About Puerto Vallarta
Explore Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit
Overview
Situated along Mexico’s sun-blessed west coast, Puerto Vallarta is known for its stunning beaches, award-worthy sunsets, beautiful jungles, charming cobblestone streets, and diverse cultural influences.
In the heart of this colonial city stands the iconic Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church, as well as a stellar array of restaurants, bars, and boutiques along its lively oceanfront Malecon.
Partake in a wide range of outdoor sports from snorkeling to ziplining, or simply sit back and sip a mango margarita and watch the world go by. Indulge all your senses enjoying Puerto Vallarta’s lively nightlife and diverse wildlife including dolphins, ocelots, and jaguars.
What To Do
Experience the glorious beaches and rugged beauty surrounding Bahía de Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta, where lush jungle and desert cactus meet the sea. Swim, surf and play in these glistening waters and listen as your heart beats to the sound of the crashing waves.
Once night falls, flickering flames light the way for Rhythms of the Night, where a torch-lit pyramid sets the stage for the magical evening’s entertainment. Sail from Las Caletas, the former jungle hideaway of film director John Huston, who directed “Night of the Iguana” with Richard Burton, and threw a bright spotlight on Puerto Vallarta.
Journey 20 minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s airport to the whimsical mile-long El Malecón boardwalk, the Spanish name for “esplanade along a waterfront.” Explore colorful shops, performance artists, sculptures, dining and entertainment with free views of dazzling waters.
What To See
Visit one of Puerto Vallarta’s most enduring attractions, La Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe, also known as Templo de Guadalupe, and listen to the traditional ringing of the bells.
Watch for sea lions and other creatures of the deep near Los Arcos National Marine Park amid the waters of Banderas Bay. Or take a day-trip to the small fishing village of Bucerías for gallery hopping, dining and beach going, and experience the more secluded side of paradise.
Shopping
Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica, or Romantic Zone, is the place to see and be seen. Stroll along Basilio Badillo Street, aka restaurant row, where every other Friday night visitors do the “Southside Shuffle” between art galleries, shops, and local eateries.
Get a real taste of Puerto Vallarta at the Farmer’s Market, where you’ll find baked goods and artisanal foods, along with unique handmade clothing, jewelry, and crafts. And be sure to check out Viva Vallarta at the Lazaro Cárdenas Park every Wednesday during high season for local artists and entertainment along with delicious gourmet food and drinks.
Nightlife
Puerto Vallarta comes alive at night. Listen to music from reggae to rock at one of the city’s many bars and restaurants. Or simply enjoy a romantic sunset via sailboat or seaside tavern.
Off the Beaten Path
Tour the town of Tequila, nicknamed “Pueblo Magico,” meaning Magical Town, and surrounded by fields of agave. Explore the 17th-century former gold and silver mining town of San Sebastian del Oeste with its graceful homes and historic haciendas. Or visit the enchanting bohemian town of Sayulita, 30 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, set against the backdrop of the lush Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains for great surfing options. Stroll through this sleepy town and browse shops selling colorful native Huichol crafts. Cool off with a swim or some paletas (traditional Mexican popsicles) before catching an electrifying Sayulita sunset.
Food and Drink
Puerto Vallarta offers exceptional cuisine, with a bevy of local and international chefs creating outstanding gourmet food. With more than 400 restaurants, it’s easy to find the perfect meal. Pescado embarazado is a local favorite made from roasted marlin, shark or shrimp on a stick, grilled with lime over hot coals and served with spicy Huichol salsa.
Birria is another well-loved treat. This spicy dish is cooked with goat or lamb plus onions, oregano, cumin, and ginger, and served on a traditional tortilla made from either corn masa or flour. Try the savory pozole stew made with pork or chicken, chiles and hominy served atop rojo (red) tortillas.
The renowned tamal is also a favorite, crafted from white corn dough and filled with green or red tomatoes and meat, then wrapped and steamed in bright green corn leaves. Wash it all down with mezcal, tequila, or atole, a sweet masa (cornmeal) drink concocted with cinnamon-infused water or milk, sugar, and vanilla.
One of Mexico’s most treasured exports, tequila, is made from the local blue agave cactus whose pineapple-like fruit is cooked and mashed to extract the sublime juice that ferments into tequila.
Puerto Vallarta with Kids
Sail to the privately owned, secluded cove, Caletas, along some of the area’s most enchanting coastline.
Kayak, snorkel or swim amid frolicking sea lions or simply relax with a rejuvenating spa treatment during your trip to this mesmerizing Mexico hideaway.
Cruise to the Marieta Islands and swim to its magical hidden beach formed by underwater volcano eruptions.
Ask your Pleasant Holidays vacation expert about an all-inclusive Puerto Vallarta vacation that offers fun for the entire family.
When to Go
Perhaps the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is between April and June when the weather features less rain, and there are fewer tourists.
Looking for whales? Visit from January through March, when you’ll also find lower temperatures in the delightful mid-70s F. Nights can be cooler during these months, dropping into the 60s.
The hottest temperatures occur from June through October, reaching the mid-90s. Fewer cruise ships arrive during the summer months of July through September, which may be a factor if you are considering a cruise vacation, or looking to avoid those who are.
Fast Facts
The city was named after Ignacio Vallarta, the Governor of the region from 1872 through 1876. The Bay of Banderas ranks among the largest and deepest bays in Mexico.
The 1964 John Huston film, “The Night of the Iguana,” turned the spotlight on Puerto Vallarta.
Both mezcal and tequila are made from the agave cactus; however, Tequila can only be made with blue agave, while mezcal can be produced from among more than 30 agave varieties.
Riviera Nayarit is a beautiful town just north of Puerto Vallarta. Here, you’ll find a great selection of renowned golf courses. It’s an easy drive north from Puerto Vallarta’s many all-inclusive resorts.
Travel Tips & Tools
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