Puerto Vallarta, located in the state of Jalisco in Mexico, is a charming tourist destination with much to offer its visitors. With beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery and a rich culture, this coastal city has earned its reputation as one of the best places to vacation in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta offers a perfect combination of beautiful beaches, adventure, gastronomy, culture and hospitality. Whether you are looking for relaxation on the beach, exciting outdoor activities or immersing yourself in the vibrant Mexican culture, Puerto Vallarta is the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation.
The weather in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, is generally warm and tropical throughout the year. The city has a truly pleasant climate, with warm and sunny temperatures most of the time.
For those seeking thrills and adventures, Puerto Vallarta does not disappoint. With these activities you can explore the biodiversity of the area by going on snorkeling or scuba diving expeditions, enjoy whale watching during the season, ziplining through the jungle or take an exciting ATV ride on the scenic roads of the region.
- Explore the Malecon: Stroll along Puerto Vallarta’s famous Malecon, enjoying the sculptures, stores, restaurants and ocean views.
- Relax on the beaches: Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Puerto Vallarta, such as Playa de los Muertos, Playa Conchas Chinas and Playa Mismaloya.
- Take a boat tour of the bay: Board a boat and explore the spectacular Banderas Bay, enjoying panoramic views and the possibility of spotting whales, dolphins and sea turtles.
- Discover the Marietas Islands: Take a boat trip to the Marietas Islands, a group of uninhabited islands with secret beaches and crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving.
- Visit the Botanical Garden: Explore the natural beauty of Vallarta’s Botanical Garden, where you can admire a great variety of tropical plants and birds.
- Hiking in the jungle: Venture into the jungle near Puerto Vallarta and enjoy incredible hikes on trails surrounded by lush vegetation and waterfalls.
- Water sports: Puerto Vallarta is a paradise for water sports lovers. You can enjoy activities such as surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and parasailing.
- Visit the handicrafts market: Head to the local handicrafts market to buy traditional Mexican souvenirs, such as jewelry, textiles, ceramics and artwork.
- Take a gastronomic tour: Discover the delicious Mexican cuisine of Puerto Vallarta through a gastronomic tour, tasting different dishes and typical drinks.
- Watching the sunset on the Malecon: Enjoy a beautiful sunset while walking along the Malecon of Puerto Vallarta, capturing breathtaking photographs and enjoying the sea breeze.
- Visit the historic downtown: Explore Puerto Vallarta’s charming historic downtown, with its cobblestone streets, colonial churches, art galleries and picturesque architecture.
- Hike to the Cruz de Huanacaxtle: Hike to the top of the Cruz de Huanacaxtle to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the bay.
- Visit Los Arcos: Take an excursion to Los Arcos, a set of rock formations in the ocean, where you can take diving and snorkeling tours to explore the marine life.
- Whale watching in their natural habitat: During the winter months, you can embark on a whale watching tour to witness the majestic spectacle of these incredible marine mammals.
- Enjoy the nightlife: Puerto Vallarta has a vibrant nightlife, with a wide variety of bars, clubs and restaurants offering live music, shows and entertainment.
Puerto Vallarta is famous for its excellent culinary offerings. From small street taco stands to exclusive gourmet restaurants, the city offers a wide range of flavors. Here you can enjoy authentic Mexican food, fresh seafood, international cuisine and a variety of local specialties. Don’t forget to try the famous ceviche and fish tacos. These are just a few of the many elegant restaurants that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.
- Café des Artistes: Recognized as one of the best restaurants in Mexico, it offers a sophisticated culinary experience in an elegant and romantic setting.
- Trio: Located in the historic center, this restaurant offers an elegant ambiance, along with an extensive wine list and gourmet dishes created with local ingredients.
- La Leche: It is a contemporary and minimalist place that serves creative cuisine. Its tasting menu and wine list are excellent options for an elegant experience.
- Vitea Oceanfront Bistro: Located on the oceanfront, this restaurant offers an elegant atmosphere and a panoramic view of the ocean. Its French-Mexican cuisine is delicious and its wine list is extensive.
- Porto Bello: This Italian restaurant offers an elegant experience with its classic decor and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. The service is impeccable and the dishes are authentic.
- La Palapa: Located on Los Muertos beach, this restaurant offers an elegant experience along with gourmet dishes of fresh seafood and international cuisine.
- Mikado: This Japanese food restaurant offers an elegant experience with its authentic teppanyaki and sushi. It is known for its exceptional service and sophisticated atmosphere.
- Trattoria Di Nuovo: An intimate and cozy place serving authentic Italian food. It offers classic dishes made with fresh and high quality ingredients.
- The Iguana: Located in the Casa Kimberly Hotel, this restaurant offers an elegant atmosphere and exquisite contemporary Mexican cuisine. The food is delicious and the ambiance is charming.
- Le Kliff: With a stunning location on a cliff overlooking the sea, Le Kliff offers an elegant experience with its gourmet cuisine and romantic ambiance.
- La Dolce Vita: stands out for its exquisite Italian cuisine, prepared with fresh and high quality ingredients.
The people of Puerto Vallarta are known for their warmth and friendliness, which will make you feel at home during your visit. In addition, the city celebrates numerous festivals and events throughout the year. In addition to these festivals, they also hold numerous fairs and themed events throughout the year, such as the Book Fair, Art Fair and Friendship Fair.
- International Gourmet Festival: This annual festival takes place in November and is considered one of the most important gastronomic events in Mexico. For one week, the best national and international chefs gather in Puerto Vallarta to offer themed dinners, wine tastings and cooking classes.
- Puerto Vallarta International Film Festival: This festival takes place in March and presents a selection of films from around the world. In addition to film screenings, special events, workshops and round tables with directors and actors are also held.
- Festival del Mar: This festival is held in December and is a celebration of Puerto Vallarta’s maritime culture. It includes parades, music, folkloric dances and aquatic activities such as regattas and fishing competitions.
- Puerto Vallarta Art and Culture Festival: This festival takes place throughout the month of May and highlights the cultural richness of the region. It includes art exhibits, concerts, plays, dances and handicrafts exhibitions.
- International Festival of Music and Dance: This festival takes place in April and presents a variety of concerts and dance performances. National and international artists perform in different venues in the city, such as squares and theaters.
- Vallarta Aztec International Folklore Festival: This festival takes place in August and brings together folkloric dance groups from all over Mexico and other parts of the world. For several days, the different groups perform in the streets and plazas of the city.
The beaches near Puerto Vallarta are incredibly beautiful, with soft sands and crystal clear waters. You can find beaches with calm waters perfect for swimming, as well as wilder beaches suitable for surfing.
- Playa de los Muertos: Located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, this beach is very popular and lively. It offers crystal clear waters, a wide stretch of sand and a variety of restaurants and bars nearby.
- Las Animas Beach: This beach is located about 30 minutes by boat from Puerto Vallarta. It is known for its calm waters and natural beauty. You can relax on the beach, enjoy delicious seafood at the nearby restaurants or explore the nearby trails.
- Yelapa Beach: To get to this beach you will have to take a boat or ferry from Puerto Vallarta. It is a quiet and picturesque beach, surrounded by jungle and mountains. You can enjoy peace and serenity, as well as snorkeling in the nearby coral reefs.
- Mismaloya Beach: Located just a few minutes south of Puerto Vallarta, this beach is famous for its beauty and its cinematographic importance (the movie “The Night of the Iguana” was filmed here). It offers clear and calm waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- Quimixto Beach: This beach is located about 45 minutes by boat from Puerto Vallarta. It is a quiet and secluded place, with turquoise waters and a relaxed atmosphere. You can also take a trip to a nearby waterfall and enjoy a refreshing dip.
- Sayulita Beach: Approximately one hour north of Puerto Vallarta, this beach is famous for its perfect waves for surfing. It is a popular destination for surfers, but also offers a bohemian and relaxed atmosphere, with restaurants, stores and a vibrant nightlife.
- Punta de Mita Beach: Located at the northern end of Banderas Bay, this beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, long stretches of sand and tranquil atmosphere. It is also an excellent starting point for water sports such as snorkeling, paddleboarding and scuba diving.