Things to do
Puerto VallartaMay 13, 2024·43 min read

Things to do

Puerto Vallarta is a city in Mexico surrounded by beach resorts. Puerto Vallarta is on the Pacific Ocean’s Banderas Bay in the Mexican state of Jalisco. It lies on Mexico’s western coast, and the boundary is by the Sierra Madre mountains. The city has numerous tourist attractions that show the natural beauty, creativity, and cultures of Puerto Vallarta, such as beaches, resorts, museums, restaurants, and bars. Breathtaking attractions make Puerto Vallarta one of the best tourist destinations in Mexico.

There are approximately 4 million tourists annually in Puerto Vallarta, making it one of the best destinations for solo, couple, family, friends, group, and corporate travels. Another reason for the significant number of tourists yearly is the cost of living in Puerto Vallarta. There are plenty of investment choices in Puerto Vallarta, such as apartments, condominiums, lots, or houses.

There are numerous historical places in Puerto Vallarta, including the Puerto Vallarta Naval Historical Museum, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the Rio Cuale Museum. Tours are available for solo, family, couple, or groups to explore and discover these historical places in Puerto Vallarta. In addition, the travel is not complete without experiencing the well-known activities or events and exploring the famous attractions and beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Some notable activities in Puerto Vallarta are walking tours, food tours, and water activities. Tourists have plenty of choices of activities to try to discover the culture and practices of Puerto Vallarta. On the other hand, the three well-known attractions in Puerto Vallarta showcase the Mexican vibe of Puerto Vallarta, such as Puerto Vallarta Malecon, Marietas Islands, and Los Muertos Beach. The lively ambiance of Puerto Vallarta and the people’s hospitality are reasons tourists come back to enjoy all the experiences Puerto Vallarta offers. Furthermore, April to June is the time when Puerto Vallarta is best to visit because these months have great and pleasant weather.

There are three ways to get to Puerto Vallarta: by riding a plane, cruise ship, or bus. Transportation in Puerto Vallarta includes taxis, buses, Uber, and car rentals. The cheapest transit option is the bus. Moreover, the cost of visiting and living in Puerto Vallarta is low. It is one of the advantages of living and touring in Puerto Vallarta. The total expenses for living and visiting Puerto Vallarta depend on an individual’s lifestyle. In addition, the first thing to do before visiting Puerto Vallarta is to search and learn about the places, cultures, and practices. Knowing some basic Spanish greetings is essential as a sign of respect.

Listed below are the 16 Things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

  • Explore the city by walking:There are self-guided walk tours in Puerto Vallarta. The well-known places in Puerto Vallarta to do the walking tours are Malecon, Cuela River Island, and Romantic Zone. 
  • Consider Joining a Food Tour: Puerto Vallarta has various foods to try during food tours. Guided tours are available to book to enjoy the different cuisines in Puerto Vallarta. 
  • Sunset Viewing: Beaches in Puerto Vallarta are the ideal place to witness the sunset during golden hours. 
  • Check out Rhythms of the Night: Rhythms of the Night is a party that glorifies the spiritual connection to the animals and nature in Puerto Vallarta. Alma is a performance and one of the highlights in Rhythms of the Night. 
  • Relax on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta: Puerto Vallarta has plenty of beaches, including Los Muertos Beach, Las Glorias Beach, Tranquilla Beach, Yelapa, and Las Caletas Beach. 
  • Join a Late-night Tour: Traveling to Puerto Vallarta is incomplete without experiencing the different life there at night. There are bars, clubs, and night tours in Puerto Vallarta.
  • Mountain Biking Adventure: Puerto Vallarta has mountains in the Sierra Madre that are ideal for Mountain Biking and even trekking. Biking in Puerto Vallarta is safe. There are numerous trails in Puerto Vallarta for Mountain Biking, including Rio Pitillal Path, Rancho Las Vegas, Río Cuale y Cañón, Las Carmelitas, Los Llanitos, and Pozas Huchichila. 
  • Try their Fresh Seafood: Puerto Vallarta is known as one of the places with plenty of seafood, as fresh waters surround it. Some restaurants offer different cuisines and specialties in Puerto Vallarta.
  • Visit the Old Town: The Old Town in Puerto Vallarta is well-known for its cobbled streets and the different colors of houses visible once climbing the hill. The places to visit in Old Town are the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Romantic Zone, Rio River, and Mirador Cerro de La Cruz. 
  • Try Scuba Diving: Scuba diving is one of the well-known activities in Puerto Vallarta. There are four best scuba diving places in Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos National Park, Majahuitas, Conchas Chinas, and Las Marietas Islands. 
  • Visit Churches: Going to churches in Puerto Vallarta is ideal if visiting Puerto Vallarta. Churches in Puerto Vallarta have breathtaking architecture and structure, especially store history. 
  • Visit Art Galleries and Museums: One of the ideal activities at night in Puerto Vallarta is going to art galleries and museums. 
  • Check out the Markets: Puerto Vallarta has various stalls and stores for food, clothes, and souvenirs. Puerto Vallarta has a market called the Municipal Market of Colonia Emiliano Zapata. 
  • Experience Hiking: Hiking and trekking in Puerto Vallarta have become well-known and one of the best activities. There are different kinds of a hike in Puerto Vallarta, including Urban Hike, Garden Hike, Beach Hike, Jungle hikes, and River Hike.
  • Explore the City at Night: Going to bars, clubs, and night entertainment, such as drag shows, are some choices to spend and enjoy the night in Puerto Vallarta. 
  • Visit Islands: Puerto Vallarta has plenty of islands, including the Islas Marietas, that are hidden and inhabited.

  • 1. Explore the city by walking.

    In some parts of Puerto Vallarta, free walking tours are available. Puerto Vallarta has three walking areas: Malecon, Cuela River Island, and Romantic Zone. Malecon is a 1-mile street on the seaside of Puerto Vallarta, and the designs in Malecon changed in 2011. Shops, restaurants, and bars are available for tourists and locals in Puerto Vallarta.

    Aside from the sceneries of the beaches, there are 18 sculptures displayed in Malecon, including The Boy on the Seahorse, Erizados, The Good Fortune Unicorn, Millennium, Statue of Lorena Ochoa, Vallarta Dancers, and The Washer Woman. In short, Malecon is a gallery in an open area. Malecon is one of the best sites to exercise and do a morning jog. Cuale River Island is an island in the river in the center of Puerto Vallarta. Cuale River Island has parks, markets, and restaurants. Before reaching the market on Cuale River Island, tourists and locals need to cross the wooden footbridge. The surroundings of Cuale River Island are fresh water and rich vegetation. After walking from Cuale River Island, get down to the Romantic Zone. Romantic Zone is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta. Romantic Zone is the downtown part of Puerto Vallarta. It has restaurants, condominiums, shops, and bars. Foreigners and LGBTQ+ are often in the bars of the Romantic Zone. The red-tile roofs are historic buildings in the Romantic Zone. Romantic Zone has art galleries and hotels.

  • 2. Consider Joining a Food Tour.

    A food tour around Puerto Vallarta is a different experience because they have various cuisines, but Mexican food is the most recommended. A food or culinary Tour is a guided tour to present the history and traditional foods to tourists. Different operators conduct food tours in Puerto Vallarta. The price for a food tour ranges from $43 to $99 per person. When availing of food tours in Puerto Vallarta, there are inclusions, such as transportation, a hotel guide, and water. The tour duration ranges from 3 to 4 hours, while the typical ages allowed to avail of the tour range from 0 to 99. The inclusions, tour time, and age depend on the operators. As well as the cuisines and restaurants to visit depend on the itinerary of the operator, and usually, tourists are able to taste 7 to 12 dishes on the food tours. In addition, there are numerous bars and restaurants in Puerto including Karuma Gourmet Grill, Barcelona Tapas Puerto Vallarta, and Xolo Restaurante. The most well-known traditional food in Puerto Vallarta is Ceviche, Birria Tacos, Micheladas, Tacos al Pastor, and Chilaquiles. 

  • 3. Sunset Viewing.

    The top place to witness the sunset in Puerto Vallarta is on beaches or near the beach, including Las Glorias beach; Garza Blanca Beach; the seaside in Malecon; La Palapa; The Westin Resort and Spa; Sunset Plaza Beach Resort and Spa; and Los Muertos by Romantic Zone. The golden hour in Puerto Vallarta typically starts from 7:45 to 8:15. However, other ways to view sunsets in Puerto Vallarta are riding a cruise, dining at a restaurant, walking in Malecon, and riding a horse. A sunset cruise is one of the romantic ways to view and appreciate the golden hour. Boat tours are available around Puerto Vallarta, including the Marigalante Pirate Ship or the Rhythms of the Night tour. After witnessing the sunset, it means it is time to party. Watching the evening while watching is an option and available for beach fronts restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, such as Blanca Blue and BocaDos STK. Walking at the seaside of Malecon is perfect for sunset viewing while strolling the artistic place. Moreover, for an incredible advent.

  • 4. Check out Rhythms of the Night.

    ALMA by Rhythms of the Night is a party that honors the spiritual relationship between the animals and nature in Puerto Vallarta. Alma is a performance and one of the emphases in Rhythms of the Night. In Rhythm of the Night, a buffet dinner is available, and a fanciful meal is in the open dining areas and balcony in Puerto Vallarta. During dinner, some entertainers sing and perform traditional Mexican songs. During showtime, there are performers in the open-air theater. The entertainers perform Alma’s story by combining acrobatics, original music, and special effects. Aside from that, there are dancers and fire jugglers, while doing acrobats makes the evening party more enjoyable. In addition, before watching the performer or party the night away, sunset viewing along Banderas Bay to Las Caletas is perfect. Book a Rhythm of the Night tour one or two days in advance.

  • 5. Relax on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta.

    Beaches and resorts are all over Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is acknowledged for its beaches and features the native beauty of the environment. Some beaches are attainable by sailing. The crowded beaches in Puerto Vallarta are Los Muertos, Las Glorias, Yelapa, and Las Caletas. Los Muertos Beach is a well-known beach in Puerto Vallarta. It is situated south of downtown Malecon and the Cuale River. There are shops, exhibition rooms, and an eatery on Los Muertos Beach. Moreover, Las Gemelas and Mismaloya are the hidden beaches in Puerto Vallarta. These are the beaches that have fewer travelers and visitors. However, the beauty of these hiding beaches is astonishing and breathtaking. The waves and the calm water are soothing. There are numerous enjoyable leisure on the shores of Puerto Vallarta, including scuba diving, paddleboard, whale watching, bar hopping, and snorkeling. 

  • 6. Join a Late – night Tour.

    The nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is alive as the bars and nightclubs are open. Some bars and nightclubs around Puerto Vallarta are Co-De, Zoo, Mandala, La Vaquita, Incanto, Rocky Rock House, and La Casa de Hugo. Aside from bars and nightclubs, some of the late-night tours and activities in Puerto Vallarta are the Marigalante Pirate Ship Show, ArtWalk Night Tour, Rhythms of the Night, and Taco Tour. Marigalante Pirate Ship is a show and one of the top activities for late-night tours. It features pirate shows, singing, and sword fighting for 2 hours. Marigalante Pirate Ship includes food and a bar while sailing the bay. On the other hand, the ArtWalk Night Tour in Puerto Vallarta is an event where tourists and visitors are able to view the arts and meet the local artist and owners of galleries. The ArtWallk Night Tour is between October and May during the peak season and is available every Wednesday from 6 pm to 9 pm. In addition, Rhythm of the Night is the highlight of the night. It is a show that gives tributes to the Pre-Hispanic culture and a way to show the connection of the animals to nature. The performers tell the story of Alma by doing a mixture of acrobatics, original music, and special effects. Additionally, there are dancers and fire jugglers, while acrobats make the evening party more alive. Furthermore, the Taco Tour is a fun-street eating experience. In Taco Tour, they teach how to eat a taco like an authentic Mexican and the best places to buy and eat tacos.

Loading…

  • 7. Mountain Biking Adventure.

    Puerto Vallarta has mountains and jungle located in the Sierra Madre, which makes it perfect for Mountain Biking and even trekking. Biking in Puerto Vallarta is safe. Bikers have options, whether they want to ride the bike on flat roads or climb to about 2,500 meters above sea level. There are numerous trails in Puerto Vallarta for Mountain Biking, including Rio Pitillal Path, Rancho Las Vegas, Río Cuale y Cañón, Las Carmelitas, Los Llanitos, and Pozas Huchichila. The trails in Puerto Vallarta for mountain biking have different difficulty levels, such as easy, moderate, and challenging. The routes of Rio Pitillal Trail and Pozas Huchilchila are accessible; intermediate for Rancho Las Vegas, Río Cuale y Cañón, and Las Carmelitas; and hard for Los Llanitos. Moreover, Eco Ride is a company in Puerto Vallarta that has mountain biking and hiking tours around the jungle trails of Sierra Madre. Mountain Biking for those adventurous and active tourists and locals. Some tours and trails are beginner-friendly and even for skilled riders. 

  • 8. Try their Fresh Seafood.

    Foods in Mexico are one of the best in terms of food, and numerous restaurants in Puerto Vallarta are worth visiting. Since Puerto Vallarta is the home of the finest seafood and the surroundings are oceans and beaches, there are plenty of seafood restaurants. Some of the most well-known restaurants in Puerto Vallarta that offer seafood cuisines are Barracuda, Blue Shrimp, 8 Tostadas, Joe Jack’s Fish Shack, Mariscos Tino’s, and Marisma. Barracuda’s specialties are shrimp tacos, Ceviche, and fish. It is a beachfront restaurant and the best place to watch the sunset. Blue Shrimp is a restaurant serving various seafood cuisines; their specialties are shrimps with different presentations. Blue Shrimp is a waterfront restaurant where the stunning bay view is impressive while dining. At the same time, 8 Tostadas is located in Marina and serves fresh seafood. One of their specialties is the ceviches. Joe Jack’s Fish Shack is a seafood restaurant in the Old Town of Puerto Vallarta. They have beverages such as fruit-laced mojitos as their specialty cocktail drinks. Their mouth-watering Tuna is the reason diners keep on coming back. In addition, every Friday, they have eat-all-you-can fish and chips.

    Furthermore, Mariscos Tino’s is a classic restaurant on Malecon walkway in Puerto Vallarta downtown. It is known for its rustic vibe and kinds of seafood. Some of their seafood specialties are ceviche and quesadillas. At the same time, Marisma is known for its fish and shrimp tacos.

  • 9. Visit the Old Town.

    The Old Town in Puerto Vallarta has cobbled alleys, and the houses have various colors visible once climbing the hill. The places to visit in Old Town are the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Romantic Zone, Rio River, and Mirador Cerro de La Cruz. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, or Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, is one of the well-known churches in Puerto Vallarta. Furthermore, the romantic Zone is an ancient region in Puerto Vallarta. It is in the downtown part of Puerto Vallarta. It has restaurants, condominiums, shops, and bars. Foreigners and LGBTQ+ are often in the bars of the Romantic Zone.

    The roofs of houses are red tiles. In contrast, Cuale River Island is an island in the river in the middle of Puerto Vallarta. It has parks, markets, and restaurants. The settings of Cuale River Island are fresh water and lush vegetation. Tourists and residents require crossing the wooden footbridge to reach the market. Additionally, Mirador Cerro de La Cruz is a Puerto Vallarta hike with 360 degrees panoramic view of the city, the Pacific Ocean, and the Bay of Banderas. Mirador Cerro de La Cruz is 15 to 20 minutes away from Malecon.

  • 10. Try Scuba Diving.

    Clear waters and diverse sea life surround Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is one of the perfect places for scuba diving. Scuba diving sometimes has close encounters with the sea creatures such as giant mantas, dolphins, and schools of jacks. There are scuba diving sites that offer diving for beginners and expert scuba divers. The price of diving in Puerto Vallarta ranges from $90 to $150. To witness humpback whales, the best time to scuba dive is from November to May. It is when the sea is calm and the pelagic encounters are at their peak. On the other hand, June to October are months wherein the waters are warm with a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and have the best visibility of 40 meters. All year round, the Manta Rays are visible. There are four best scuba diving spots in Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos National Park, Majahuitas, Conchas Chinas, and Las Marietas Islands.

  • 11. Visit Churches.

    Classified among the well-known cathedrals in Puerto Vallarta is the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is often called Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is open daily, with mass services in English on Saturdays and Spanish and English on Sundays. The formation of the church happened in 1930 and 1940. Visiting the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is worth it, as it features breathtaking buildings and designs. Its structure is neoclassical, and the crown above the building represents the baroque style. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe has a celebration every 12th of December to remember the first apparition of Guadalupe by Juan Diego. Other churches honor the same event by blasting fireworks after the evening rosary. Other churches in Puerto Vallarta include Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Refugio, Christ Church by the Sea, Paradise Church, Anglican Church Puerto Vallarta, and Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel Church.

  • 12. Visit Art Galleries and Museums.

    One of the best activities at night in Puerto Vallarta is visiting art galleries. Puerto Vallarta has an annual event called the ArtWallk Night Tour. The ArtWallk Night Tour is between October and May during the peak season and is available every Wednesday from 6 pm to 10 pm. ArtWalk Night Tour in Puerto Vallarta is an event where tourists and visitors are able to view the arts and meet the local artist and owners of galleries. The eight best art galleries must be visited in Puerto Vallarta, including Galeria Colecktika, Galleria Uno, Galerie des Artistes, Corsica, Galleria Pacifico, Tierra Huichol, Studio Gallery J.A.R, and Qulture. The art displayed in the art galleries is primarily paintings, sculptures, pottery, and folk art. On the other hand, there are museums worth visiting in Puerto Vallarta. One of them is the Choco Museum. Choco Museum shows the history of cocoa and teaches how they are made, from harvesting to production. Choco Museum has workshops such as Bean to Bar, truffle-making, and mole poblano workshops. Furthermore, some other art galleries and museums in Puerto Vallarta are Casa Museo Puerto Vallarta, Cuale Museum, Viva Tequila, Boutique Theatre, and Museum of History, Art, and Culture of Yelapa. 

  • 13. Check out the Markets

    Puerto Vallarta has various markets for food, clothes, and souvenirs. Puerto Vallarta has a market called the Municipal Market of Colonia Emiliano Zapata. It is the market and best site to purchase fresh produce. Visit the Municipal Market of Colonia Emiliano Zapata early in the morning to get the best selection of products. There are stalls in the Municipal Market of Colonia Emiliano Zapata for meats, vegetables, and seafood plates. On the other hand, Puerto Vallarta has the biggest farmer’s market, Art & Market Marina Vallarta. It is open every Thursday, starting from 6 pm to 10 pm. The Art & Market Marina Vallarta’s season begins from the end of October until April. Hand-rolled cigars, freshly baked treats, souvenir shirts, and traditional Mexican arts and textiles are in the Art & Market Marina Vallarta. After shopping, grab some food from the restaurants near the markets in Puerto Vallarta.

  • 14. Experience Hiking.

    Puerto Vallarta offers diverse panorama views, falls, and incredible sceneries. Trekking has become trendy in Puerto Vallarta, as it promotes fitness advantage and, as well as, offers the chance to discover and appreciate the nature of Puerto Vallarta. In Puerto Vallarta, there are different kinds of a hike, including Urban Hike, Garden Hike, Beach Hike, Jungle hikes, and River Hike. Mirador Cerro de La Cruz is the best place to do urban hike. Its difficulty level ranges from easy to moderate. The hiking route is from Malecon to Mirador Cerro de La Cruz. The route takes 40 minutes before reaching the top of the white stairs. Mirador Cerro de La Cruz gives a 360 degrees broad scenic view of Banderas Bay. The Sierra Madre and the rooftops of the downtown.

    On the other hand, Vallarta Botanical Gardens is the best to do a garden hike. Its difficulty level is easy. Vallarta Botanical Gardens has various trails available. It takes 2 hours to hike Vallarta Botanical Gardens. A trail map is available upon acquiring an entrance fee. Bring an insect repellant and water. Vallarta Botanical Gardens offer different encounters with plants, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Additionally, the beach hike is another hike in Puerto Vallarta. Beach hike is popular in Las Animas Beach. The difficulty level of hiking Las Animas Beach is moderate, and it takes 4 hours to finish the routes. The hiking route starts from Boca de Tomatlan. In addition, there are beachfront restaurants available in Las Animas. For a jungle hike, the best place is Monkey Mountain. The difficulty level of hiking Monkey Mountain is moderate, and it takes 3 hours to complete. Monkey Mountain offers a 360 degrees view of the coastline and jungles. The hiking route starts from the main square of Higuera Blanca. Lastly, Jorullo Bridge & El Salto Waterfall is best for those who want to experience river hiking.

    Hiking Jorullo Bridge & El Salto Waterfall allows exploring the wonders of the Sierra Madre and the wide range of flora and fauna, such as the parrots and macaws.

  • 15. Explore the City at Night.

    Puerto Vallarta is alive at night. Bars, clubs, and night entertainment are open late at night in Puerto Vallarta. After dinner, there are several things to do. El Centro and Romantica Zone are the best place to explore at night in Puerto Vallarta.

    Numerous bars and clubs open at night, such as Yambak, El Colibri Cocktail Bar, Elixir Mixology Bar, Aloha Bar, Los Muertos Brewing, La Bodeguita del Medio, and Mandela. In addition, Puerto Vallarta has Mex-ology Tours. Mex-ology tour is a 4-hour guided tour to the best bars and distilleries to sample quality local liquor. Through the journey, they share the history and the production process of tequila, mezcal, and agave. These liquors are the best and most well-known spirited in Mexico. Aside from that, Malecon and Muelle de Playa Los Muertos are perfect for exploring and the best place to take pictures because of the night lights. Moreover, they are shows for entertainment, such as the Rhythm of The Night and drag shows.

  • 16. Visit Islands.

    Puerto Vallarta has various bodies of water. Visiting and exploring beaches and islands is one of the ideal activities to do in Puerto Vallarta. Islands in Puerto Vallarta are uninhabited and hidden. Puerto Vallarta has a Hidden Beach, sited on Islas Marietas. The only way to reach the island is through kayaking. The hidden beach is currently inhabited and guarded by the UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve since 2005. Snorkeling and scuba diving are available activities in the islands of Puerto Vallarta. In addition, Isla Cuale is an island between the romantic zone and the old town. Isla Cuale is a market area. Aside from that, numerous islands are near Puerto Vallarta, such as Isla Socorro and Isla Todos Santos.

    • What makes Puerto Vallarta famous?

    Puerto Vallarta is a famous tourist and holiday destination across the globe. Puerto Vallarta is famed for its breathtaking beaches, islands, naval life, and resorts. The well-known sights in Puerto Vallarta that attract numerous tourists yearly are Malecon, Marietas Island, Los Muertos Beach, Conchas Chinas Beach, Mismaloya Beach, and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The natural beauty and the life in Puerto Vallarta are one of the reasons tourists recognize it. Puerto Vallarta is a good option for relaxation and corporate and group travel. The average number of tourists per year in Puerto Vallarta is around 4 million. In addition, Puerto Vallarta is alluring to those who want to purchase a second home or for investment, such as apartments, condominiums, lots, or houses. The location of Puerto Vallarta is the best place for vacation and investment. The location of Puerto Vallarta is best because of the beaches, weather, and gastronomy. Even after the pandemic, the real estate in Puerto Vallarta is still in good condition.

    What are the Historical Places in Puerto Vallarta?

    The historical places in Puerto Vallarta are part of tourist destinations because of their construction and history, making them worth visiting. There are available tours that take tourists to the historical sites in Puerto Vallarta. One of the well-known Puerto Vallarta Historical Places is the Puerto Vallarta Naval Historical Museum, Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Rio Cuale Museum. Puerto Vallarta Naval Historical Museum is a marine infirmary in the past. It is in a colonial style, and there are five rooms full of artworks such as paintings, galleries, recorded history, and even maps. There is stuff regarding the historical evolution of Puerto Vallarta. The museum is open every Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. The admission fee is around $45 for adults, and $35 for kids, students, and teachers. For kids 6-year-old below and retirees, the admission fee is free. On the other hand, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is in the middle of the town square. Touring the church is worth it, as it has breathtaking architecture. Its structure is neoclassical, and the crown above the building represents the baroque style. Every year there is a festival to celebrate the first apparition of Guadalupe by Juan Diego. The celebration is every 12th of December. Furthermore, Rio Cuale Museum is in the middle of the romantic zone and downtown Puerto Vallarta. It is rich in the history of Mexico and the Purepecha. Purepecha or Purépecha is an ethnic group in the northwestern region of Michoacán, Mexico. Rio Cuale Museum is by the National Institute of anthropology and history. The galleries feature art, ceramics, haunting, and grave tools found in Mexico’s Jalisco, Matachen, Nayarit, and Michoacan. Visiting the museum gives knowledge regarding the practices of the ethnic groups that lived in the region during the pre-Hispanic period. There is no admission fee, and it is open from Tuesday to Saturday, between 10 am to 7 pm. 

    Puerto Vallarta belongs to the best tourist destinations in Mexico. The beaches, resorts, and marine life are the top reasons Puerto Vallarta is popular. For first-time tourists, most of their struggle is choosing the activity they want to do because there are many things to enjoy in Puerto Vallarta. Some popular activities to do in Puerto Vallarta are walking tours, food tours, and water activities. Malecon, Romantic Zone, and Cuela River Island are the best walking spots in Puerto Vallarta. They have their unique sides that are surely enjoyable. Malecon is a seaside where sunset and beaches are freely sighted. Aside from that, there are sculptures displayed around Malecon. Malecon is the best spot to jog and exercise. In addition, the Romantic Zone has red-roofed houses known as the historical building in Puerto Vallarta. While on Cuale River Island, there are parks and markets. Fresh water and vegetation are the surroundings of the Cuela River Island. After walking to these spots, restaurants are available to enjoy the food in Puerto Vallarta. On the other hand, joining food tours in Puerto Vallarta is incredibly enjoyable because there are 7 to 12 dishes to try on every tour. A food tour offers a different experience by tasting the specialties and delicacies in Puerto Vallarta. Aside from eating, tourists are able to learn the history and traditional foods in Puerto Vallarta. Each tour costs from $43 to $99, depending on the number of dishes to taste and the operators. Furthermore, scuba diving is a must-try in Puerto Vallarta since beaches and islands surround it. Scuba diving offers close encounters with marine life and sea creatures. The cost of scuba diving ranges from $90 to $150.

    The three popular attractions in Puerto Vallarta are Puerto Vallarta Malecon, Marietas Islands, and Los Muertos Beach. The colorful and alive ambiance of Puerto Vallarta Malecon is what it makes one of the tourist spots. The sculptures displayed in Malecon, shops, and restaurants allure the tourist. It is a perfect place to jog and watch the sunset and street performers. The sunset and the sea are visible in Malecon. On the other hand, Marietas Island is a hidden beach in Puerto Vallarta. The only way to reach Marietas Island is by boat. The activities available on Marietas Island are paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. Marietas Island is famous for day tours and bird watching. The clear water, white sand, and being inside the lush and tropical island make the hidden beach one of the popular attractions in Puerto Vallarta. Moreover, Los Muertos Beach is on the south of downtown Malecon and the Cuale River. Los Muertos Beach is the most popular beach in Puerto Vallarta. The popularity of Los Muertos Beach is because of its full-of-life ambiance, culture, and a great place to drink while watching the sea and sunset.

    Puerto Vallarta celebrates events yearly with a colorful culture and practices. Some popular events in Puerto Vallarta are Sea Turtle Releasing, Centenary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Day of the Dead, Whale Watching, Art & Market Marina Vallarta, and Sculpture Tour in Malecon. June to December are the months when sea turtles are released. Sea turtles start to hatch their eggs during summer. The volunteer workers and biologists release the nests of the hatched eggs from beaches to campsites. The public is encouraged to watch the sea turtle released to know about them and to watch babies released into the sea. The event offers appreciation for the environment and supports endangered species. The release is usually nearly evening, so sea turtles have more time to swim into the ocean’s depth and keep out of sight from predators. In addition, the Centenary of Our Lady of Guadalupe is every December 12 to commemorate the first apparition of Guadalupe to Juan Diego. The crusade starts downtown and ends in the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Day of the Dead is celebrated every November 1 at midnight. The celebration of the festival lasts for a week. There are folkloric ballets, mariachis, and skeleton mask contests. Furthermore, Whale Watching season is from December to March, when humpbacks are close to the coast of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. Additionally, the Art & Market Marina Vallarta is from October to May. The event is every Thursday. Various foods, local items, and live music performances are enjoyable from 6 pm to 10 pm. Marina Vallarta is on the northern edge of Puerto Vallarta. In addition, Malecon has a Sculpture Tour every Thursday. It is an event to give history and details about the artists and sculptors behind the artworks around the Malecon. The Puerto Vallarta Events are the reason for millions of tourists every year.

    What are the Beaches in Puerto Vallarta?

    Puerto Vallarta is famous because of its calming and attractive beaches. Going to the beach is the top choice for those who want to go on holiday. Puerto Vallarta Beaches are at various points across the bay. The packed beaches in Puerto Vallarta are Los Muertos, Las Glorias, and Yelapa. Los Muertos is the top-visited beach in Puerto Vallarta. It is situated in the Romantic zone and near Malecon. Los Muertos Beach is popular because of its full-of-life surrounding, culture, and great place to drink while watching the sea and sunset. It is known as the Deadmen’s Beach because the site has a cemetery. Some activities available in Los Muertos Beach are jet skiing, windsurfing, paddleboard, parasailing, and banana boats. On the other hand, Las Glorias Beach is situated 3.6 kilometers from downtown Puerto Vallarta. It has hotels and resorts by the beach, despite being less crowded than the others. Las Glorias Beach is ideal for swimming, and hotels are available on the beaches. The crowd is all over Las Glorias Beach every peak season. The sand in Las Glorias Beach is golden, and the water is clear. Furthermore, Yelapa Beach is in Jalisco, Mexico. The beach is known for its golden sand and crystalline water. Yelapa is only accessible by boat. 

    What are the things you need to know when visiting Puerto Vallarta?

    Before touring Puerto Vallarta, it is necessary to know and learn some information and get familiar with the place. Puerto Vallarta, or PV, is situated in Jalisco, west of the Mexican coast and right in the center of Banderas Bay. Puerto Vallarta is 1300 square meters and has 530,000 residents in 2021. There are five regions in Puerto Vallarta, including Central Vallarta. Emiliano Zapata, East Vallarta, Amapas and Conchas Chinas. Puerto Vallarta is rich in history, culture, arts, and practices. The people in Puerto Vallarta are known for their cuisines, being hospitable and calm. They are popular for their excellence in terms of arts. They focus on visual arts, theater, music, food, and events, creating a regional culture. Spanish is the main language spoken in Puerto Vallarta, but most people speak English, especially those who work in tourist spots. It is respectful to learn some of their basic Spanish greetings, such as “hola” for hello, “adios” for goodbye, and “gracias” for thanking. In addition, Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest places in Mexico for tourists. Puerto Vallarta is known and often featured as one of the friendliest cities worldwide. Most of the dangers in Puerto Vallarta involve swimming and food safety. It is advisable not to swim alone. Surfing is not allowed during rain or thunderstorms. Wear pants and proper hiking gear, and bring insect repellents if going to hike. Furthermore, there are new guidelines provided by the Tourism Board in Puerto Vallarta. Accommodations, diners, beaches, malls, spas, gyms, Malecon, travel operators, and natural attractions must follow the regulated safety measures and the volume limit. The guidelines to follow are: wearing masks, sanitation of hotels, showering before and after visiting the beach, social distancing, no groups of more than eight people, no sharing of objects, and sanitizing the item before using. For airports and maritime terminals, hygiene, and safety standard must strictly follow. Public places such as museums, cinemas, malls, and tour providers must follow the safety protocols. These safety protocols include restaurants, bars, and clubs must operate at 100% with hours according to license. Casino and parking spaces have to operate at 100% of their capacity, and the stores or businesses must have a capacity of no more than 100% up to 1,000 on surfaces greater than 4,000-meter square. For event places, 150 people are allowed indoors, and 300 people if outdoors. A vaccination card is required for entry into the United States for any non-US citizen individuals or resident. A positive passenger is required to undergo a 14-day quarantine. A form needs to be filled up to speed up the arrival at the airport of Puerto Vallarta. The negative result of the PCR test must be provided before entering casinos, bars, clubs, or concerts. 

    Puerto Vallarta has numerous landmarks, including the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Púlpito and Pilitas (Pulpit and Baptismal Font), Playa Conchas Chinas, Malecon, Mercado Isle Cuale, and Mercado Municuipak Cuale, Plaza de Armas and Cuale Archeological Museum. In addition, some of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta are Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, Flamingo Vallarta Hotel & Marina, and Playa Los Arcos Hotel Beach Resort & Spa. These hotels are one of the best value hotels in Puerto Vallarta. These hotels range from $15 to $220 per night. The price depends on the hotel. The ratings for these hotels range from 4-stars to 4.5-stars for location, cleanliness, value, and service. Taxis, buses, Uber, and car rentals are available around Puerto Vallarta. A bus in Puerto Vallarta is the cheapest option. The bus fare for a one-way bus starts from $0.49. The taxi fare in Puerto Vallarta is by zone and not by a meter. The fare for a taxi ranges from $2.10 to $3.70 if around the town of Puerto Vallarta. The fare starts from $20 from the airport. In addition, car rentals are available in Puerto Vallarta, but expect that the expenses are high.

    When is the best time to Visit Puerto Vallarta?

    The ideal season to tour Puerto Vallarta is within April and June because the climate is nice and enjoyable. In addition, the room rates throughout these periods are inexpensive. Raining is unusual and less loaded within these months compared to winter. Visit Puerto Vallarta from December to March if desired to witness the humpbacks.

    How to go to Puerto Vallarta?

    Listed below are the methods to get to Puerto Vallarta. 

    1. Airplane: Ride a plane to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport or PVR. From the airport, ride a transit going to Marina. Marina is near Hotel Zone, Malecon, and Zona Romantica. 
    2. Cruise ship: Alternative choice on How to go to Puerto Vallarta is by riding a cruise ship. Marina Vallarta Maritime Terminal holds three fully packed ferries.
    3. Bus: From Guadalajara, get on a bus going to Puerto Vallarta. The duration of the journey is 5 hours.

    How is the transportation in Puerto Vallarta?

    There are plenty of transits accessible around Puerto Vallarta. Transportation in Puerto Vallarta includes taxis, buses, Uber, and car rentals. Riding a bus is the cheapest option. The bus fare for a one-way bus ranges from $0.49. The taxi fare in Puerto Vallarta is by location and not by meter. The taxi fare ranges from $2.10 to $3.70 if around the town of Puerto Vallarta. The fare starts from $20 from the airport. In addition, car rentals are accessible in Puerto Vallarta, but expect that the expenses are high. Reserving an Uber in Puerto Vallarta should be requested up to 30 days ahead.

    What is the weather in Puerto Vallarta?

    The climate is dry and less hot, starting December to April. Humid and stormy starting June to October. Winter in Puerto Vallarta is commonly hot. On the contrary, at times, the weather is chill and breezy. Starting December to mid-April, the temperature reaches 13 degrees Celsius, then 10 degrees Celsius from January to February. Puerto Vallarta has a probability of experiencing storms around August to October. The Puerto Vallarta Climate is tropical, and it is normally hot throughout the whole year.

    How much is the cost of visiting Puerto Vallarta?

    The money needed to travel per head to Puerto Vallarta is $76. The standard cost for food goods for one day is $24, and transportation usually costs $13. The standard cost of hotels in Puerto Vallarta is approximately $84. The standard cost of an individual for one week in Puerto Vallarta is $524. The total expenses for touring Puerto Vallarta for a week reach a standard of $1,058 for a couple. The tour costs from the US to Puerto Vallarta, good for one week, range from $3,000 to $14,000. It includes the roundtrip flight, accommodation, transit, taxes, and fees.

    How does Puerto Vallarta affect Tourists?

    Being a well-known tourist destination in Mexico, there were about 5 million travelers in Puerto Vallarta in 2019, and it reduced by 50% in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tourism is one of the important economic sectors of Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta influences the visitors by learning about their culture, history, arts, practices, and foods. One of the reasons for touring is to relax and explore the nice places on the globe. Puerto Vallarta is one of the best tourist spots to relax because of the numerous beaches, resorts, and hotels that serve luxury experiences to tourists. The people of Puerto Vallarta are humble, hospitable, and warm. Puerto Vallarta is known and often featured as one of the friendliest cities worldwide. Puerto Vallarta promotes an all-embracing community that welcomes all individuals, especially for LGBTQ+ community. Puerto Vallarta is an LGBTQ+-friendly community.

    Is it expensive to live in Puerto Vallarta?

    No, it is not expensive to stay in Puerto Vallarta. The expenses in Puerto Vallarta still depend on the way of life of an individual, but overall, the Cost of Living in Puerto Vallarta is low. The estimated monthly expenses in Puerto Vallarta for an individual without rent is $524. For couples, the estimated monthly expenses are around $2500. While for a family of four, $1,877. The basic expenses in Puerto Vallarta are rent, food, water, gas, and internet. Renting an apartment in Puerto Vallarta ranges from $300 to $500 monthly. The estimated cost for electricity, gas, and water is $30. For the internet, the estimated expense is $25. The transportation cost is $15 for one monthly ticket. In contrast, restaurants cost $50 per dinner.

    Back to BlogPuerto Vallarta
    Loading…
    Things to do — Mexlife Realtors