Puerto Vallarta is Mexico’s classic Pacific beach town: a cobbled old town of white houses and red-tile roofs between green jungle mountains and the wide Bay of Banderas, one of the largest bays in North America. Visitors come for the seafront Malecón and its sculptures, the beaches and restaurants of the Zona Romántica, boat trips to the Marietas Islands and hidden coves reached only by water, humpback whales in winter, and the surf villages of the Riviera Nayarit to the north. It is warm all year; the dry, sunny season from November to May is the most popular time to visit.
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Puerto Vallarta at a glance
- Best for: beaches, boat trips and snorkeling, whale watching, the Malecón and old-town dining, LGBTQ-friendly nightlife and easy day trips along the coast.
- How long: 4–5 days for the town, a boat trip and a beach day; a week to add Sayulita and the southern coves.
- Best time: November to May, dry and sunny, with highs of 27–30 °C (80–86 °F); December to March for humpback whales.
- Getting there: Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), about 7.5 km (5 miles) north of the city, with many direct flights from the United States and Canada.
- Getting around: walk the center, use cheap local buses, taxis or app rides, and water taxis for the southern beaches.
- Before you go: entry rules, the immigration fee, money and tipping are in our Mexico travel guide.
Puerto Vallarta areas: where things are
The resort area stretches some 40 km (25 miles) around the bay. The Ameca River divides it between two states: Puerto Vallarta is in Jalisco, while Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías and the coast to Punta de Mita and Sayulita are in Nayarit (the area shares the same time, Central time, on both sides).
Zona Romántica (Old Town)
South of the Cuale River, the Zona Romántica is the town’s most charming area, with cobbled streets, small hotels, restaurants, galleries and bars, and Playa Los Muertos with its sail-shaped pier. It is also the heart of one of Mexico’s best-known LGBTQ scenes.
El Centro and the Malecón
North of the river, the historic center climbs the hill behind the Malecón, the seafront promenade, with the church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the main square, shops and restaurants. The quiet hillside streets above, once known as “Gringo Gulch,” have views over the bay.
Hotel Zone and Marina Vallarta
North of the center, the Hotel Zone has large beach hotels and shopping malls along Avenida Francisco Medina Ascencio. Marina Vallarta, near the airport and the cruise terminal, has a yacht marina, condos, golf and quieter beaches.
Nuevo Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit
Across the river in Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta is a planned area of all-inclusive resorts on a long, flat beach. Further around the bay are the fishing town of Bucerías, the upscale peninsula of Punta de Mita, and the surf villages of Sayulita and San Pancho.
The South Shore
South of town, the coastal road passes Conchas Chinas, Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán, where the road turns inland. Beyond, the beaches of Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Majahuitas and the village of Yelapa can be reached only by boat or on foot.
Top things to see in Puerto Vallarta
Prices and hours below were checked on the official sites in October 2026, unless we say otherwise; check again before you go.
The Malecón
The pedestrian seafront promenade runs for about 1 km (just over half a mile) from the Zona Romántica north through the center, lined with bronze sculptures, such as the seahorse rider that has become a symbol of the town, restaurants and bars. It is at its best at sunset, when crowds gather to watch the sun drop into the bay, and on weekend evenings, when street performers and the Papantla flyers, who spin down from a tall pole, put on shows.
The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
A block from the Malecón, the parish church is easy to spot by its tower topped with a large crown. Entry is free; dress respectfully. In the first twelve days of December, processions of local groups, often in costume and with music, walk to the church every evening for the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12.
Isla Río Cuale
A narrow, shady island in the river between the center and the Zona Romántica, crossed by footbridges, has a crafts market, cafés, a small museum and a statue of the film director John Huston, whose 1964 film “The Night of the Iguana,” shot at Mismaloya, helped put Puerto Vallarta on the map.
Playa Los Muertos and the town beaches
Los Muertos, in the Zona Romántica, is the busiest town beach, lined with beach clubs and seafood restaurants; water taxis to the South Shore leave from its pier. Further south, small Conchas Chinas has rock pools and clear water for snorkeling on calm days. In town and in the Hotel Zone, waves are usually gentle, but check the beach flags, and swim only where it is calm. See our beaches guide.
The Marietas Islands
Off Punta de Mita, these uninhabited volcanic islands form a national park and a UNESCO biosphere reserve, with seabirds such as blue-footed boobies, coral and tropical fish, and, in winter, passing humpback whales. Their most famous spot is the Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach), a sandy beach inside a collapsed crater open to the sky, reached by swimming through a short tunnel from the sea. Access is controlled by CONANP, Mexico’s protected areas commission: under the rules set when the beach reopened in 2016, no more than 116 people a day may enter, in groups of up to 15 with a park ranger, only at low tide, for 30 minutes, with a life jacket and helmet, and the beach closes on Mondays and Tuesdays. Only licensed tour boats can take you; permits sell out, so book ahead, and expect the park fee to be added to the tour price. Other tours snorkel around the islands without landing. See our boat trips and snorkeling guides.
Yelapa and the South Shore coves
Water taxis from Los Muertos pier and from Boca de Tomatlán run to Las Ánimas, Quimixto and Yelapa, a car-free village in a cove with a waterfall a short walk uphill. A coastal hiking trail links Boca de Tomatlán, Las Ánimas and Quimixto in about two to three hours; start early and bring water. Last boats back leave in the afternoon, so check the time. See our hiking guide.
Vallarta Botanical Garden
About 30 minutes south of town in the forest above the coast, this botanical garden has orchids, cactus and native plants, trails down to a river where you can swim, and a hacienda-style restaurant. Local buses heading for El Tuito stop at the entrance. It charges an entrance fee and is usually closed on Mondays in the low season; check before you go.
Other sights
- Malecón of Puerto Vallarta
Churches and cathedrals
- Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta
Parks and gardens
- Isla Río Cuale
- Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Beaches
- Yelapa
Activities and best months
- Boat tripsIslas Marietas National Park, reached by authorised boats from the Bay of Banderas, is open Tuesday to Sunday 8:00-18:00 and Playa del Amor Wednesday to Sunday 8:00-17:00, MXN 125 per person per day.
Other things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Whale watching
Humpback whales arrive in the Bay of Banderas to mate and give birth in winter, roughly from December to March. Tours leave from Marina Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta de Mita; choose a licensed operator that follows the distance rules. See our boat trips guide.
Diving, surfing and the water
Dive and snorkel trips visit Los Arcos, a group of rock arches in a marine park off Mismaloya, and the Marietas Islands; the water is warmest and clearest from about June to November. Surfers head north to Sayulita, a beginner-friendly break with surf schools, and to Punta de Mita, while the town beaches are better for paddleboarding and kayaking. See our diving and surfing guides.
Food, art walks and nightlife
Try pescado zarandeado (butterflied fish grilled over wood), aguachile, ceviche and fish tacos at beach shacks and street stalls, and raicilla, the local agave spirit from the mountains. From late October to April, galleries in the center open their doors on Wednesday evenings for an art walk. Nightlife centers on the Malecón and the Zona Romántica, which has many LGBTQ bars and clubs.
Day trips from Puerto Vallarta
Sayulita and San Pancho: about an hour north by bus or car, Sayulita is a busy, colorful surf village with a beach full of surf schools, cafés and boutiques; neighboring San Pancho is quieter. Bucerías and Punta de Mita: Bucerías has a long, relaxed beach and seafood restaurants; Punta de Mita is the departure point for many Marietas tours. San Sebastián del Oeste: about 1.5–2 hours into the Sierra Madre, a former silver-mining town of cobbled streets and coffee farms. Mismaloya and Los Arcos: 20 minutes south by bus, for snorkeling and the old film set. For Mexico’s big inland cities, Guadalajara is about a five-hour drive or a short flight; see our Guadalajara guide.
Nearby destinations
- Riviera Nayarit17 km
- Tequila147 km
- Guadalajara196 km
Getting there and getting around
From Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)
The airport, run by the airport group GAP, is 7.5 km (5 miles) north of downtown Puerto Vallarta and 10 km (6 miles) from Nuevo Vallarta, on the Jalisco side of the bay. A new terminal is being built next to the current one, and its first gates are expected to open from late 2026, so expect some construction.
- Authorized airport taxis and shuttles: sold at counters in the arrivals hall at fixed zone prices; the easiest option with luggage, but the most expensive.
- Street taxis and buses: many travelers cross the pedestrian bridge over the highway outside the terminal, where regular city taxis and local buses heading to the center charge much less.
- App rides and car rental: app-based rides are available, with some restrictions on airport pickups; rental desks are in the terminal.
By bus and by sea
First-class buses connect Puerto Vallarta’s bus station, north of the airport, with Guadalajara (about five to six hours), Mexico City and other cities. Cruise ships dock at the terminal in Marina Vallarta; foreign cruise passengers pay a federal fee, normally added by the cruise line, which is explained in our Mexico travel guide.
Getting around
Local buses run frequently along the main avenue between the Hotel Zone, Marina Vallarta and the center, and south to Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán, for a small cash fare. Taxis do not have meters: agree on the fare before you get in, or use an app. Buses to Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías and Sayulita leave from stops on the highway. Water taxis serve the South Shore. A rental car is useful only for exploring the Riviera Nayarit or the mountains.
When to go and how long to stay
Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate with a long dry season and a hot, humid rainy season from June to October. The table uses the 1991–2020 climate normals of Mexico’s National Meteorological Service (SMN-Conagua) for the El Cuale station in Puerto Vallarta: average daily highs and lows, and days with rain.
| Season | Average high / low | Days with rain per month | What it’s like | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 27 °C (80–81 °F) / 14–15 °C (57–59 °F) | 8–9 | Sunny, dry and pleasant; the busiest season (rain days here are mostly light showers) | Beaches, whale watching, the Malecón |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 27–30 °C (81–85 °F) / 14–18 °C (58–65 °F) | 5–8 | Dry and sunny, warming up | Boat trips, Marietas, Holy Week beach holidays |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 30–32 °C (87–89 °F) / 22 °C (71 °F) | 17–24 | Hot and humid, with heavy evening storms | Diving, warm sea, low prices |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 30–31 °C (86–88 °F) / 18–22 °C (64–71 °F) | 8–23 | Wettest in September; dries out in November | Day of the Dead, quieter beaches |
The station records about 1,780 mm (70 inches) of rain a year, three quarters of it from July to September. Puerto Vallarta is in the path of eastern Pacific hurricanes, in season from May 15 to November 30, with the highest risk from August to October. Hurricane Nora flooded parts of the town in August 2021, and in late September 2026 Hurricane Polo, passing far offshore, sent high waves into the bay; the port closed and a swimmer was swept out to sea. If you travel in the season, follow the forecasts and the instructions of your hotel and the authorities, and stay out of the water when red flags fly.
Events worth planning around
- December 1–12: the Guadalupe processions to the church every evening.
- December to March: humpback whale season.
- May: Vallarta Pride, one of the largest in Mexico.
- November: the international gourmet festival in the town’s restaurants.
4 days in Puerto Vallarta
Day one: the Malecón, the Guadalupe church, Isla Río Cuale and sunset dinner in the Zona Romántica. Day two: a Marietas Islands boat trip, with snorkeling. Day three: a water taxi or the coastal trail to Las Ánimas and Yelapa. Day four: Los Arcos and Mismaloya, the Botanical Garden, or a beach day at Los Muertos or Conchas Chinas.
A week in Puerto Vallarta
Add Sayulita and San Pancho for surfing, a whale-watching trip in winter, a dive at Los Arcos, Bucerías and Punta de Mita, and a day in the mountains at San Sebastián del Oeste.
Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta and the hotel taxes
- Zona Romántica: boutique hotels, beach and nightlife, walking distance to everything.
- El Centro: small hotels on the hillside and near the Malecón.
- Hotel Zone and Marina Vallarta: large beach resorts close to the airport.
- Nuevo Vallarta: all-inclusive resorts for families on a long, flat beach.
- Conchas Chinas and the South Shore: villas and secluded hotels with views.
Room rates are often quoted before tax. On the Jalisco side, the state lodging tax (Impuesto sobre Hospedaje) is 5% for 2026, according to the state’s 2026 revenue law, and federal VAT (IVA) of 16% is added on top. In 2026 the city of Puerto Vallarta also began charging an environmental sanitation fee on short-term rentals booked through platforms such as Airbnb, reported at about MXN 57 (about US$3) per night. Nuevo Vallarta and the rest of the Riviera Nayarit are in the State of Nayarit, which sets its own lodging tax. All-inclusive prices usually include taxes, but check.
Practical tips for Puerto Vallarta
- Timeshare sellers: people offering free tours or discounts at the airport and on the street are often selling timeshares; walk past politely.
- Sun and heat: use high-factor, reef-friendly sunscreen and drink plenty of water, especially from June to October.
- Water: the city says its tap water is treated to drinking standard, but most visitors drink bottled or filtered water, as building pipes vary.
- Money: cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants; carry pesos for buses, taxis, water taxis and beach vendors.
- Safety: Puerto Vallarta’s tourist areas are generally safe and relaxed; watch your belongings on beaches, use app or authorized taxis at night, and respect the beach flags, as currents can be strong on open beaches outside the bay. Cartel-related violence affects parts of Jalisco but is rarely aimed at visitors in the resort area.
- Emergencies: call 911. Plugs and voltage (127 V, types A and B) are the same as in the United States.
What to pack for Puerto Vallarta
Pack light, breathable clothes, swimwear, a sun hat, sunglasses and reef-friendly sunscreen, plus a light layer for breezy winter evenings and air-conditioned restaurants. Water shoes help on rocky coves and for the swim into the Playa del Amor, and good sandals or sneakers are needed for the cobbled streets and the coastal trail. Bring a dry bag for boat trips, insect repellent for the evenings and the rainy season, and a light rain jacket from June to October. Smart-casual clothes are fine for even the best restaurants.
What to pack
- Dry bags and phone pouchesSpray soaks phones and cameras on open boats to the Algarve caves and on whale-watching trips.
- Fleeces and warm layersIt is cooler at sea than on land, especially on morning whale-watching trips.
- Rain jacketsA windproof, waterproof shell keeps you warm on open boats, where wind and spray cool you quickly.
- Reef-friendly sunscreenSun reflects off the water on cruises and cave tours.
- Water shoesKayak and small-boat trips to the Algarve grottoes land on rock and wet sand.
Puerto Vallarta travel FAQ
Can you visit the Playa del Amor at the Marietas Islands?
Yes, but only on a licensed tour with a permit. Under CONANP’s rules, no more than 116 people a day may enter, in small groups at low tide with a life jacket and helmet, and the beach is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Book well ahead.
When is whale season in Puerto Vallarta?
Roughly December to March, when humpback whales gather in the Bay of Banderas to breed and give birth.
How far is the airport from Puerto Vallarta?
About 7.5 km (5 miles) from downtown and 10 km (6 miles) from Nuevo Vallarta, usually 15–30 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
Which is better, Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta for walkable streets, restaurants and nightlife; Nuevo Vallarta for all-inclusive resorts and a long, quiet beach.
How do I get to Yelapa?
By water taxi from Los Muertos pier (about 45 minutes) or from Boca de Tomatlán, which is closer. Check the time of the last boat back.
When is hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta?
May 15 to November 30, with the highest risk from August to October. Direct hits are rare, but storms can bring flooding and high waves.
What taxes are added to hotel bills in Puerto Vallarta?
Jalisco’s 5% lodging tax plus 16% IVA; platform rentals also pay a city environmental fee of about MXN 57 a night.
Where can I surf near Puerto Vallarta?
Sayulita is the best place to learn, with surf schools on the beach; Punta de Mita has several breaks for all levels.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
November to May, when it is dry and sunny; December to March adds whale watching.
Plan your trip
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Sources · last reviewed 4 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Airport: Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP); Playa del Amor rules: Mexico’s environment ministry (Semarnat) and CONANP; hotel tax: the 2026 revenue law of the State of Jalisco; climate: SMN-Conagua 1991–2020 normals for the El Cuale station; Hurricane Polo: the US National Hurricane Center’s advisories. The 2016 Playa del Amor rules may have changed, and the new airport terminal’s opening, the city’s platform fee, Hurricane Polo’s effects, whale season, ferry and bus details and event dates come from secondary sources and are flagged for checking. Check the official sites before you go. For entry rules, the immigration fee, money and tipping, see our Mexico travel guide.
Also: descubreanp.conanp.gob.mx
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Rates: ECB · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODBL) · Wikidata (CC0)