- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta began as a port for local silver mines, its identity rooted in tradition. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is central, its iconic crown a replica after the 1995 earthquake destroyed the original. The Zona Romántica's cobblestone streets are lined with whitewashed adobe homes and red-tiled roofs, a style legally protected to preserve its historic village charm.
The Sierra Madre mountains meet Banderas Bay, creating a unique landscape for those visiting Puerto Vallarta. You can hike through the jungle to hidden waterfalls at Yelapa or snorkel the granite islands of Los Arcos. From December to March, migrating humpback whales are the main attraction. The Cuale River Island offers a quiet green space right in the city.
Explore the local culinary scene, from street tacos to fine dining. A must-try is Pescado Zarandeado, a regional grilled fish specialty. For a unique taste, sample Raicilla, a local agave spirit with a Denomination of Origin. The Emiliano Zapata Municipal Market provides a true glimpse into local food culture, offering fresh ingredients used across the city's kitchens.
- Puerto VallartaMexico
- Puerto VallartaMexico
- Puerto VallartaMexico
- Puerto VallartaMexico
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octwarm, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintermild, occasional rain
- #LightClothing
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- #Hat
- #Swimwear
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- Mexican Peso ($)
- Spanish
- English widely spoken in tourist areas
- #Malecón
- #OldTown
- #LosArcos
- #PlayaDeLosMuertos
- #ElCentro
- #PuertoVallartaMarina
- Sunset at Malecón
- Taste fresh ceviche
- Whale watching tour
- Shopping at local markets
- Visit Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Recommended Hotels in Puerto Vallarta by Experience
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Discover
Discover the best Puerto Vallarta attractions, from the iconic Malecón boardwalk with its sculptures to the cobblestone streets of the Zona Romántica. Gaze at the crown of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and explore lush botanical gardens.
Experience
Snorkel at Los Arcos National Marine Park or hike to hidden waterfalls. Join a taco tour, take a cooking class, or explore local art galleries during the weekly ArtWalk. Experience vibrant events like the Day of the Dead festival in autumn.
El Malecón Boardwalk
Seaside promenade with sculptures, art, and ocean views.
Zona Romántica
Historic old town with cobblestone streets and galleries.
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Iconic church with a distinctive crown-topped tower.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Tropical garden showcasing Mexico's native plant species.
Los Arcos National Marine Park
Granite islands ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Playa Los Muertos
Lively city beach with a pier, perfect for people-watching.
Historic Center ArtWalk
Weekly cultural event exploring downtown art galleries.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Wondering how to get to Puerto Vallarta? Fly into Lic. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz Airport (PVR). From the airport to city center, authorized taxis or a pre-booked Puerto Vallarta shuttle bus are reliable options, taking 20-30 minutes.
Getting Around
Public transport in Puerto Vallarta includes local buses, identified by routes on the windshield. While car rental in Puerto Vallarta is an option, taxis and water taxis from Los Muertos Pier to southern beaches are more convenient.
Local Essentials
Essential for first-timers: driving in Puerto Vallarta is challenging on its cobblestone streets. Always confirm taxi fares before your ride. Keep small peso bills handy for buses and local vendors, as change can be scarce.
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore authentic food Puerto Vallarta offers, from grilled pescado zarandeado to smoky raicilla. Locals often eat late, gathering at bustling street stalls for tacos after dark, a key part of the culinary scene you must taste.
Enjoy
Find the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta like the hectic Pancho's Takos, queue early. Drink at El Barracuda for a lively beachfront vibe, perfect for sunset views. Eat at Fredy's Tucan for a bustling breakfast, expect waits.
La Leche
Chic, all-white spot with a changing daily menu.
Cafe des Artistes
Elegant garden setting, French-Mexican fusion.
Pancho's Takos
Famous for al pastor tacos. Expect long lines.
The Blue Shrimp
Casual beachfront dining with fresh seafood.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore must-see religious festivals like the Fiestas Guadalupanas, with nightly processions honoring Mexico's patron saint. Discover authentic folk traditions during Day of the Dead, with altars and parades along the Malecón.
Enjoy
Discover Puerto Vallarta's creative scene through modern art and music. Enjoy things to do from the weekly Art Walk in the historic center to live jazz festivals and diverse cultural performances.
Fiestas Guadalupanas
12 days of processions honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Day of the Dead
A must-see Nov. celebration with altars and a lively parade.
Restaurant Week
Top restaurants offer special fixed-price menus in May/June.
Centro Historico Art Walk
Free, self-guided tour of art galleries from Nov. to May.
Madonnari Festival
Artists create street paintings with chalk in February.
Vallarta Pride
Week-long LGBTQ+ celebration with a parade and parties in May.
Art & Market Marina Vallarta
Weekly night market with local art, food and live music.
A perfect blend of beach and city
Puerto Vallarta is a special place, a great combination of a beautiful beach town and a real city. We loved strolling along the Malecón in the evenings. So many cool sculptures and places to stop for a drink. The sunsets are just incredible.
Relaxing and beautiful beaches
So much more than just a party destination, though the beaches are amazing. Spent most of our time at Playa de los Muertos. It's lively and has everything you need. The water was perfect for swimming and the whole area felt very welcoming.
Loved the Old Town
Puerto Vallarta has such a beautiful old town. We loved just getting lost in the cobblestone streets of the Zona Romántica. Every corner has a new shop or a small café. The architecture is wonderful and full of color. It's a very photogenic place.
Great for more than just the beach
There's a lot to do here besides just lying on the sand. We found some great hiking trails with amazing views overlooking the Bay of Banderas. It's easy to get out into nature for a few hours and then be back in town for dinner. Really good balance.
Fantastic food everywhere
The food scene is fantastic, especially the street food. We found a stand serving tacos al pastor that was out of this world. There are also plenty of great little bars and restaurants. It was easy to find a good meal any time of day.
So easy to get around
What a wonderfully walkable city. We felt completely comfortable exploring on foot, even at night. Walking through areas like Gringo Gulch was so interesting. Everything we wanted to see in the main area was easy to get to. Very convenient.