Puerto Vallarta is an oceanfront city on the west coast of Mexico. The area began as a collection of sleepy fishing and pearl-diving villages. Today, the city and surrounding parts of the Bay of Banderas (Bahía de Banderas) are popular with tourists as a resort destination. You will find a range of outdoor family activities here, from water sports to secluded beaches and botanical gardens.
The Bay of Banderas is a 62-mile (100-kilometre) stretch of beach with rocky outcrops, white sand and clear water. Puerto Vallarta is the largest community here, and is home to the elegant Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Snorkel or scuba dive off the coast and see manta rays, sea bass and dolphins.
Las Caletas is a small, private beach accessible only by water. Take the Vallarta Adventures catamaran to go on hikes in the jungle, visit a small zoo and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch. The beach is the former private residence of Hollywood director John Huston.
Take an evening stroll along the Malecon, the pedestrian promenade that lines the Puerto Vallarta coast. The area is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists and is lined with restaurants, street performers and food vendors. Enjoy a cool tejuino, a local drink made with fermented corn, or buy grilled fish by the skewer.
The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens give insight into the local wildlife and vegetation. The gardens include conservation areas dedicated to the blue agave plant, used in tequila production, as well as native vanilla orchids.
Puerto Vallarta is particularly popular between January and March. Gostavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport is a short bus trip from the city centre. Get around the city on foot or by local buses, which are cheap and run frequently. Try taco stands for cheap street food, or the cafés and restaurants in the old town for sit-down meals.
Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Puerto Vallarta
Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta
Romantic Zone
Are you interested in stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife and popular shops? A visit to Romantic Zone might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Los Muertos Pier and Playa de los Muertos.
Emiliano Zapata
While visiting Emiliano Zapata, you might make a stop by sights like Los Muertos Pier and Playa de los Muertos.
Hotel Zone
Hotel Zone is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Cruise Ship Terminal and Hotel Zone Beach.
Amapas
If you're spending some time in Amapas, Playa de los Muertos and Olas Altas Street are top sights worth seeing.
Marina Vallarta
Travellers to Marina Vallarta praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by El Faro Lighthouse and Marina Vallarta Golf Club.
Downtown Puerto Vallarta
Downtown Puerto Vallarta is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Malecon or Camarones Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
Melia Puerto Vallarta - All inclusive
Beautiful resort, friendly and hardworking staff, excellent experience with Expidia in general, including upgrades and additional perks.
Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025
Barceló Puerto Vallarta - All Inclusive
everything was great, the food never disappointed us, our room and so spacious and clean, the staff was alway on a good mood especially the bartenders at the pool !
Reviewed on 3 Dec 2025
The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta
We truly enjoyed our stay. The staff is what makes this property exceptional—especially Gaby and Antonio, who work in the pool area. They remembered our names and made us feel genuinely welcomed each day. The hotel is currently undergoing a remodel, so a few facilities, including one of the large ...
Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025
Hotel Tropicana - Near Olas Altas Street
We stayed 4 nights in an ocean view room on the 4th floor. It was decent. Nothing fancy but clean and a place to sleep. Beds were decent, I have slept on way worse in Mexico. 3 big downfalls to the room, no screens on the patio doors, no mini fridges (We had to buy a cooler to keep drinks and snacks ...
Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025
Canto del Sol Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive
Our second time visiting this resort. The staff is amazing. The rooms are old and dated but you don’t spend a lot of time in there so doesn’t bother me. The buffet has lots of options. The restaurants are delicious. Quick bus ride to the malecon to enjoy some local sights and eats.
Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025
Costa Sur Resort & Spa
This place is magical. It’s very basic so if you’re looking for fancy, it’s not it. But - the views !! We saw dolphins, eagle spotted manta Rey’s, devil manta rays jumping in the ocean. We saw all kinds of fish including angel fish just snorkeling right on that beach. The staff are amazing, the room ...
Reviewed on 26 Nov 2025
Popular places to visit
Malecon
Sip coconut water, eat grilled fish and check out the shopping and entertainment at this beachside promenade.
Playa de los Muertos
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Playa de los Muertos during your travels in Romantic Zone? Visit the shops and lively bars in this romantic area.
Playa Gemelas
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Playa Gemelas during your travels in Mismaloya? Amble around this relaxing area's seaside and enjoy its lively bars.
Los Arcos
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Los Arcos, a lovely green space in Mismaloya. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Playa Mismaloya
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Playa Mismaloya during your travels in Mismaloya? Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.
Camarones Beach
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Camarones Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Puerto Vallarta. Stroll along the seaside or experience the area's art scene.
