Puerto Vallarta blends a charming old town, a seaside boardwalk and Sierra Madre mountains with beaches, whale watching and boat-only coves. Winter and spring are best.
Good to know
- The Malecon is best for a sunset stroll; Zona Romantica is the walkable beach zone.
- Water taxis reach Yelapa and Las Animas from Boca de Tomatlan.
- Hurricane risk runs from August to October.
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Places the planner can use
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Market tour and hands-on class making salsa, tamales and fresh ceviche, ending with lunch.
Seafront promenade with sculptures, street performers and sunset views.
Weekly gallery night in the old town where studios stay open late with wine and live music.
Crown-topped church in the old town's center, lit up at night and a symbol of the city.
Corner stalls serve al pastor and fish tacos with fresh salsas, a cheap and delicious dinner crawl.
Small archaeological museum on an island in the river, with artisan stalls and shady walking paths.
Cobblestoned neighborhood with restaurants, bars and the beach.
Main town beach with a pier, beach bars and loungers, lively on weekends and good for people-watching.
Boat trip to a protected island group with snorkeling and the hidden beach inside a collapsed volcanic crater.
Fishing village reachable by boat, with a waterfall and horses.
Gardens with orchids and a river swim, a half hour south.
Humpback whales visit Banderas Bay from December to March, with boat tours that often include dolphins.
Canopy zip-line tour through tropical forest in the Sierra Madre foothills, with mountain views and a river swim.