All About Puerto Vallarta EXTENDED

Puerto Vallarta, colloquially known as Vallarta, is a city on the Pacific coast of Mexico. While it has established itself as a modern resort town, the Old Town (the Zona Romantica district) south of the Cuale River is more of a traditional Mexican town.

Around the bay, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and sparkling waterfalls offer plenty of opportunities for adventurers, while five-star resorts, world-class shopping, and gourmet restaurants satisfy even the most sophisticated traveler. The Malecón, a recently expanded and remodeled boardwalk that runs from the southern end of Old Town to the center of town, passes a host of shops, restaurants, and hotels and often plays host to mimes, break dancers, clowns, and performers.

Residents are friendly and generally willing to help with directions and other requests. Puerto Vallarta has also earned a reputation as one of the few cities in Latin America that enthusiastically welcomes LGBT tourism. The area in and around the Romantic Zone is particularly known for having many hotels, bars, shops and restaurants that cater to gay tourists. There is also an annual Pride festival held in May.

English is widely spoken and, as a tourist destination, prices are higher than in many other places in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is very crowded on holidays. If you plan to visit Mexico and have it coincide with a major holiday, consider visiting Mexico City or Guadalajara. The cities empty out as Mexicans and tourists flood the beaches.

To the north, the hills give way a bit. Here you will find miles-long golden sand beaches, rich papaya and mango plantations and, tucked between rivers and streams, small villages where life seems to go on at a different pace. There are many different ways to explore the bay.

To the south, the hills rush down to the sea creating a rich palette of colors that mixes the intense green of the foliage with the deep blue of the water. At their feet lie secluded coves and small fishing villages, many of which are still accessible only by sea.

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To the east, the jungle-covered Sierra Madre Mountains, which rise rapidly to over 8,000 feet (2,400 m), surround and protect the city from the winds and regulate the semi-tropical, humid climate.

And, to the west, Banderas Bay is home to a wide variety of aquatic life. Humpback whales come here to mate every year from December to March, and sea turtles nest on the beaches from May to October. Schools of dolphins and giant manta rays also inhabit these waters. The Bay and Marietas Islands offer an astonishing kaleidoscope of tropical fish, attracting snorkelers, scuba divers and sport fishers alike.

Humpback Whale Watching Season in Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/humpback-whale-watching-season-in-puerto-vallarta/

Arriving by plane at Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport

What are Airport E-Gates and about in Mexican Airport. TO BE AWARE! https://promovisionpv.com/what-are-airport-e-gates-and-about-in-mexican-airport-to-be-aware/

Airlines and Destinations

International flights are offered from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom year-round. Direct flights from other North American cities and from Europe are only offered seasonally, usually between November and March. Domestic flights are offered from major Mexican cities, including Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

The following airlines offer regular service to Puerto Vallarta:

Puerto Vallarta Destination Airlines Access, Your Sunny Vacation Escape
https://promovisionpv.com/puerto-vallarta-destination-airlines-access-your-sunny-vacation-escape/

Aeromexico/Aeromexico Connect , Calafia , Magnicharters , TAR , VivaAerobus , Señor Air , and Volaris .
Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Air Transat, American Airlines, Delta, Copa Airlines, Southwest, Sun Country, Spirit, Sunwing, TUI Airways , United, World2Fly , and Westjet. The following airlines only serve seasonally: Frontier, Finnair, and Apple Vacations charter airlines. Even the airlines that arrive regularly, year-round (listed in the first) offer seasonal flights from more cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico than at other times of the year.

A Uber pickup is located on the opposite side of the main road from the airport terminal, under the pedestrian bridge.

From the airport by taxi

Look for the official taxi kiosk or car rental counters in the main arrivals hall of the airport. You can buy your taxi ride there. Or hire a private transport.

From the airport, there are two types of taxis available to get to your destination. White federal taxis are available immediately after you exit the airport, but they are more expensive. Cross the pedestrian bridge over the highway to catch the cheaper yellow taxis that are more common in other parts of the city.

From the airport by bus

If you are light on luggage, (you know the rute to your destination) you can take the city buses into the city. Go out the door and turn left onto the main road next to the building. Turn left again at the corner of the building and walk through a small parking lot for taxis and shuttles to the pedestrian bridge. Below the pedestrian overpass is the 2nd bus stop to the center. Wait for a bus (about 5 minutes) that says “Centro” (but does not say “Pitillal” or “Bobadilla”), wave it down, pay the 10 Mexican pesos (February 2025) and enjoy the ride. The bus has stops all over the city. The bus takes about 20-30 minutes to reach its southernmost stop. You need exact change for the bus, as as of November 2021 you throw your coins in a box. By taking the city bus you just saved 25 US dollars!

If you are heading towards the central bus station, Nuevo Nayarit, Bucerías, Sayulita or anywhere north, walk up the pedestrian bridge and across to the other side of the street. The bus stop for buses going north is under the pedestrian bridge on the opposite side of the street and is also where you get off if you are returning to the airport from the city.

To get to the bus station take the bus northbound towards “Ixtapa” or “Juntas” and get off at Las Palmas which is the Corona Beer building and walk two blocks down or take the “Guadalupe Victoria ” bus which loops around to the bus station itself in Colonia Guadalupe Victoria.

From the airport by private transportation

If you are visiting Puerto Vallarta, you should consider hiring a private transportation service directly from the airport to your hotel. You can arrange this service by contacting a company by phone or booking online. This will save you time and money. There are several companies that can take you anywhere in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas.

By intercity bus

The bus service in Mexico is quite reliable and comfortable. Several lines serve Puerto Vallarta. The buses are air-conditioned (except for some “economy” type) and usually show movies and offer refreshments.

3 intercity bus station, Carr. Fed. Tepic-Vallarta Km 9., Col Las Mojoneras. ( Central de Autobuses )
a taxi for around $300 pesos or a local bus ( Guadalupe Victoria , Ixtapa or Juntas ) for $10 pesos (Feb 2025) from the city. Buses go to Tepic (3 hr), Guadalajara (4-5 hr), Mexico City (12-13 hr), Manzanillo (5 hr), Mazatlán (6 hr), Barra de Navidad , Zihuatanejo (14-14½ hr) and other places. The main bus station is in the northeast part of town, a couple of blocks behind the Corona Building at Km 9 Carretera Tepic-Puerto Vallarta (Hwy 200) along Av Las Palmas in Colonia Guadalupe Victoria. It is 3 km beyond the airport terminal and 9 km NE of the city center. The following bus lines offer services to and from the Central Bus Terminal:

Grupo Estrella Blanca , The Elite, Elite Plus, Futura, Chihuahuanese, and Pacífico brands also operate. ETN (Enlances Terrestre Nacionales) and Primera Plus

The following do not serve the main bus station:

Vallarta Plus , Guadalupe Victoria (They have a separate bus station next to the main bus station along Av. Palma Real.), They also have a second station at Carr. Fed Tepic-Vallarta 1003 Sur, Valle Dorado,Nuevo Nayarit. Next to Farmacia Ahorro.

Talpa Mascota Bus Station (ATM), Corner of Lucerna and Havre, Col. Versalles, Go up towards Guadalajara through the mountains via Mascota, Ameca and Talpa on State Hwy 544 and Fed Hwy 70.

The following are local city buses that go north towards the Riviera, such as Bucerías, Sayulita, Punta Mita, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mezcales and Nuevo Vallarta in the state of Nayarit. Buses going towards Nayarit can only stop in front of Wal-Mart, next to the airport and in front of the Cerveza Corona building at Km 9 on Carr. Tepic-Vallarta (highway 200):

AutoTransportes Medina de Puerto Vallarta (ATM), (depot) 1410 Brasil, 5 de Diciembre, Goes to Nuevo Vallarta, Mezcales, Punta de Mita, San Juan, Bucerías, Valle, Cruz de Huanacaxtle, and anywhere in between. Grey or white buses with red and blue stripes and the word “ATM” painted on the sides.

Compostela (White and green bus with the word Compostela painted on the sides). Goes further north to Sayulita, San Francisco (San Pancho); Lo de Marcos, Rincón de Guayabitos.

Going south there are white and orange buses that go to Mismaloya, the Puerto Vallarta Zoo, Boca de Tomatlan plus all the small towns along the way. Pick up in front of the Oxxo on Basilio Badillo and Constitución in Col. Emiliano Zapata (Romantic Zone)

In town there is an additional bus stop on the NE corner of Aguacate and Basilio Badillo in the Zona Romántica (Colonia Emiliano Zapata) for first and second class buses going south to El Tuito, Botanical Garden and anywhere along the way.

The Pacific Highway (Fed Hwy 200) starts 162 km north in Tepic (3 hours) and winds through the Riviera and eventually to Puerto Vallarta from the north as Carretera Tepic-Pto Vallarta and Blvd Francisco Medina Ascencio. Heading south into town, the road splits into one-way local streets through 5 de diciembre and Zona Centro as Av México and Av Morelos and as Ignacio Vallarta through Zona Romántica south of the Río Cuale. The main road continues south to Manzanillo (273 km) through Mismaloya.

By Taxi

Hotels may provide a list of taxi prices. Hotels also offer (expensive) transportation from the airport to the hotel, but it is much better to take a taxi. If you have booked with a travel agency, they will most likely provide transportation to and from the airport.

They are friendly, and you can negotiate rides out of Puerto Vallarta at a very reasonable cost on off-peak days. They will wait for you while you dine or shop, and will also photograph you and your friends. Tip only if the taxi driver did more than just normal transportation (for example, helped you with your bags, waited for you while you ran an errand).

By bus

To find a connection, Google Maps cover the city. Bus rides cost $10 pesos (Feb 2025) which you pay to the bus driver when you get on. For that fare you can travel all over the city on a single bus. On city buses you do not get change. If you pay for two people with a $20 pesos bill, you can fold it up and put it through the coin slot inside the bus. Make sure to keep the bill provided by the driver in case an inspector boards the bus, both for your sake and the driver’s.

Find your way around and Discover Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. https://promovisionpv.com/how-you-can-go-around-and-discover-puerto-vallarta-and-riviera-nayarit/

You can only enter and exit bus stops shown. You can also keep an eye on the sidewalk where other people are waiting for the bus. To get the bus to stop, you need to wave it down. Buses run fairly frequently. Look for your travel location on the bus windshield. Buses at rush hour are often crowded and can get hot, so be prepared for that. Some buses have air conditioning. If you are a man, be prepared to give up your seat to women if the bus fills up.

The buses are very reliable and very convenient for getting to places like Pitillal (the fast-growing suburb to the northeast) and Ixtapa. They are also useful for traveling from the hotel zone and marina area to downtown or the old town areas. Any bus marked “Centro” will go through both. Buses marked “Tunnel” skip downtown and head straight to the old town/Romantic Zone via the tunnel detour.

Public Beaches

What Beach to Spend the Day in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit. https://promovisionpv.com/discover-the-beaches-to-spend-the-day/

View of the Centro and Zona Romántica from the beaches north of the city center.

A view from Mirador de Puerto Vallarta

The beautiful Bay of Banderas, one of the largest and deepest in the world, can be admired from many of the surrounding hills, filled with lush vegetation. Located right at the mouth of the Bay, on both sides of the Cuale River, is a charming and picturesque little town with true Mexican spirit: Puerto Vallarta.

For those who simply want to relax, Puerto Vallarta’s numerous golden sand beaches offer one of the best ways to experience the beauty and magic of Banderas Bay.

Los Muertos Beach. The city center has a beach called “Los Muertos” that extends to the Romantic Zone. There you will find the gay area with many restaurants, shops and boutiques. At the end of “Los Muertos” you will find some beachfront restaurants with “palapas” that you can rent by the day or have a drink. It is a perfect place to relax and meet people who are partying all day. Also, there you will find the trendiest place of the moment, where to go, what to see, the best shows.

Playa Las Glorias . Quiet beach near the hotel zone that generally caters to nearby all-inclusive resorts, but still has plenty of activities.

Playa De Oro . Beach where many different resorts converge north of the central city. Some of the resorts have events and dance floors in front of the beach. It is generally quite popular during the weekends, but there is still plenty of room to relax.

Museums

Museo Naval Secretaría de Marina Armada de México, Puerto Vallarta

Museo del Cuale , Isla de los Niños del Río Cuale, Local 1-A. Cultural museum of the history of the area, including archaeological artifacts.

Theaters

Agustín Flores Contreras Theater . Up to four English-language theater companies perform there.

Art Galleries

Galería Dante . This hacienda displays paintings and sculptures by local artists. edit
Galería Colectika . Extensive collection of Mexican woodcarvings and Huichol bead and thread art. edit
Galería Arte Latinoamericano – Two-story gallery. Take part in the art walk
Galería Córcega – Contemporary Mexican fine art
Galería Omar Alonso – Dedicated to ancient and contemporary photography, printmaking, and sculpture
Galería Pacificio – One of Vallarta’s leading galleries since 1987;
The Public Sculpture Walking Tour that begins at 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday on the Malecón, November through April. https://promovisionpv.com/art-walk-resume-october-30th-puerto-vallarta/

Landmarks

Free Puerto Vallarta Malecon Sculpture Walking Tours https://promovisionpv.com/free-puerto-vallarta-malecon-sculpture-walking-tours/

Playa Los Muertos Pier . A pier on the ocean with contemporary design. Puerto Vallarta Los Muertos Pier is worth a visit. https://promovisionpv.com/puerto-vallarta-los-muertos-pier-is-worth-a-visit/

Malecón . A 12-block promenade with sculptures.

Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Parish . A church with a Renaissance-style tower.

The Mosaic Park in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta (El Parque de los Azulejos) https://promovisionpv.com/the-mosaic-park-in-the-romantic-zone/

Los Arcos . 4 arches on the boardwalk.

Marina Puerto Vallarta . A beautiful harbor with private boats, sailboats, and restaurants.

Mirador el Cerro de la Cruz .

Discover Mirador de la Cruz Hicking to the top of Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/discover-mirador-de-la-cruz-hicking-to-the-top-of-puerto-vallarta/

Map of the region around Puerto Vallarta

Maps Puerto Vallarta Areas or Your Hotel relative to the City or Ocean. https://promovisionpv.com/maps-puerto-vallarta-areas-or-your-hotel-relative-to-the-city-or-ocean/

Puerto Vallarta has many activities and excursions to keep you entertained. The more adventurous can go hiking or mountain biking in the hills, explore the jungle and hidden trails on horseback, go on a jeep safari, snorkel, scuba dive, rent a yacht or sailboat, or take a cruise on one of the many party boats, or have a personal photo shoot. Many times, these can be easily booked online.

Events around the year

PUERTO VALLARTA’S TOP ATTRACTIONS THINGS TO DO https://promovisionpv.com/puerto-vallartas-top-attractions-things-to-do/

Carnival: The parade takes place in the Romantic Zone. You’ll also get to appreciate the gay charm of downtown.

Vallarta Pride Parade: Every May, the city hosts a huge LGBT celebration in downtown culminating in the Vallarta Pride Parade along the boardwalk.

November: The first weekend in November, the Half Marathon and 5K race take place in Vallarta. Everyone is invited to enjoy it. ” http://www.maratonvallarta.com/ “

Experience Day of the Dead Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/experience-day-of-the-dead-puerto-vallarta/

December: Mexico’s patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, is celebrated throughout Mexico on December 12. The celebration in Puerto Vallarta begins around December 1. Residents, hotel and condo owners, and organizations hold a pilgrimage parade through the center of town from around 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. daily. You’ll see traditional dancers, mariachis, bands, and people offering tribute to the Virgin. A festival with regional foods and games takes place in the main plaza.

Botanical Gardens

Vallarta Botanical Garden (Hacienda de Oro Restaurant), Carretera a Barra de Navidad Km.24 S/N just past Las Juntas and Los Veranos, ☏ +322 223-6182. 09:00-18:00 daily. Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a pleasure garden high in the glorious Sierra Madre Mountains. These gardens are easily accessible, just 12 miles south of Puerto Vallarta (on Highway 200). Set on 8 ha (20 acres) of land, these botanical collections feature thousands of different species of plants.

The gardens are located in a unique tropical dry forest ecosystem at 400 m (1,300) feet above sea level. With the stunning backdrop of soaring mountain peaks, there is much to experience: palm gardens, rose garden, tree fern grotto, orchid house, jungle trails, tropical bird watching, agave gardens, Mexican wildflower displays, and the carnivorous plant collection. Bring your swimsuit and enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Los Horcones River.

The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden is registered with Botanic Gardens Conservation International in Surrey, England and is a member of the Mexican Orchidology Association. The gardens are included in the 2009 Lonely Planet Guide to Mexico as “A Must-See Place in Vallarta.”

The Vallarta Botanical Garden is a non-profit institution. The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden was founded in 2004 and opened its doors to the public in 2005.

Adventure and Sports

Whale Watching

Whale watching season in Puerto Vallarta runs from December to March each year. Humpback whales are the stars of this fantastic natural spectacle, but you can also see dolphins, porpoises and other animals. Whale watching tours in Puerto Vallarta take you to see mother humpback whales and their calves in Banderas Bay.

Golfing

La Marina Vallarta Golf Course – Good accuracy is required for this course due to the narrow fairways that are protected by water.
Los Flamingos Golf Course – Known as one of the easiest to play.
Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta Golf Club – 18-hole par 71 course designed by Jim Lipe. Address: Paseo de las Moras S/N, Fraccionamiento Náutico Turístico, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit . A fun course with many obstacles is located on the spectacular beaches of Vallarta between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay. The Vallarta course offers interesting competitive advantages and challenges for golf lovers as the wide fairways seem to be the easy part but the lakes make the game difficult for more experienced golfers.
El Tigre Golf Club-Long course with many traps and water

Surfing

Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are not ideal for surfing, but a day trip out of town along the coast of Banderas Bay will take you to some fantastic places to practice this sport. If you pass by the Ameca River on the way to these spots, you will find yourself in the neighboring northern state of Nayarit. These excursions can be arranged with a local surf instructor or done solo.

In the state of Nayarit there are many surf spots, from beginner waves to reef breaks perfect for experienced surfers. Some of the most popular surf spots are: Veneros, Burros, la Lancha, Punta de Mita, San Pancho, and Sayulita. The drive from downtown Vallarta to the points within the bay takes about 45 minutes, and a little over an hour to reach the famous Sayulita on the Pacific coast. Sayulita is a small town that is frequented by many tourists because it is easily accessible and a variety of businesses cater to beginner surfers. You can find surfboard rentals, surf lessons, and great beaches. Sayulita is known for producing some of Mexico’s best surfers such as Tigre Cadena, Kalle Carranza, Diego Cadena, and Adan Hernandez, among others.

Sayulita’s main beach has consistent waves and the place is packed with people, especially during the winter months. There are waves small enough for beginners and big enough for locals and experts. Most adventure companies do not offer surf lessons and you may need to find an independent instructor.

Scuba Diving

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s top diving destinations. There are many rental shops.

The most popular Scuba Diving areas are the underwater caves of Los Arcos and the caverns of the Marietas Islands. Vallarta Scuba Diving trips combine an extraordinary day of sun, fun and adventure with the perfect mix of entertainment, learning and challenge while snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking and exploring tropical ecosystems on the isolated islands and beach hideaways surrounding the beautiful Bay of Banderas.

Explore the Sierra Madre

The interior of Mexico in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit offers an opportunity for discovery and adventure: a guide trained in culture and ecology can take you to authentic Mexican villages and through the subtropical forest with its extraordinary ecology and wildlife. Sierra Madre expedition takes you in specially designed all-terrain vehicles on an off-road discovery journey, passing forgotten villages.

Sierra Madre.

Canopy tours and ziplines

Puerto Vallarta is well known for its zipline and canopy tours. Experience the thrilling excitement of flying over the treetops, securely fastened, from platform to platform.

Sailing

Banderas Bay is the second largest bay in North America, behind Hudson Bay. Its deep, calm waters offer rich biodiversity, breathtaking beauty, romantic sunsets and relaxed sailing.

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is becoming increasingly popular in Banderas Bay. Especially in Bucerías, a fishing village north of Nuevo Vallarta, you can see up to 30 people kitesurfing on a Sunday when the wind is good. The calm waters of Banderas Bay, the long coastline and the fact that it is not too crowded with kitesurfers (yet) make it a great place to take lessons, for example with Jamison Smith, an IKO level 2 certified international kitesurfing instructor. The season is from February to May.

Paragliding and Hang Gliding Skies of Nayarit https://promovisionpv.com/paragliding-and-hang-gliding-skies-of-nayarit/

Parasailing can be done at virtually any beach. The high-altitude flight usually takes about 15 minutes.

Jet Skiing

Jet skis can be rented by the hour at most beaches.

Fishing

Banderas Bay is home to the Puerto Vallarta International Fishing Tournament which has been held annually since 1956. Types of fish include sailfish, dorado, marlin, bonito and yellowfin tuna, roostertail, jacks, snapper, red snapper and more deep-sea dwellers, black, blue and striped marlin.

INTERNATIONAL MARLIN AND TUNA FISHING TOURNAMENT PUERTO VALLARTA 2024 November 13 – 16 https://promovisionpv.com/68th-international-marlin-and-tuna-fishing-tournament-puerto-vallarta-2024/

Horseback Riding

There are many ranches in town that offer horseback riding through small towns and forests. They can last from a few hours to several days.

Turtle Watching and Repatriation

Some tour companies offer educational programs combined with hands-on activities to help save Mexico’s turtles. After female turtles lay their eggs in nests they create in the sand, volunteers dig up the eggs and rebury them somewhere safe away from predators. After about 45 to 60 days, the eggs hatch. Without help, only about 1 in 1,000 baby turtles will survive to adulthood because most are captured by predators before they return to the safety of the ocean. However, turtle repatriation volunteers keep the hatchlings safe until it’s time to release them to head out into the ocean (at night, when predators are less active). You can be a part of these programs.

Hiking

Trail along the Pitillal River. Trail into the mountains along the Pitillal River.

Trails outside of Puerto Vallarta are shown in Trips outside of the city.

Trail to Las Animas

November Festival

Experience Day of the Dead Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/experience-day-of-the-dead-puerto-vallarta/

Festival Gourmet International Vallarta – Nayarit Nov https://promovisionpv.com/festival-gourmet-international-nov-7-17-2/ Usually occurs in mid-November and includes:

Music

Malecón – You will find Cuban music, jazz, rock, Latin American ethnic music, Mexican ranchera, and live mariachi.
South Side – Los Muertos Beach offers jazz at Cuetes & Cuates (by the pier) happy hour. You will also find blues, pop-rock, and jazz.

Spring Jazz Festival 2024 in Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/spring-jazz-festival-2024-in-puerto-vallarta/

Marina Vallarta

Trips outside the city. Hiking trails

Hike through the Mismaloya Mountains

Yelapa Waterfall. A short and interesting hike is: take a water taxi to Yelapa. At Yelapa’s main beach, walk to the right and cross the stream. Walk up a few meters to the cobblestone path. Turn right and then follow the path over a ridge and up the adjacent valley. After walking about 1½ km, your persistence will be rewarded. The waterfall is about 10 meter high, with a pool for bathers at the base. The falls are most impressive during the rainy season (summer).

Puerto Vallarta Zoo in the jungle of the Sierra Madre. https://promovisionpv.com/puerto-vallarta-zoo-in-the-jungle-of-the-sierra-madre/

Other destinations

Bucerías Bucerías is located 25 km to the northwest. By bus it costs $30 pesos (Feb 2025). Bucerias Beach Nayarit Mexico – Traditional Mexican Town https://promovisionpv.com/bucerias-beach-nayarit-mexico-traditional-mexican-town/

Punta Mita – Punta Mita is 45 km to the northwest and costs $40 (Feb 2025). The easiest way to get to both towns or intermediate points is to take from the bus stop at Medina Ascencio/Francias (HSBC Bank) or in front of the Walmart at Marina Terminal.

Mismaloya – It is located 15 km to the south and is famous for being the location of the movie The Night of the Iguana , directed by John Huston. You can tour the place. For $10 pesos (Feb 2025) take one of the Buses to Mismaloya/Boca. The bus leaves from the Romantic Zone at the intersection of Basilio Badillo Street and Constitución Street. The route is very nice. These buses offer transfers and leave approximately every 15 minutes.

Vallarta Zoo . A wildlife park in Mismaloya.

El Edén de Mismaloya . Adventure park with jungle ziplines, river and natural pools.

Mismaloya Beach & Los Arcos National Marine Park & El Eden Eco Park https://promovisionpv.com/mismaloya-beach-los-arcos-national-marine-park-el-eden-eco-park/

Chicos Paradise : 25 km south on the way to El Tuito. A river valley with rock formations and a restaurant/picnic.

Yelapa – 86 km south. This is a charming little beach town that time forgot, near the southwestern end of Banderas Bay. Only available by boat taken from the downtown Puerto Vallarta pier or from Boca de Tomatlan. Yelapa Beach Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco https://promovisionpv.com/yelapa-beach-puerto-vallarta-jalisco/

San Sebastián del Oeste – 70 km east. For a trip back in time to the 17th and 18th centuries, it’s worth a day trip to the old silver mining town located at a 1,400 meter altitude. San Sebastian del Oeste Jalisco https://promovisionpv.com/san-sebastian-del-oeste-jalisco/

Money Draw

There are ATMs all over town. At the airport..at Banks, shopping malls and supert markets. (STREET ATM’s NOT RECOMMENDED)

Liquors and wines in La Playa. (has several locations)There are at least two establishments, one in the old town and one in the center. This is the place to go for reasonably priced tequila. Most of the flashier tequila shops are factory outlets or timeshare shops. Neither of them are a good option for buying tequila at a decent price/quality ratio.

Galería Indígena, a shop specializing in Huichol and other indigenous art. You will see beaded art everywhere, but this is one of the few shops that sells anything at least a little more authentic than colorful beaded lizards and such.

Arte Mágico Huichol Another Huichol art shop. In addition to traditional beaded and yarn crafts, they also sell more traditional Huichol craft pieces.

Nayarit The Symbols of Wixárika Worldview (a.k.a. Huicholes) https://promovisionpv.com/the-symbols-of-wixarika-worldview-huicholes/

Best selection of real Cuban cigars from La Casa del Habano Vallarta. They also have a cigar bar. Aldama 170, Zona Centro. habanospv@yahoo.com

Convenient Stores like: Oxxo (All over town, every few blocks.). Most are open 24 hours. Best place to buy beer or snacks. They are all over town and will save you a lot of money. Most have ATMs. Great place to make small change for the bus.

Shopping for Grocery Shopping in Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/shopping-for-grocery-shopping-in-puerto-vallarta/ places and locations

La Comer, Soriana, Chedrawi, Wal-Mart are the cheapest and full variety place to buy most groceries. Large produce department. Good variety of Mexican and some American products. Good place to buy tobacco or liquor before flying home. Can be inconvenient to bring groceries back by local bus.

Eating

Puerto Vallarta’s rich cultural diversity is reflected in the cuisine offered by its many restaurants. From the most casual taco stands to tropical beachfront palapas and upmarket rooftop restaurants with panoramic views, there are literally hundreds of restaurants serving exactly what you are craving.

Mexican Food & Gastronomy Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/mexican-food-gastronomy-puerto-vallarta/

Street Food

Some are open only at lunchtime, others only at night. Prices are around 20 Mexican pesos for a regular taco and around 60 Mexican pesos for a regular sized quesadilla.

Street Food is very numerous and varied in Puerto Vallarta and around the Bay of Banderas. https://promovisionpv.com/street-food-is-very-numerous-and-varied-in-puerto-vallarta-and-around-the-bay-of-banderas/

In Pitillal

Street food in Plaza del Pitillal . Here you will find a wide variety of street food that you may not have tried before. The stalls open at night.

Puerto Vallarta Beach Front Club Restaurants and Bars https://promovisionpv.com/puerto-vallarta-beach-front-club-restaurants-and-bars/

Versalles

Versalles The NEW “IN” neighborhood, restaurant list, Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/versalles-the-new-in-neighborhood-restaurant-list-puerto-vallarta/

Night Life on the Malecon

La Bodeguita del Medio, Malecón 858, Centro (Calle Allende and the Malecón), Daily 11:00 – 04:00. Look for the distinctive round yellow sign. Good Cuban food, great drinks and a tobacco shop out front, but the real attraction is the excellent salsa bands, often imported from Cuba. The dance floor is a delightful mix of young people showing off their moves and older couples who still know how to dance.

El Zoo Bar, Paseo Díaz Ordaz 630, Centro (Entrance in front of Morelos Daily 11:00 – 03:00. This dance club is quite small but a lot of fun. The dance floor doesn’t offer much space to dance, but it does offer a great time to have. Located on the Malecon, it’s in the center of everything.

Señor Frogs , Paseo Díaz Ordaz 786, Centro (Paseo Díaz Ordaz and Pipila), Daily from 11:00 to 02:00. The party is the best and this place is bigger than most clubs. It has two bars and the service is amazing.

Mandala Nightclub , Mariano Abasolo 601, Centro (Paseo Díaz Ordaz and Abasolo), Daily from 18:00 to 06:00. Restaurant and disco-bar in front of the Malecon, next to the Zoo bar.

Sleeping

Accommodations in Banderas Bay range from well-known international hotel chains and luxury villas and condos in the Hotel Zone, Marina Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta and Punta Mita, to moderately priced hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, apartments, villas and condos in Old Town Vallarta. The southern end of Old Town features several gay-friendly hotels.

Staying safe

Emergency numbers

Emergency, Police and Fire: 060
Fire Department: 223-9476, 223-9478
Police Department: 290-0507, 290-0512
Red Cross and Ambulance: 222-1533
Department of Motor Vehicles: 224-8484
Immigration Office: 221-1380
American Consulate: 222-0069, After hours: 01-333-268-2145
Canadian Consulate: 293-0098, After hours: 01-800-706-2900

Hospitals

American Med: 226-2080
Medico: 223-0444
Regional: 224-4000
San Javier: 226-1010

General Security

Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful vacation destination, but this is no excuse to leave common sense at home. You should not treat the city as if it were a huge resort that exists solely for your pleasure.

Be careful here, as in any place you do not know. Keep an eye on your belongings (wallets, cameras, etc.) at all times.

Do not flaunt large amounts of cash and use a concealed money belt to store large bills and your passport. Make sure you always have small bills and coins on hand to pay for small items.

Beaches and hotels have security personnel who know the area and usually scare away most undesirable characters. As in many “tourist destinations,” there is a local “tourist police,” who focus on keeping the area safe for visitors. They and the locals understand the value of visitors and make life very difficult for those who might consider taking advantage of them.

Avoid confrontations with the police. Should you have a disagreement with them, respect and cooperation are very important with them; disrespect will generally not be tolerated.

For digestive problems, use Imodium. It is sold over the counter and works for most problems.

Beach Activities

Unfamiliar waters can be dangerous. Observe warning flags on public beaches, as there may be a strong undertow. And never dive into unfamiliar waters, as there may be rocks hidden beneath the surface. Leaving your valuables (cameras, wallets, passport) alone on any beach in Puerto Vallarta is an invitation to theft.

Few places accept credit cards. Some large resorts, restaurants, and upmarket shops do, but most do not. It is a cash-only economy, with ATMs in convenient locations and a bank downtown where withdrawals can be made in person.

For budget travelers, it is best to plan a visit outside of peak holiday periods (e.g., Easter). Accommodation prices during peak seasons can double or triple, and beaches can get crowded.

Puerto Vallarta Travel Safety Common Sense https://promovisionpv.com/puerto-vallarta-travel-safety-common-sense/

Consulates

Canada Canada, Plaza Peninsula, Local Sub F, Blvd Francisco Medina Ascencio 2485, Zona Hotelera Norte, 322 293-0098 , +52 322 293-0099, pvrta@international.gc.ca . Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 13:00.

United States United States , (Consular Agency) Paseo de los Cocoteros #85, Sur Paradise Plaza, Interior Local L-7, Nuevo Vallarta, +52 33 3268-2100 , +52 55 5080-2000 (emergencies), conagencypuertov@state.gov . Monday to Thursday from 08:30 to 12:30.

Connect

Telcel has the best coverage in Mexico. A SIM card for the Telcel amigo express brand costs $35 pesos (Feb 2025) for example in an Oxxo store. You can activate the SIM card by recharging from$50 or 100-150-200 pesos based a days of use (unlimited calls to Canada, US, Mexico) but limited download Mb (Feb 2025) in the Oxxo store or online. WiFi is available in all major hotels and most restaurants and bars in town. Cellular coverage throughout Puerto Vallarta is very good and 5G is the norm in town. Expect 4G (or less) when you head out into the countryside or explore the Nayarit or Costalegre coast .

How about hostels and private rooms:

Is there Hostels in Puerto Vallarta for a great option for travelers! https://promovisionpv.com/is-there-hostels-in-puerto-vallarta-for-a-great-option-for-travelers/

North of Puerto Vallarta

Bucerías – 25 km. A small coastal town with a long, uninterrupted golden sand beach. Bucerias picturesque town of Riviera Nayarit https://promovisionpv.com/bucerias-picturesque-town-of-riviera-nayarit/

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.

Punta Mita – 45 km. A quiet beachfront town. Punta Mita Luxury Destination Riviera Nayarit https://promovisionpv.com/punta-mita-luxury-destination-riviera-nayarit/

Sajulita – 45 km. You can hike in the jungle. The water at the beach is shallow. Sayulita in Riviera Nayarit, Nayarit, Mexico https://promovisionpv.com/sayulita-in-riviera-nayarit-nayarit-mexico/

San Pancho (San Francisco, Nayarit) – 50 km. Beachfront, surrounded by jungle and noted for its floral diversity. https://promovisionpv.com/san-pancho-san-francisco-nayarit/

Lo de Marcos is a very small but charming town https://promovisionpv.com/lo-de-marcos-is-a-very-small-but-charming-town/

Rincon de Guayabitos

Visiting Rincón de Guayabitos https://promovisionpv.com/visiting-rincon-de-guayabitos/

San Blas

San Blas Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Mágico, history and natural wealth https://promovisionpv.com/san-blas-riviera-nayarit-puerto-magico-history-and-natural-wealth/

To the south

Costalegre – hundreds of kilometers of rocky coastline dotted with sandy beaches, quiet fishing villages, popular surf spots and small, unpretentious places to eat, drink and escape from reality.

Costa Alegre, Jalisco, Mexico https://promovisionpv.com/costa-alegre-jalisco-mexico/

All About Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/all-about-puerto-vallarta/

We provide information and resources for visitors to Puerto Vallarta, areas of The Riviera Nayarit and other destinations in both states of Jalisco and Nayarit . You will find variety of content, including articles, blog posts, videos, photos, descriptions and interviews, all of which are designed to help visitors plan their trip, including attractions, restaurants, and events. https://promovisionpv.com/