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Destinations / Mexico

Puerto Vallarta

Cobbled streets, mountains and Pacific sunsets

beachescouplesfoodnightlife
Plan your trip to Puerto VallartaSee the top 10
291,000Population
480,000Metro area
SpanishLanguage
MXNCurrency
5 daysIdeal stay
$140-250Typical day

Puerto Vallarta sits on Banderas Bay between jungle mountains and the Pacific. Its old town and seafront Malecon are full of character, and it is one of Mexico's most LGBTQ friendly destinations.

Where to start

Top 10 things to do

Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.

  1. The Malecon is a seaside promenade running through the center, dotted with bronze sculptures, bars and street food stalls. It is the place for sunset walks and people watching.

    2 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Come at sunset and again after dark, when performers and food carts fill the boardwalk.
    See on the map

  2. The old town climbs the hills behind the Malecon with cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses and the crowned tower of the Guadalupe church. It keeps much of its original fishing village feel.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Wear sturdy shoes for the steep cobbles; dress modestly inside the church.
    See on the map

  3. Los Muertos is the busiest town beach, in the Zona Romantica, with a pier, beach restaurants and water sports. It is the hub of the city's lively LGBTQ scene.

    Half a dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Water taxis to the southern coves leave from the pier.
    See on the map

  4. Yelapa is a cove village on the south side of the bay with no road access, a beach and a jungle waterfall. Visitors arrive by water taxi.

    Full dayTime needed
    about $15-30Cost
    noBook ahead

    Water taxi.

    Tip. Take the public water taxi from Los Muertos pier or Boca de Tomatlan; bring cash.
    See on the map

  5. The Vallarta Botanical Garden covers hillside forest with orchids, native plants, river trails and a restaurant. It lies about 30 km south of town.

    Half a dayTime needed
    about $10-15Cost
    noBook ahead

    Entry.

    Tip. Combine with a swim in the river below; local buses run from the Zona Romantica.
    See on the map

  6. Las Caletas is a secluded cove once home to film director John Huston, now reached only on organized day trips. It offers snorkeling, kayaking and a quiet beach.

    Full dayTime needed
    about $100-150Cost
    yesBook ahead

    Tour.

    Tip. Book through the operator that holds the concession, as access is limited.
    See on the map

  7. The Marietas are protected volcanic islets famous for the Hidden Beach inside a collapsed crater. Visits are tightly limited to protect birds and coral.

    Full dayTime needed
    about $100-150Cost
    yesBook ahead

    Tours run 100 to 150 USD; park fee is MXN 125 (2026) and Playa del Amor allows only 116 permit holders a day, Wednesday to Sunday.

    Tip. Book a licensed tour early; landing on the Hidden Beach has strict quotas and may be closed.
    See on the map

  8. Isla Cuale is a small island in the river through town, with shaded paths, craft stalls and cafes. It links the old town with the Zona Romantica by footbridges.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. A good shady walk in the midday heat.
    See on the map

  9. Mismaloya is a small beach south of town where the film The Night of the Iguana was shot. Boats leave from here for snorkeling at Los Arcos rocks.

    Half a dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Local buses from the Zona Romantica stop right at the beach.
    See on the map

  10. Humpback whales arrive in the Bay of Banderas each winter to breed and calve. Boat tours run in the season and often see breaching and mothers with calves.

    Half a dayTime needed
    about $70-120Cost
    recommendedBook ahead

    Tour.

    Tip. Go with operators that follow federal distance rules; the season is roughly December to March.
    See on the map
Map: OpenStreetMap contributors.
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Short on time?

Ready-made itineraries

Choose how many days you have.

PV in three days

Add Yelapa and the botanical garden.

  1. Malecon2 hours · Free
  2. Old Town and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church1 hour · Free
  3. Los Muertos BeachHalf a day · Free
  4. YelapaFull day · about $15-30
  5. Vallarta Botanical GardenHalf a day · about $10-15
  6. Las CaletasFull day · about $100-150
  7. Islas MarietasFull day · about $100-150
  8. Isla Cuale1 hour · Free
  9. MismaloyaHalf a day · Free
  10. Whale watchingHalf a day · about $70-120
Beyond the city

Day trips

San Sebastian del Oeste

A mountain mining town.

43 mi · Car about 1.5 hours

Sayulita

A surf village.

25 mi · Bus about 1 hour

Punta de Mita

A beach peninsula with calm bays and surf breaks.

25 mi · Drive about 1h each way

Bucerias

A beach town across the state line with relaxed restaurants.

16 mi · Bus or taxi about 40 minutes

Plan your dates

Weather and seasons

Best: November to April. Dry and sunny, whale season.

Busy and priceyShoulderQuiet and cheaper

Temperature

Daily high and average, by month

32°50°68°86°104°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDaily highAverage

Rain

Typical inches per month

0.00.81.62.43.13.94.75.56.37.17.98.79.410.211.011.812.613.414.2JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

January

78°F
Typical daily high
Average67°F
Rain0.6 in
About2 rainy days
Sun strength4.5 kWh/m²

Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.

Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.

Main events

Dec

Our Lady of Guadalupe festival

December 1 to 12

Daily processions to the church.

May

Pride Vallarta

Late May

A large LGBTQ celebration with parties and parades.

Nov

Festival Gourmet International

November

A food festival with chefs and tastings across the city.

Dec

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 12

Pilgrimages and processions to the church downtown.

Mar

Whale season

December to March

Humpbacks arrive in Banderas Bay.

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Know before you go

At a glance

4/5
Safety

The US State Department rates Mexico at Level 2 (increased caution) overall, with state level advice varying; Jalisco has Level 3 advice in some areas, but tourist zones in Puerto Vallarta are generally calm.

4/5
Walkability

The old town and Malecon are walkable.

3/5
Public transport

Cheap local buses run along the coast.

Pick your base

Where to stay

The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.

Map: OpenStreetMap contributors. Shapes where OpenStreetMap has a boundary; dashed circles mark areas it only has a point for.
12345

1. Zona Romantica

$$

Best for: couples, LGBTQ travellers

Beaches and bars.

2. Centro

$$

Best for: first-timers

Malecon.

3. Marina Vallarta

$$$

Best for: families

Resorts.

4. Nuevo Vallarta

$$$

Best for: families

All inclusives.

5. Centro and the Malecon

$$

Best for: sightseers, culture lovers

Close to the church, plaza and seafront boardwalk.

Getting there and around

Main airportLicenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), 5 mi from the center
To the centerTaxis or Uber take about 20 minutes.
Around townWalk the center and use buses or ride apps.
Ride appsUber, DiDi
Taste it

What to eat

Pescado zarandeado

Grilled fish.

Raicilla

Local agave spirit.

Tacos de birria

Stewed meat tacos.

Tacos al pastor

Marinated pork shaved off a spit with pineapple.

Tuba

A palm sap drink sold from street carts.

Birria

Slow cooked goat or beef stew.

Good to know

PlugsType A and B, 127 V
Tap waterUse bottled water
TippingLeave 10 to 15 percent in restaurants and small tips for guides and hotel staff.
PaymentsCards are common in resort areas; carry pesos for taxis and small vendors.
EtiquetteLocals are relaxed and friendly; a greeting goes a long way. Tipping 10 to 15 percent is normal in restaurants, and cover up away from the beach.
  • Town buses are cheap and frequent along the coast road; carry small change.
  • Water taxis are the only way to reach several southern coves.
  • Summer is hot, humid and rainy, with possible storms from June to October.
  • The airport lies about 7 km north of the center, roughly 15 to 25 minutes by taxi.
  • Cobbled streets are uneven and slippery after rain, so wear good shoes.
  • Taxi fares are often agreed up front, so ask the price first.
  • Hidden Beach rules have changed over the years, so check with the operator before booking.
  • Hurricane season runs from roughly June to November.

A short history

A small port grew here in the 1800s. The 1964 film The Night of the Iguana brought fame. Resorts followed. It kept its cobbled old town.

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Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.

Plan Puerto Vallarta