Puerto Vallarta is a resort town located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, famed for its stunning beaches, stylish restaurants and vibrant nightlife scene. It’s not as expensive as other Mexican resorts, and is a popular destination among young people and couples. The city sees almost 2 million visitors every year, a number which is welcomed wholeheartedly by the locals, who enjoy sharing their home with travelers and expats.
The city is sheltered by a green, mountainous jungle, making the temperatures pleasantly balmy all year round. The best time to visit PV is between January and April, when the least rainfall is expected.
Read on to discover 20 interesting things to do and see in Puerto Vallarta.
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1. Malecon
Malecon is a mile-long boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta. You’ll see locals and tourists strolling along this promenade, as well as street performers and artists at work. Sample some typical, Mexican street food or sip on some cool, refreshing coconut water while you walk.
The boardwalk takes on the form of an outdoor art gallery the further along you go. Various sculptures line the promenade, a few notable ones are: the Fountain of Friendship, the Unicorn of Good Fortune and Mother Nature. The most photographed is El Caballito, a bronze carving by Jalisco artist Rafael Zamarripa.
On the sidewalk in front of the boardwalk you’ll find boutiques selling clothes and jewelry, and a plethora of restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating.
2. Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Every city and town in Mexico has a temple that honors the Virgin of Guadalupe, commemorating the apparition of Mary to the Nahua native Juan Diego in 1531.
The temple of the patron saint of Latin America holds immense religious significance in PV and is one of the main geographical references of the city, visible from all four corners. Its construction period spanned most of the 20th century, as some grievances with the state and church halted the work.
The church is built in a rusty-pink stone, topped with its most iconic feature; a bell tower in the shape of a crown. The best time to visit is in the evening, at sunset, when the suns orange glow bathes the church in a gold.
3. The Romantic Zone
The Romantic Zone is located in downtown Puerto Vallarta, and is also known as the Old Town. The area has a colorful, laid-back ambiance, making it a favorite spot among tourists and locals.
Cobblestones pave the way through this Mexican village, leading visitors to quaint cafes and restaurants and stylish boutiques. The area is surrounded by the lush, green mountains and clear, blue ocean, enhancing its provincial charm.
You’ll find smaller-scale, less ostentatious accommodation here. The area offers cozy apartments and Airbnb’s, creating a much more intimate experience.
4. Rio Cuale Island
Isla Cuale is situated between the historic center and the Romantic Zone. Nestled between the two arms of the Cuale River, this miniature islet is a must-see for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning natural scenery.
The isla can be accessed via two bridges, one from the north and one from the south, one of which is a wooden, suspension bridge which really adds to the hidden, seclusive atmosphere of the place.
Be sure to give yourself enough time to stroll through the colorful markets along the center of the island. Stalls sell traditional Mexican clothing and hand-made crafts.
5. Los Muertos Beach
Playa Los Muertos is the best known and busiest beach in PV, where locals, families and tourists all come to relax on its sandy shores, swim in its aquamarine waters and enjoy a drink or two. The beach is famed for its intense, burning sunsets, so be sure to take your camera.
The beach’s sinister name, Playa Los Muertos (Deadman’s Beach), takes its roots from an ancient Indian tradition. In the past, the beach was used as a sacred cemetery, where the natives buried their dead in ceramic pots.
Despite the name, Playa Los Muertos vibrates with vitality.
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6. Playa Conchas Chinas
For those who prefer low-key, secluded beaches, Playa Conchas Chinas (Chinese shells in English), is the right place for you. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation, ideal for a peaceful getaway. It’s located at the foot of a hotel (of the same name), so guests have the option to dip into a large, outdoor pool if the beach becomes a little crowded.
Water activities such as snorkeling or diving can also be enjoyed here. Playa Conchas Chinas is a certified Blue Flag beach, meaning its crystal waters and marine ecosystem are constantly cared for.
There are several restaurants nearby offering fresh fish dishes, like octopus ceviche, and refreshing margaritas to enjoy as the sun sets beyond the blue horizon.
7. Boca de Tomatlán
Less than 20 kilometers from PV there is a quaint beach and fishing village called Boca de Tomatlán (not to be confused with the Boca de Tomates), located on both sides of the Horcones river. If you want to experience rural Mexican culture, this is the place to go.
The small town of Boca offers several activities for you to make the most of. Among these are the Botanical Garden, the brewery where Mexican whiskey is produced and, of course, the beach. It’s like a miniature Malecon, with lounge chairs and parasols dotting its sandy shores. The waters are clean and calm, ideal for swimming.
8. Boca de Tomates
If you’re looking to sample some fresh grilled fish, Boca de Tomates has some of the best in town. If you’re looking to swim, we highly recommend searching elsewhere, as the waters of Boca de Tomates are home to one or two crocodiles. They swim in from the nearby Estero Boca Negra and the Ameca River.
The estuary has an interesting ecosystem of birds, turtles and reptiles, which heavy mangrove trees hanging over the waters edge. It’s a great place to take some scenic pictures, but be sure to steer clear of the water.
As mentioned earlier, Boca de Tomates has some superb seafood restaurants. Their classic dish is pescado zarandeado, a grilled, seasoned fish.
9. May Cultural Festival
Every May, Puerto Vallarta presents a festival that commemorates the birth of the city. The most popular shows are musicals, which bring together the primary expressions of Mexican music, such as mariachi and norteña.
Film-oriented events showcase the history of Mexican cinematography, as well as current films and documentaries. During the festival, the main areas of PV present street entertainment and circus shows, readings, workshops and conferences.
10. Puerto Vallarta International Gourmet Festival
This festival takes place in November in select restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit. Internationally renowned chefs travel to PV, bringing with them ingredients for culinary masterpieces and time-honored, traditional recipes.
The festival was created in 1995 by chefs Thierry Blouet and Heinz Reize, with the aim of placing PV higher on the haute cuisine ladder. It is an occasion for food lovers to enjoy culinary art to the fullest, while the new Mexican chefs learn from the great masters of their own country and from France, Switzerland, Italy, Indonesia and other nations.
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11. Art Walk
Art walk is an event that spans seven months, from October to May, and highlights Puerto Vallarta’s up-and-coming art scene. Every Wednesday, a guide will take you to a different art gallery in the city, where you can enjoy the different artistic expressions of local, Mexican and international artists, especially painting, sculpture, blown glass and ceramics.
Mexican ceramic art is particularly rich, a culture that comes from pre-Hispanic times, highlighting the long tradition in places such as Puebla, Guadalajara, Oaxaca and Guanajuato.
12. To the Charreada!
Charrería is the national sport of Mexico, similar to the American rodeo, where riders display their equestrian skill. The charro costume is particularly notable, as it bears a strong resemblance to that of the mariachi costume. The wide-brimmed hat is one of the most popular Mexican souvenirs.
The tradition of the charrería began in Jalisco. Among the most exciting events are the Coleadero, in which the rider wraps his leg around a bull’s tail and tries to make it fall and roll over, and the Jineto de Toro, in which the charro rides a bull for as long as possible, until it stops bucking.
13. Tsunami Jet Boat adventure
If you fancy yourself an adrenaline junkie, or you just want to try something new, this boat ride will tick all of your boxes. Board the Tsunami Jet Boat, an aerodynamic boat that reaches between 90 and 100 kilometers per hour. It’s nicknamed the roller coaster of the sea, and for good reason, making sharp turns of up to 360 degrees, braking suddenly, zooming over waves and even drenching its passengers in a complete underwater nosedive. The ride lasts 60 minutes, and is worth every penny. The adventure can be enjoyed by passengers from 6 years old, as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
14. Take a private boat tour
If you are a nature lover, one thing you should do in Puerto Vallarta is take a tour of either the Marietas Islands, Las Caletas, or Yelapa Beach. There are thousands of agencies in Puerto Vallarta that offer tours. If you travel with children, they will recommend which one is best for you and your budget.
15. Release turtles between July and December
For several years now, Puerto Vallarta has had a sea turtle release program between the months of May and September, when the sea turtles bury their eggs on the beach. These are rescued and protected from possible predators, such as birds and iguanas. Dedicated and trained volunteers patrol the shores, guiding female turtles back to sea and collecting the eggs to bring them to a safe incubation spot.
When the baby turtles hatch (between July and December) visitors will have the opportunity to sit in on the event, helping the babies make their way safely to the ocean.
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16. Enjoy the Huichol culture
Very close to Puerto Vallarta is the indigenous community of San Andrés Coamihata, home of the Wixárika Indians, better known as Huicholes. Their village is located high in the Sierra Madre mountains. The unique craftsmanship of this tribe is recognized all over the world.
The Huichol have a long history of crafting with chaquira, small colorful beads, which are used to decorate ceramic objects, shells and coral. These pieces of art can also be found in the streets of Puerto Vallarta and even in famous art galleries.
17. Whale-watching
During the months of December to March, Puerto Vallarta welcomes a special guest: the humpback whale. If you want to see them up close, there are official whale-watching tours authorized by the Puerto Vallarta Tourist Office, which monitors the welfare of the whales at all times.
18. South Coast of Puerto Vallarta
The South Coast of Puerto Vallarta is where the sea and the mountains meet to form the most spectacular landscape. In this area, you’ll find several beaches characterized by crystalline waters and golden sands, such as Punta Negra, Las Gemelas or Garza Blanca.
If you’re interested in ecotourism, this is the ideal place to explore the jungle by horse or ATV, dive into the deep sea or descend from the mountains on a zip line. The list is endless.
Other attractions you can enjoy are: The Botanical Garden, the Puerto Vallarta Zoo or Los Arcos Marine Park, which is considered a natural reserve for its great diversity in marine species, birds and vegetation.
19. Marina Vallarta
Marina Vallarta is one of the most exclusive parts of the city, located near the International Airport. You can begin your excursion on Paseo de la Marina Avenue where you’ll find the Vallarta Whale, a distinctive, bronze sculpture at the entrance of the Marina.
If you want to hire a yacht or practice sport fishing here you can find plenty of options to do so. In the evening, you can stroll along the promenade while watching sailboats come back to shore, or enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the stylish restaurants in the area.
20. The Center
The historic center of Puerto Vallarta offers quaint cobbled streets and an exciting nightlife, mixing old Mexico with the new. There are restaurants, artisan cafes, art and craft markets and designer boutiques as well.
You’ll find the aforementioned famous landmark here, like The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Isla del Río Cuale, the Malecon and the Arches – an outdoor amphitheater where different shows are performed daily.
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