Puerto VallartaTravel Guide

Hotel Playa Los Arcos is an all-inclusive resort that ticks all the boxes if you want to level up on luxury, with the beach on your doorstep. In the heart of the Romantic Zone, you’ll be within walking distance of the action at the Malecón boardwalk. You can also take advantage of typical resort amenities, such as an infinity pool, oceanfront dining options and a pool bar.

If you’d prefer something slightly more laid-back during your stay in Puerto, spend a few nights at Estancia San Carlos. This comfy three-star bungalow offers free WiFi, a sun deck and a pool for the kiddies (there’s an adult version, too!). Aside from being budget-friendly, it boasts an excellent location in the Romantic Zone, just two blocks from the Malecón boardwalk. 

If you enjoy doing the self-catering thing, Mako 54 is for you! Situated 700m from Camarones Beach, these stylish, modern apartments have fully equipped kitchens and balconies. There’s a covered rooftop pool on site and only six suites, ensuring a peaceful, private stay.

Picture an opulent Mexican homestead set against a mountain with the jungle all around and the beach a short walk away. Hacienda Maria Elena’s prime location is just the start. Offering six luxury rooms in the main house, you could also opt to live large and hire the adjacent, private, five-bedroom villa that comes with a chef service!

Offering stunning ocean views, the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa in Marina Vallarta also has all the mod cons to elevate your stay, including luxury rooms and suites, six restaurants, a fitness centre, a spa and an infinity pool.

How about a traditional boutique hotel with fun, colourful Mexican décor? Casa Colibrí Malecón (Hummingbird House Malecón) is perfectly situated just 300m from the city centre. Choose from studios, rooms or suites. There’s a shared kitchen on site, a rooftop terrace, free WiFi and friendly staff to welcome you. Recommended for women solo travellers!

Puerto Vallarta’s iconic Malecón boardwalk, a pedestrian-only area stretching 1.6km along the bay, is a lively spot offering activities for the whole family. Lined with palm trees, murals and artworks, it’s an entertainment hub where street performances common. Many restaurants, clubs and bars add to the festive atmosphere and keep the nightlife buzzing.

We recommend setting aside time to book a snorkelling trip or day trip to the Marieta Islands. This string of uninhabited atolls is popular with nature lovers for its untouched beaches and tropical rainforests. Many adventure tours head here, so adrenaline junkies, take note! And if you’re a bird-watcher look out for the blue-footed boobies (yes, their feet are blue!). 

The small fishing village of Boca de Tomatlán is also worth exploring — it’s 30 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta by taxi or bus from the Romantic Zone, along Highway 200. It’s known for its stunning hiking trail to Las Ánimas beach. Alternatively, head to the pier and book a panga (small speedboat) to explore a host of interesting places, such as the remote village of Yelapa and its waterfall.

Put on your comfortable walking shoes and spend a day pounding the pavements of downtown, known as El Centro, a vibey culturally rich area, to really get under the skin of Puerto Vallarta. If you’re a history buff, stop by the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This famous attraction, unmissable with its iconic Renaissance tower, was built in 1883 and is famed for its gorgeous architecture, which combines several styles. Explore the many boutiques, art galleries and markets. Downtown is also where you’ll find the Los Arcos Amphitheatre, an open-air stage that pumps at night with live music and performances. 

With ingredients sourced from open-air markets in the local neighbourhood, the food served at Gaby’s Restaurant will leave you wanting seconds and thirds. Be sure to sample the chiles en nogada, the national dish of Puerto Vallarta. It’s a poblano pepper stuffed with mincemeat, and while simple, it’s delicious! Gaby’s is a traditional, colourful eatery that invites you to linger over a Mexican cerveza (beer) or two and even offers cooking classes to turn you into a Mexican master chef! To find Gaby’s, head in the direction of the Malecón boardwalk.

A standout gourmet experience is what you’ll get at La Tintoque at the Marina Vallarta. With a unique and creative menu that changes daily, you’ll never tuck into the same dish twice. Their cocktails are just as delightful as their food. 

Puerto Vallarta has a strong street food culture, with vendors throughout the city selling fish tacos, pescado zarandeado (grilled fish), tortas aghodas (drowned sandwiches), stuffed jalapeños, and sweet tamales (steamed corn-dough cakes filled with meat). Each dish is prepared on the spot, so you can watch how it all comes together. Other street-food hotspots are Los Muertos beach, Boca de Tomates for seafood stalls and the beach resort area of Rincón de Guayabitos.

If you’re short on time or need a little guidance, consider booking a food tour and let the experts take you on a culinary journey. (Beverage journeys featuring tequila and beer are available too!)

Sample a bit of everything in one place at the Food Park in the Hotel Zone! Packed with food trucks and containers, you can find a variety of dishes here, from burritos and nachos to sushi, burgers, pizzas and waffles. Enjoy this outdoor dining experience paired with entertainment in the form of DJs and mariachis — plus a playground for the kids.

Need a taco fix? Pancho’s Takos in the Romantic Zone is a must-visit! Insanely popular, be prepared to queue and maybe even rub shoulders with the patrons at the next table. But the authentic Mexican fare and the pumping atmosphere are SO worth it!

The Galerias Vallarta is Puerto Vallarta’s main shopping centre and a popular haunt for locals and tourists alike. The high-end mall boasts a variety of designer stores, boutiques, a cinema and even a casino! You’ll find some great restaurants here and a huge fast-food court with all the regulars like McDonalds and Subway. The mall caters (a lot!) to the kids with entertainment areas and a trampoline park.

If you prefer being outdoors while browsing, head over to La Isla Shopping Village. This open-air complex is packed with international stores like Tommy Hilfiger and Guess, restaurants, a cinema and pretty little fountains to appreciate as you wander from one shop to the next.

Many travellers are introduced to the vibe of Puerto Vallarta by meandering along the Malecón boardwalk. Home to a variety of stores, there are also street vendors selling art, handicrafts, souvenirs, hats, jewellery and traditional sweets, among many other items.

If bargain hunting is your thing, head to the Cuale Island Flea Market set between the Romantic Zone and the Old Town. You can find almost anything here, from clothing and jewellery to local artwork and fresh produce.

The Olas Altas Farmers Market in the Old Town offers a wonderful open-air shopping experience where you can easily hang out for the whole day. Loads of homegrown and handmade goodies at great prices can be found here, while occasional live music adds to the atmosphere. It’s a seasonal market, open between November and April only.

About three kilometres south of downtown, you’ll discover the exquisite (and secluded) enclave of Conchas Chinas. This tiny, sheltered cove is popular with families for its calm, shallow waters and golden sand. Conchas Chinas means "Chinese Shells" and refers to the pretty little seashells found only on this beach.

If you’re looking for a private beach and tropical sanctuary, add Las Calentas to your list. On the southern coast of the Bay of Banderas, with gin-clear waters and a jungle-clad mountain as your backdrop, you’ll feel as though you’ve arrived in Mexico’s Garden of Eden! Las Calentas is only accessible by boat — and only those owned by Vallarta Adventures are permitted to dock there.

Up for some scuba diving? Los Arcos is where you need to go. Set in the heart of Banderas Bay, this protected marine park is the perfect place to play with the fish during your stay in Puerto Vallarta. Snorkellers and bathers also can enjoy exploring its flourishing ecosystem and granite caves.

Las Animas lies just south of Puerto Vallarta and makes for a fantastic day trip. It’s a beautiful sandy beach with gentle waves and many vendors, restaurants and little shops. Catch the water taxi from the Los Muertos pier in the Romantic Zone to get there. It’s the first stop most water taxis make after Boca de Tomatlán.

A popular stretch of sand in Puerto Vallarta, Los Muertos beach runs alongside the Malecón boardwalk. It boasts a pier lined with bars and restaurants, and offers water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing and parasailing.