Contact US
info@mexlife.com 800-005-life
PUERTO VALLARTA
C. Constitución 130-Mezzanine, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48370 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
+52 (322) 286-7577
LA PAZ, BC
Paseo Álvaro Obregón 1775 Zona Comercial, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S.
+52 (612) 165-6145
BAHÍA DE BANDERAS, NAY
Lázaro Cárdenas, #86 local 6. Bucerias Centro, C.P 63732 Bucerias, Nayarit.
Author: Pedro Robin
31 March, 2025
Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican beach resort city situated on the Pacific Ocean’s Bahía de Banderas in Jalisco that holds a unique charm and allure for travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences. Puerto Vallarta is named after Ignacio Vallarta, a former governor of Jalisco, and means “port” in Spanish. Puerto Vallarta has retained its appeal while evolving into a beloved destination. The city has pristine beaches ideal for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and parasailing, with mountainside activities for jungle zip-lining, mountain horseback riding, and eco-tourism adventures such as birdwatching and wildlife sanctuary visits.
Puerto Vallarta’s accessibility to flights and scenic drives from Mexico City has boosted its rise as a deluxe tourist haven. The city offers a laid-back atmosphere, a vibrant art scene, and an array of outdoor activities, with stunning landscapes and historic sites. Visitors immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural tapestry while exploring cobblestone streets adorned with colorful wall art and indulging in the culinary delights of traditional Mexican cuisine and international fare.
Tourism contributes significantly to Puerto Vallarta’s economy. Peaks are from late November to March, attracting visitors from the US and other countries for vacations, weddings, honeymoons, and family getaways. Puerto Vallarta’s warm hospitality, friendly locals, and diverse attractions, from art galleries and historic churches to jungle hikes, eco-tours, and picturesque beaches, leave a lasting impression, attracting travelers to return and discover more of its enchanting offerings.
. The town was named Puerto Vallarta in honor of Ignacio Vallarta, a notable former governor of Jalisco. Its significance lies in “Puerto,” meaning port in English, which has endeared it to travelers while safeguarding its beauty and distinctiveness. Travelers looking for beaches, adventure, and cultural experiences love Puerto Vallarta for its blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and contemporary facilities.
Puerto Vallarta is known for its beaches and landscapes for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and many other activities. The city is famous for its untouched beaches, which offer activities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as snorkeling and parasailing. Explorers delve into Puerto Vallarta’s rich cultural legacy through its cobblestone lanes and wall art, which artisans craft with vibrant architecture and important historical sites.
Popular activities in Puerto Vallarta that tourists enjoy are jungle zip-lining tours, riding horseback through the mountains, or boat trips to nearby islands. The city offers opportunities for visitors to explore its eco-tourism, including birdwatching, hiking in the Sierra Madre mountains, and visiting local wildlife sanctuaries. Puerto Vallarta provides various experiences to accommodate every visitor’s interests.
Puerto Vallarta is located on the western coast of Mexico in the Pacific Ocean in Jalisco, along the Bay of Banderas. The geographical coordinates of Puerto Vallarta are 20.65° N and 105.25° W, on the same latitude as Hawaii. Puerto Vallarta is 516 kilometers (320 miles) west of Mexico City, the capital of Mexico. The popularity of Puerto Vallarta as a tourist attraction has made it easily accessible from the city despite its distance. Tourists enjoy the advantage of regular flights from Mexico City to the Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta or enjoy a picturesque drive through the rural side of Mexico.
Traveling from Mexico City’s busy streets to Puerto Vallarta’s serene coastline is an exciting change from a busy city to a calm beach life. Puerto Vallarta has a laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and abundant outdoor activities, while Mexico City is home to many historical sites, cultural attractions, and lively energy. Puerto Vallarta’s location has played an essential role in shaping its identity as a deluxe tourist destination. Puerto Vallarta’s proximity to the capital ensures easy access for domestic and international travelers, and its stunning natural surroundings make it a haven for relaxation and adventure.
The things you can do in Puerto Vallarta include visiting its scenic beaches, doing water activities, taking a food tour, visiting art galleries and churches, experiencing nightlife, and exploring the jungle. Puerto Vallarta is a city on Mexico’s Pacific coast known for its scenic beaches and mesmerizing sunsets. Puerto Vallarta’s popular attraction is the Malecon Boardwalk, where locals and tourists are mesmerized by sculptures by renowned artists, street performers, art and craft galleries, shops, and restaurants. Tourists flock to water sports such as boat excursions, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and paragliding.
Puerto Vallarta is known for other tourist attractions such as art galleries, restaurants, zip line tours through the canopy, and exploring hidden waterfalls on jungle hikes. The best way to explore the city is to travel around it by bus, as there are plenty of stops and fares are cheap. Puerto Vallarta is a tropical paradise, offering visitors experiences that cater to every taste and preference. Adventurers looking to discover the region’s natural treasures find sanctuary in Puerto Vallarta beyond its immaculate beach. Thrill-seeking tourists are attracted to zip-lining adventures through the canopy, ATV tours crossing rugged terrain, or hiking expeditions leading to hidden waterfalls and panoramic vistas.
Puerto Vallarta is home to iconic landmarks such as churches and art galleries. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, locally known as the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, symbolizes the city’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage. Art lovers are delighted by the various galleries presenting local and international talent. The Cuale Archaeological Museum, Galleria Dante, and Vallarta Artwalk are the best destinations for art enthusiasts. Taste traditional Mexican food at neighborhood restaurants and enjoy delectable tacos, ceviche, and fresh seafood as people discover the city’s culinary culture. The best way to explore the city and find food and places to visit is to find tour services. Tours provide insights into the city’s history, culture, and natural features, immersing tourists in Puerto Vallarta’s delights.
Puerto Vallarta is popular with tourists because of its location on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Puerto Vallarta provides an inviting setting for relaxation and recreation with its picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets. Tourists are attracted to its shores for sunbathing, swimming, water sports, and whale watching during the migration season. Puerto Vallarta is famous among tourists and is known as a resort city. Tourism accounted for 80% of the city’s economic activities in 2020.
The peak season for tourism is between late November and March. Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for US residents from southern and western USA since there are some direct flights to the city. Puerto Vallarta’s peak season for tourism extends further, depending on the timing of the college spring break in the US. It is the world’s friendliest international city and a perfect venue for weddings, honeymoons, and family getaways.
Puerto Vallarta’s warm hospitality and welcoming community contribute to its popularity. The city’s friendly locals, known as “Vallartenses,” create a welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors feel at home. Visitors comment on the kindness of the people of Puerto Vallarta when visiting the city’s landmarks, dining at neighborhood restaurants, or participating in cultural events.
Travelers are attracted to Puerto Vallarta for reasons other than its beaches, such as the warmth and friendliness of the locals. Puerto Vallarta has a dynamic nightlife where people dance the night away to lively music in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Eco-tours allow adventurous tourists to explore Puerto Vallarta’s breathtaking natural landscapes, from lush jungles to pristine beaches. Puerto Vallarta’s art galleries captivate visitors with a wide array of artworks, showcasing the creativity and talent of local artists.
Puerto Vallarta is known for its dining experiences, with restaurants serving international and traditional Mexican food. The city’s historic churches glimpse its rich cultural heritage of stunning architecture and spiritual significance. Cafés provide cozy moments to savor the local coffee culture. Tourists are left wanting to visit Puerto Vallarta repeatedly due to the fantastic experience it offers.
The average number of tourists visiting Puerto Vallarta per year is 6 million. Puerto Vallarta’s tourist visits started to peak after the pandemic in 2022. The tourist count increased to 5.91 million, a combination of visitors that came by plane, cruise ship, and passenger bus. The government of Mexico recorded 1.7 million airport arrivals and 72.4% of hotel occupancy in Puerto Vallarta. 2023 is the city’s best record, reaching 6.04 million visitors, a 2.2% increase over the previous year’s record. Arrivals via cruise ship had a noticeable growth of 15.69%, counting to 546.609, 3.38 million by air, and 530,202 by land. The hotel occupancy percentage remained the same, with increased available hotel rooms, expansions, and new properties opening.
To travel to Puerto Vallarta, follow the steps listed below.
Rides going to Puerto Vallarta are available by airplane, cruise ship, or bus. The convenient way is through a flight to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). Airlines offer flights to Puerto Vallarta from major cities across Mexico, the United States, Canada, and other international destinations. A flight is the quickest and most cost-effective way for travelers from distant locations to reach the city. PVR has facilities and services to accommodate passengers and transportation options to various parts of Puerto Vallarta and nearby destinations. Flying allows travelers to enjoy aerial views of the stunning coastline and landscapes approaching Puerto Vallarta, adding to the travel experience.
Travelers arriving from Mexico or neighboring cities find riding a long-distance bus affordable and practical. Bus companies provide routes departing from large cities, such as Guadalajara and Mexico City. Cruise ships dock at Puerto Vallarta’s port for visitors arriving by sea, providing another means of reaching the city.
Tourists choose from different transportation options to get to their accommodations or destinations upon arrival at the airport. Airport taxis, pre-arranged transportation services, rental cars, and public buses provide flexibility to suit preferences and budgets.
To get around the City of Puerto Vallarta, a local bus ride is the convenient and recommended means of transportation. The city has many things to do, such as shopping, sightseeing, zip lines, eating, and drinking. Puerto Vallarta is a vast area, measuring 26 miles from east to west and 20 miles from north to south.
There are straightforward steps a traveler follows when taking the bus to navigate the city. Firstly, start by locating the bus stop signs, which indicate the routes that stop there. Tourists ask locals or consult a map to find the nearest stop. Secondly, look for buses with signs displaying the route numbers and destinations. Buses in Puerto Vallarta are color-coded based on routes, which helps passengers identify the right one. Thirdly, board the bus through the front door and take a seat. Buses in Puerto Vallarta accept cash, so having small bills or coins is essential. Fourthly, buses have electronic or verbal announcements for significant stops, but paying attention to the destinations is a good idea. Passengers signal the driver by pressing one of the buttons above the windows or verbally informing the driver once nearing the stop. Lastly, passengers exit the bus through the backdoor once it reaches its destination.
The bus system in Puerto Vallarta is a straightforward way to explore the city while staying within budget. Travelers with more significant means of mobility choose tour packages and maps to ensure hassle-free travel.
Yes, there is an airport in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta International Airport, locally known as Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), is the sole airport in the city. The airport is located 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) north of downtown Puerto Vallarta and is considered Mexico’s busiest. Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding areas are accessible to tourists from domestic and international locations through PVR. Visitors enjoy a range of attractions and services at the airport, including passenger terminals, car rental services, dining options, retail establishments, and transportation options to and from Puerto Vallarta.
Visitors by air find Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport readily accessible due to its suitable location and contemporary amenities. The Puerto Vallarta Airport plays a vital role in supporting the region’s tourist sector by accommodating millions of travelers annually who enjoy the natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling attractions of Puerto Vallarta and its surroundings.
The things to do in Puerto Vallarta are listed below.
Yes, there is a Puerto Vallarta map for landmarks. Maps are readily available and easily found online through travel websites, tourism boards, and map providers. They highlight the top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and transportation. Hotels, tourist information centers, and rental car agencies in Puerto Vallarta offer physical maps to guests and visitors.
Maps include recommended walking routes, transportation options, and helpful tips for city navigation. Puerto Vallarta maps incorporate essential landmarks such as beaches, parks, historical sites, shopping districts, restaurants, and famous attractions such as the Malecón beach boardwalk and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Maps in digital and physical formats are helpful to tourists who want to go around the city and make the most of the town.
Yes, there are package tour services in Puerto Vallarta. Travel services offer a wide range of package tour services to cater to visitors’ diverse interests. Tour operators design package tours to provide convenient and comprehensive experiences by combining transportation, lodging, activities, and meals into a single package. Tour operators offer adventurous activities such as ATV or RZR tours, zipline descents from mountain tops, parasailing, and skydiving. A package trip is available for every taste and budget, from daring outdoor adventures to cultural explorations and tranquil beach vacations.
Hotels and resorts offer package deals that include lodging and activities, giving visitors an all-inclusive holiday experience. Puerto Vallarta’s package tour services cater to diverse interests, whether seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, cultural immersions, or leisurely beach retreats. Tour packages allow visitors to enjoy the destination’s offerings seamlessly without organizing every aspect of the trip separately.
The types of transportation used to tour Puerto Vallarta are listed below.
Yes, it is safe to ride transportation in Puerto Vallarta. Transportation in Puerto Vallarta is considered safe, but be cautious and take the appropriate measures. Public buses are used and considered safe, although passengers must remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded conditions. Licensed taxis are available and safe, but use official taxi stands or reputable services to ensure a secure ride. Passengers verify the fare before hopping on non-metered taxis.
Ridesharing services like Uber operate in the city and provide additional options with transparent pricing and driver information. Displaying valuables is not recommended when walking at night. Staying in a well-lit and populated area is encouraged. Driving is safe, but observing local traffic laws, road conditions, and parking in well-lit and secure areas is vital to avoiding theft or vandalism. Transportation in Puerto Vallarta is convenient and accessible, but passengers must use common sense and be aware of the surroundings to guarantee a safe and pleasurable journey.
The best attractions and sights in Puerto Vallarta are listed below.
The best museums in Puerto Vallarta are listed below.
The best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta are listed below.
Places to find the best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta are listed below.
Yes, hotels are expensive in Puerto Vallarta. Hotel prices in Puerto Vallarta are higher compared to other cities in Mexico. Factors affecting hotel prices include seasonality, location, services and amenities, type of accommodation, and special events and festivals. The inflation rate after the pandemic contributed to the influx of hotel prices compared to the previous years.
Puerto Vallarta is popular among tourists in Canada and the US during the winter months. The tropical weather attracts tourists who wish to escape cold climates when hotel prices peak. The location of the hotel within Puerto Vallarta impacts its pricing. Hotels in popular tourist areas such as the Romantic Zone (Zona Romántica), the Hotel Zone, or along the beachfront demand higher rates due to the proximity to attractions, restaurants, and the beach. Luxury hotels and resorts that offer a range of upscale services and facilities, such as spas, pools, and beach access, come with a higher price tag.
The other things that you can do in Puerto Vallarta are listed below.
Yes, you can work in Puerto Vallarta. Working in Puerto Vallarta has specific conditions for foreigners looking for work. Appropriate work authorization, such as securing a work visa or residency permit, varies depending on the nationality, the intended length of stay, and the type of work. Consult with the nearest Mexican consulate or embassy and seek legal advice to ensure that the applicant understands the process and requirements applicable to the situation. Spanish proficiency benefits many job opportunities in Puerto Vallarta,
A work visa or temporary resident visa with work authorization allows an individual to work legally in Mexico for a specified period, renewable annually. The individual needs a job offer from a Mexican employer to apply for a visa, and the employer needs to demonstrate the unavailability of a Mexican citizen to fill the position. An individual can opt for a student visa with a work permit as long as they enroll in a recognized educational institution in Mexico that allows students to work part-time while studying.
The job opportunities in Puerto Vallarta are listed below.
Yes, it is easy to find jobs in Puerto Vallarta. Finding a job in Puerto Vallarta is easy in industries such as tourism and hospitality due to the city’s status as a popular tourist destination. Jobs in hotels, restaurants, bars, tour agencies, and related service sectors are readily available during peak tourist seasons.
The ease of finding a job depends on various factors, such as the applicant’s credentials, experience, language skills (Spanish and English proficiency are preferred), and the specific job market conditions at the time of search. Highly specialized or professional positions are competitive and require additional qualifications or experience.
Networking, online job platforms, and directly contacting businesses or walk-ins are effective strategies for finding job opportunities in Puerto Vallarta. Diligence and perseverance are each individual’s keys to finding employment in the city.
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.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Whether you are a buyer, seller, or investor, create an account with us to have access to the following PRO features:
After create your account, we’ll send you the valuation to your email.
Email
Password
Remember Me
Register | Lost your password?
Begin your one-stop search for the perfect property in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.
Need some personalized support? Don’t hesitate to write us at support@mexlife.com