Puerto Vallarta Voyage Tips and guide

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

Around the Bay, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and sparkling waterfalls offer many opportunities for the adventurous, while five-star resorts, world-class shopping, and gourmet restaurants satisfy even the most sophisticated traveler. Stretching from the south end of Old Town to central downtown, a boardwalk along the ocean, called the Malecon, passes by any number of shops, restaurants, and hotels, and often plays host to mimes, breakdancers, clowns and artists.

Puerto Vallarta was founded in December 1851 as a village known as Las Penas. It remained small until the early 1960s, when the Hollywood motion picture The Night of the Iguana was filmed at Mismaloya to the south. The massive publicity surrounding the film brought worldwide attention to Puerto Vallarta and launched the development of its modern tourism industry. Today, a statue of the film's director John Huston celebrates his role in creating Puerto Vallarta.

The beautiful Bay of Banderas is one of the largest and deepest in the world. It 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 the Marietas Islands offer an amazing kaleidoscope of tropical fish, attracting snorkelers, scuba divers and sport fishermen alike.

To the east, the jungle clad Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, which quickly rise to over 8,000 ft (2,400 m), encircle and protect the town from the winds and regulate the semi-tropical and humid weather.

The residents are friendly and generally willing to help with directions and other requests. Puerto Vallarta also has gained a reputation as one of several cities in Latin America that enthusiastically welcomes LGBT tourism. The area in and around the Zona Romantica is particularly known for having many small boutique 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 many other places in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is very crowded at holidays, when the cities empty out as Mexicans and tourists flood to the beaches.

• Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board website

• 20.6787-105.24911 Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR  ^IATA), Km. 7.5 Carretera a Tepic, Área Militar de Vallarta (8 km (5.0 mi) north of Zona Romantica), 2 km (1.2 mi) north of Marina Vallarta and 4 km (2.5 mi) south of Nueva Vallarta as the crow flies; it is 13 km to drive around the runway to reach the main passenger terminal from Nueva Vallarta).  

International flights are offered from Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom year round. Additional direct flights from additional cities in North America and from Europe are offered seasonally, usually between November and March.

Domestic flights are offered from major Mexican cities including Mexico City (from both MEX and NLU), Tijuana, Monterrey, Querétaro and Guadalajara.

The following airlines offer regular service to Puerto Vallarta:

• Sala A - Concourse A: Aeromexico/Aeromexico Connect, Magnicharters, TAR, VivaAerobus, Cabo Flight Center / Señor Air^{[dead link]}, and Volaris.
• Sala B - Concourse B: Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Air Transat, American Airlines, Delta, Copa Airlines, Porter Airlines, Southwest, Sun Country, Spirit, Sunwing, TUI Airways, United, World2Fly and Westjet. The following carriers only come seasonally: Frontier, Finnair and airlines chartered by Apple Vacations. Even the carriers that come regularly, year round, (listed in the former) offer seasonal flights from additional cities in the U.S., Canada, augmenting their year-round schedule.

Upon exiting from customs, the next two rooms outside of customs are plagued by timeshare hucksters. They will offer to arrange a cab ride, arrange for a tour, offer free meals, cash etc for you in an effort to rope you into a high pressure timeshare sales presentation. Unless you are looking to buy timeshare or to waste hours of vacation time in timeshare sales presentations, do not engage in conversation with anyone in those rooms. Walk quickly past the touts and hucksters and continue walking past the rope-line out to the main arrivals area.

The airport terminal is right along the main highway through the city. Buses, Uber, and city taxis typically pick up from either side of the 20.67761-105.247832 Airport Pedestrian Bridge crossing the busy road. Go out the doors of the terminal and turn left towards the main road next to the building. Turn left again at the corner of the building and go through a small taxi and shuttle parking lot towards the bridge. The airport side of the road is for southbound traffic into the city center, across the bridge is northbound traffic to central bus station, Nueva Vallarta, Bucerias and Sayulita.

Uber picks up from the northbound (far) side of the main road, under the Pedestrian Bridge.

Look for the official taxi kiosk or car rental desks out in the main airport arrivals hall. Purchase your taxi trip here, as all other offers of cab rides between customs and the kiosk will be from the timeshare hucksters. Ignore every one of them, as getting taken in can ruin your first hours in PVR. The white authorized airport taxis available from the airport but are more expensive than the cheaper yellow city taxis across the Pedestrian Bridge.

Private pre-arranged transportation directly to your hotel can be arranged 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 surrounds.

If you've packed lightly you can take the city buses into town. The bus stops are under each side of the Pedestrian Bridge.

• To the city center (southbound): Wait on the airport side for a bus marked "Centro" (but not marked Pitillal or Bobadilla), wave it down, pay your M$22 (Jan 2026), and enjoy the ride. Drivers can usually make change from small bills. The bus stops all throughout the town. Buses run every 5 minutes or so, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to get to the Zona Romantica.
• To the central bus station: Wait on the far side for a northbound bus towards "Ixtapa" or "Juntas" and get off at Las Palmas which is the Cerveza Corona building at Km 9 and walk back two blocks along La Palmas or take the "Victoria Guadalupe" bus which makes the turn towards the actual bus station in Colonia Victoria Guadalupe.

For example from or to Guadalajara is for around M$300 (Nov 2021) on Blablacar.

Large cruise ships loaded with thousands of tourists from the United States dock at the 20.65383-105.242983 Cruise Port, typically spending most of a day there.

Other port accommodations are available for those wishing to travel along the coast.

• 20.666261-105.2497774 Marina Puerto Vallarta (north side of the cruise port). Beautiful port with private boats, sailboats, restaurants and hotels and timeshares.  

Bus service in Mexico is quite reliable, inexpensive and comfortable. Several lines serve Puerto Vallarta. Buses have air conditioning (except some of the older second-class buses), and often show movies and have refreshments.

• 20.6869-105.23165 Central Bus Station (Central de Autobuses), Bahia de Sin Nombre 363, Colonia Guadalupe Victoria (A couple blocks behind the Corona Building at Carr. Fed. Tepic-Vallarta Km 9., 3 km past the airport terminal and 9 km NE of downtown). To get there from the city, you can take an Uber for around M$100 (Nov 2021), a taxi for around M$200 or a local bus (Guadalupe Victoria, Ixtapa or Juntas) for M$10 (Nov 2021).  

Buses go to Tepic (3 hours), Guadalajara (4-5 hr), Mexico City (12-13 hr), Manzanillo (5 hr), Mazatlan (6 hr), Barra de Navidad, Zihuatanejo (14-14½ hr) and to other locations. The following bus lines offer services into and out of the Central Bus Terminal:

• Grupo Estrella Blanca, ☏ +52 55 5729-0807, toll-free: 800-507-5500. They also operate the Elite, Elite Plus, Futura, Chihuahuanese, and the Pacifico brands. (updated Aug 2016)
• ETN (Enlances Terrestre Nacionales); Turistar, ☏ +52 322 290-0996, toll-free: 0800 8000-386. Some of the most luxurious buses in Mexico. (updated Aug 2016)
• Primera Plus, ☏ +52 447 710-0060, toll-free: 800 375-75-87. The major bus line for the region which also include the Coordinados and the Flecha Armarilla lines. They also have a second station at Carr. Fed Tepic-Vallarta 1160, 63732 Las Jarretadera in Nuevo Vallarta. Next to a strip mall at Blvd Nuevo Vallarta and a sales office at Venustiano Carranza 393, Col. Emiliano Zapata (Zona Romantica) (updated Aug 2016)
• TAP, ☏ +52 322 290-01-19, toll-free: 01 800 0011-827. A subsidiary of Omnibus de Mexico, also include the TAP Plus brand. (updated Aug 2016)

Regional second-class buses do not serve the main bus station.

To Guadalajara:

• 20.68653-105.233026 Vallarta Plus, (depot) Av. Palma Real 140, Guadalupe Victoria (they have a separate bus station next to the main bus station along Av Palma Real), ☏ +55 33 3111-8778. They also have a second station at Carr. Fed Tepic-Vallarta 1003 Sur, Valle Dorado, 63735 Nuevo Vallarta. Next to Farmacia Ahorro.  (updated Aug 2016)
• 20.63498-105.229877 Autotransportes Talpa Mascota (ATM), (depot) Corner Lucerna & Havre, Col. Díaz Ordaz, ☏ +55 322 222-4816. Goes up towards Guadalajara through the mountains via Mascota, Ameca and Talpa along State Hwy 544 & Fed Hwy 70.  (updated Aug 2016)

To Nayarit: The following regional bus lines serve cities north of Puerto Vallarta along Carretera Tepic-Vallarta (Hwy 200), such as Nuevo Vallarta, Mezcales, Bucerias, Punta Mita, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Sayulita. Nayarit buses stop at the 20.63338-105.229618 Las Glorias Bus Stop, the 20.656319-105.2397379 Walmart Bus Stop (near the marina), the Airport Pedestrian Bridge and the Cerveza Corona Building (near the Central Bus Station):

• 20.6219-105.228810 AutoTransportes Medina de Puerto Vallarta (ATM), (depot) 1410 Brasil, 5 Diciembre, ☏ +52 322 222-47-32. Goes north to Nuevo Vallarta, RIU/Flamingos, Mezcales, Bucerias, Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta de Mita, San Juan, La Penita, Valle de Banderas and anywhere in between. Grey or white buses with red & blue striping and "ATM" painted on the sides.  (updated Feb 2026)
• Compostela (White and green bus with "Compostela" painted on the sides). Goes further north to Sayulita, San Francisco (San Pancho); Lo de Marcos, Rincón de Guayabitos, Compostela, etc. (updated Aug 2017)

To Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán: Towns south of Puerto Vallarta are served by white and orange buses going to Mismaloya, the Puerto Vallarta Zoo, Boca, and the Botanical Gardens plus all the small towns along the way. The bus departs from the Zona Romantica at the 20.602399-105.23470811 Mismaloya/Boca Bus Stop at intersection of the street Basilio Badillo and Calle Constitucíon. The ride is beautiful. These buses offer you change and depart around every 20 minutes.

To Costalegre and Manzanillo: There's a bus stop at the NE corner of Aguacate & Venustiano Carranza in Zona Romantica (Colonia Emiliano Zapata) for first & second class buses going south to El Tuito, Manzanillo and anywhere along the way. Tickets can bought from vendors in front of Abarrotes Don Chalio on 402 Venustiano Carranza; Farmacia Guadalajara on the SE corner of Insurgentes & Lazaro Cardenas; or Superior Tours on Ignacio L. Vallarta 228 (SW of Ignacio L Vallarta & Calle FCO Madero ☏ +52 322-222-0024). Fares for second class buses can be paid to the driver at boarding. If coming into town from the south ask to get off in Zona Romantica (along Insurgent) if going to downtown or Zona Romantica, otherwise stay on the bus to the bus station (north) to continue north to Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias, Sayulita, Tepic, or anywhere in the Riviera.

• The Carretera Pacifico (Fed Hwy 200) begins 162 km north in Tepic (3 hr) and winds down through the Riviera and eventually into Puerto Vallarta from the north as Carretera Tepic-Pto Vallarta and Blvd Francisco Medina Ascencio. Going south into town the highway splits into local one way streets through 5 de diciembre and Zona Centro as Av Mexico and Av Morelos and as Ignacio Vallarta through Zona Romantica south of the Rio Cuale. The main highway continues south towards Manzanillo (273 km) through Mismaloya. From the south the highway enters as Carretera Pto Vallara-Cihuatlan and into Zona Romantica as Av Insurgentes. It becomes Av Juarez and then Av Colombia going north through Zona Centro and 5 de Diciembre.

• & Coming from Guadalajara (296 km) go west along Fed Hwy 15D towards "Tepic" to the "Puerto Vallarta" exit to Fed Hwy 70D. Continue west onto Fed Hwy 200D towards Puerto Vallarta. Hwy 200D terminates at Hwy 200 near the northeast end of the Puerto Vallarta airport. Until a flyover ramp is completed (it is under construction as of Jan 2026), all traffic coming off Hwy 200D is directed onto Hwy 200 north and must proceed one kilometer northwest to a legal U-turn in the center median to head south along Hwy 200 into Puerto Vallarta.

20°37′48″N 105°13′30″W

Map of Puerto Vallarta

Uber covers the city.

Hotels may provide a price list for cabs. Hotels will also offer (expensive) transport from airport to hotel, but it is much cheaper to take a taxi.

Be prepared for fast speeds, as the cab drivers have schedules to adhere to. Not all cabs have working seatbelts or even speedometers. Tip only if the taxi driver did something above and beyond normal transportation (e.g., helped with bags, waited while running an errand).

Taxi drivers tend to gather at the intersection close to the liquor outlet in the Centro District. They are friendly and you can negotiate trips outside of Puerto Vallarta at a very reasonable cost on slow days. They will wait for you while you dine or shop as well as photograph you and your mates.

Bus trips cost M$10 (Jan 2026), paid to the bus driver when you get in. Drivers can often make change from small bills. That fare covers one bus ride; there are no transfers. Make sure to keep the ticket you are provided by the driver in case an inspector gets on the bus, both for your sake and the driver's sake.

You can only enter and exit at a bus stop. Not all stops are marked; look where other people wait for the bus on the sidewalk. You need to flag down a bus in order to stop. Buses at peak hours tend to get crowded and can get hot, so be ready for that. Some buses have air-conditioning. If you are a man, be ready to give up your seat to women if the bus becomes crowded.

There are no routes or timetables published online. Moovit and Google Maps cover the city, and Rutas Vallarta has the most complete route information, if unofficially.

Look for your travel location on the bus windshield:

• Buses marked Centro drive along the main road a block or two from the beach, passing through both the Marina area and the Hotel Zone.
• Buses marked Tunel skip downtown and head directly to the old town/Zona Romantica via the tunnel bypass underneath the hills to the east.
• Northbound buses marked Walmart take you to the transfer point for all local buses headed north into Nayarit (including Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita, and Sayulita).

Buses run quite frequently, as often as every 5 minutes. They buses are quite handy to get to places like Pitillal (the rapidly growing suburb to the northeast) and Ixtapa (including the nearby U of Guadalajara campus with its gallery and crocodile farm). They are also useful for traveling from the hotel zone and marina area to the downtown or old town areas.

Be very careful if you choose to drive. The police seem to pull tourists over at the drop of a hat during spring break. When you pick up a rental, check that all the lights work. Also when you are pulled over for a light violation, do not be surprised if the police holds out an open palmed hand, while holding your driver’s license hostage in the other. Most police officers are underpaid and will for the most part demand a small bribe to let you off the hook.

For those who just want to relax, Puerto Vallarta's many golden sand beaches offer one of the best ways to experience the beauty and magic of the Bay of Banderas. The best season is between December and May.

• 20.599653-105.2359321 Los Muertos Beach. The beach along the Zona Romantica. You will find some beachfront restaurants with "palapas" that you can rent per day or have drink in. It is a perfect place to relax and meet people who party all day. Also, there you will find the trendiest place of the moment, where to go, what to see, the best shows.  (updated Mar 2015)
  • 20.600581-105.2393372 Muelle de Playa Los Muertos. A pier into the ocean with contemporary design.  
• 20.612532-105.2338943 Malecón. The beachfront promenade stretching over 12 blocks of Centro, first built in 1936. It is lined with restaurants, souvenir stores, craft vendors and a collection of sculptures.  (updated Feb 2026)
  • 20.608787-105.2360964 Los Arcos. 4 arches on the Malecon. Free shows, music festivals and folk dance performances are held there.  
• 20.632636-105.2350435 Las Glorias Beach. Quiet beach near the Hotel zone that generally caters to the all inclusive resorts nearby, but still has lots of activities (e.g. jet skis and parasailing. Public access to the beach is through side roads off of Route 200.  (updated Apr 2023)
• 20.645715-105.2454126 Playa De Oro. Beach at the convergence of many different resorts north of the city center. Some of the resorts have events and dance floors that front the beach. Generally pretty popular during the weekends, but still plenty of space to spread out.  (updated Apr 2023)

• 20.602748-105.2362887 Museo del Ópalo y Minerales Mexicanos.  
• 20.608622-105.2363668 Naval Museum Secretary of the Navy of Mexico (Museo Naval), C. Zaragoza 4, Centro, ☏ +52 322 223 5357. Modern museum that tells the story of the Mexican Navy, with its roots in the Spanish Armada during the Spanish Empire. The museum features a large gallery of ship models, from the era of sailing ships, to today's modern patrol boats and sea going vessels. Lots of historical relics including cannons and military uniforms. Interactive displays where you can try your hand at piloting a modern ship.  

• 20.602474-105.2354349 Galeria Dante, Basilio Badillo 269, Zona Romántica. M-F 10:00 - 17:00, Sa 10:00 - 14:00, closed Su. This hacienda shows paintings & sculptures by local artists.  (updated Feb 2025)

• 20.612908-105.23139810 Galeria Colectika, #858 G. Sánchez, Centro (corner of Calle Allende). M-F 10:00 - 20:00, Sa 10:00 - 18:00, closed Su. Extensive collection of Mexican wood carvings and Huichol Indian yarn art and bead work.  (updated Feb 2025)

• Galería Arte Latinoamericano - Two-floor gallery. Participates in art walk
• Galería Corsica - Contemporary Mexican fine art
• Galería Omar Alonso - Dedicated to antique and contemporary photography, engraving and sculpture
• Gallería Pacificio - One of Vallarta's leading galleries since 1987; sponsors the Public Sculpture Walking Tour that starts at 21:30 every Tuesday on the Malecon, Nov-April.

• 20.605833-105.23472211 Isla Cuale. A narrow island in the river that separates Zona Romántica and Centro. As you go upstream, the beach bars and vendor booths give way to a quiet park with galleries, relaxed restaurants and sunning cats.  (updated Feb 2026)
• 20.602814-105.23736512 Lazaro Cardenas Park. Mosaic styled plaza  
• 20.608423-105.23549213 Plaza de Armas. The town square.  

• 20.60825-105.23478814 Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Church with a Renaissance-style tower.  
• 20.606381-105.23275815 Gringo Gulch (behind Parroquia de Guadalupe, or up the staircase bridge from Isla Cuale). This small hillside residential area is where Elizabeth Taylor and other Hollywood names built vacation homes in the 1950s and 1960s. Some of the mid-century luxury architecture is still on display.  
• 20.609675-105.22971116 Mirador el Cerro de la Cruz.  
• Vallarta Botanical Gardens (12 miles S on Hwy 200 in Mismaloya, just beyond Las Juntas y Los Veranos). A pleasure garden high in the glorious Sierra Madre Mountains. Located on 8 ha (20 acres) of land, these botanical collections features thousands of different species of plants. The gardens are in a unique tropical dry forest ecosystem at 400 m (1,300 ft) above sea level. Bringing your swimsuit and enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal clear Rio Los Horcones.

Map of the region around Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has many activities and excursions to keep you entertained. The adventurous can hike or mountain bike in the hills, explore the jungle and hidden trails on horseback, take a jeep safari, snorkel, scuba dive, charter a yacht or sailboat, or take a cruise on one of the many party boats, make a personal photoshoot. Oftentimes they are easily booked online.

• Mardi Gras/Carnaval. Feb. The parade takes place in the Zona Romantica. You will also see the gay charm around downtown. 
• Vallarta Pride Parade. May. The city hosts a large LGBT celebration downtown culminating in the Vallarta Pride Parade along the malecon on Saturday 
• Marathon. First weekend of November. Vallarta holds the Half Marathon and 5-km race. Everyone is welcome to enjoy it. 
• November Festival. Middle of November. Cocktail parties, wine and tequila tastings, cooking classes, concerts, gala dinners, art expos, screenings 
• Virgin of Guadalupe. December 12th. Mexico's patron saint, the Lady of Guadalupe, is celebrated throughout Mexico. Puerto Vallarta's celebration starts around December 1st, Local people, hotel, condominium owners, and organizations go on a pilgrimage parade through downtown around 18:00 until 21:00 everyday. You´ll see traditional dancers, mariachis, bands, and individuals offering tribute to the Virgin. A festival with regional foods and games takes place in the main square. 

Whale watching: Puerto Vallarta’s season runs from December to March of every year. Humpback whales are the top liners of this fantastic nature show, but you can also see dolphins, porpoises and other animals. Whale watching tours take you to see humpback whale mothers and their calves in Banderas Bay.

Turtle-watching & repatriation: Some tour companies offer educational programs combined with hands-on activities to help save Mexico’s turtles. After the female turtles lay their eggs in nests they create in the sand, volunteers dig up the eggs and re-bury them somewhere safe from predators. After about 45 to 60 days, the eggs hatch. Without help, only about 1 in every 1,000 baby turtles will survive to adulthood because most are caught by predators before they make it back to the safety of the ocean. However, turtle repatriation volunteers keep the babies safe until it is time to set them free to head for the ocean (at night when predators are less active). You can be part of these programs.

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's top dive destinations. There are many rental shops along the beaches.

The beaches in Puerto Vallarta are not ideal for surfing, but a daytrip out of town up along the coast of Banderas Bay will take you to some great surf spots!

• Passing the Ameca River to the north, there are many surfing spots in the state of Nayarit: ranging from beginner waves, to perfect reef breaks for experienced surfers. The names of some of the more popular surf spots are: Veneros, Burros, la Lancha, Punta de Mita, San Pancho and Sayulita. The drive from downtown Vallarta to points inside the Bay takes roughly 45 minutes. Such trips can be coordinated with a local surfing instructor or done solo.
• Sayulita is a small village which is frequented by many tourists because it is easily accessible and a vast array of businesses cater to beginner surfers. You can find surfboard rentals, surf lessons and great beaches. Sayulita is known for producing some of the best surfers in Mexico like Tigre Cadena, Kalle Carranza, Diego Cadena and Adan Hernandez amongst others. The main beach has consistent waves and the place is crowded during the winter months particularly. There are waves small enough for beginners and large enough for the locals and experts. Most of the adventure companies don't offer surfing lessons and you might need to find an independent instructor. It takes a bit over an hour to drive from downtown to Sayulita.

The most popular snorkeling areas are Los Arcos underwater caves and Marietas Islands caverns.

• Vallarta Adventures snorkeling trips combine an extraordinary day of sun, fun, and adventure with just the right mixture of entertainment, learning and challenge, while snorkeling, sea kayaking, and exploring the tropical ecosystems on the secluded islands and beach hideaways that surround beautiful Banderas Bay.

anderas Bay is the second largest bay in North America, behind Hudson Bay. The deep, calm waters offer a very rich biodiversity, stunning beauty, romantic sunsets and relaxed sailing.

Kitesurfing is becoming more and more popular in Banderas Bay. Especially in Bucerias, 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 extended shoreline and the fact that it´s not too crowded with kitesurfers (yet) make it an excellent place to take lessons. The season is from February until May.

You are able to parasail at pretty much every beach. The sky high trip usually last around 15 min.

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

Banderas Bay is home to annual Puerto Vallarta International Fishing Tournament held since 1956. Fish types include sailfish, dorado, marlin, bonita and yellowfin tuna, roostertail, jack crevalle, pargo, red snapper and more denizens of the deep, black, blue and striped marlin.

• PV Charters - Offers fishing charter services. Phone +322 888-576-0329

• 20.70276-105.2707161 Aquaventuras Park, Carretera a Tepic Km 155 S/N México 200 lt 140, Bahía de Banderas, ☏ +52 800 727 5391. Sa Su Tu-Th 10:00-18:00. Discover Sea Life Park. Located off the first exit of Nuevo Vallarta; look for the water slides that can be seeing from the road.  

• 20.698397-105.2702042 Splash Parque Acuatico Vallarta, Vallarta, Jacarandas. Daily 10:00 - 18:00. Water park with lots of slides and tubes. Has a seal show. Picnic area available and you can bring your own food (but not drinks).  (updated Feb 2025)

• La Marina Vallarta Golf Course-Good accuracy is a must for this course due to narrow fairways that are guarded by water
• Los Flamingos Golf Course-Known as one of the easiest to play
• The 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 [1]. Fun course with many obstacles is on the spectacular beaches of Vallarta between the Sierra Madre mountains and the Bahia de Banderas bay. The Vallarta course offers interesting competitive advantages and challenges to golf lovers for the vast fairways appear to be the easy part but the lakes complicate the game for the most expert golfers.
• El Tigre Golf Club-Long course with many traps and water
• Vista Vallarta-Hosted the 2002 EMC World Cup Championship

There are many ranches in town that offer horseback Riding into small villages and through the forests. They can last from a few hours to a few days.

• 20.647671-105.2337443 Trail along the Rio Pitillal
• Trail into the mountains along Rio Pitillal. Bus lines C32T and C32C bring you to their final stop 20.650533-105.191914 Terminal De Camiones Col. San Esteban at the trail.
• 20.613167-105.2236995 Trail to Las Carmelitas
• Trail along Rio Cuale. The bus C04 brings you to the final 20.58895-105.2117516 bus stop Felipe Ángeles, where you can hike from.
• 20.69546-105.1612997 Mirador Mojoneras. Take the bus line PT21-AT or PT21-AC to Lomas De San Nicolás.
• There are more trails in Mismaloya to the south, including to Palo Maria Waterfall and Playa Las Animas.

• Davannayoga, Matamoros 542, Col. Centro (Corner of Matamoros & Corona), ☏ +52 322 223-0530, +52 322 1477008 (mobile). Great sunset yoga classes on a 360 rooftop in old town in front of the ocean. Well known for its traditional style yoga. Only certified teachers offering Vinyasa Flow, Morning Yoga, Sunset Yoga, Children's Yoga. (updated Aug 2017)
• Yoga Vallarta, Basilio Badillo 325, Col Emilio Zapata (Between Insurgentes & Constitucion up on the third floor.), ☏ +52 322 222-1706, +52 322 1165809 (mobile). Hours vary by instructor. Located in Zona Romantica (Basilio Badillo #325 3rd floor). This studio has high-mounted windows that bathe the studio in wonderful, natural light. (updated Aug 2017)

• Electro Beach Puerto Vallarta - a yearly Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festival featuring talent like Tiesto, Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki, and Hardwell.
• Malecon - You'll find live Cuban, jazz, rock, Latin American ethnic, Mexican ranchero and Mariachi
• South Side - Los Muertos Beach offers jazz at Daiquiri Dick's happy hour
• Marina Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta-You can have a Mexican dinner and listen to mariachi, marimba, romantic trios and folk harp.
• North Shore - Offers a variety of live music.
• 20.60786-105.2348717 Auditorio Agustin Flores Contreras, Calle Zaragoza. Up to four companies perform English-language theater there.  

Credit cards are not accepted everywhere. Hotel complexes, high end restaurants and shops do, but smaller businesses oftentimes do not. ATMs are available throughout the city.

• In the airport is Santander.
• In the Zona Romántica is a 20.601942-105.2376521 BanBajío ATM
• In the centro are (citi)banamex and Santander.

• Galeria Indigena, Juarez 628. A shop specializing in Huichol art as well as art from other indigenous peoples. You'll see bead art everywhere, but this is one of a few shops that sell something at least a little more authentic than colorful beaded lizards and such. 
• La Casa del Habano, Aldama 170, Zona Centro. Vallarta's best selection of real Cuban cigars. They also have a cigar bar. 
• 20.60634-105.23512 Mercado Río Cuale. Daily 9:00-20:00. A block-sized indoor market all your hokey beach souvenir needs. You can find better and cheaper crafts anywhere else in Mexico without a cruise port, but if this is your only stop, it'll check your boxes.  (updated Feb 2026)

• Oxxo (All over the city, every few blocks). Most open 24 hours. Best place to buy beer or snacks, save Walmart (hassle, bus ride). They are all over the city & will save you tons of money. Most have cash machines. A great place to make small change for the bus. 
• Walmart. Cheapest place to buy most groceries. Huge produce department. Good variety of Mexican & some US products. Good place to buy smokes or liquor before flying home. Can be inconvenient to bring back groceries via local bus. 

The rich cultural diversity of Puerto Vallarta is reflected in the cuisine that its many restaurants have to offer. From the most casual taco stands, to tropical beachfront palapas, to upscale rooftop restaurants with panoramic views, there are literally hundreds of restaurants serving exactly what you are hungry for.

Be careful with what you eat and drink, particularly from street food vendors and small beach snack bars to avoid travellers' diarrhea. There are many beachside restaurants to tempt you with tropical drinks, but bottled beer may be a safer option.

You are never far away from a taco stand. Just ask a local where you can find one. Some are open only around lunch time, others only in the evening. Prices are around M$20 for a normal taco and around M$55 for a normal sized quesadilla. (updated Nov 2021)

• 20.618822-105.2301412 Tacos Chilo. You get a small taco for M$6 (Nov 2021). It's at in the Calle Honduras/Colombia. There is another 20.620321-105.2297761 Tacos Chilo in the Calle San Salvador/Colombia. You can sit directly in front of the fry top. They are open 24/7.  (updated Apr 2022)

• 20.651607-105.2185413 Street food on the Plaza del Pitillal. Here you find a quite good variety of street food which you may not have eaten before. The stalls are open in the evening.  (updated Nov 2021)

• 20.602176-105.2374694 Cafe de Olla, Basilio Badillo 168, Emilio Zapata (Zona Romantica) (middle of the block along Basilio Badillo between Olas Altas & Pino Surez; about a block half in from the beachfront), ☏ +52 322 223-1626. W-M 10:00-24:00. They have good, cheap food. Try the pork ribs or chicken.  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.600312-105.2376665 Coffee Cup, Rodolfo Gómez 146, Emilio Zapata (Zona Romantica) (SW corner of c. Rodolfo Gómez & Olas Altas, one block in from the beach and across from La Piazzetta Restaurant), ☏ +52 322 222-8584. Daily 07ː00 - 20ː00. An American-style coffee house that serves espresso, latte and cappuccino with local baked goods. It is still rare to find this type of coffee in Puerto Vallarta. Local art is displayed on the walls. M̩100.  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.602205-105.2375636 Takos Panchos, Basilio Badillo 162, Emilio Zapata (Zona Romantica) (middle of the block along Basilio Badillo between Olas Altas & Pino Surez; about a block half in from the beachfront), ☏ +52 322 222-1692. Daily 18:00-02:00. Right next door to Cafe de Olla has awesome al pastor tacos. Opens around 18:00 and is open late. Get there early to avoid a wait. M̩100.  (updated Feb 2025)

• 20.608594-105.2344337 Planeta Vegetariano, Iturbide 270, Centro (just around the corner from the cathedral along Iturbide between Hidalgo & Matamoros), ☏ +52 322 222-30-73. Daily 08:30-11:30 & 12:00-22:00. Planeta Vegetariano serves a buffet-style vegan meal with a varied and changing menu. All-you-can-eat fresh juices, vegetables, salads, fruit, and many traditional dishes served "sin carne" are to be found. Reasonable prices. They serve a breakfast and lunch buffet, each with different dishes.  (updated Apr 2022)
• 20.615298-105.2321328 Burrito Beach. Restaurant with a surfing design.  (updated Apr 2022)
• 20.612387-105.2318049 Pipis. Authentic Mexican food. Fajitas and enchiladas to die for and also delicious margaritas of all flavors. Be prepared for a long wait, however it is worth it you will not regret waiting for this delectable treat. The only downside is that this restaurant is very touristy.  (updated Apr 2022)
• 20.607684-105.2356410 Xian Wei. A simple Chinese restaurant.  (updated Apr 2022)
• 20.608232-105.23498111 El Campanario. Traditional cuisine in a colorful restaurant.  (updated Apr 2022)

• 20.653008-105.21380312 Mariscos Tino's, Calle Avenida 333, El Pitillal, ☏ +52 322 224-5584. Tu-Su 12:00-21:00. Up on a hill overlooking Vallarta, most tourists don't know about this place, frequented by local businessmen, and others looking to spend a buck for some fantastic seafood dishes. Some recommendations: tacos de marlin are excellent, and the "mariscada" or "parrillada" which is a huge sampler platter filled with house specialties. They also have another location operating as "La Laguana Tino's" at Blvd. Nayarit #393, Nuevo Vallarta in Bahia de Banderas (tel: 322 297-0221 or 297-6663)  (updated Aug 2022)
• 20.607151-105.23662413 CoexistBistro (formerly Coexist Cafe), Agustín Rodríguez 175, Centro (In Hotel Rio at corner of Agustín Rodríguez and Calle Morelos (Hwy 200 main road)), ☏ +52 322 222-0366. Tu-Th 08:00-18:00; F-Su 08:00-02:00. Locals and tourists create a unique atmosphere, where music is definitely an ingredient you will enjoy. An eclectic menu, reflecting Mexican and international dishes. Live music daily!  (updated Aug 2022)
• 20.663707-105.2525514 Las Palomas Doradas, Club de Tenis, Puesta de Sol, ☏ +52 322 22-104-70. Daily 08:00-23:00. Marina Vallarta's first restaurant (open since 1988). Perfect for watching sunsets in the Marina over a glass of wine or trying out traditional Mexican breakfasts.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 20.665535-105.25245615 Bacha's, Av Paseo de la Marina 245, Marina Vallarta, ☏ +52 322 221 3506. This restaurant sits in the beautiful marina of Puerto Vallarta. Surrounded by massive yachts and a peaceful ambience. The food here is very authentic and quite tasteful.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 20.613234-105.23333816 Señor Frog’s, Paseo Diaz Ordaz 786, Centro (Paseo Diaz Ordaz and Pipila across the street from the waterfront), ☏ +52 322 222-14-14. Daily 10:00-02:00. This restaurant is mostly known for its club-like environment. At night it is one of the most popular and exciting clubs. During the day though it offers good food that might remind you of Hooters. Owned by the same folks as Carlos O'Brian and similar atmosphere.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 20.665145-105.25133317 Rincon de Buenos Aires, Paseo de La Marina Sur 245, Local 126 y 127, Marina Vallarta, ☏ +52 322 221-22-60. Daily 16:00-23:00. This is a steak house that is simply put amazing. Their menu features a 900-g (2-lb) tenderloin that is marvelously prepared. They also offer a decent wine list. The setting is beautiful and the food even better.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 20.615395-105.22883818 Ah Caramba, Calle Ecuador 1071, Col. 5 de Diciembre (three blocks up along Calle Venezuela from the main road (Colombia) and a couple of houses up along Ecuador from Calle Venezuela; ask taxi or Uber driver), ☏ +52 322 222-55-17. This restaurant is located atop a roof in the more residential part of Puerto Vallarta. They serve seafood that is freshly caught that day. Also they feature live music and a view that is unmatched. A very intimate setting. One of Puerto Vallarta’s very best kept secrets. The restaurant offers an exciting, ascending taxi-ride to the restaurant entrance, (high in the hills of Puerto Vallarta). The entrance to the restaurant is non-descript and belies what is to follow after walking a few shot stairwells. Upon entering the panoramic veranda, the view from table-side is phenomenal - panoramic east-to-west). The prices are very reasonable when taking into consideration the presentation of entree and service/accommodation.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 20.611669-105.23228219 Cafe des Artistes, Calle Guadalupe Sánchez 740, Centro (along Calle Guadalupe Sánchez between Leona Vicario y Josefa Ortíz de Dominguez, 3 blocks up from the Malecon), ☏ +52 322 226-72-00. Daily 18:00-23:00. A beautiful restaurant in the heart of downtown. The restaurant is divided into 3 areas: Inside, outside with a view of the ocean, and the garden. The garden is the most beautiful of the three, with an artificial creek running through it. The food here is very tasty.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 20.600271-105.23771220 La Piazzetta, Calle Rodolfo Gómez 143, Col. E. Zapata (NW corner of c. Rodolfo Gómez & Olas Altas, one block in from the beach), ☏ +52 322 222-06-50. Daily 16:00-00:00. Locals come for the delicious Naples-style pizza (the crust not too thick, not too thin, and cooked in a brick oven), but there's also great pasta and a good variety of entrées, like the cream-based salmon with caviar and lemon. For appetizers try the top-heavy (con molto tomate) bruschetta or steamed mussels with lemon, parsley, and butter. Most folks choose to sit on the open patio, but La Piazzeta also has an intimate dining room. Personal attention of the owner, Mimmo.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 20.612823-105.23101421 La Isla de Marins Seafood Restaurant (Seafood Restaurant Puerto Vallarta Mexico), Calle Matamoros 869, Cerro, Puerto Vallarta, JAL (along Matamoros between Allende & Treinta y Uno; take Marina Centro Bus to Downtown Puerta Vallarta; tell Bus Driver to let you off at the store Lans; walk to Allende; take Allende 3 blocks up to Matamoros (left); halfway down block), ☏ +52 322 222-7537.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 20.603925-105.23054622 El brujo Vallarta, Venustiano Carranza 510, Emiliano Zapata, ☏ +52 322 223-20-36. around US$10 per dish.  
• 20.697931-105.23784723 Mauricio's, Carretera a las Palmas nº 176, Las Juntas, Hacienda San Javier, 48291, ☏ +52 322 290 2733. Somewhat unpromisingly located in a field next to an industrial area near the airport, this humble but clean and cheerful joint is a classic local spot for very high quality, inexpensive seafood. All taxi drivers in PV know where it is. It gets some tourist trade, but tourists are normally heavily outnumbered by local families. For dinner, go early; they close at 19:00.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 20.603006-105.22818824 Red Cabbage Cafe, Calle Rivera del Río No. 204A, El Remance, ☏ +52 322 223-0411. M-Sa 17:00-23:00. A funky restaurant up the hill from the main streets in the Zona Romantica. Its theme is Frida Kahlo and features pre-Hispanic recipes.  (updated May 2022)
• 20.60211-105.2370225 The Fajita Republic, Pino Suárez 321, Col. Emiliano Zapata, ☏ +52 322 222-3131. Tu-Su 17:00-23:00. They serve fajitas with over 10 varieties in old town Puerto Vallarta. This restaurant offers a quiet setting and great food. M$300.  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.601603-105.23218626 El Palomar de los Gonzalez, Aguacate 425, Col Alta Vista, ☏ +52 322 222-07-95. Daily 18:00-23:00. Romantic restaurant serving innovative regional and international cuisine specializing in seafood. Outstanding views of the town and sea. Large cocktails with some unusual mixes like a cucumber pineapple margarita. M$300.  (updated Feb 2025)

• 20.602606-105.23842527 The Blue Shrimp, Olas Altas 336, Emiliano Zapata (Zona Romantica) (Olas Altas at Venustiano Carranza, Restaurant is at other side of the block from the street at the beach front, behind Rosie's & Richie's Taste of Italy Restaurant), ☏ +52 322 223-18-40. Daily 09:00-23:00. As the name implies you must like shrimp to eat at this restaurant. That said it offers some spectacular entrées that will take your hunger away that is for sure. Set partially outside the décor is fun but also very intimate.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 20.609611-105.23325328 Chez Elena, Calle Matamoros 520, Centro (Along Calle Matamoros between Galeana and Corona), ☏ +52 322 222-0161. Famous hotel and restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. It has been cited by Playboy Magazine and well known actors such as Peter O'Toole and Elizabeth Taylor.  (updated Aug 2022)

• 20.60245-105.235051 Steve's Sports Bar, Basilio Badillo 286, Emiliano Zapata (Basilio Badillo & Calle Constitucion), ☏ +52 322 222-0256. Daily 11:00-01:00.  (updated Aug 2017)
• 20.6039-105.236012 Roxy Rock House (Club Roxy), Ignacio Vallarta 217, Emiliano Zapata (along Ignacio Vallarta between Francisco Madero and), ☏ +52 322 225-6901. Daily 22:00-05:00. Live R&B Hit among people over 30 with live blues and rock  (updated Aug 2017)

• 20.612465-105.2340123 La Dolce Vita, Paseo Díaz Ordaz 674, Centro, ☏ +52 322 222 2204. M-Sa 11:30 - 00:00, Su 16:00 - 23:00. Lively Italian restaurant that's a popular night spot featuring live music and drink specials.  (updated Feb 2025)

• 20.612143-105.2342054 Mandala, Paseo Díaz Ordaz 633, Centro. Daily 18:00 - 04:00. Popular dance club where the beats keep pulsing into the wee hours. Very clean, professional with good security. M$400 (cover).  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.6001-105.23875 La Bodeguita del Medio, Malecón 858, Centro (Calle Allende and the Malecon), ☏ +52 322 223-1585. Daily 11:00 - 04:00. Look for the distinctive round yellow sign. Good solid Cuban food, great drinks, and a cigar shop up 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 can still cut a rug.  (updated Aug 2017)
• 20.61138-105.234056 EL Zoo Bar, Paseo Díaz Ordaz 630, Centro (entrance facing Morelos (main road) between Abasolo & Aldama), ☏ +52 322 150 4152. Daily 11:00-03:00. This dance club is quite small but very fun. The dance floor doesn’t offer much room to bust a move but offers a great time to be had. Located on the Malecon it is in the center of everything.  
• Hilo, Just down the street from El Zoo. Again this club is small. The inside is very cool and the bar is very large. It can get a little crazy because of the small area but is fun for younger kids. 
• 20.61319-105.233377 Señor Frogs, Paseo Díaz Ordaz 786, Centro (Paseo Diaz Ordaz and Pipila), ☏ +52 322 222-1444. Daily 11:00-02:00. The Tuesday night foam party is the best and this place is the larger than most clubs. It has two bars and the service is awesome.  

• 20.6493-105.24028 Xtine Garden (Christine's), Las Garzas, Zona Hotelera (next to Hotel Kristal), ☏ +52 322 183-9104. Sa 22:30-05:00. This club is huge. It is only open a few nights a week though. It is located close to most hotels.  

Accommodations around the Bay of Banderas range from well-known international hotel chains and upscale villas and condominiums in the hotel zone, Marina Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, and Punta Mita to moderately priced hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, apartments villas, and condominiums in Old Town Vallarta. The south end of Old Town has a number of gay-friendly hotels.

• 20.604765-105.2320031 Tradicional Hotel Villa Del Mar, Francisco. I. Madero 440; Col. E. Zapata, ☏ +52 322 222 2885, fax: +52 322 222 0785, [email protected]. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. The hotel offers 49 beautiful and affordable rooms and 10 suites with kitchenette. Many of the rooms have private balcony.  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.605049-105.2325822 OYO Hotel Bernal, Madero 423, ☏ +52 800 696 7666. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. One of the cheap hotels on the street F. Madero.  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.604746-105.2335093 Hotel Lina, Calle Francisco I. Madero 376, ☏ +52 322 222 1661. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. One of the cheap hotels on the street F. Madero.  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.604923-105.2324534 Hotel Cartagena de Indias, Madero 428, ☏ +52 322 222 6914. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. In the old town (Zona Romantica), Calle Francisco Madero hosts a bunch of similar, simple but clean hotels at a very affordable price. It is a 5-10 minute walk away from the Malecon.  (updated Feb 2025)

• 20.600709-105.2268925 Oasis Hostel, Libramiento #222, Col Benito Juarez, ☏ +52 322 222-26-36. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00.  (updated Apr 2022)

• 20.60874-105.234966 Casa Kraken Hostel ([email protected]), Juarez #386, Puerto Vallarta Centro, ☏ +52 322 222 9282. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. 1 minute from the beach, opened in 2009, they have free Internet - WiFi and a public computer and a massive TV with cable. right in the heart of the city and they have a beautiful terrace where you can have a beer and watch the sun set. The staff its very friendly and the food its good & clean they always have an option for vegetarians. The security lockers here are very small. M$400.  (updated Apr 2022)

• 20.619661-105.229577 Hotel Mocali, Nicaragua 286, Centro, ☏ +52 322 222 4201. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. In downtown Puerto Vallarta, 2 blocks from the beach and 7 from the pier or "Malecon". Located near restaurants, drug stores, and night clubs. M$1250.  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.605429-105.234048 Hotel Belmar, Insurgentes 161, ☏ +52 322 223 1872, fax: +52 322 223 1872, [email protected]. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Family-owned hotel with personalized service. 30 rooms with TV. Air conditioning is optional.  (updated Feb 2025)
• Casa de Piedra (Bed and Breakfast), Boca de Tomatlán, ☏ +52 322 228-0865, [email protected]. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. A spectacular piece of authentic Mexican architecture, the property is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and fronting the Rio Los Horcones; it offers beautiful views of the river, the Sierra Madre Mountains, and Boca Bay. Has two buildings that house four spacious apartments, courtyard, pool, entertainment room, and includes breakfast. (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.599244-105.2357089 Casa Panoramica (Bed and Breakfast), Carr. Barra de Navidad 599, ☏ +52 322 222-3656, +1 210-587-7983 (USA), [email protected]. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Traditional Mexican style villa runs as a Bed and Breakfast, with six bedroom suites, each with its own private bathroom. Panoramic views of the city and the bay.  (updated Feb 2025)
• Club Embarcadero Pacífico - All Inclusive Resort, Av. Paseo de la Marina Sur 01-322 221, Marina Vallarta, ☏ +52 322 221 1177, fax: +52 322 221 1433, [email protected]. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 12:00. Wonderfully located in the exclusive zone of Marina Vallarta, this family-friendly all inclusive resort allows its guests to enjoy the main channel of Mexico’s biggest marina, and the spectacular Banderas Bay. Onsite restaurant with an outdoor dining area overlooking the marina. (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.650985-105.24263910 Crown Paradise Golden Resort - Adults All Inclusive Spa, Av. de las Garzas 3, Zona Hotelera Nte., ☏ +52 800 900 0900, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. This resort caters to adult travelers with spacious accommodations, à la carte dining, friendly service, activities, sports and entertainment, and romantic settings for candlelit dinners. Offers an activities pool, water park with pirate ship, a castle and 9 water slides, playground area, outdoor family game area, and fine dining & bars. M$5000.  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.620622-105.23156811 Buenaventura Grand Hotel and Spa, Av. Mexico 1301, Col. 5 de Diciembre, ☏ +52 322 226 7770, fax: +52 322 222 3546, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Located five minutes from the downtown shops and restaurants, and 15 minutes from the airport, Buenaventura is a beachfront resort. M$7000.  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.650156-105.24056212 Hacienda Buenaventura Hotel & Mexican Charm, Blvrd Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera, ☏ +52 322 226 6667, fax: +52 322 226 6627, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. A Mexican hacienda with lush tropical gardens, palm trees and cascades of water and secluded green areas. M$3000.  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.648677-105.24173313 Krystal International Vacation Club (KIVC) Vallarta, Avenida de Las Garzas 136, Zona Hotelera, ☏ +52 322 176 1176. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 12:00. Centrally located to shopping and nightclubs with a private beach, multiple restaurants, kids' club, and outdoor pools. Krystal KIVC Vallarta is a family-oriented resort. M$5000.  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.617256-105.23214514 Hotel El Pescador, Paraguay 1117, ☏ +52 322 222 2169, fax: +52 322 223 4393, [email protected]. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Located by the beach in downtown few blocks away from the popular Malecon. M$2000.  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.600109-105.23859515 Hotel Emperador, ☏ +52 322 222 1767. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Hotel Emperador is in the heart of the most traditional area of the Old Puerto Vallarta, 3 minutes away from the downtown and 20 minutes from the International Airport. On Puerto Vallarta's famous beach "Playa Los Muertos". M$2000.  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.607498-105.2367416 Hotel Rio, Morelos 170, Centro, ☏ +52 322 222 0366, [email protected]. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Located within walking distance of the main downtown attractions, Hotel Rio is a good deal with clean, comfortable rooms with central air conditioning, telephone, TV with cable, complete bathroom and balcony. Swimming pool and restaurant. Money exchange and 24 hours internet service. M$1500.  (updated Feb 2025)
• 20.614722-105.23277817 Hotel Rosita, Paseo Díaz Ordaz 901, ☏ +52 322 222 1033, fax: +52 322 223 4393, [email protected]. One of the first hotels in town on the beach and where the famous Malecon begins.  
• Melia Puerto Vallarta, Paseo de la Marina Sur 7 Marina Vallarta, ☏ +52 800 918 0347, [email protected]. Beachfront, all-inclusive resort for families on Mexico’s Pacific coast. M$2222. 
• Los Tules, Blvd. Fco. Medina Ascencio S/N, interior Los Tules, ☏ +52 322 224 5425, fax: +52 322 224 4710, [email protected]. Located within Los Tules in the hotel zone. An oceanfront condominium-style resort 3.2 km (2 miles) from the airport and 1.6 km (1 mile) from downtown Vallarta. You can also book condominiums directly from owners. M$1481. 
• Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta Beach Resort & Spa, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio Km 2.5, Zona Hotelera Norte, ☏ +52 322-226-1400, fax: +52 322-224-6837, [email protected]. The resort has a Spanish colonial courtyard that opens to expansive grounds with flowering gardens, lawns and towering palm trees. Ten hacienda style buildings with terra-cotta-tile roofs range from four to eight stories. At the centerpiece is a freeform activities pool containing a rock garden waterfall with waterslide. A quiet relaxing pool and oceanfront pool complete the main gardens of the resort. 
• Hotel Lagunita, Yelapa minicipio Cabo Corrientes, ☏ +52 322 209-5056, fax: +52 322 209-5056, [email protected]. Charming thatched bungalows is on the beach in Yelapa, a 30-minute boat ride from Puerto Vallarta. It offers an outdoor pool, beach bar and a range of personalized massages. 
• Hotel Encino, Juarez 122, ☏ +52 322 222 0051, fax: +52 322 222 2573, [email protected]. In the heart of Puerto Vallarta, one block away from the beach, in front of the market and two blocks from the Malecon. 

• 20.662-105.25618 Casamagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa, Paseo La Marina 435, Marina Vallarta, ☏ +52 322 226 0000, fax: +52 322 226 0060. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. Nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is one of the 100 World's Best Hotels according to Conde Nast Traveler. Rooms with luxurious bedding, contemporary bathrooms, furniture with Mexican-inspired colors and patterns, La Estancia restaurant, banquet facilities and business meeting rooms.  
• 20.667-105.25619 Casa Velas Hotel Boutique, #311 Fracc. Marina Vallarta, ☏ +52 322-226-6688, toll-free: +1-866-529-8813 (reservations only). Experience Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Resort - Casa Velas Hotel Boutique is an all-inclusive, luxury vacation resort in Puerto Vallarta, with stunning tropical scenery, a world-class spa, gourmet dining and an ocean-front beach club.  
• 20.652-105.24320 Crown Paradise Club All-Inclusive Resort and Spa, Av. de las Garzas S/N, ☏ +52 322 226 6868, fax: +52 322 226 6856, [email protected]. A full all-inclusive program this resort offers: activities pool, water park with pirate ship, a castle and 9 water slides, playground area, outdoor family game area, options for fine dining & bars, programmed activities.  
• 20.632-105.23121 Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, David Alfaro Siguieros 164. Check-in: 15ː00, check-out: 12ː00. A luxury resort on a private beach cove. Accommodations include spacious ocean-view rooms and suites overlooking the ocean and large private beach. Several rooms and penthouses have twin floors and private swimming pools. There are three pools, four gourmet restaurants and friendly lounges.  
• 20.641-105.23622 Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta, Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio km. 2.5 48333, ☏ +52 322 226 2100. The refurbished Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta resort has 291 rooms. The hotel has three bars and restaurants. Located on site are a fitness and business center. This resort offers a pool, massage services, water sports, beach volleyball, waterpolo and bingo.  
• 20.651-105.24323 Crown Paradise Golden Adults All-Inclusive and SPA, Av. de las Garzas 3, ☏ +52 322 226 6800, fax: +52 322 226 6855, [email protected]. This medium-sized adult-only resort offer spacious accommodations, à la carte dining, friendly service, activities, sports and entertainment, and romantic settings for candlelit dinners.  
• Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (Puerto Vallarta), Av. Cocoteros 98 Sur, ☏ +52 322 226-8000.  
• 20.739-105.31924 Riu Palace Pacifico, Av. de los Cocateros. On Flamingo Beach, minutes drive from Riu Vallarta and Riu Jalisco, 14.5 km (9 miles) away from downtown Puerto Vallarta.  
• 20.666-105.2625 Velas Vallarta, Av. Costera S/N, LH2, Fracc. Marina Vallarta Apartado Postal 139B, ☏ +52 322 221-0091, fax: +52 322 221-0755, [email protected]. An all-inclusive resort with studios, one, two and three bedrooms, all with kitchens or kitchenettes. Hotel offers on-site mini-supermarket, boutique, travel agents, car and bicycle rental, tennis courts, and "Kids' Club". Marina Vallarta golf course is within walking distance (2 min).  
• 20.741-105.32226 Villa La Estancia Nuevo Vallarta, Paseo Cocoteros 750 Sur, Flamingos Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, ☏ +52 322-226-9700, fax: +52 322-226-6901, [email protected]. Reservations – 01800 725-6277 / 01800–823-4488. Spacious garden surround the pool with its dancing fountains and Jacuzzis. The earthy colored buildings form a U-shape on top of a hill looking out to the Bay of Banderas.  
• 20.741-105.32127 Villa del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort & Spa, Paseo Cocoteros 750 Sur, Flamingos Nuevo Vallarta, ☏ +52 322-226-8100, toll-free: +1-877-845-5247 (Reservations US & Canada), fax: +52 322-226-8101, [email protected]. Featuring Vanguard architecture with a fine Mexican touch, distinctive eight-story Spanish Colonial-style buildings are topped with red-tile roofs and blue-tile domes. Bordering a central garden courtyard with freeform pool, the tan buildings form a U-shape looking out to the Bay of Banderas.  

	Note: In February 2026, a security operation by the Mexican Army in Jalisco state againgst a drug cartel sparked clashes in the area, resulting in shootouts, explosions and vehicles and stores being set on fire throughout the state, including in tourist areas that have largely avoided attacks in the past. Flights into the region are cancelled, and tourists were advised to shelter in place. The situation has settled down, but you should check government warnings before going to Jalisco.
	Travel advisories Canada United Kingdom United States
	(Information last updated 24 Feb 2026)

The beaches and hotels have security people who are familiar with the area and tend to ward off most undesirable characters. As in many "tourist destinations", there are local "tourist police", who concentrate on keeping the area safe for visitors. They, and the locals, understand the value of visitors and make life very difficult for those who may consider preying on visitors.

Avoid confrontations with the police. In the event you do have a disagreement with them, expect to be treated poorly and expect to pay many a peso to regain your freedom. Respect and co-operation goes a long way with them, disrespect usually will not be tolerated.

For digestive issues, use Immodium. It is sold over the counter and works for most issues.

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

• Emergency, Police and Fire: 060
• Fire Dept: 223-9476, 223-9478
• Police Dept: 290-0507, 290-0512
• Red Cross & Ambulance: 222-1533
• Motor Vehicle Dept: 224-8484
• Consumer Protection (Profeco): 225-0000
• Immigration Office: 221-1380
• American Consulate: 222-0069, 223-0074 - After hours: 01-333-268-2145
• Canadian Consulate: 293-0098, 223-0074 - After hours: 01-800-706-2900

Hospitals

• Ameri-Med: 226-2080
• CMG: 223-1919
• Cornerstone: 224-9400
• I.M.S.S.: 224-3838
• Medasist: 223-0444
• Regional: 224-4000
• San Javier: 226-1010

If you're a budget traveler, visit outside of peak holiday periods (e.g. Santa Semana/ Easter week). Accommodation prices during peak times can double or triple and the beaches become insanely crowded.

If you are traveling around Mexico leave your souvenir shopping until Guadalajara as prices in Puerto Vallarta are higher, sometimes bordering on exorbitant.

Additional consulates for multiple countries are in Guadalajara and Mexico City:

• Canada, (Consular Agency) Plaza Peninsula, Local Sub F, Blvd Francisco Medina Ascencio 2485, Zona Hotelera Norte, ☏ +52 322 293-00-98, +52 322 293-00-99, fax: +52 322 293-28-94, [email protected]. M-F 09:00-13:00. Accredited from the Canadian Consulate General at Av. Mariano Otero #1249, Piso 8, Torre Pacífico, Col. Rinconada del Bosque in Guadalajara (updated Aug 2017)
• 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), fax: +52 1 33 3826-6549, [email protected]. M-Th 08:30-12:30. Accredited from the U.S. Consulate General at Progreso 175, Col Americana, Sector Benito Juarez in Guadalajara. 

Telcel has the best coverage in Mexico. A SIM card for the Telcel brand amigo express is for M$29 (Nov 2021) for example in an Oxxo store. You can activate the SIM card by recharging M$50 (Nov 2021) in the Oxxo store or online. All rates be seen here.

Cell coverage throughout Puerto Vallarta is very good with 5G being the norm in town. Expect 4G (or less) as you get out into the countryside or explore the Nayarit coast or the Costalegre.

Wi-Fi is available in all major hotels and most restaurants and bars in town.

All of these towns have hostels and private rooms:

To the north are the beaches of Nayarit where the hills give way a little. Here you will find mile-long stretches of golden sand beaches with smaller, more laid back surfer beaches, rich plantations of papaya and mango and, tucked back along tumbling rivers and streams, small villages where life seems to move at a different pace.

• Bucerias – 25 km. A small coastal village with a long uninterrupted white sand beach
• Punta Mita – 45 km. A relaxed beachfront village.
• Sayulita – 45 km. You can do hiking into the jungle. The water at the beach is shallow.
• San Sebastián del Oeste – 80 km. Colonial era mining town with boutique hotels and raicilla.
• San Francisco (Mexico) – 50 km. At a beach, surrounded by a jungle and notable for its floral diversity.
• Tepic – 175 km. It's the capital of Nayarit.
• Mazatlán – It is recommended to take a flight into and out of the city.

To the south is the Costalegre region where the hills cascade towards the sea creating a rich palette that mixes the vivid green foliage with the deep blues of the water. At their feet nestle secluded coves and small fishing villages, some of which are still accessible only by sea.

• Mismaloya – 15 km. Famous for being the location for the movie The Night of the Iguana, directed by John Houston. You can tour the location.
• Yelapa – 86 km. A lovely little beach town that time forgot, near the southwest corner of Banderas Bay. It's a long and bumpy bus ride from Puerto Vallarta, or if the fishing business is slow you can usually hire a local charter boat to take you over there.
• Costalegre – hundreds of kilometers of rocky coastline punctuated with sandy beaches, sleepy fishing towns, surfing hot spots, and small unpretentious places to eat, drink, and escape reality

The Sierra Madre Mountains of Jalisco and Nayarit are the Mexican Outback. Discover authentic Mexican villages and through the sub-tropical forest with its extraordinary ecology and wildlife.

• Guadalajara – 330 km. You can take an intercity bus, go by carpooling or take a non-stop flight. From there further to San Luis Potosi, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende or Querétaro.

Tepic ← Bucerias ←

N  S

→ Mismaloya → Manzanillo