Puerto Vallarta Holidays and Events

Author: Pedro Robin

20 March, 2025

Puerto Vallarta holidays and events are celebrated throughout the year. Fireworks light up the Malecón on New Year’s Eve, and parties spill onto the beach, creating the mood for the year. One of the most significant events in Puerto Vallarta and poignant festivals is the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, December 1 to 12. Locals celebrate Mexico’s patron saint with pilgrimages and elaborately decorated altars throughout the event, which includes parades, music, and dance. The Festival Cultural de Mayo, held in May, celebrates Puerto Vallarta’s cultural exchange and artistic expression with foreign and local music, dance, and theatrical events. Top chefs worldwide perform in the November Gourmet Festival, a major event for foodies. Visitors must experience Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant and culturally rich holiday, Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrated every Nov 1st and 2nd. It’s a time for families to honor and remember deceased loved ones, not as a mournful occasion but as a joyful celebration of life.

Visitors enjoy Mexican Independence Day on September 16th, parades, fireworks, and the “grito” or cry for independence, mirroring the nation’s historic struggle for freedom. The city celebrates Easter and Christmas with communal meetings, unique events, and public shows of joy despite their religious roots. Visiting PV during one of its many holidays creates a perfect picture of Puerto Vallarta as a colorful and fun place. Puerto Vallarta’s exuberant Carnival, which runs until Ash Wednesday, features bright parades, lavish costumes, and samba music, reflecting the city’s love of festivals. Puerto Vallarta events entertain and connect visitors and locals to Puerto Vallarta’s rich cultural legacy, making the town a dynamic year-round destination. Visitors and locals alike look forward to Puerto Vallarta’s upcoming events.

What are the Holidays and Events in Puerto Vallarta for Each Month?

The holidays and events in Puerto Vallarta for each are listed below.

  1. January: Celebrating the New Year is a fun event in Puerto Vallarta. People gather around the streets of PV during the celebration of New Year’s Eve. January 1st is a national holiday in Puerto Vallarta.
  2. February: February 5 is “Mexican Constitution Day.” Venustiano Carranza signed Santiago Queretaro’s Public Constitution of the United Mexican States, or Fundamental Law of Magna Carta, making it a national holiday.
  3. March: March is Spring Break season in Puerto Vallarta. PV is a popular destination and a great time to visit for socializers, as it is a popular destination for groups seeking lifetime Mexican sun experiences.
  4. April: “Semana Santa,” or Holy Week, usually falls during March or April. Catholics observe these holidays, starting from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.
  5. May: “Dia de la Madre,” or “Mother’s Day,” falls on May in Puerto Vallarta. Another popular event is Cinco de Mayo, but unlike in the US, it is not considered a major festivity.
  6. June: Navy Day is celebrated every first of June in Puerto Vallarta. People celebrate through sailing races and fireworks in Banderas Bay.
  7. July: July is the end of Spring break season in PV and the beginning of turtle-releasing season.
  8. August: The pairing dinner, Manos y Magia, is celebrated in August.
  9. September: The occasion honors Mexico’s cowboys and Charreria, or Mexican rodeo, a family tradition.
  10. October: The city holds the 14th consecutive Gastronomic Vallarta Nayarit, Mexico and Latin America’s most prominent cuisine event, from October 12 to 18. Puerto Vallarta celebrates Halloween on October 31, the same as the US tradition.
  11. November: Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is the most famous celebration in Puerto Vallarta during November.
  12. December: Christmas is celebrated in Puerto Vallarta. The season features colorful piñatas, Nativity scenes that remain until February 2nd, and New Year’s Eve traditions promoting love, prosperity, and travel.

The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is during the months of April and June when the climate is pleasant. Temperatures climb slightly around April to June, although the season is moderate. Spend the late evenings on any of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s lovely beaches as most tourists have left. One of the sweet spots is when the beach waters are warm enough for long swims but not hot enough to limit one’s time in the water. The beach’s fauna is out and about, making it the greatest time for snorkeling despite the cooler water.

1. January

January 1st is one big celebration in Puerto Vallarta. It marks the 1s day of the new year. Many exciting New Year’s Eve activities happen in local eateries and nightclubs. The fireworks show over Banderas Bay, the largest bay in Mexico, is spectacular. A walk along the Malecon is the perfect way to ring in the new year. The streets of downtown PV will be bustling with people on December 31st, and they spill over into the Malecon for a night of live music, festivities, and a midnight fireworks display. One of the most common ways Mexicans ring in the new year is with a family meal eaten late at night. Mexico City hosts a massive street carnival on the last night of every year, making it the country’s biggest public event.

2. February

February 5, 1917, is the formal founding date of the Mexican Constitution Day. It has been a national holiday since Venustiano Carranza signed Santiago Queretaro’s Public Constitution of the United Mexican States or Fundamental Law of Magna Carta. Mexico obtained independence from Spain in 1810, but writing a constitution took nearly a century after multiple versions. The war crippled Mexico’s economy, generating massive unemployment and severe economic instability. Total sovereignty and replicating the US Constitution were unacceptable for the first stable constitution. The Mexican constitution was changed in 1957 to prevent outsiders from taking control! Racial warfare lasted for decades after settling. Mexico has always had disagreements like other large, diverse nations despite its grit.

Religious freedom is an essential Mexican constitutional achievement. Non-Mexicans don’t know Catholics were killed for their beliefs. The government sought to undermine the Catholic Church’s influence on Mexicans. Armed civilians fought the government in the Cristero War, murdering many before Venustiano Carranza’s administration and the current constitution. Catholics, other religions, the press, media, and expression are protected under the Constitution.

3. March

March marks the beginning of Spring Break in Puerto Vallarta. Spring Break begins in the last week of March for high school and college students nationwide. The high-octane party season peaks through April and May after the starting week, making it a perfect time to stay in Mexico’s friendliest city.

Ash Wednesday is a major local holiday, reflecting the nation’s Catholic roots. Local and international churchgoers attend services at churches throughout Puerto Vallarta on such a day, notably the crown-topped Church of Our Lady of Guadelupe. English and Spanish services welcome the local faithful to worship and fellowship.

Benito Juarez, a revered former president who helped build Mexico, is commemorated on March 21. Juarez implemented the “Juarez Law” while leading the country, giving indigenous peoples more autonomy and advancing democracy. It’s a national holiday in Mexico, and numerous local events celebrate the key independence fighter.

4. April

April is an important month for most Catholics in Puerto Vallarta. Spring is a great season to visit for several reasons. Easter “Pascua” is a significant religious feast on April 17, 2023. Numerous municipalities have religious processions. The majestic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, near the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, hosts multilingual service on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Its magnificent architecture and distinctive crown make it worth seeing for Easter, regardless of religion.

Easter is a terrific time to vacation with friends and family, in addition to its religious significance. People go picnic at the beach, paddle boarding, snorkeling, surfing, hiking in nature or zip line, or ride an ATV through forest paths. Warm weather and little rain in April are the first reasons. Spring has less tourists than the winter busy season from December to March, making travel cheaper. The lone exception is Semana Santa (Holy Week), April 2–8 for 2024. Many Mexicans take a break from work or school to visit the beaches during Semana Santa, making it a busy week in Puerto Vallarta. Small communities like Sayulita and San Pancho become busy.

5. May

May in Puerto Vallarta is bustling with cultural and festive activities. The May Cultural Festival, running throughout the month, showcases artists, painters, musicians, and actors, offering a rich cultural experience. Fiestas de Mayo in El Pitillal provides traditional Mexican fair attractions, including animal exhibits and various entertainment options. The month features the Puerto Vallarta International Sports Classic from May 2–5, attracting international athletes and spectators. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla. The battle of Puebla isn’t extensively celebrated in Puerto Vallarta. Local tourist bars and restaurants still see higher patronage.

Travelers must note that on Mother’s Day, May 10, increased traffic and fully booked restaurants are typical. Culinary enthusiasts enjoy Restaurant Week towards the end of May, where top local restaurants offer fixed-price, creative three-course menus. The month concludes with the Puerto Vallarta Anniversary on May 31, celebrated with cultural and sporting events, live music, and fireworks over Banderas Bay, marking a highlight in the city’s festive calendar.

6. June

June 1st is designated as Navy Day in Puerto Vallarta. Navy Day is a festival that celebrates the memories of those who started out on the ship “Tabasco” in Veracruz, the first Mexican commerce ship, and all of the sailors who lost their lives while at sea. Sailing races, parties, fireworks, and general enjoyment follow a ceremony where captains place wreaths in Banderas Bay.

7. July

July 2nd is the day of the national elections in Puerto Vallarta and the rest of Mexico, once every six years. The spring break season comes to an end on July 6. The end of July marks the beginning of the school year vacations in Mexico. Numerous hotels in Puerto Vallarta provide turtle release programs from July through December.

8. August

August is significant in Puerto Vallarta as it hosts the Manos y Magia pairing dinner, a collaborative creation by @gaviotas.vallarta and @vinomafest. The event marks a significant moment as it coincides with the conclusion of the national vacation season at the end of August, just as school activities have resumed, signaling a return to routine for many.

9. September

September 14 celebrates Día de Charro in Puerto Vallarta. Mexico’s cowboys and the well-known family ritual called Charreria, commonly known as Mexican rodeo, are honored and celebrated. Local churros, dressed in enormous sombreros and coats, are the first to begin the celebrations on such a particular day. They ride horses for their journey through the downtown area of Puerto Vallarta. Various celebrations are planned in the evening, during which delicious food and beverages are served, with dance parties and musical performances.

10. October

October is a month of cultural events and celebrations in Puerto Vallarta. The Art Walk, starting at the end of October and continuing through the end of May, invites visitors to explore numerous art galleries that stay open late, offering free drinks and an opportunity to appreciate classical and contemporary art amidst lively conversations. The city hosts the Gastronomic Vallarta Nayarit, a prestigious food event that is the most celebrated in Mexico and Latin America, marking its 14th uninterrupted edition from October 12 to 18. Halloween on October 31 is a vibrant affair in Puerto Vallarta, mirroring the United States’ celebrations but with even more elaborate and ghoulish costumes. Serious costume contests occur with venues offering substantial cash prizes, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.

11. November

November in Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant month marked by two significant events. Dia de Muertos, a deeply rooted Mexican tradition, sees families honor their ancestors by merging pre-Hispanic beliefs and Catholic practices on the 1st and 2nd of the month. Homes and streets come alive with ofrendas, adorned with marigolds, candles, and offerings, symbolizing the return of spirits. Cemeteries become gathering places where graves are decorated as families come together in remembrance. The marigold, or cempasúchil, with its vivid orange petals, plays a crucial role, guiding spirits back to the living world and contributing to the fragrant atmosphere during this celebration of life and death. The International Gourmet Festival takes place in November, turning the city into a gastronomic hub with the finest culinary offerings from Mexico and beyond. The festival includes exclusive tastings and demonstrations by internationally acclaimed chefs, making it a highlight for culinary enthusiasts.

12. December

December in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, offers a unique taste of Christmas, blending conventional Mexican customs with the beauty of a top beach resort. Holiday activities run from December 1st to January 6th, featuring events like the Virgin of Guadalupe Festival and Posadas, which reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. The city buzzes with vibrant piñatas and Nativity scenes, which remain until February 2nd, alongside Christmas dinners filled with authentic Mexican fare. Various customs ensuring love, prosperity, and travel fill the festive air as the New Year approaches. The holiday season culminates on January 6th with Three Kings Day, highlighted by cutting the Rosca de Reyes cake. Finding the baby Jesus figurine in the cake promises more gatherings, rounding off a month of joyous gatherings and cultural richness in Puerto Vallarta.

What are things to consider when visiting Puerto Vallarta?

The things to consider when visiting Puerto Vallarta are listed below.

  1. Weather: Year-round warmth makes Puerto Vallarta a great place to visit. The visitor’s preferred activities determine the optimal time to visit. The high season is October to April when thousands escape the frigid Northern climates. Dry days and 70-80°F temperatures are in high season. Watching is available from December to May. Humpback whales breed and rear their calves in Banderas Bay’s warm water. Hiking is popular in peak season, so bring comfy shoes. Visit between April and June for optimum results. The season is hotter and less touristy than October–December. The off-season is July to September, when July temperatures average 90F. The best time to conceal is with an AC.
  2. Safety: Puerto Vallarta is widely regarded as a highly secure destination in Mexico owing to its substantial police presence. They work hard to ensure the streets are safe for everyone, including tourists and locals.
  3. Accommodation: Each Puerto Vallarta neighborhood has its unique feel, so choose wisely. Various accommodations are available in the area, ranging from budget-friendly to the most luxurious resorts. Try the Romantic Zone for a vibrant location, while others prefer cocktails by an infinity pool in the Hotel Zone or a secluded beach in the South Zone.
  4. Activities: PV offers plenty of activities. Visitors have options like snorkeling, beach hopping, walking tours, scuba diving, whale watching, and much more.
  5. Cuisine: Puerto Vallarta is known for its diverse Mexican cuisine, fresh seafood, and fusion gastronomy, blending local and international flavors. Traditional meals like “ceviche,” marinated fresh fish in lime juice and seasoned with chili peppers, and “birria,” a spicy stew prepared from goat or beef, are popular.
  6. Culture: Puerto Vallarta is a lively cultural hotspot that blends Mexican and modern styles. Tourists worldwide come to see its vibrant festivals, art, music, and customs. The city’s historic center, especially the Malecón, has many sculptures and public art pieces. Visitors to downtown get to browse these galleries and meet local artists during weekly Art Walks.
  7. Transportation: Navigating the streets of Puerto Vallarta is not difficult at all. The bus is, without a doubt, the most cost-effective choice. There is an abundance of cabs in every location since riding the bus in a foreign city may frequently be intimidating. Ensure a pricing agreement with the drivers before getting in because there are cases in which they overcharge passengers.
  8. Health and Safety: Crime in Puerto Vallarta is 35.23. It offers one of the lowest rates among Mexican hotspots. Puerto Vallarta is an excellent area for a healthy lifestyle, with bike rides, yoga, and healthy restaurants.
  9. Language: English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, so the visitor must be able to speak effectively in most settings. Learning Spanish words and phrases helps one communicate with locals, navigate less touristy regions, and respect the local culture. Visitors who use the native language, even for welcomes, are appreciated.
  10. Respect Local Customs: Respecting local customs in Puerto Vallarta requires embracing the welcome culture by using handshakes, cheek kisses, and courteous pleasantries like “Buenos días” or “Buenas tardes.” Visitors must observe the noon siesta some businesses take, dress appropriately away from the beach or resort areas, especially in religious or formal situations, and tip and bargain as locals do. Respecting these norms enhances travel and shows appreciation for local culture.

What are the Public Holidays in Puerto Vallarta?

The public holidays in Puerto Vallarta are listed below.

  1. January 1st (New Year’s Day): New Year’s Eve is a fun holiday in Puerto Vallarta. There are many entertaining New Year’s celebrations at local restaurants and bars. The fireworks above Mexico’s largest Bay, Banderas Bay, are spectacular. Visitors must stroll the Malecon to celebrate the New Year. People swarm downtown PV and overflow into the Malecon on December 31 for live music, a festive ambiance, and a midnight fireworks extravaganza. Mexicans celebrate New Year’s Eve with a late-night family feast. The largest public celebration in Mexico is a massive street festival in Mexico City on the last night of the year.
  2. February 5th (Anniversary of the Mexican Constitution): February 5th is the national holiday and anniversary of the Mexican Constitution, featuring a parade through downtown PV. Public government facilities and banks continue to be closed.
  3. March 21st (Benito Juárez Birthday): Mexico celebrates Benito Juárez, the country’s three-time president in the turbulent second half of the 19th century, in Puerto Vallarta and elsewhere. Juarez’s birthday is celebrated on the third Monday of March, creating a three-day “puente.” The holiday falls on March 18, so banks, government offices, and many businesses are closed.
  4. May 1st (Labor Day): Labor Day in Puerto Vallarta and the rest of Mexico is an official holiday on which banks, schools, government offices, and businesses close. Public transit experiences changes in schedules or routes. The day commemorates the labor movement, notably the suppression in Cananea, and celebrates significant labor law reforms introduced by the 1917 Constitution. The holiday was officially celebrated for the first time on May 1, 1923, although there were reports of a Labor Day procession in 1913.
  5. May 5 (Cinco de Mayo): The festival honors California-born Mexican-American culture from the 1800s. Cien de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s triumph over France in the Franco-Mexican War at Puebla. Two thousand Mexican soldiers overcame 6,000 French soldiers in Puebla on May 5, 1862. Puerto Vallarta celebrates with parades, mariachi music, colorful costumes, and fireworks. May 5th is not a federal holiday.
  6. September 16th (Mexico’s Independence Day): Miguel Hidalgo initiated Mexico’s journey towards independence from Spain on September 16, 1810, culminating in Spain’s recognition of Mexico’s independence on August 24, 1821. Hidalgo’s legacy is celebrated annually in Puerto Vallarta and across Mexico on Independence Day as the Father of Mexican Independence. The festivities include parties, parades, and abundant decorations in the colors of the Mexican flag. The highlight is the reenactment of Hidalgo’s “grito,” marked by the patriotic chant “Viva Mexico!” chanted three times.
  7. November 1-2 (Dia de los Muertos): The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) in Puerto Vallarta, as in the rest of Mexico, is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. The vibrant tradition honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away. Festivities include creating colorful altars (ofrendas) adorned with flowers, candles, photos, and favorite foods of the deceased and visiting cemeteries to decorate gravesites. The celebration is marked by public events, parades, and cultural activities in Puerto Vallarta that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the tradition, blending solemn remembrance with festive joy.
  8. November 20th (Day of the Mexican Revolution): Puerto Vallarta celebrates Revolution Day with a week of festivities, including bank and school closures on November 18 and 20. The event is followed by a long weekend that locals typically stretch into a five-day vacation. Mexico’s politics changed following a nationwide revolt against D’az on November 20, 1910.
  9. December 25th (Christmas Day): Another festival observed in PV and worldwide is Christmas. Winter is the ideal time to visit Puerto Vallarta, according to many vacationers. Visitors spend all their time outside when summer or autumn rains finish since the rainy season is over, December through April are low-rain months, so people enjoy the sun with family. Puerto Vallarta averages 86°F (30°C) year-round, while winter evenings and mornings are cooler. Many area restaurants and businesses have Christmas-themed menus, decorations, and activities.

What are the Activities and Events commonly held in Puerto Vallarta?

Some activities and events commonly held in Puerto Vallarta are listed below.

  1. International Charro Championship: Charros (cowboys) from throughout Mexico compete in the four-day Campeonato Nacional Charro Vallarta. Women’s riding and rope tricks are showcased, along with mariachis, a parade, and charro-themed art shows. Admission costs $7-$12.
  2. Chocolate and Vanilla Festival: The Vallarta Botanical Garden hosts the fifth annual Chocolate, Coffee, and Vanilla Festival 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., celebrating these ancient cuisines with live music and family activities. Local manufacturers and suppliers sell their products at an exhibition, while chocolate, coffee, and vanilla experts talk. Yoga, painting, live music, and traditional dance are offered.
  3. International Fishing Tournament: Puerto Vallarta is known for its world-class sport fishing, and its International Marlin and Sailfish Fishing Tournament draws international anglers. The 66th annual event was held November 9–12, 2022. November contest draws hundreds of fishermen to capture sailfish, marlin, wahoo, and dorado in the Bay of Banderas.
  4. Turtle Releasing Season: Visit one of the many turtle camps in Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita, San Pancho, and other Riviera Nayarit locations from June to December to support local animals. The beaches let visitors release baby turtles that lay their eggs there when they grow up. The releases occur in the late afternoon, so juvenile turtles have more time to swim into the ocean by nightfall, hiding them from predatory birds and improving their survival odds.
  5. Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta: Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday observed on November 1st at midnight. Puerto Vallarta celebrates the Day of the Dead with a week-long festival featuring gorgeous shrines along the Malecon (boardwalk), municipal squares, and art exhibitions.
  6. Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe: The Lady of Guadalupe has inspired Mexicans’ deepest devotion since 1531 and is the clearest representation of their mestizo history. Every December 12, a journey through downtown Puerto Vallarta ends at the majestic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe for a special mass. Don’t miss such a great day to experience Mexico’s culture, history, and traditions.
  7. Whale Watching Season: A large group of Humpback whales marry and give birth in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit from mid-December to March. It’s a great time to sail and see these magnificent migratory animals.
  8. South Side Shuffle: Basilio Badillo and Constitución host a street celebration and open-house art extravaganza every other Friday night, drawing locals and tourists. Local galleries and stores offer drinks and a festive atmosphere for browsing and dancing to live music. South Side Shuffle takes place every other Friday from January to April. It’s a terrific way to conclude the week and experience local music and culture.
  9. Art & Market Marina Vallarta: The yearly celebration occurs every Thursday from October until May. The festival lets one stroll Puerto Vallarta’s charming streets, enjoy delicious Mexican food, and shop for handmade goods. Live music adds to the celebratory atmosphere.
  10. Free Malecon Sculpture Tour: Gary Thompson of Galeria Pacifico in Puerto Vallarta offers a free sunset tour every Thursday, presenting history and information about the sculptures’ artists. Thompson highlights each artwork’s value with exquisite details. A walking tour is a terrific way to experience Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta’s Mexican festivals and art culture. The two-hour event is enjoyable and enlightening.

The other things to do in Puerto Vallarta, aside from the popular events, offer various activities catering to a range of activities. Puerto Vallarta is a versatile destination for travelers. Nature enthusiasts explore the lush landscapes of the Sierra Madre Mountains on guided hikes or zip-lining adventures, while water lovers enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing in the clear waters of Banderas Bay. One of the top Puerto Vallarta things to do is explore the vibrant art scene by taking a walking tour of the numerous galleries and outdoor sculptures that decorate the city. The city’s vibrant art scene is experienced through visits to local galleries and the famous public sculptures along El Malecón. Visitors wander through the cobblestone streets of the Zona Romántica for a taste of local culture and history, stop by the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, or take a stroll on the Isla Cuale to browse the craft markets. Foodies delight in the culinary offerings of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from street tacos to gourmet dining, and even participate in cooking classes to learn how to prepare traditional Mexican dishes. Puerto Vallarta ensures visitors find something to enrich their travel experience beyond the city’s scheduled events with these diverse activities.

How can I visit Puerto Vallarta?

You can visit Puerto Vallarta by following the steps listed below.

  1. Determine the Best Time to Visit. Decide when to visit based on one’s interests and the weather. The peak tourist season is from November to April when the weather is dry and pleasant. Consider the rainy season from May to October if someone prefers a quieter visit with lower prices.
  2. Book a Flight. Check for flights from major airlines and book in advance for the best deals. Consider flying mid-week for lower fares. Schedule a flight to Puerto Vallarta through major airlines such as WestJet, Sunwing, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, American, Southwest, Air Canada, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus. Consider direct flights from major cities in the USA and Canada, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Chicago, and Vancouver. The Puerto Vallarta airport is the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). Check for flights from major airlines and book in advance for the best deals.
  3. Opt for a Cruise Ship. Many Mexican Riviera cruise lines stop in Puerto Vallarta. The city’s cruise terminal draws thousands of passengers each year near the Hotel Zone and downtown. Puerto Vallarta cruises depart from West Coast ports like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. These cruises often visit Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán, other Pacific coast destinations in Mexico.
  4. Choose an Accommodation. Decide what type of accommodation suits one’s style and budget. Puerto Vallarta offers a range of options, from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to budget hostels and vacation rentals. Book an accommodation in advance, especially if traveling during peak season.
  5. Plan the Itinerary. Research the top attractions and activities in Puerto Vallarta. Include a mix of beach time, cultural tours, and nature excursions. Popular activities include visiting the Malecón, touring the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, exploring the Romantic Zone, and taking day trips to nearby attractions like Sayulita or San Sebastián del Oeste.
  6. Arrange Local Transportation. Consider how to get around Puerto Vallarta. Visitors must rent a car, especially if they plan on exploring outside the city, although many areas are walkable. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available. Try the buses for shorter distances for local authenticity.
  7. Arrive and Explore. Check the accommodation and explore upon arriving in Puerto Vallarta. Be open to spontaneous adventures and local recommendations to make the most of one’s visit.

How long can I stay in Puerto Vallarta?

You can stay in Puerto Vallarta for about 4 to 7 days. Planning to spend at least four days in Puerto Vallarta guarantees visitors don’t feel rushed and have enough time to experience all the sights and activities the area offers.

A foreigner holding a visitor visa is allowed to stay in Puerto Vallarta for a maximum of 180 days, provided no for-profit activities are being conducted. A visitor visa grants permission to enter Mexico for a maximum of 180 days on the condition that no for-profit activities are being conducted. It involves tourism, volunteering, short-term study courses, transit, and attending business meetings, among other things, as long as visitors are certain that their actions in Mexico do not result in monetary rewards.

Foreigners are allowed to enter Puerto Vallarta or Mexico for up to 180 days, but the immigration officials decide the maximum length for all foreign visitors based on the information they provide about what they plan to do in Mexico. Each visitor presents a copy of their travel arrangements, itinerary, invitation letter, or travel reservations at the entry point. The visitor permit is non-renewable and terminates upon its expiration date. Foreign visitors must leave the area by the date it expires. People who overstay must pay a fine when they leave the country.

Foreigners who wish to stay longer than 180 days in Puerto Vallarta or any part of Mexico must apply for a Temporary Residency. Tourist visas only allow foreigners to stay in Mexico for 180 days. Temporary residency lets foreigners stay longer and gives them residency rights, like having a bank account, which they are not allowed to do as visitors.

When is the Best time to Visit Puerto Vallarta?

The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is from April to June. The weather is lovely during these months, and lodgings are reasonably inexpensive. Rainfall is relatively minimal during such a period, and the tourist crowds are smaller than around the winter peak. December to March are prime times for people keen on whale watching, though travel costs are significantly higher during these windows.

Puerto Vallarta traffic tends to diminish between April and June, making it a more serene time to visit. The weather remains temperate during these months, with temperatures peaking in the mid-80s, creating perfect settings for enjoying the beach. The ocean water is pleasantly warm, ideal for various water activities. The months of April and June are known for offering attractive hotel discounts. Be prepared for higher temperatures as they climb into the 90s when visiting a trip in June.

Puerto Vallarta is enjoyed by various tourists all year round. It is known to have pleasant climates, and most people enjoy it at most times of the year. It is upon an individual’s preference which time to visit the beautiful Puerto Vallarta.

What part of Puerto Vallarta is best to stay in?

The Romantic Zone, or Zona Romántica, stands out as the premier location to stay in Puerto Vallarta for several compelling reasons. It offers convenience and accessibility as the city’s most walkable part, allowing visitors to explore its charming streets easily. The area features an extensive array of fantastic dining establishments and clubs, providing a taste of the local cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Its proximity to the southern beaches is unmatched for beach buffs, offering convenient access to some of the most beautiful coastal spots in the region. The abundance of boutique hotels around Old Town/Romantic Zone ensures a unique and personalized lodging experience, diverging from the standard fare found in larger hotel chains. Visitors to the Romantic Zone have peace of mind knowing that the area is very safe, making it a perfect location to enjoy the best Puerto Vallarta offers.

Are there hotels in Puerto Vallarta where I can stay?

Yes, there are hotels in Puerto Vallarta where you can stay. Puerto Vallarta, a premier beach resort city on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, is famous for its wide range of accommodation options catering to diverse tastes and budgets, ensuring that every traveler finds a suitable place to stay. The city accommodates all types of visitors, from luxurious resorts nestled along the pristine beaches offering world-class amenities and unparalleled ocean views to charming boutique hotels in the heart of the city’s historic center, providing a more intimate and culturally rich experience.

All-inclusive resorts are popular among those looking for a worry-free vacation, where meals, activities, and entertainment are included, allowing guests to enjoy everything Puerto Vallarta offers without the need to venture far. Smaller, family-run hotels and bed & breakfasts are scattered throughout the city for travelers seeking a more authentic experience or traveling on a budget, offering comfortable accommodations, personalized service, and a chance to connect with local culture. Many Puerto Vallarta hotels and resorts emphasize eco-friendly practices and sustainable tourism, appealing to environmentally conscious travelers. Puerto Vallarta ensures that whether guests are looking for luxury, comfort, sustainability, or a touch of local flavor, they are going to find a hotel that meets their needs and enhances their vacation experience in the vibrant coastal city with its variety of lodging options.

Is Puerto Vallarta a joyful destination for a vacation?

Yes, Puerto Vallarta is a joyful destination for a vacation. Puerto Vallarta stands out as a joyful vacation destination for numerous reasons, combining natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality to create an unforgettable experience for visitors. PV offers breathtaking landscapes that promise tranquility and thrills. It is nestled between the sparkling waters of Banderas Bay and the lush greenery of the Sierra Madre mountains. The city’s vibrant neighborhoods, from the romantic cobblestone streets of the Zona Romantica to the bustling Malecón with its sculptures and street performers, are brimming with life and color.

Puerto Vallarta’s culinary scene is another highlight, offering everything from street tacos to gourmet dining, showcasing the best of Mexican cuisine. The city’s calendar is packed with festivals and events celebrating its rich cultural heritage, inviting travelers to partake in local traditions and festivities. Puerto Vallarta embodies a joyful spirit coupled with genuinely friendly locals who welcome visitors with open arms, making it an ideal getaway for people seeking a mixture of relaxation, culture, and fun in a stunning setting.

Pedro Robin

Based in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México.

Pedro moved to Puerto Vallarta Bay In 2011 and was intensively dedicated to Real Estate Research and practice. AMPI, NAR, ABR, GREEN, CIPS, RSPS Certifications achieved as part of traditional real estate training. After 2015, to widen the scope, his focus was to exceed expectations for Developer clients for Tourist Areas, so hundreds of hours of training with the bests made it possible to show extraordinary results in all Real Estate Developments involved today.

As Business Architect and Concept Advisor for Developments, the whole 360 of Real Estate Development Business experience was achieved. A strong sense of balance in the quality of life, cultural respect, environmental care, and purpose has always been part of the core concepts proposed in all projects involved.

Before his advocacy to Real Estate Industry, he became Industrial Engineer, Enterprise Organization, and Advanced Management Specialist. He was on IT consulting services and mid-size corporations projects for 25 years. Always available. Pedro is a problem solver, out-of-the-box thinker, and doer, continuously needing to improve everyone’s life.

Pedro supports all the MexLife Real Estate Advisors in their everyday tasks and interaction with clients. His primary purpose is to enhance the experience of everyone who interacts with MexLife and to keep company standards ahead through high-quality services and innovation.

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