About Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican resort city on Bahía de Banderas of the Pacific coast of the Mexican state of Jalisco. Puerto Vallarta is the second largest urban agglomeration in the state after the Guadalajara metropolitan area. The city of Puerto Vallarta is the government seat of the municipality of Puerto Vallarta, which comprises the city as well as population centers outside of the city, extending from Boca de Tomatlán to the Nayarit border. The city is located at 20°40′N 105°16′W. The municipality has an area of 681 square kilometres (262.9 sq mi). To the north, it borders the southwest of the state of Nayarit. To the east, it borders the municipality of Mascota and San Sebastián del Oeste, and to the south, it borders the municipalities of Talpa de Allende and Cabo Corrientes.
Places to visit in Puerto Vallarta
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Malecón
LandmarkA seafront boardwalk lined with bronze sculptures, restaurants, and bars, stretching along the bay. Stroll it at sunset when street performers and families fill the walkway.
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Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Religious · 2 mi from centreThe city's main church, topped by a distinctive crown-shaped tower that is visible from all over town. Visit in early December, when daily pilgrimages with music and dancers fill the surrounding streets.
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Zona Romántica
Neighborhood · 3 mi from centreThe old town's lively south side, with cobblestone streets, beach bars, galleries, and a popular LGBTQ scene. Walk down to Los Muertos Pier for sunset.
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Islas Marietas
Nature · 24 mi from centreProtected volcanic islands famous for their hidden beach inside a crater. Access to the beach is limited, so book a licensed tour early and expect to swim in.
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Los Arcos National Marine Park
Nature · 8 mi from centreRock formations rising from the bay with natural arches, popular for snorkeling and diving. Book a morning boat tour for calmer water and better visibility.
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Vallarta Botanical Garden
Park · 13 mi from centreA large garden in the hills south of town, known for orchids, birds, and a swimming spot in the river. Take the local bus and plan to eat at the garden restaurant.
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Yelapa
Beach · 18 mi from centreA beach village reachable only by boat, with a waterfall and relaxed beach restaurants. Water taxis leave from Los Muertos Pier, so check return times before you go.
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Sayulita
Beach · 21 mi from centreA colorful surf town north of Puerto Vallarta with a lively plaza and beginner-friendly waves. Take a surf lesson and stay for dinner in the town center.
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta by type
48 tours, tickets and experiences across 9 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 15 experiences Canopy River Expedition -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 9 experiences Aquaventuras Dolphin Encounter -
Cruise & Water Tours 8 experiences Buccaneer Night -
Day Trips & Excursions 5 experiences Caletas -
Shows, sports and special events 4 experiences Buccaneer Night -
Amusement Parks 4 experiences Aquaventuras Park -
City tours 3 experiences E-Bikes and Taco Tasting Tour -
Travel Services 2 experiences Travel Internet Hubby eSIM - Mexico -
Spa & Wellness 2 experiences Buccaneer Night
- Flexible 2
- 3-6 hours 2
- 1-3 hours 1
- Over 6 hours 1
- Youth 12
- Families 11
- Couples 11
- Families with kids 4
- Senior 3
- Adult only 1
- Small group 5
Top experiences in Puerto Vallarta
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 48 available.
Cirque Du Soleil LUDÕ
From $133 per adult
Vallarta 360 City Tour
From $68 per adult
Rhythms of the Night
From $124 per adult
Snorkeling Adventure by Speed Boat
From $101 per adult
Extreme Adventure: Zipline, Buggy, Slide and Rappel Tour
From $134 per adult
Aquaventuras Dolphin Encounter
From $86 per adult
Caletas
From $165 per adult
Dolphin Swim Adventure at Aquaventuras Park
From $112 per adult
Dolphin Royal Swim, Aquaventuras
From $138 per adult
Aquaventuras Park
From $26 per adult
Outdoor Adventure: Zipline, Speedboat and Rappel
From $134 per adult
Tour to Los Arcos-Animas-Quimixto
From $79 per adult
Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta
Popular hotels in Puerto Vallarta, out of 254 properties you can book.
Krystal Puerto Vallarta
From $87 per night
Las Palmas By The Sea All Inclusive
From $166 per night
Krystal Grand Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive
From $197 per night
Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta
From $231 per night
Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta
From $391 per night
Sheraton Buganvilias Puerto Vallarta
From $177 per night
Costa Sur All Inclusive Resort
From $247 per night
Villa del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort & Spa
From $171 per night
Garza Blanca Preserve
From $302 per night
Almar LGBT Luxury Resort
From $203 per night
Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort and Spa All Incl
From $327 per night
Crown Paradise Golden All Inclusive
From $248 per night
Best time to visit Puerto Vallarta
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Puerto Vallarta is December to April, when average daytime highs are around 79–82°F and rain falls on about 1 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Puerto Vallarta weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 87° 76° 22%
- Thu 22 Oct 88° 77° 42%
- Fri 23 Oct 87° 77° 76%
- Sat 24 Oct 86° 76° 92%
- Sun 25 Oct 87° 75° 49%
- Mon 26 Oct 91° 78° 53%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Mexican peso (MXN)1 US dollar ≈ $18.4
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +52
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Mexico_CityUTC−6
- Capital
- Mexico City
Upcoming public holidays in Mexico
- Revolution DayDía de la Revolución
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Benito Juárez's birthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
- Labour DayDía del Trabajo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Puerto Vallarta
These are the airports closest to central Puerto Vallarta. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- PVR Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around Puerto Vallarta
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.
By bus
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.
By car
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.
Puerto Vallarta travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Puerto Vallarta is December to April, when average daytime highs are around 79–82°F and rain falls on about 1 days a month.
What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta?
October is usually the warmest month in Puerto Vallarta, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 63°F (17°C). The wettest month is typically August, with about 183 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Puerto Vallarta?
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Puerto Vallarta.
What currency is used in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $18.4.
What time zone is Puerto Vallarta in?
Puerto Vallarta uses the America/Mexico_City time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Puerto Vallarta?
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.
What are the best places to visit in Puerto Vallarta?
Top sights in Puerto Vallarta include Malecón, Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Zona Romántica and Islas Marietas. A seafront boardwalk lined with bronze sculptures, restaurants, and bars, stretching along the bay. Stroll it at sunset when street performers and families fill the walkway.
What are the top things to do in Puerto Vallarta?
Popular experiences you can book in Puerto Vallarta include Cirque Du Soleil LUDÕ, Vallarta 360 City Tour and Rhythms of the Night. Destina Holidays offers 48 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Puerto Vallarta?
The most popular types of experiences in Puerto Vallarta are outdoor activities & adventure (15), zoo, aquarium & nature (9), cruise & water tours (8) and day trips & excursions (5). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Puerto Vallarta?
Popular areas for hotels in Puerto Vallarta include Hotel Zone, Nuevo Vallarta / Riviera Nayarit and South. Well-reviewed options include Krystal Puerto Vallarta and Las Palmas By The Sea All Inclusive.
How many hotels can I book in Puerto Vallarta?
Destina Holidays currently lists 254 properties in and around Puerto Vallarta, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
