaurants.
Tipping is customary: around 10 to 15 percent at restaurants, plus small tips for guides, boat crews, and housekeeping.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and a hat; the Pacific sun is strong even on hazy days, and shade is limited on boat trips.
Drink bottled or purified water; many hotels provide filtered water, but do not assume tap water is safe to drink.
Watch for red flags and strong surf on open beaches, especially north of town toward Nuevo Vallarta and on the outer bay.
Book boat trips for the morning, when the bay is usually calmer and the water clearer.

Questions people ask

What is the best month to visit Puerto Vallarta?

November through April usually brings the driest, most comfortable weather. January through March adds humpback whales in the bay.

How many days do I need?

Five days covers town, the beaches, and a boat trip. A week lets you add Sayulita, Yelapa, or a mountain town.

Is Puerto Vallarta safe for tourists?

Puerto Vallarta is generally considered one of Mexico's more relaxed tourist cities. Use normal precautions, take licensed taxis, and check the current US State Department advisory for the state of Jalisco.

Do I need a rental car?

Not if you stay in town or on the south shore, since taxis, buses, and water taxis cover most needs. A car helps only for independent trips up the Riviera Nayarit coast.

What currency is used?

The Mexican peso. US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, but you usually get a better rate paying in pesos.

Is Puerto Vallarta good for kids?

Yes. Calm bay beaches, boat trips, Isla Cuale, and whale watching in winter are all easy family outings, and Nuevo Vallarta has many family-oriented resorts.

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