21 Perfect Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is a vacation spot that has been welcoming travellers for a few years, and it’s considered one of our favorite puts to discuss with in Mexico. There are a lot of a laugh issues to do in Puerto Vallarta — it has one thing for everybody.

Whether or not you’re a backpacker on the cheap, a virtual nomad in Mexico taking a look to spend a month, a pair in need of a week-long holiday, or an expat taking a look to relax, you’ll in finding actions in Puerto Vallarta to stay you busy. 

Town is divided up into neighbourhoods (zones), with the unending issues to do in Puerto Vallarta unfold out alongside Banderas Bay and past. In fact, it doesn’t in point of fact topic which a part of the town you keep in, as getting round is simple.

You’re going to, then again, need to select your zone sparsely in keeping with the vibe you’re after and the price range you’ve gotten.

Puerto Vallarta Neighbourhoods & Zones

Right here’s a handy guide a rough rundown of the zones in Puerto Vallarta beginning on the airport and going south:

• Marina – extra upscale than the lodge zone, with the Marriott Lodge, Westin & extra.
• Lodge Zone – only some minutes force from the airport, this house has many motels, eating places, shops, a Walmart & Sams Membership.
• Centro (Previous PV) – smaller properties, residential house, the Malecon (oceanfront prom) runs alongside right here, many eating places and bars. This house is at the north facet of the River Cuale and gives inexpensive lodging.
• Centro (Romantic Zone) – positioned at the south facet of the River Cuale, you’ll in finding a lot of bars, cafes, eating places and Playa Los Muertos Seaside. This can be a in style house with a big LGBTQ group. The lodging levels from price range to best finish.
• Conchas Chinas – which means “Chinese language Shells” in keeping with the seashells discovered right here, it is a extra prosperous/posh house of Puerto Vallarta with gated communities and high-end condos.

Be told extra about the place to stick in Puerto Vallarta with our lodging and neighbourhood information. And, for an entire rundown on travelling to the town of PV, take a look at our detailed information right here.

21 Perfect Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta

After travelling round Puerto Vallarta broadly and researching the town during the eyes of native individuals who helped me get a hold of this record, I’ve narrowed down the 21 highest issues to do on this stunning Mexican seashore the city.

1. Stroll…All over the place!

I’ve to position strolling as #1 at the record of items to do in Puerto Vallarta. Exploring on foot is one of the best ways to get a really feel for the town, and maximum spaces of PV are reachable through strolling.

Mexico is already one of the vital least expensive international locations to commute to, but if you’ll do issues free of charge, like strolling and sightseeing, you’ll save much more cash.

This can be a nice method to see what the distributors are promoting, to other folks watch, and get a lay of the land. You by no means know what you’ll stumble throughout when finding the town on foot — simply you’ll want to put on excellent sneakers because the sidewalks and roads are very asymmetric. 

Be aware: the most productive time to commute to Mexico if you wish to stroll round towns could be within the iciness months, or within the shoulder season. Differently, it may be unbearably scorching and also you’ll possibly need to be on the seashore all day.

2. Sign up for a Meals Excursion

Do you know that Mexico’s delicacies has made the record of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity through UNESCO? This award hasn’t been granted to every other nationwide meals staff.

Mexican meals is so a lot more than tacos and quesadillas and one of the best ways to be told extra in regards to the tasty delicacies is to enroll in a excursion. This can be a will have to do in Puerto Vallarta for foodies.

We’ve accomplished meals excursions everywhere in the global, and our favorite ones are in Mexico.

In Puerto Vallarta, take a look at Vallarta Meals Excursions. This corporate gives a mixture of tradition, strolling, and meals excursions, making it a good way to be told in regards to the town of PV whilst concurrently feasting and dealing off the energy.

There are a couple of foodie excursions on be offering with Vallarta Meals Excursions, however we went at the “Authentic Downtown Excursion“, which took us during the middle of PV on either side of the river. We ate a lot of dishes and attempted some beverages as smartly. You’ll be able to additionally sign up for their night time taco excursion.

We extremely suggest this excursion. Click on right here to be told extra and test out the video we made:

3. See Rhythms Of The Night time (one of the vital highest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta)

In case you’re searching for a mini Cirque de Soleil-type cultural display and dinner enjoy, then Rhythms of The Night time will probably be one thing you gained’t need to pass over.

We noticed this efficiency and even supposing we’re no longer giant lovers of huge staff excursions, this display was once impressive and price each and every penny. This is without doubt one of the best excursions in Puerto Vallarta.

The night time begins with a sundown cruise (together with an open bar) throughout Banderas Bay to Las Caletas, which is a gorgeous non-public cove. While you arrive, you’ll be greeted through a superbly lit house with tiki torches and candles.

You’ll then be proven on your seat within the out of doors auditorium, which is surrounded through palm bushes. The seats are all staggered, so even if there are other folks sitting in entrance of you, you’ll don’t have any problems seeing the display.

The display depicts more than a few tales of the traditional Hispanic civilization and Mexican folklore. All through the efficiency, there’s are living tune, dancing, contortionists, fireplace twirlers, and extra.

Following the display, you’ll experience a big buffet dinner sooner than returning to Puerto Vallarta through boat.

In case you’re questioning what to do in Puerto Vallarta at evening, that is it. Don’t pass over this display. Click on right here to be told extra in regards to the excursion and to guide tickets.

⇒ See Additionally: Issues To Do in Mazatlan – 21 Reports You Don’t Need to Omit

4. Watch Sundown

There’s simply one thing in regards to the sunsets at the Pacific Coast, and particularly, Puerto Vallarta. Probably the most highest sunsets we’ve ever noticed had been from right here. Clutch a drink and benefit from the display.

Nice viewing puts come with anyplace alongside the Malecon, up the hill at the back of the Church of Our Girl of Guadalupe, or from El Barracuda which is our favorite seashore bar.

As soon as the solar is going down, the celebration begins in PV — there are such a large amount of bars and golf equipment, the nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is known. Benefit from the sundown, it’s one of the vital highest unfastened issues to do in Puerto Vallarta. 

*Be aware: Puerto Escondido is any other epic Pacific Coast vacation spot for sunsets in Mexico. You probably have a possibility, attempt to discuss with there as smartly.

5. Loosen up on Playa las Gemelas

Strangely, on the subject of 20 mins force south of Puerto Vallarta, you’ll in finding seashores that seem like they will have to be Cancun or Playa del Carmen somewhat than the Pacific. I feel this is without doubt one of the highest seashores in Mexico.

Playa las Gemelas has turquoise water and whitish sand. Once we visited, there have been moderately a couple of waves, however no riptides or undertow, and the waves have been a laugh to swim in.

Different guests have skilled totally calm water right here, so it in point of fact simply relies on the elements and the time of yr.

There are simply 2 condo complexes at the seashore and not anything else…no longer even any bogs. Carry a cooler stuffed with beer, water, and snacks, and spend the day.

The stroll to the seashore is quite steep and down some asymmetric steps, nevertheless it’s price it whilst you see the view.

To succeed in right here, you’ll need to park at Condominios Girasol Sur (in entrance alongside the street). There’s no exact parking for the seashore, so that you’ll wish to in finding some in the street, or within the few roadside spots in entrance of Girasol Sur Condos.

On the other hand, you’ll take a neighborhood bus and get dropped off right here. That is through some distance my favorite seashore in Puerto Vallarta. Don’t pass over it. Click on right here for instructions.

6. Sign up for a Booze Excursion (with a facet of meals)

For the ones of you who love to drink tequila – it’s Mexico, who doesn’t?! – this excursion is for you.

All through our fresh go back and forth to Puerto Vallarta, we joined the extremely rated Mex-ology excursion and loved a past due afternoon of Mezcal, Tequila, Raicilla, craft beer, Kahlua espresso, and different hand made cocktails.

To move at the side of the booze, you’ll get some tasty meals to lend a hand absorb the alcohol.

The dishes we had have been complete parts of fish tacos, meat tacos, seafood “enchiladas”, onion rings, crickets (sure, crickets!), and delectable dessert.

Now not simplest will you be having a laugh, and feeling a little bit tipsy through the top of it, however you’ll be informed so much in regards to the traditions and introduction of those alcoholic drinks.

We had an excellent day with our information. Such a lot a laugh in truth, that she took us out for some late-night shenanigans the place the expats and locals love to hangout.

Click on right here to be told extra in regards to the Mex-ology Tequila, Tacos & Cocktails Excursion, it’s one of the vital highest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta. 

7. Devour Recent Seafood

Whilst Mexico is without doubt one of the highest international locations on the earth for meals and there’s indisputably a Puerto Vallarta eating place for everybody, infrequently it’s great to consume boulevard (seashore) meals.

In case you’re an oyster lover, you’ll be at liberty to grasp that you’ll get contemporary oysters at the seashore. Slightly below the bridge that crosses the River Cuale, you’ll see many distributors promoting those tasty morsels.

Plastic tables and chairs are arrange so you’ll sit down and experience your plate of meals through the water, or you’ll take them to move. Squeeze some lime juice, sprinkle with some salt and upload some scorching sauce in case you like.

Another choice is to enroll in this tasty seafood enjoy which incorporates the oysters indexed above, and a lot more.

You’ll additionally consume ceviche and aguachile, fish fillets, tacos, quesadillas, soups…as many seafood dishes as you wish to have! It’s all integrated. Plus, you’ll wash all of it down with limitless beer. This implausible excursion sells out rapid. Be told extra right here. 

☞ SEE ALSO: Playa del Carmen Mexico: The Final Commute Information

8. Talk over with San Pancho

About an hour’s force from Puerto Vallarta is the seashore the city of San Pancho (San Francisco), which is without doubt one of the highest day journeys from Puerto Vallarta.

This small the city isn’t as quiet because it as soon as was once, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a pleasant position to discuss with. What’s unexpected is that even if it’s no longer an excessively giant position, there are many issues to do in San Pancho.

The easiest way to be told all about San Pancho is to catch up with Samuel and experience a leisurely motorbike experience across the the city. Samuel will display you a number of hidden gem stones and inform tales in regards to the house. This a laugh enjoy is very rated and inexpensive and comprises the cycling equipment, and a few food and drink. Be told extra right here. 

San Pancho is a groovy position to spend the afternoon because it’s simply an hour clear of Puerto Vallarta. To get from Puerto Vallarta to San Pancho, you’ll hire a automobile, take the bus for round 50 pesos, or sign up for an afternoon excursion of San Pancho and within sight Sayulita.

Be aware: the sea here’s moderately tough and isn’t a great spot for swimming. You should take a look at Bucerias for swimming.

9. Stroll The Malecon

Some of the many good stuff about Puerto Vallarta is the lengthy Malecon (oceanfront prom) which runs for approximately 1.5 kilometers (1 mile). That is the very best spot to experience a walk, with no need to maintain the busy visitors that whizzes alongside the slim streets.

Alongside the Malecon, you’ve gotten the pretty ocean on one facet, and lots of retail outlets, eating places, and bars at the different (promoting $1 margaritas and Coronas). There also are a lot of artwork installations and boulevard performances right here.

The Malecon is the hot-spot, particularly within the past due afternoon and evenings when it’s a cooler temperature. And in fact, wandering alongside the Malecon is without doubt one of the most well liked issues to do in L. a. Paz as smartly.

An effective way to discover a extra off-the-beaten-path house of the Malecon is to enroll in this a laugh cycling enjoy. Cycling apparatus and a few beverages are integrated. Be told extra right here.

The place to Keep in Puerto Vallarta

There are a lot of lodges, motels, boutiques, hostels, Airbnbs, and flats for hire in Puerto Vallarta. There in point of fact is one thing for everybody, with Airbnb and Reserving.com being the most well liked techniques to guide. 

10. Sign up for a Chocolate Making Magnificence

The Choco Museum is without doubt one of the many unfastened issues to do in Puerto Vallarta. In case you’re interested by studying the historical past at the back of cocoa, plus learning how chocolate is made (from harvest to manufacturing), then the museum is for you.

If you wish to get your fingers grimy and EAT some scrumptious chocolate, then ensure that to enroll in one of the vital categories on the Choco Museo.

Learn to make conventional mole sauce, scorching chocolate cakes, or person sweets. Click on right here to be told extra about workshops and categories.

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11. Mountain Cycling Go back and forth

Despite the fact that lounging through the seashore and devouring tacos is at all times a good suggestion when travelling to Mexico, it could be a good suggestion to get some workout each and every now and again! This is without doubt one of the Puerto Vallarta actions you don’t need to pass over.

Eco Experience is an eco-conscious corporate in Puerto Vallarta that gives mountain cycling and mountaineering journeys within the surrounding jungle trails of the Occidental Sierra Madre.

In case you’re into journey and being lively, this is without doubt one of the issues to do in Puerto Vallarta that are supposed to be on the best of your record. 

They’ve cycling excursions for newbies and complicated riders, plus they provide other duration journeys as smartly — from 15 to 48 kilometers (9.3 – 30 miles).

The routes go thru villages, waterfalls, rivers, pine bushes, and extra. Click on right here to be told extra about Eco Experience and the cycling and mountaineering journeys they provide.

*Be aware: in case you’d somewhat mix workout with consuming, Vallarta Meals Excursions has a brand new excursion referred to as Motorcycles & Bites…test it out.

12. Kick back Out on Los Muertos Seaside

That is the seashore south of the Los Muertos Pier. And, as with the stretch of sand north of the pier, there are numerous actions occurring — from swimming and browsing to parasailing and boating. Plus, you’ll in finding a lot of seashore eating places and bars right here.

There are distributors wandering up and down the seashore as smartly, however they aren’t too pushy. Close to the south facet of the pier, you’ll in finding a number of native households spending the day (particularly on weekends), whilst additional south from there is regarded as the LGBTQ house, which is at all times busy and numerous a laugh.

We’ve visited this seashore a couple of occasions now. All through December, the waves have been extremely giant and the surf and undertow have been unbelievably sturdy. The tough water began from the pier and went north to the L. a. Langosta Loca eating place.

Then again, at the south facet of the pier, the water was once calm and kids have been swimming. Once we hungout at Los Muertos seashore in the summertime, the water was once calm in every single place — and we even noticed a number of small Manta Rays!

At all times bear in mind of the sea and when doubtful, at all times ask a neighborhood if it’s protected to swim.

☞ SEE ALSO: 51 Superior Issues To Do in Mexico

13. Wander The Previous The city

Puerto Vallarta has a phenomenal outdated the city with cobbled streets and vibrant properties mountain climbing up the hill. From close to the Church of Our Girl of Guadalupe, you’ll see rock/cement steps heading up the hill.

Take the stairs and proceed strolling alongside the again roads in opposition to the Romantic Zone. As the general public take the Malecon or the principle streets, you’ll have the quiet “higher” roads principally to your self.

You’ll come throughout properties draped in vines, cats drowsing on steps and beautiful wrought-iron balconies. After you’ve completed exploring and taking part in the peace and quiet, you’ll pop out close to the Rio River.

For a great view, you’ll hike as much as the Mirador Cerro de L. a. Cruz. It takes about half-hour and is a little bit strenuous, however the view is impressive. Carry a number of water and put on excellent sneakers.

14. Cross Scuba Diving

Getting out at the water is at all times a good suggestion when travelling, however so is getting below it. The diving in Mexico is subsequent degree. 

Whether or not you’re scuba qualified or no longer, take a look at Banderas Scuba Republic. This corporate is PADI identified and the crew is PADI qualified.

At this scuba store, you’ll take categories and courses to get your certification, or if you have already got your Open Water, you’ll opt for some dives. Whilst scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta isn’t the most productive in Mexico, it’s at all times great to get out for a dive.

Be expecting to look turtles, rays, eels, and extra. Banderas Scuba Republic is positioned within the Romantic Zone, prevent through and test them out.

Be aware: We didn’t for my part dive with Banderas Scuba Republic, they have been simply extremely reviewed on TripAdvisor. At all times do your personal unbiased analysis when opting for a scuba diving corporate.

15. Sign up for a Loose Strolling Excursion

Strolling by yourself is excellent, however if you wish to be informed a little bit extra in regards to the town of Puerto Vallarta, together with its tradition, historical past, and structure, then it’s highest to enroll in a strolling excursion with a an expert information.

That is the most productive factor to do in Puerto Vallarta for your first day within the town so you’ll get your bearings.

Each and every Tuesday (9:00am and midday), Wednesday (9:00am and midday) and Saturday (9:00am), there are unfastened excursions placed on through the Municipal Tourism Place of job.

The assembly level is on the Municipal Tourism Place of job, which is within the Previous Town Corridor Development. The excursion is set 2 hours lengthy and no reservation is needed. Click on right here for main points.

16. Sign up for the Loose Artwork Stroll

Puerto Vallarta has essentially the most artwork galleries of any Mexican coastal town. On Wednesday evenings, lots of the artwork retail outlets open their doorways and make allowance guests within to view the items.

All mediums of artwork are on show, together with art work, sculptures, pottery and people artwork. A discuss with here’s indisputably one of the vital extra distinctive issues to do in Puerto Vallarta.

Front is unfastened, there is not any information, however there’s generally wine and tequila given to guests…free of charge. The “artwork stroll” runs from the top of October to the top of Might, from 6:00pm to ten:00pm, each and every Wednesday. This can be a once a year match. Click on right here to be told extra in regards to the Artwork Stroll.

17. Talk over with the Church Of Our Girl Of Guadalupe

You’ll be able to’t pass over the Church Of Our Girl Of Guadalupe whilst you discuss with. Towering over the middle of Puerto Vallarta is this gorgeous piece of structure. In case you’re questioning what to do in Puerto Vallarta when it’s raining, a go back and forth to this church is a good suggestion.

Whether or not you’re non secular or no longer, I like to recommend taking a peek within, and naturally, taking a whole lot of pictures of the ornate external. This church is without doubt one of the highest puts to discuss with in Puerto Vallarta.

When you find yourself within the town from December 1 – 12, you’ll have the ability to benefit from the celebrations for the Our Girl of Guadalupe Pageant, which incorporates candlelight processions, vibrant parades, and naturally, meals.

18. Talk over with Mismaloya

Positioned at the southern a part of Banderas Bay, you’ll in finding the fishing village of Mismaloya. That is the place tourism within the Puerto Vallarta house all began, again in 1963 with the filming of Night time Of The Iguana. 

Nowadays, Puerto Vallarta has extra tourism, whilst the bay at Mismaloya continues to be somewhat quiet. That is any other nice day go back and forth from Puerto Vallarta.

The beautiful bay is sponsored through thick jungle, there are eating places lining the seashore and also you’ll have perspectives of the Los Arcos Marine Park. There may be, then again, the Barcelo Hotel which takes up a lot of the bay, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a pleasant position to discuss with.

☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in L. a. Paz, Mexico – A Checklist of the Best 21

19. Test Out The Markets

Visiting the markets in Mexico is at all times a deal with. In Puerto Vallarta, you’ll in finding meals, fish, clothes, and memento markets.

Don’t pass over the Municipal Marketplace of Colonia Emiliano Zapata, which is a smart position to buy contemporary produce. This marketplace runs from 6:00am to three:00pm, 12 months a yr. Click on right here for instructions.

Additionally, if you wish to have contemporary produce and fish, take a look at the Municipal Marketplace in December 5. Cross early to get the most productive choice of seafood.

Within the strip of distributors, you’ll in finding meats, greens, tortillas, and different pieces. This can be a good spot to take meals away, or to create a scrumptious lunch! Visiting a neighborhood marketplace is without doubt one of the highest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta. Click on right here for instructions.

20. Do Some Mountaineering

You gained’t in point of fact in finding mountaineering within the town itself. However, if you’re taking a bus, or force your automobile out to Boca de Tomatlan, you’ll do a in point of fact nice day hike to Las Animas. The trail winds alongside the sea, with the jungle on one facet and the pretty water at the different.

Take a look at this highly-rated, inexpensive day go back and forth — which incorporates transportation from Puerto Vallarta, snacks, snorkelling equipment, and a drink on the eating place on the finish. In finding out extra right here. 

You’ll hike alongside stone stairs and slim paths, whilst arriving at pretty secluded bays alongside the best way. In case you’re fortunate, you’ll see some whales or dolphins enjoying within the water.

All the hike takes about 2 hours to finish, and if you arrive at Las Animas, all that’s left to do is benefit from the seashore, and one of the vital many eating places on be offering.

To get again to Boca, you’ll take a ship from Las Animas, or hike again the best way you got here. This is without doubt one of the highest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta for out of doors enthusiasts. For more info on how to try this hike, click on right here. 

For the reason that go back and forth could be a bit complicated to do by yourself, an excellent possibility is to enroll in this inexpensive enjoy with a neighborhood information, which incorporates meals, drink, and shipping. Be told extra about this a laugh day go back and forth right here.

21. Spend A Night time On The The city

The Puerto Vallarta nightlife is superior. It doesn’t matter what kind of a celebration you’re searching for, you’ll in finding it in PV.

From seashore bars and nightclubs to cantinas and breweries, an evening out in Puerto Vallarta is bound to be memorable. Whilst lots of the happenin’ nightlife is across the Romantic Zone, you’ll in finding bars around the town.

Dance the evening away at Co-De or one of the vital many in style Malecon nightclubs (Zoo, Mandala or L. a. Vaquita) or watch your favorite sports activities crew at the giant display screen at puts like El Torito Sports activities Bar & BBQ Space, Avid gamers and El Soñador. 

For are living tune, you’ll’t move improper with Incanto, Roxy Rock Space, and L. a. Casa de Hugo. If it’s craft beer you search, you’ve gotten a few choices in Puerto Vallarta. Don’t pass over Monzon and Los Muertos. For cocktail enthusiasts, take a look at El Colibri, Bar L. a. Playa, and Twisted Arms.

To be informed extra about the most productive puts to sip and dance, take a look at our publish: Puerto Vallarta Nightlife – The Perfect Puts to Drink and Dance.

Bonus Actions!

22. Volunteer With Canine

In case you’re an animal lover, why no longer spend a couple of hours of your holiday in PV volunteering with animals?

Buddies of Puerto Vallarta Animals want volunteers to spend time with the canine (and cats!) on the safe haven. You’ll be able to lend a hand out through strolling canine, feeding them and naturally, giving them a number of love and a focus. 

The Acopio safe haven is positioned just a bit bit outdoor of the middle of the town, however remember to touch Buddies of PV Animals first sooner than arriving on the safe haven. Be told extra about how you’ll make a distinction in a safe haven canine’s existence, right here. 

23. Talk over with Marietas Island

Whilst this isn’t technically a factor to do in Puerto Vallarta, a go back and forth to Marietas Island is a superb day go back and forth. Most effective 116 other folks in step with day are allowed to discuss with this beautiful website — remember to guide on-line forward of time.

Positioned a couple of 1-hour boat experience from the Puerto Vallarta marina, you’ll in finding the Marietas hidden seashore. Now not simplest is the snorkelling and the seashore itself beautiful, however at the boat experience available in the market you’ll possibly spot dolphins, manta rays, and whales. In finding out extra right here.

Now You Know What To Do in Puerto Vallarta

I am hoping this record of items to do in Puerto Vallarta is helping you intend your go back and forth. Whilst the town is moderately touristy, it’s in style for excellent reason why and we in point of fact experience our visits right here.

You’ll want to pattern the tasty boulevard meals each time you’ll, discover the native markets, and experience strolling across the town. Tell us what you possibly can upload to this record within the feedback under. Glad travels

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