Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide
Nestled on Banderas Bay on Mexico's Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most beautiful resort cities where you can experience the "Mexican spirit" with its golden sandy beaches, the verdant green of the Sierra Madre Mountains, a vibrant arts scene, and delicious cuisine. The bronze statues along the Malecón, the vibrant streets of the Zona Romántica, and the orange sky at sunset make Puerto Vallarta a love-at-first-sight experience.
When to Go to Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate. November to April is the dry season: sunny, humidity low, and the seaside perfect. December to March is the best time for whale watching. May is when temperatures begin to rise; June to October is the rainy season, with short but heavy showers and lush greenery. August to October is Pacific hurricane season, so be flexible when planning. Crowded periods are Christmas and New Year's, Easter (Semana Santa) and Vallarta Pride week at the end of May.
How to Get to Puerto Vallarta?
TurkeyThere are no direct flights from Puerto Vallarta. The most practical route is; Istanbulabout Mexico City, Guadalajara or via the USA (Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Phoenix) Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). From the airport, the city center is a 20–30-minute ride away via taxi, app-based vehicles, and hotel shuttles. Meksika There are frequent flights from Mexico City for domestic travel; for short distances, comfortable bus companies such as ADO and ETN can also be preferred.
What to Do in Puerto Vallarta?
- Sunset stroll on the Malecón: Discover the sculptures along the coastline and watch street performances.
- Immerse yourself in the streets of Zona Romántica: Cafes, art galleries, handcrafted boutiques, and paved streets embody the spirit of Puerto Vallarta.
- Take a beach tour: Playa Los Muertos, Conchas Chinas and Mismaloya are famous for their different atmospheres.
- Sayulita & Bucerías getaway: Go for a day trip for the surf, bohemian cafes and colourful murals.
- Marietas Islands boat tour: See the coral life with a snorkel, choose authorized tours to the “Hidden Beach”.
- Whale watching (December–March): Take guided tours to spot humpback whales in Banderas Bay.
- Canopy & zipline adventure: Get your adrenaline pumping in the Sierra Madre forests.
- Try local cuisine with a workshop: Make tacos, ceviche, and salsa in cooking classes that begin with market shopping.
- Art Thursdays (ArtWalk): Between November and April, galleries keep their doors open in the evenings.
- Spa & temazcal: Relax with a traditional sweat ceremony and rejuvenate in ocean-view spas.
What to Eat in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is known for its seafood: ceviche (fish marinated in lime juice), aguachile (shrimp with hot peppers), Egypt Be sure to try the pescado zarandeado (fried shrimp with flour), the camarones embarazados (grilled skewers) sold on the beach, the street food taco al pastor, birria (Jalisco-style meat stew), pozole, and ice-cold agua fresca. Try tres leches and churros for dessert, and sip on the local tequila or raicilla. For all the details and location recommendations on what to eat in Puerto Vallarta, check out our article, What to Eat in Puerto Vallarta?!
What to Buy in Puerto Vallarta?
Handcrafted Huichol (Wixarika) beadwork, colorful ceramics, hand-woven rebozo scarves, wood carvings, and bottles of local raicilla/tequila are some of the best Puerto Vallarta gifts. You'll find unique pieces in the boutiques of Isla Cuale market and Zona Romántica. For those wondering "What to buy and where?", we've compiled a shopping itinerary filled with selected shops: Details What to Buy in Puerto Vallarta? in our guide!
Puerto Vallarta Nightlife
Puerto Vallarta nightlife is diverse: cocktail bars and live music venues along the Malecón; (especially LGBTQ+-friendly) clubs and drag shows in Zona Romántica; and chic lounges in La Marina. Try mezcal cocktails at rooftop bars after sunset and join salsa nights on certain days of the week. Be sure to check out our Puerto Vallarta Nightlife article for venue recommendations and routes!
Puerto Vallarta Festivals and Fairs
| Event/Festival | Ay | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| Vallarta Pride | Mayıs | Colourful walks, beach parties, cultural and artistic events centered around Zona Romántica. |
| International Gourmet Festival | Kasım | The city's most famous gastronomy event; guest chefs and tasting menus. |
| Day of the Dead | November 1–2 | Ofrenda (votive) altars, face painting, parades and art installations. |
| Carnival | February/March | Costumed processions, concerts and street parties. |
| Marathon Puerto Vallarta | April/May | Marathon and half-marathon runs along the Gulf Coast. |
| ArtWalk Puerto Vallarta | November–April | Free art walk through galleries on Thursday evenings. |
Puerto Vallarta Important Days and Holidays
| Date | Events |
|---|---|
| January 1 | Christmas |
| February/March (variable) | Carnival & Easter (Semana Santa) |
| December 1–12 | Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe (pilgrimages, celebrations) |
| 16 Eylül | Mexican Independence Day |
| 2 November | Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) |
| 20 November | Revolution Day |
| End of December | Christmas & New Year's high season |
Things to Consider When Traveling to Puerto Vallarta
- Climate and health: The sun is very strong; high SPF, a hat, and light clothing are essential. Carry mosquito repellent during the rainy season.
- Security: Tourist areas are generally safe, but avoid deserted streets late at night and don't carry valuables in plain sight.
- Currency unit: Mexican pesos (MXN). Cards are accepted, but keep cash on hand for small purchases. Be aware of currency conversion fees.
- Transportation: Use authorized taxi-apps; choose licensed operators for boat tours.
- Environment: Protect coral and wildlife; use reef-friendly sunscreen and avoid touching sea turtles.
- Culture: Tipping is common (10–15% in restaurants). Basic Spanish greetings are welcome.
- Natural conditions: Check cancellation policies for late summer–fall hurricane risk.
- Food and drink: When selling street food, choose stalls with fresh food circulation during peak hours and drink bottled water.
Puerto Vallarta is an escape filled with the warmth of the Pacific, the shade of the mountains, and the vibrant colors of Mexican culture. It's a coastal city known for its cuisine, where you can cool off in the sea during the day and find inspiration in an evening art walk. If you're looking to add culture, gastronomy, and nightlife to your sun-and-sea vacation, Puerto Vallarta is the perfect destination. For a complete list of must-see beaches, hidden coves, historic center, and nature tours, be sure to explore our article on Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta!
