Planning a fun Mexico getaway to PV? This post covers everything you need to know for your first trip to Puerto Vallarta, so you don’t miss a thing!
I honestly still can’t believe I traveled to Mexico over twenty times before making my way to Puerto Vallarta, as it’s quickly become one of my favorite Mexico destinations. What makes Puerto Vallarta so fun is that it blends the best of both worlds when it comes to city life and beach culture.
Plus, it’s a great destination for couples, friends, families, LGBTQ+ travelers, and honestly anyone! There’s really something for everyone to enjoy here.
For such a small city, there is a LOT to do—and quite a variety of activities to choose from. Puerto Vallarta has beautiful beaches (especially if you hop out of the immediate city center), vibrant culture, a lively nightlife, and plenty of ways to get out in nature.
In this thorough Puerto Vallarta travel guide I’m sharing all my top tips for your first trip to Puerto Vallarta as well as the touristy things that are actually worth doing along with some unique and fun activities to get you a little off the beaten path. So let’s get to it.
Short on time? Here are my top picks in Puerto Vallarta.
- Best Things to Do: Book this award-winning food and walking tour, buy tickets to the Rhythms of the Night dinner show, explore the iconic hidden beach at Marietas Islands Eco Reserve, and go snorkeling at Los Arcos de Mismaloya.
- Where to Stay: Casa Velas ($$$), Hacienda San Angel ($$), Patio Azul Luxury Hotel ($)
- Can’t Miss Eateries: Cafe Des Artistes, Sonorita, Pancho’s Takos, El Campanario.
PS—If it’s your first time in Mexico in a while, don’t miss this super informative post I wrote featuring all my top Mexico travel tips, from avoiding food poisoning and local scams to quick Spanish verbiage that will make your life easier on your trip!
Important Tips for Your First Trip to Puerto Vallarta
- When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta? The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is in winter or during the shoulder season as it gets unbearably hot in summertime. Puerto Vallarta’s whale watching season runs from December-April so keep that in mind if that’s something that’s important for your trip. We personally visited in November during Day of the Dead.
- How do you get to Puerto Vallarta? The Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) is only about 25 minutes from the main areas of Downtown and Zona Romantica. There are many non-stop flights from US and Canadian cities including Chicago, Dallas, New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto and Montreal to name a few.
- Best areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta? El Centro and Zona Romantica are my favorite areas to stay and are the most walkable/have the most culture and charm. However these areas are hilly, so you have to be prepared to walk up and down steps. If you don’t want to do that, book a hotel right on the beach or in the Hotel Zone further north.
- Do you need to rent a car in Puerto Vallarta? It’s not necessary to rent a car if you’re only planning on visiting Puerto Vallarta. If you plan on taking several day trips outside of the city though, you may want to consider it. I always rent through Discover Cars when in Mexico and select the full coverage option to avoid surprise tacked on fees. It’s been the easiest rental experiences in all my Mexico travels!
- What is the best way to get around Puerto Vallarta? If you stay in the Romantic Zone or El Centro, than a lot will be walkable, however Uber is easy here and cheaper than taxis.
- Is Puerto Vallarta safe? Puerto Vallarta ranks as one of the safest cities in Mexico and crime rates have declined in recent years. I felt quite safe in PV, especially compared to other destinations I’ve visited in Mexico. However, I was traveling with my husband so not alone as a solo female. As always, it’s important to stay alert, watch your belongings and avoid being out at night alone.
- What do you need to pack for Puerto Vallarta? Beyond packing what you normally would for a beach destination, I recommend packing good walking shoes because a LOT of the city is cobblestone and there are a ton of stairs.
- Can you use credit cards in Puerto Vallarta? It depends. Hotels and many shops will accept credit cards, but honestly, for how built up Puerto Vallarta is, it’s surprising that many restaurants only accept cash still. Many will take USD in addition to Mexican pesos. Just be prepared with cash.
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
There are quite a few neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta (also referred to as “zones”) that you can choose to stay in when visiting. I’ll break some of them down below, but for your first visit I recommend staying in Zona Romantica or El Centro so you can walk to everything.
During our week in Puerto Vallarta, we split our time between El Centro and the Romantic Zone to get a flavor for both areas.
Zona Romantica
Also referred to as the Romantic Zone, this is without a doubt the most charming neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta. Here you’ll find many cute cafes and restaurants, a lively nightlife (and bustling LGBTQ+ scene) and easy beach access. You can find many hotels and apartment rentals in this area.
Where to Stay in the Romantic Zone: Marcela Resort and Spa ($$), Zona Z Boutique Hotel ($) and Villa Lola ($$) for a colorful stay that’s adults-only. If you prefer an apartment rental, this is the modern loft where we stayed—the selling point here was the rooftop pool with amazing sunset views.
El Centro
During the time we stayed in El Centro, I personally loved it for its historic charm and walkability to the Malecon and many great things to do in the city. You can also find the most unique boutique hotels in this area.
Where to Stay in El Centro (aka Downtown ): Hacienda San Angel ($$) is where we stayed and I absolutely LOVED it. It has the most unique antique-filled interiors, beautiful views overlooking the city and ocean, and a stunning hidden courtyard inside. You can’t go wrong with a stay here.
Other places I would consider in El Centro: BellView Hotel ($$), the iconic Casa Kimberly ($$$) made famous by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and the Paramar Beachfront hotel ($) for simple accommodations with easy ocean access.
Hotel Zone
This area is north of the walkable downtown and Romantic Zone and is where you’ll find all the big resorts and chain brand hotels. If you’re looking for a “sip a cocktail by the pool” type of vacation, this is a good option for your trip. However, it’s not walkable to most of the things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
Where to Stay in the Hotel Zone: There are literally endless options of big resorts to choose from. My personal favorites would be the adults-only Mio Vallarta ($) or the all-inclusive Secrets Vallarta ($$$).
Conchas Chinas
If you’re looking for something a bit more quiet and remote from the bustle of Puerto Vallarta, then consider Conchas Chinas which is just south of Zona Romantica. Just note that while it’s a pretty area, you’ll need to drive or take a taxi from here to get to all the downtown spots.
Where to Stay in Conchas Chinas: Patio Azul Luxury Hotel ($) is a great affordable option with cute design. The Grand Miramar Luxury Suites ($) is another popular option.
Marina Vallarta
Lastly, Marina Vallarta is a bit north of the most southern hotel zone and is centered around a private marina. It’s also very close to the Puerto Vallarta Airport. While it does have some of its own shops and restaurants and some very nice hotels, it’s quite a drive from El Centro (about 30 minutes) and all the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta in my opinion!
Where to Stay in Marina Vallarta: Casa Velas ($$$) is adults-only and offers some of the best value for the price in the area, with stunning oceanfront views. The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa ($$) is another great option for Bonvoy members who want to utilize points for their stay.
Where to Eat in Puerto Vallarta
I was actually shocked by how many amazing restaurants there were in Puerto Vallarta—honestly, it was hard to decide which spots to hit! My picks below showcase a nice variety of dining experiences in the city, from the best street food spots to upscale romantic eateries and a little bit of everything in between.
- El Campanario for the best priced authentic Mexican in town.
- La Capella for a romantic dinner overlooking Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
- Cafe Des Artistes, to enjoy fine dining in Puerto Vallarta and an ever-changing tasting menu in a beautiful garden setting.
- Veggitalia which serves incredible vegan Italian food with authentic ingredients from Italy.
- Abulón Antojería del Mar for delicious seafood in a casual setting.
- El Carboncito for some of the best street tacos in Puerto Vallarta.
- Mar y Vino – less for the food and more for a unique setting where you dine in a pool overlooking the beach (yes, you read that right).
- Pancho’s Takos for some of the best tacos in town (it’s a local institution—and there’s usually a line)!
- Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas for mouth watering al pastor tacos in an aesthetic space.
- Ik Mixology Bar & Cuisine for a romantic beachfront dinner date.
Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta
Now, let’s get into some of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta—because there are a LOT of activities to choose from.
Beyond just strolling the Malecón or soaking up some rays at the beach, there are a ton of other fun things you can do like going on a jungle canopy tour, releasing baby sea turtles into the wild, taking a boat to a private beach club, and so much more.
While exploring around Zona Romantica and El Centro will keep you plenty busy, I do really recommend taking a day or two out of the main city center to visit lesser-known beaches or spend time out on the water.
Here’s my list of the 30+ best things to do in Puerto Vallarta!
Start Your Trip With a Walking Tour
When arriving in any new city, I always find it helpful to get a good lay of the land by taking a walking tour.
We kicked off our trip in PV with a “pay what you want” walking tour with Vallarta 101 and it was honestly SO good. Our guide gave us local insider tips, and we walked around so much of the city including the Malecón (Puerto Vallarta’s famous mile-long esplanade). We even climbed up to a beautiful viewpoint that we wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
As a first intro to Puerto Vallarta, I’d definitely recommend booking a walking tour and be sure to explore both Centro and Zona Romántica (aka the Romantic Zone), which are some of the most charming areas of the city.
Stroll Along the Malecón
If you don’t want to commit to a full walking tour then you at least need to walk along the city’s famous meeting spot: the Malecón.
The Malecón is a 12-block boardwalk that stretches along Puerto Vallarta’s Centro and Zona Romántica areas right on the coast. There are street performers, sculptures, sunset views, and tons of bars and restaurants.
The vibe changes from morning to night, with joggers and locals walking their dogs in the morning, while at night the area transforms into a nightlife hotspot.
Join an Award-Winning Food Tour
One of the most fun things we did during our trip to Puerto Vallarta was join this incredible food and walking tour around the city and I highly recommend you add it to your itinerary as well.
It’s a 3.5 hour food tour that will bring you and a small group of others to 10 different spots in the city to sample some of the best tacos, churros, and other fun culinary treats. Not only do you get to enjoy some amazing eats, but your local guide will give you some insider insights into the city too.
Don’t just take my word for it though, Vallarta Food Tour’s “Original Downtown Tour” was voted the #4 Food Experience in the world by TripAdvisor in 2019 and 2020 and it was most recently awarded the #5 Tour in Latin America for 2023. Make sure to book ahead to secure your spot.
Experience the Rhythms of the Night Show
I will start by saying that this is the #1 tour in all of Puerto Vallarta, and because of that…I was a little skeptical and concerned that it would be too touristy. However, we decided to go for it and I’m SO glad we did as it exceeded all my expectations and ended up being our favorite night of the trip.
Rhythms of the Night is a cultural performance and dinner show that’s basically like Cirque du Soleil on a private island, with a sunset cruise to get there. I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s a blend of traditional and contemporary Mexican entertainment crafted with a really incredible and one-of-a-kind ambiance. Plus, the buffet food was shockingly good.
This is one of those things that is popular for a reason and tickets book up fast! You can grab yours here.
Dine with a Fireworks View at La Capella
For a fancy date night or to celebrate a special occasion, dining at La Capella Restaurante is a must. It’s one of the most romantic restaurants in Puerto Vallarta with incredible views overlooking Our Lady of Guadalupe church.
They serve traditional Italian fare here with a great wine list and live violinists serenade you as you dine. The night we dined here, we had front row seats to a proposal which was a really special treat to witness. The setting is just that romantic!
As an added bonus, Puerto Vallarta has fireworks that go off every night from the harbor, so this is the perfect place to watch them from. You might even catch a proposal like we did.
Majahuitas Beach Club
Accessible only by boat, Majahuitas Beach Club is a little slice of boho beach paradise that’s about 45 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta.
The beach itself is tucked into a lush hidden cove that’s backed by palm trees and the Sierra madre mountains. The dreamy beach club has a restaurant and bar, plenty of beach chairs and beds to lounge around on, and an event calendar of live DJ performances make it the ultimate beach party destination.
Majahuitas is only open on the weekend with boats leaving from three different ports (Nuevo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Muertos) in the afternoon and returning at 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Make sure to check their event schedule and book tickets ahead of time to their upcoming DJ sets.
Explore Zona Romantica
This is the most beloved neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta and it’s great for a daytime stroll without any particular agenda in mind. You’re bound to bump into cute restaurants, shops and fun things to do by letting your curiosity guide you here.
This area is also the best spot for nightlife in Puerto Vallarta and has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, so don’t be surprised if you end up in a gay bar unexpectedly! Check here for a ton of fun upcoming events like drag brunches and caberet shows throughout the Romantic Zone.
Visit Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Just a block away from the Malecón, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is iconic in Puerto Vallarta and you’ll see it from pretty much any viewpoint in the city.
Although you might think it’s been there forever, it’s only been around for a little over 100 years with some portions not being finished until the late 1980s. Nonetheless, it’s the spiritual center for the area’s Catholic community and it’s worth a visit to admire the beautiful architecture and artwork.
If you go on a city tour you’ll be sure to stop here, but if not, it’s easy enough to wander in on your own. They even offer a mass in English on Sunday mornings if you want the full experience.
Note that you’ll want to dress modestly here: no shorts, shoulders covered, and no swimwear or flip flops.
Explore the Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta
It’s not a trip to Puerto Vallarta without spending some time at the beach and there are plenty of gorgeous options to choose from:
- Los Muertos Beach: Probably the most popular beach in the area, Playa de los Muertos is a sandy beach that’s close to the Malecón. It’s typically pretty busy and can get crowded, but it’s a great beach for swimming and water activities and there are beachside amenities and tons of restaurants right at your fingertips here.
- Colomitos Beach: A very secluded beach cove on a tiny stretch of sand, Colomitos is your best bet if you’re hunting for that hidden gem kind of spot. You can take a water taxi from Zona Romántica for about $30 and there’s a restaurant here too.
- Mismaloya Beach: A little bit south of town, Mismaloya Beach is an easy Uber ride from town and the beach is sandy and the water is calm enough for swimming. There are a number of restaurants to choose from, and you can pick up a boat tour from here too if you don’t just want to lay on the beach all day.
- Playa Careyeros: About an hour and a half north of Puerto Vallarta is Playa Careyeros, which would make for a good day trip if you’re looking to explore beyond PV. The beach is gorgeous, wide, and sandy, and the water is typically pretty calm. Plus, it doesn’t get too crowded. You’ll need a car to drive out here and there aren’t a ton of food options, but there is a restaurant that you can order food and drinks from as well as umbrellas for rent.
- Playa Paredon: It’s a bit of a trek to get here, but if you don’t mind the adventure, Playa Paredon is an absolutely pristine hidden beach that feels like paradise. The scenery is gorgeous and there is decent snorkeling here too. If you aren’t up for the tricky hike it takes to get down to the beach, you can always hire a water taxi and arrive by boat.
- Playa Conchas Chinas: Less crowded than some of the other beaches in the area, Playa Conchas Chinas is the southernmost beach in Puerto Vallarta that you can walk to from town (although it’s not a short walk). The beach is sandy with some big rocks and it has panoramic views of the bay. Note that there aren’t public bathrooms or many vendors here.
- Yelapa Beach: Yelapa is a busy beach with many restaurants, vendors, and boats anchored in the bay, and it makes for a nice stop while out on a boat day trip from Puerto Vallarta. The best way to get here is via water taxi from the Los Muertos Pier and there’s a short waterfall hike you can do from here as well.
Take an ATV and Zipline Tour
One of the most fun and unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta is booking this ATV and Zipline tour if you’re looking to add some adventure and thrill to your vacation. It’s a 5-hour experience where you’ll explore the lush landscapes in the Sierra Madre mountains by ATV, swim in the Canopy River, and then zipline through the trees.
The best part? It all ends with a tequila tasting. Because were you even in Mexico without indulging in a bit of tequila?
While the ziplining portion was super scenic, I have to say we enjoyed the ATV portion of this one the most! Definitely make sure to pack clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty for this one. Book your tickets in advance here.
Snorkel at Los Arcos de Mismaloya Islands
Located in Banderas Bay, Los Arcos (Spanish for “The Arches”) is a cluster of rocky islands that can be seen from downtown Puerto Vallarta. There’s amazing scuba diving and snorkeling here where you can see all sorts of amazing sea life.
There are a bunch of private snorkeling tours to Los Arcos that you can take that will bring you out with a guide and provide lunch and snacks, or you can rent a boat for the day to take you out on your own which is often less expensive than the guided tour.
Either way, this is a fun and easy trip on the water that isn’t too far from the mainland of Puerto Vallarta.
Visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Spending time by the water often gets all the attention in beach towns, but a visit to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens should not be overlooked if you’re seeking out unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
There are 79 acres of beautiful gardens featuring native Mexican plants that you can hike through here, plus resident peacocks that often make an appearance. Honestly, this is one thing I’m really sad we didn’t get a chance to do because the pictures look so beautiful.
PS— Make sure to bring your bathing suit if you want to take a dip in the river here.
Take a Tour to the Marietas Islands Eco Reserve
The Marietas Islands are a small group of islands in the Bay of Banderas only a few miles from Puerto Vallarta. They are uninhibited and a natural sanctuary, so as you might imagine, it’s an absolutely beautiful place to visit. If you like to snorkel, coming here is a must.
There are a ton of guided tours out there which offer different experiences, but they are definitely not all created equal. I actually hated the tour we took as it way way overcrowded and didn’t visit the Hidden Beach, which I was really excited about.
So here are the tours I would recommend: If you want to snorkel and get in some beach time, this Marietas Islands Snorkel Tour & Hidden Beach excursion will give you the opportunity to snorkel and also visit the famous hidden beach that made the Marietas Instagram famous. This is another well-rated tour that promises 100% access to the hidden beach, which other tour companies don’t promise.
Shop at the Rio Cuale Market
Located right in historic downtown Puerto Vallarta, The Rio Cuale Market has been operating since the 1950s and is the most famous market in town.
It’s basically a two-floor, indoor flea market with over 150 little shops selling local artisan goods, clothing, jewelry, crafts, souvenirs, and more. There’s a traditional food court too where you can grab an inexpensive bite to eat.
The Rio Cuale Market is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Do a Tequila Tasting
It’s not a trip to Mexico without having at least a little tequila, right? If you want to take it a step further beyond just ordering a margarita, do a tequila tasting.
If you’re strolling the Malecón, pop in to Oscar’s Restaurant which is hidden away on a little island called Isla Rio Cuale. They have their own distillery on-site and they offer tequila, mezcal and raicilla tastings where you can learn all about the distilling process while trying a few samples. The best part is, they’re totally free!
You can stop in for their free tour or book a private tequila tasting through their website.
Go Whale Watching (Seasonal)
If your trip falls between December and March, then you won’t want to miss booking a whale watching excursion. This half-day whale watching tour takes a small group out to look for humpback whales off the coast.
There’s a marine biologist on board who will teach you all about the whales and their behavior while lunch and drinks (non-alcoholic) are provided.
Hike to Mirador Cerro de la Cruz
If you want amazing views and a little bit of a workout, this hike delivers. Hiking up to Mirador Cerro de la Cruz (or hill of the cross viewpoint) will give you the best panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay.
To get here, you can take Abasolo Street (right from the Malecón) all the way up to get to the top of La Cruz Hill where you’ll find the lookout.
The hike itself is fairly strenuous with a 20 minute hike up a steep incline followed by some stairs to get to the top of the viewing structure. There’s even a little cafe at the top! While we were definitely huffing and puffing trekking up here, it goes by quickly and the views are absolutely worth it.
Explore the Art Scene in El Centro
Art lovers will enjoy visiting the many art galleries and artist studios in Puerto Vallarta. The El Centro/Old Town area has a ton of galleries you can pop into and on Wednesdays there’s an art walk from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. that runs from October through the end of June where participating galleries stay open late and host tours and artist talks.
You’ll find all types of art in Puerto Vallarta, from traditional beaded art done by the indigenous Wixaritari/Huichol people, to Mexican folk art, contemporary art, and more.
A few galleries that I particularly loved checking out: Peyote People, Galleria Dante, and Posters International.
Try the Tasting Menu at Café des Artistes
Tucked away in Old Town, Café des Artistes serves “French cuisine with Mexican inspiration” and has an incredible gourmet tasting menu with options for both meat eaters and vegetarians.
The menu changes regularly but when we were there, each dish was themed around a particular film which was really fun.
The food is truly a work of art here and the magical garden setting only adds to the 5-star experience. Definitely make a reservation in advance and note that they are only open for dinner.
Spend the Day in Yelapa
If you want to take an off-the-beaten-path day trip from Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa is the place to do it. It’s a small fishing village/beach town in Banderas Bay where you can relax with a frozen drink on the sand, or hike out to Yelapa Town Waterfall which is only a 10-minute walk from the beach.
You’ll want to take the ferry or a water taxi here from Puerto Vallarta as there isn’t a direct driving route.
While in Yelapa, grab some food at Cafe Bahia and don’t leave the area without getting a delicious homemade pie on the beach from one of the “pie ladies” who walk around selling them. Just trust me on this one.
Grab a Cocktail at the Iconic Casa Kimberly
Made famous by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Casa Kimberly is a boutique hotel in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. It used to be the private residence of the two love birds, but Taylor sold the property in the ‘90s, and it has since been converted into a beautiful hotel with an on-site restaurant and spa.
Even if you’re not staying here, it’s at least worth stopping by for a drink here to enjoy the amazing views of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay.
Explore the Vegan Scene in Puerto Vallarta
Plant-based travelers will be happy in Puerto Vallarta because the vegan scene is solid in this city.
Veggitalia had some of the most incredible vegan food I’ve ever had with notable pizzas and pastas. The owner (who served us) imports a lot of his ingredients from Italy and uses local producers too. There are gluten-free options here as well.
Other vegan restaurants worth checking out are The Green Place, Planeta Vegetariano, and Elixir Spot.
Visit Boca de Tomatlan
If you’re looking to adventure a bit outside the city limits, Boca de Tomatlán is a little fishing village that’s only about 20 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta.
There’s a beach in the bay that’s great for swimming and sunbathing and a few beachfront restaurants where you can order fresh seafood and traditional Mexican dishes. Stroll the town’s little Malecon and order a “nieve de garrafa” (Mexican sorbet).
If it’s beach time you’re after, Colomitos Beach and Mismaloya Beach are close by and both gorgeous and definitely worth visiting.
You can get to Boca easily by public transportation or car and you’ll get some killer views of the coastline along the way.
Experience the Spiritual Side of Puerto Vallarta
During our wanderings around Puerto Vallarta, we stumbled upon Chakrana, a hippie-esque coffee shop and boutique in Centro that sells spiritually-minded goods, art, coffee and incredible smoothies (get the Blue Magik, it’s insanely good AND it sparkles).
If you’re looking to get into the spiritual side of PV, this is a great place to start. They do weekly events and ceremonies, so it’s worth it to check out their Instagram or stop in to see what they have coming up.
Sail Puerto Vallarta on Luxury on a Mega Yacht
Time out on the water is a must when in Puerto Vallarta and you can’t beat the experience of exploring the coastline by luxury yacht.
This all-inclusive Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure will take you around Banderas Bay in style with stops at Yelapa to hike to a waterfall and Playa Chica Locca for snorkeling. In addition to access to everything you’ll need for a fun day on the water like kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkels, there’s a continental breakfast, fajita lunch, snacks, and an open bar.
If you’re looking to rent a yacht for a private group for up to 15 people, check out this epic private yacht tour where you can completely customize the experience.
Experience One of Puerto Vallarta’s Unique Festivals
Puerto Vallarta has some really fun and unique festivals that are worth making sure you’re in town for:
Day of the Dead Festival: Visiting Mexico during Día de Muertos had been on my bucket list for quite some time so it was really fun to be in Puerto Vallarta for it. They erect a monumental Catrina sculpture, place giant decorated sugar skulls throughout the Malecón, and plan all sorts of cultural activities throughout the week.
Festival Gourmet International: Foodies, this one’s for you. For 10 days in November, Mexican and International chefs take over the town with gourmet menus and live cooking for a celebration of food and wine.
Fiestas Guadalupanas of Puerto Vallarta: Thousands of people gather during the first 12 days of December to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe. The processions are a vibrant and beautiful sight to see.
Eat Lunch in a Pool with an Ocean View
That’s right, I said eat lunch IN a pool, because at Mar Y Vino you literally dine at a table with your feet in the water of a pool that overlooks the ocean. After you arrive, servers take your shoes for you and hang them in a little bag beside your table to keep them dry.
While the food itself wasn’t necessarily the top of my list compared to other places we ate at, the novelty of the experience was super fun and the perfect way to cool down in the heat. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta, definitely add this one to your list.
Swim with Dolphins in the Wild
Is swimming with dolphins on your bucket list? Well, you can do that in Puerto Vallarta too. This half-day tour takes you out on the water with a biologist who uses a hydrophone to search for dolphins by the unique sounds they make. You’re then able to jump into the water and swim with them, which is personally something that’s always been on my bucket list.
You’ll most likely see some other sea creatures along the way too like rays, turtles, and sometimes even whales. Make sure to book this one in advance to confirm your spot.
Take a Day Trip to a Pueblo Magico Town
“Pueblo Magicos” a.k.a. “Magic Towns,” are special towns recognized by the Mexican government for their beauty, culture, history, and all-around “magical” qualities.
There are just under 200 of these special towns in Mexico, and if you’ve got a little extra time and want to experience the magic firsthand, Sayulita and San Pancho are Magic Towns that are only about an hour from Puerto Vallarta and make for great day trips from Puerto Vallarta.
Check out my complete guide to Sayulita if you decide to to explore beyond Puerto Vallarta.
Participate in a Sea Turtle Release Program (Seasonal)
If your trip to Puerto Vallarta falls between August and December, definitely add participating in a sea turtle release to your agenda.
Basically, you can volunteer to help to guide little turtle hatchlings from their nests into the ocean every night at sunset. Sounds like a dream, right?
It’s free, open to the public, and definitely one of the most unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta!
Check out the Boca de Tomates Sea Turtle Camp for details.
Final Thoughts on Traveling to Puerto Vallarta
I hope this thorough Puerto Vallarta travel guide gave you all the helpful tips and inspiration you need to plan an epic PV adventure. I truly love Puerto Vallarta and think it gets overlooked by many travelers as a party destination or resort town, when there’s really so much more than that.
If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to leave them below and I’ll answer as best as I can!
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