Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Places to Visit
  2. Activities
  3. Where to Eat
  4. Accommodations
  5. Things to Know
  6. Transportation
  7. Tips and Tricks

Places to Visit

Puerto Vallarta is a city located in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, on the Pacific coast. The city has a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a vibrant nightlife.

Old Town (El Centro)

  • Explore the cobblestone streets and picturesque alleys of Old Town.
  • Visit the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe).
  • Shop for souvenirs, jewelry, and local handicrafts.

Malecón

  • Stroll along this scenic waterfront promenade, lined with restaurants, shops, and street performers.
  • Take a romantic sunset cruise or a boat tour to explore the surrounding bays.
  • Visit the statue of the famous Mexican artist, Manuel M. Ponce, overlooking the ocean.

Playa Olas Altas

  • Relax on this picturesque beach, lined with palm trees, restaurants, and shops.
  • Enjoy water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling in the calm waters.
  • Watch the sunset at a beachside bar or restaurant.

Los Muertos Beach (Playa Los Muertos)

  • Visit one of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular beaches, lined with restaurants, bars, and shops.
  • Enjoy water sports like swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding in the calm waters.
  • Take a romantic sunset cruise or a boat tour to explore the surrounding bays.

Botanical Gardens (Jardín Botánico)

  • Explore this beautiful botanical garden, featuring over 3,000 plant species from around the world.
  • Visit the butterfly aviary and the hummingbird gardens.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful gardens.

Teatro Vallarta

  • Attend a performance at this historic theater, built in 1905.
  • Watch a traditional Mexican dance or a local play.
  • Enjoy a concert by a live band.

Activities

Puerto Vallarta offers a wide range of activities for tourists, including:

Water Sports

  • Snorkeling
  • Scuba diving
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding

Adventure Sports

  • Ziplining
  • Horseback riding
  • ATV tours

Romantic Activities

  • Sunset cruises
  • Boat tours to explore the surrounding bays and islands.
  • Couples spa treatments at a luxurious resort.

Where to Eat

Puerto Vallarta has a diverse dining scene, with restaurants serving Mexican, international, and seafood cuisine.

Mexican Cuisine

  • La Palapa: Try their famous fish tacos and fresh seafood dishes.
  • El Arrayan: Enjoy traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas and chiles rellenos.
  • Los Tacos: Savor authentic street-style tacos with a wide variety of meats.

Seafood

  • La Casona: Treat yourself to fresh seafood, including lobster and shrimp.
  • The Crab Shack: Enjoy seafood platters, crab legs, and fish dishes.
  • Seafood Restaurant: Try their famous grilled fish and seafood paella.

International Cuisine

  • Thai House: Taste authentic Thai cuisine like pad thai and curries.
  • La Bodeguita: Enjoy international dishes like pasta, pizza, and salads.
  • The French Bakery: Treat yourself to freshly baked croissants, baguettes, and pastries.

Accommodations

Puerto Vallarta offers a wide range of accommodations for all budgets, including luxury resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels.

Luxury Resorts

  • Hotel Mousai: Enjoy luxurious rooms with ocean views, private pools, and gourmet dining.
  • The Grand Park Royal Puerto Vallarta: Treat yourself to spacious suites with ocean views, a spa, and an outdoor pool.
  • Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta: Relax in comfortable rooms with ocean views, a spa, and multiple pools.

Hotels

  • Hotel Casa Velas: Enjoy affordable rooms with ocean views, a pool, and a restaurant.
  • Hotel Garza Blanca: Treat yourself to modern rooms with ocean views, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
  • Hotel Playa Olas Altas: Relax in comfortable rooms with ocean views, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant.

Vacation Rentals

  • Airbnb Puerto Vallarta: Choose from a wide range of apartments, houses, and villas for rent.
  • VRBO Puerto Vallarta: Enjoy vacation rentals like condos, townhouses, and private homes.

Things to Know

Puerto Vallarta has a subtropical climate with two main seasons: dry (December to June) and rainy (July to November).

Weather

  • The dry season is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta, with warm temperatures and low humidity.
  • The rainy season can bring heavy rain showers and occasional flooding.

Safety

  • Puerto Vallarta is generally a safe city for tourists.
  • Take necessary precautions like avoiding carrying large amounts of cash and being aware of your surroundings.

Health and Medical Care

  • Consult with your doctor before traveling to Mexico, especially if you have any health concerns.
  • Medical care in Puerto Vallarta can be adequate, but it’s always best to seek medical attention from a reputable hospital or clinic.

Transportation

Puerto Vallarta has a well-developed transportation system for tourists, including:

Airport

  • The Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) is located about 5 kilometers north of the city center.
  • Taxi and shuttle services are available from the airport to your destination.

Taxis

  • Taxis are widely available throughout the city.
  • Negotiate prices before you start your journey.

Public Transportation

  • Buses (colectivos) operate throughout the city, with routes marked in Spanish and English.
  • Bus fares are affordable, but be prepared for crowded buses during peak hours.

Ride-hailing Services

  • Uber is widely available in Puerto Vallarta.
  • Use reputable ride-hailing services to ensure your safety.

Tips and Tricks

Puerto Vallarta has a lively atmosphere with a mix of tourists, locals, and vendors. Here are some tips to help you navigate the city:

Respect Local Customs

  • Dress modestly when visiting churches or cultural sites.
  • Remove your shoes before entering homes or traditional buildings.

Haggle Prices

  • Negotiate prices for souvenirs, taxis, or street food.
  • Be prepared to walk away if you don’t like the price.

Learn Spanish

  • Learn basic Spanish phrases like “gracias” (thank you), “por favor” (please), and “¿dónde está…?” (where is…?).
  • Use a translation app or ask locals for help with more complex conversations.

Stay Safe at Night

  • Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas, especially at night.
  • Stick to main streets and tourist areas when traveling after dark.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to explore the beauty of Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy your trip!