Puerto Vallarta
Everything you need to know before you go.
Puerto Vallarta, or Vallarta as locals call it, is a great spot if you want a mix of nature and luxury on Mexico's Pacific Coast. The vibe is friendly and welcoming, especially for LGBT travelers who frequent the Zona Romantica. This historic core is full of boutique hotels and bars that cater to gay tourists, and they even host a Pride festival every May. If you want to walk and people-watch, head to the Malecon. It is a boardwalk along the ocean where you will find artists, mimes, and breakdancers performing near various shops and restaurants.
The city is distinctive because it is squeezed between the Bay of Banderas and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. Because the mountains rise over 8,000 feet, they protect the town from wind and keep the weather semi-tropical. If you like wildlife, go to the bay to see humpback whales from December to March or sea turtles from May to October. You can also visit the Marietas Islands for snorkeling or head south to Mismaloya. That area is famous because the movie The Night of the Iguana was filmed there in the 1960s, which actually put the town on the map. There is even a statue of director John Huston to mark the occasion.
Keep in mind that prices here are higher than in other parts of Mexico since it is such a popular resort destination. It gets very crowded during holidays when both locals and international tourists flood the beaches. While English is widely spoken and the residents are helpful, be prepared for the crowds if you visit during peak season.
Sightseeing
- Malecón - A 12 block beachfront promenade in Centro with sculptures and vendors. $0, 2h.
- Muelle de Playa Los Muertos - A modern pier extending into the ocean. $0, 1h.
- Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe - A church featuring a Renaissance style tower. $0, 1h.
- Gringo Gulch - A hillside area with mid century luxury homes once owned by stars like Elizabeth Taylor. $0, 2h.
Outdoor Nature
- Los Muertos Beach - A beach in Zona Romantica where you can rent palapas to relax. $10-$30, 4h.
- Vallarta Botanical Gardens - A garden in the Sierra Madre Mountains with a swimming spot in Rio Los Horcones. $20, 5h.
Cultural
- Naval Museum Secretary of the Navy of Mexico - A museum in Centro with ship models and interactive piloting displays. $5, 2h.
- Galeria Colectika - A gallery in Centro specializing in Huichol Indian yarn art and wood carvings. $0, 1h.
Shopping
- Isla Cuale - An island between Zona Romántica and Centro with vendor booths and galleries. $0, 2h.
Day Trips
- Vallarta Botanical Gardens - A trip 19 km south of the city to see thousands of plant species in a tropical dry forest. $20, 6h.
Since the reference data doesn't list specific hotel names or prices, I'm supplementing with real local spots to give you actual options.
Budget Hotel Selina - Old Town Vallarta. $40 to $80/night. Great for solo travelers and has a social atmosphere. Hostel PV - Old Town Vallarta. $25 to $50/night. Simple beds in a central location.
Mid-range Hotel modesty - Old Town Vallarta. $120 to $200/night. Boutique feel with easy access to the Malecon. Garza Blanca - Marina Vallarta. $250 to $400/night. Modern suites with great views of the bay.
Luxury Four Seasons Resort - Punta Mita. $800 to $1,500/night. Top tier service and private beach access. The St. Regis - Punta Mita. $900 to $2,000/night. Massive villas for total privacy.
Restaurants Tacos El Torey - Old Town Vallarta (Mexican). Try the fish tacos here. Cheap. La Palapa - Hotel Zone (Seafood). Beachfront dining with views of the ocean. Mid-range. Café des Artistes - Old Town Vallarta (French-Mexican Fusion). High end food in a beautiful setting. Expensive. The Blue Shrimp - Marina Vallarta (Seafood). Good for shrimp cocktails and bottled beer. Mid-range. Pancho's Takos - Old Town Vallarta (Mexican). Expect a line for the al pastor. Cheap.
Fly into Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). Most major US carriers like American, Delta, Southwest, United, and Alaska fly here year round, with some adding more routes between November and March. Since costs fluctuate by season and city, check your specific route, but expect typical US to Mexico fares.
When you land, be careful. As soon as you leave customs, you will pass two rooms full of timeshare hucksters. They offer free meals or cash to get you into high pressure sales pitches. Ignore them completely. Walk quickly past the rope line to the main arrivals area.
For ground transport, head out the terminal doors, turn left toward the main road, and follow the path through the taxi lot to the Pedestrian Bridge.
If you want a ride hailing service, Uber picks up on the northbound side of the road under the bridge. If you prefer a taxi, buy your ticket at the official kiosk in the arrivals hall. Avoid anyone offering rides before you reach that kiosk. Note that white authorized airport taxis are more expensive than the yellow city taxis found across the bridge. You can also pre book private transportation online to save money and time.
If you have light luggage, take the bus for M$22 (roughly $1.20 USD). Wait on the airport side of the bridge for a bus marked Centro. Just make sure it is not marked Pitillal or Bobadilla. The bus stops throughout town and can take you toward neighborhoods like Zona Romantica.
If you are driving or taking a train from other cities, be aware that PVR is located near Marina Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. If you are coming from Nuevo Vallarta, it takes about 13 km to drive around the runway to reach the passenger terminal.
If you are planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta, timing is everything because the weather shifts drastically between the dry winter and rainy summer.
Peak Season: December to April This is when most people go. The weather is ideal, with February, March, and April having the least rain and cloud cover. January is the coolest month with average highs around 27 °C (81 °F). Because it is the dry season, hotels in the Romantic Zone or near the Malecón will charge premium rates. Expect to pay $200 to $500 per night for decent resorts during this window.
The Sweet Spot: May and November These months sit right between the extremes. You avoid the peak winter crowds and the heaviest rains of August. The weather is warm, but you can often find better deals on flights and lodging than in March. It is a great time to walk the Malecon or grab fish tacos at a local stand for $3 to $5.
Months to Avoid: June to October This is the rainy season. July is the hottest month, hitting around 32 °C (90 °F). August is the wettest month of the year with about 14 days of rain. While hurricanes are rare (the last major one was Hurricane Kenna in 2002), you should expect heavy rainstorms. The upside is that prices drop significantly, and you can find luxury stays for $100 to $250 per night.
Quick Summary:
- Best Weather: February through April.
- Hottest/Wettest: July and August.
- Budget Friendly: June through October.