Puerto Vallarta
Photo: Ondrej Bocek / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
November to April for dry, sunny weather and whale season; May-October is hot, humid, and rainy
Language
Spanish; English widely spoken in tourist zones
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN); US dollars accepted in many tourist areas
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6) — Puerto Vallarta is in Jalisco, on Central Time
Airport
Lic. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), 7 km north of the centre
Population
approx. 290,000 (city proper)
Climate
Tropical — warm year-round (24-32°C), distinct dry winter and humid rainy summer
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1-2) — one of Mexico's safer resort cities; normal tourist precautions
Whale Season
Humpback whales calve in the Bay of Banderas mid-December to late March
Top Highlights
The Malecón
A mile-long oceanfront promenade lined with bronze sculptures, street performers, galleries, and bars, running through the heart of downtown. Free and open 24/7; liveliest at sunset and after dark. Start at the Los Arcos amphitheatre and stroll north — buskers and sand artists fill the boardwalk nightly.
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Puerto Vallarta's landmark parish, crowned with a distinctive filigree crown modelled on an empress's tiara, in the old-town Zona Centro. Free entry outside Mass; dress modestly. A few steps from the Malecón — visit on a December evening during the famous Guadalupe processions if you can.
Zona Romántica (Old Town)
The bohemian south-side district of cobbled hills, rooftop restaurants, and the lively Olas Altas dining scene, plus the gay-friendly Playa Los Muertos. Free to explore; allow an evening. Climb to the Cuale River island for craft markets, then watch the sunset over the pier with a margarita.
Marietas Islands & the Hidden Beach
A protected archipelago famous for the Playa Escondida 'hidden beach' inside a collapsed crater, reached by boat tour (~US$90-120) with snorkelling. Access to the hidden beach is strictly limited by daily permits to protect the reef — book a licensed operator ahead. About a 1-hour boat ride out.
Yelapa
A roadless fishing-and-bohemian village in the bay's far south, reachable only by water taxi (~US$20-25 round trip from the pier or Boca de Tomatlán). Hike to its jungle waterfall, eat fresh-caught fish on the sand, and try a slice of the famous beach 'pie'. A perfect off-grid day trip.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
A hillside reserve of orchids, agaves, and native jungle 30 minutes south of town, with river swimming holes and a hacienda restaurant. Entry ~US$10; open Tue-Sun, allow 2-3 hours. Take the cheap public 'El Tuito' bus from Carranza Street — a cool, green break from the beach.
Bay of Banderas Whale Watching
From mid-December to late March, humpback whales breach in the warm bay, and certified tours (~US$50-80, 3-4 hours) carry biologists and hydrophones. Choose a small-boat operator that respects the legal distance rules. Morning trips usually have calmer seas — bring a light jacket and motion remedy.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Puerto Vallarta Itinerary
Arrival & Zona Romántica
Land at PVR, settle into the bohemian Old Town, and ease into the bay with a first sunset on Los Muertos beach. Keep it light after travel.
Airport transfer from PVR to Zona Romántica(25 minutes)
Pre-book an authorized airport taxi or use Uber (~250-350 MXN); the official taxi booth desks inside the terminal are the hassle-free option, and politely decline anyone offering a 'free tour'.
Check in and settle on Olas Altas(1 hour)
Base yourself in the Zona Romántica near Olas Altas or Basilio Badillo for walkable dining and beach access.
Sunset on Playa Los Muertos by the Pier(2 hours)
Grab a beach chair near the iconic sail-shaped Los Muertos Pier; beach-club loungers run ~150-200 MXN with minimum spend, and a margarita is around 120-180 MXN.
Dinner on Basilio Badillo (Restaurant Row)(1.5 hours)
Wander the 'Calle del Café' restaurant row; La Palapa on the sand is a splurge classic, or keep it casual at a rooftop taquería.
Downtown, the Malecón & Old Town heart
A walking day through historic Vallarta — colonial streets, the crowned church, the sculpture-lined boardwalk, and the Cuale river island, all on foot.
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe(45 minutes)
Visit the landmark parish with its filigree crown modelled on an empress's tiara; free entry outside Mass, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees).
Río Cuale island craft markets(1 hour)
Cross the footbridge to the green island in the middle of the Cuale River for craft stalls, the small museum, and shaded cafés away from the heat.
Lunch and midday siesta(2 hours)
Escape the midday sun — try Pancho's Takos for al pastor tacos (~30-50 MXN each), then retreat for a rest during the hottest hours.
Stroll the Malecón at golden hour(2 hours)
Walk the mile-long boardwalk from the Los Arcos amphitheatre past the bronze sculptures (the Seahorse, the Rotonda del Mar); buskers, sand artists, and clay-mask 'Voladores de Papantla' pole-flyers perform near sunset.
Dinner and Malecón nightlife(2 hours)
End the night downtown — rooftop cocktails or live music; the boardwalk is liveliest after dark.
Marietas Islands & the Hidden Beach
A full-day boat tour to the protected Marietas archipelago for snorkelling and the famous collapsed-crater Playa Escondida — book ahead, permits are strictly limited.
Marietas Islands eco-tour(7 hours)
Depart the marina for the ~1-hour boat ride out; tours run ~US$90-120 (1,600-2,200 MXN). Access to the Hidden Beach is capped by daily federal permits, so book a licensed operator in advance and bring reef-safe sunscreen (required in the protected waters).
Snorkel and swim at the Marietas reefs(2 hours)
Look for blue-footed boobies, manta rays, and clear reef snorkelling; a short guided swim through the rock tunnel reaches Playa Escondida when permits allow.
Evening rest in Zona Romántica(2 hours)
Recover from sun and salt with an early casual dinner near Olas Altas; a quiet night after a big water day.
South-shore villages: Las Ánimas & Quimixto
Hop the water taxis along the roadless southern coast — palapa beaches, grilled fish, and a jungle waterfall hike, all reached only by boat.
Water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán(30 minutes)
Take the cheap bus or Uber to Boca de Tomatlán, then catch a colectivo water taxi (~200 MXN round trip) — far cheaper than leaving from the Los Muertos pier.
Beach time and lunch at Playa Las Ánimas(2.5 hours)
Claim a palapa, swim the calm cove, and order pescado zarandeado (whole grilled fish, ~250-350 MXN) at a beachfront restaurant.
Boat onward to Quimixto waterfall(2 hours)
Short water-taxi hop to Quimixto, then a 20-minute walk (or ~150 MXN horseback ride) to the jungle waterfall and swimming pool below it.
Afternoon return boat and easy dinner(1.5 hours)
Catch the mid-afternoon return boat before seas pick up; back in town, keep dinner simple — Joe Jack's Fish Shack on Basilio Badillo is a reliable favourite.
Rest day & Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Slow the pace with a cool, green half-day in the hills, then a relaxed beach afternoon. The one true rest day of the week.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens(3 hours)
Take the cheap 'El Tuito' public bus from Carranza Street (~30 min, ~25 MXN) to the hillside reserve of orchids and agaves; entry ~US$10 (180 MXN), with river swimming holes and the Hacienda de Oro restaurant for lunch. Open Tue-Sun.
Lazy beach afternoon back in town(2.5 hours)
Return for a slow afternoon on Los Muertos or Playa Camarones — no agenda, just a book and a paleta.
Sunset cocktails on a rooftop(1.5 hours)
Catch the sunset from a Zona Romántica rooftop bar; El Solar or a beach-club terrace work well.
Yelapa — off-grid bay village
A day trip to the roadless bohemian fishing village in the bay's far south: waterfall hike, fresh fish on the sand, and the famous beach pie.
Water taxi to Yelapa(45 minutes)
Catch the morning water taxi from the Los Muertos pier or, cheaper, from Boca de Tomatlán (~US$20-25 / 350-450 MXN round trip); there are no roads in, so the boat is the only way.
Hike to the Yelapa waterfall(1.5 hours)
Walk 20-30 minutes through the village to the upper Cascada Cola de Caballo waterfall (small entry fee); swim in the pool below before the midday heat.
Fresh-fish lunch and the famous pie(1.5 hours)
Eat just-caught fish at a beachfront palapa, then buy a slice of coconut or chocolate pie from the pie ladies who walk the sand.
Afternoon return boat(1 hour)
Take the early-afternoon return water taxi to avoid choppier late-day seas; relax back at base for the evening.
Marina, last shopping & departure
A relaxed final morning around Marina Vallarta and last-minute shopping before the airport transfer. Checkout day.
Marina Vallarta morning stroll(1.5 hours)
Walk the yacht-lined marina boardwalk and the El Faro lighthouse area; easy and close to the airport for departure logistics.
Last-minute shopping and coffee(1 hour)
Pick up vanilla, Raicilla (the local agave spirit), Talavera ceramics, or huichol beadwork; pay in pesos for the best price.
Hotel checkout(30 minutes)
Settle the bill and store bags if your flight is later in the day.
Transfer to PVR airport(20 minutes)
Marina Vallarta is only ~10 minutes from PVR; leave at least 2.5-3 hours before an international flight for security and immigration.
14-Day Puerto Vallarta Itinerary
Arrival & Zona Romántica
Land at PVR, settle into the bohemian Old Town, and ease into the bay with a first sunset on Los Muertos beach. Keep it light after travel.
Airport transfer from PVR to Zona Romántica(25 minutes)
Pre-book an authorized airport taxi from the terminal booth or use Uber (~250-350 MXN); politely decline anyone offering a 'free tour' — it's the timeshare hustle.
Check in and settle on Olas Altas(1 hour)
Base yourself near Olas Altas or Basilio Badillo for walkable dining and beach access.
Sunset on Playa Los Muertos by the Pier(2 hours)
Grab a beach chair near the sail-shaped Los Muertos Pier; loungers run ~150-200 MXN with minimum spend, margaritas ~120-180 MXN.
Dinner on Basilio Badillo (Restaurant Row)(1.5 hours)
Wander the 'Calle del Café'; La Palapa on the sand for a splurge or a casual rooftop taquería.
Downtown, the Malecón & Old Town heart
A walking day through historic Vallarta — colonial streets, the crowned church, the sculpture-lined boardwalk, and the Cuale river island, all on foot.
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe(45 minutes)
The landmark parish with its filigree crown modelled on an empress's tiara; free entry outside Mass, dress modestly.
Río Cuale island craft markets(1 hour)
Cross the footbridge to the green island in the Cuale River for craft stalls, the small museum, and shaded cafés.
Lunch and midday siesta(2 hours)
Beat the heat — Pancho's Takos for al pastor (~30-50 MXN each), then rest during the hottest hours.
Stroll the Malecón at golden hour(2 hours)
Walk the mile-long boardwalk from the Los Arcos amphitheatre past the bronze sculptures; sand artists and pole-flying Voladores perform near sunset.
Dinner and Malecón nightlife(2 hours)
Rooftop cocktails or live music downtown; the boardwalk is liveliest after dark.
Marietas Islands & the Hidden Beach
A full-day boat tour to the protected Marietas archipelago for snorkelling and the famous collapsed-crater Playa Escondida — book ahead, permits are strictly limited.
Marietas Islands eco-tour(7 hours)
~1-hour boat ride out; tours ~US$90-120 (1,600-2,200 MXN). Hidden Beach access is capped by daily federal permits — book a licensed operator ahead and bring reef-safe sunscreen (required).
Snorkel and swim at the Marietas reefs(2 hours)
Blue-footed boobies, manta rays, and clear reef snorkelling; a guided swim through the rock tunnel reaches Playa Escondida when permits allow.
Evening rest in Zona Romántica(2 hours)
Recover with an early casual dinner near Olas Altas after a big water day.
South-shore villages: Las Ánimas & Quimixto
Hop the water taxis along the roadless southern coast — palapa beaches, grilled fish, and a jungle waterfall hike, all reached only by boat.
Water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán(30 minutes)
Bus or Uber to Boca de Tomatlán, then a colectivo water taxi (~200 MXN round trip) — cheaper than leaving from the Los Muertos pier.
Beach time and lunch at Playa Las Ánimas(2.5 hours)
Claim a palapa, swim the calm cove, and order pescado zarandeado (~250-350 MXN).
Boat onward to Quimixto waterfall(2 hours)
Short hop to Quimixto, then a 20-minute walk (or ~150 MXN horseback ride) to the jungle waterfall and swimming pool.
Afternoon return boat and easy dinner(1.5 hours)
Catch the return boat before seas pick up; back in town, Joe Jack's Fish Shack on Basilio Badillo is reliable.
Rest day & Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Slow the pace with a cool, green half-day in the hills, then a relaxed beach afternoon. The week's first rest day.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens(3 hours)
Take the 'El Tuito' public bus from Carranza Street (~30 min, ~25 MXN); entry ~US$10 (180 MXN), with river swimming holes and the Hacienda de Oro restaurant. Open Tue-Sun.
Lazy beach afternoon back in town(2.5 hours)
A slow afternoon on Los Muertos or Playa Camarones — a book and a paleta, no agenda.
Sunset cocktails on a rooftop(1.5 hours)
Catch the sunset from a Zona Romántica rooftop bar like El Solar.
Yelapa — off-grid bay village
A day trip to the roadless bohemian fishing village in the bay's far south: waterfall hike, fresh fish on the sand, and the famous beach pie.
Water taxi to Yelapa(45 minutes)
Morning water taxi from the Los Muertos pier or, cheaper, Boca de Tomatlán (~US$20-25 / 350-450 MXN round trip); no roads in.
Hike to the Yelapa waterfall(1.5 hours)
Walk 20-30 minutes to the upper Cola de Caballo waterfall (small entry fee); swim in the pool before midday heat.
Fresh-fish lunch and the famous pie(1.5 hours)
Just-caught fish at a beach palapa, then a slice of coconut or chocolate pie from the pie ladies.
Afternoon return boat(1 hour)
Early-afternoon return to avoid choppy late-day seas; relax at base for the evening.
Sayulita & San Pancho day trip (Riviera Nayarit)
Head north out of Jalisco into Nayarit for the surf-and-bohemian energy of Sayulita and quieter San Pancho. Note: Nayarit runs an hour behind on Mountain Time — set your watch.
Drive or bus north to Sayulita(1 hour)
Compostela 'ATM' buses from the Walmart/Plaza Las Glorias stop run ~45-60 min (~50-60 MXN); or rent a car / take a tour. Sayulita is in Nayarit, one time zone behind PV.
Sayulita beginner surf lesson(2 hours)
Gentle beach-break waves make Sayulita Mexico's surf-lesson capital; group lessons with board ~US$30-40 (550-700 MXN).
Lunch and browse Sayulita's galleries(1.5 hours)
Colourful papel-picado streets, huichol-bead boutiques, and beachfront ceviche; lively but touristy.
Quieter afternoon in San Pancho(2 hours)
Short hop to laid-back San Francisco (San Pancho) for a calmer beach, the Entreamigos community centre, and sunset before heading back.
Tequila & agave country (Jalisco mountains)
A long but iconic day trip inland to the UNESCO agave landscape and the town of Tequila — distillery tours and tastings. Best booked as a guided round trip.
Guided day tour toward Tequila(10 hours)
Tequila town is ~3.5-4 hours each way from PV (near Guadalajara), so a long full-day guided tour (~US$90-150) with transport is the realistic option; depart early.
Distillery tour and tasting(2 hours)
Tour a working distillery among the blue-agave fields — see the jima harvest, roasting ovens, and aging barrels; tasting of blanco, reposado, and añejo.
Lunch in Tequila's town square(1.5 hours)
Traditional Jalisco fare around the plaza beneath the volcano; mariachi often plays.
Return drive and quiet evening(4 hours)
Long ride back to PV; plan a low-key dinner near your base.
Rest day — beach, spa & slow Old Town
A genuine recovery day after two big road trips. No alarms; pure relaxation around the Zona Romántica.
Late breakfast and slow morning(1.5 hours)
Chilaquiles or huevos rancheros at a Basilio Badillo café; no rush.
Beach lounging on Los Muertos(3 hours)
A full lazy beach session with vendors bringing fresh fruit, oysters, and cold cervezas to your chair.
Spa or massage(1.5 hours)
Treat yourself to a beachfront or boutique-hotel massage (~700-1,200 MXN); plenty of options in the Romántica.
Sunset and casual dinner(2 hours)
Watch the sun drop over the bay, then an easy taco or seafood dinner.
Hands-on: Mexican cooking class & market
Go deeper into Jalisco's food culture with a market visit and a cooking class, then a leisurely afternoon. A change of pace from beaches and boats.
Mercado and ingredient tour(1.5 hours)
Many classes start at a local mercado to choose chiles, masa, and herbs; learn the regional staples behind Vallarta cooking.
Mexican cooking class(3 hours)
Hands-on class (~US$60-90 / 1,100-1,600 MXN) making salsas, fresh tortillas, ceviche, and a main like chiles en nogada or birria, then eating your work.
Afternoon rest(2 hours)
Light siesta and a beach walk to digest the feast.
Mariachi or live-music evening(2 hours)
Catch live mariachi or a trova set at an Olas Altas bar; keep it casual.
Punta Mita & whale watching
Explore the upscale north tip of Banderas Bay, then take to the water — in season (mid-Dec to late March) for humpback whale watching, otherwise a snorkel/sail trip.
Drive to Punta Mita(1 hour)
Head to the bay's northern tip (~45-60 min); Punta de Mita village has surf beaches, while exclusive resorts ring the point. Nayarit is one time zone behind PV.
Whale watching (Dec-Mar) or El Anclote beach time(3.5 hours)
In whale season, a certified small-boat tour (~US$50-80, 3-4 hrs) carries biologists and hydrophones — choose an operator that respects legal distance rules and go in the calmer morning. Off-season, swim and surf at El Anclote instead.
Seafood lunch at El Anclote(1.5 hours)
Beachfront palapas serve fresh ceviche, aguachile, and grilled fish facing the surf break.
Return and relaxed dinner(2 hours)
Drive back to PV; dinner at El Barracuda on Camarones beach for sunset seafood.
Bucerías & the north-shore towns
A slower northern-bay day in cobblestoned Bucerías — long flat beach, Sunday-style art market, and a famous cliffside dinner. Less polished, more local than Sayulita.
Bus or drive to Bucerías(40 minutes)
Compostela bus north (~40 min, ~30-40 MXN); Bucerías has one of the bay's longest, flattest beaches — great for long swims and walks.
Beach walk and art-market browse(2.5 hours)
Stroll the public-art Galleria Bucerías zone and craft stalls, then relax on the wide sand with far fewer crowds than central PV.
Lunch on the Bucerías beachfront(1.5 hours)
Beachside seafood or a tlayuda; the village is known for relaxed long lunches.
Sunset dinner at Le Kliff(2.5 hours)
On the way back, book sunset at the dramatic cliffside Le Kliff south of town (or another bay-view restaurant) — reserve ahead for the best terrace tables.
San Sebastián del Oeste or Mascota mountain town
A day trip up into the Sierra Madre to a cool colonial silver-mining village — pine forests, cobbled plazas, and raicilla. A complete contrast to the coast.
Mountain drive to San Sebastián del Oeste(1.5 hours)
Guided tour or rental car up winding roads (~1.5 hrs) to the 1,500m former silver town; cooler, often misty — bring a light layer.
Explore the colonial plaza and a hacienda(2 hours)
Wander the whitewashed Pueblo Mágico, visit a coffee or raicilla hacienda, and tour the old church and mining-era buildings.
Mountain-town lunch(1.5 hours)
Hearty Sierra fare — local coffee, fresh cheese, and slow-cooked meats around the square.
Return drive and final-evening drinks(2.5 hours)
Descend back to the coast for a last big sunset; toast the trip with a raicilla tasting in the Romántica.
Marina, last shopping & departure
A relaxed final morning around Marina Vallarta and last-minute shopping before the airport transfer. Checkout day.
Marina Vallarta morning stroll(1.5 hours)
Walk the yacht-lined marina boardwalk and the El Faro lighthouse; close to the airport for departure logistics.
Last-minute shopping and coffee(1 hour)
Vanilla, Raicilla, Talavera ceramics, or huichol beadwork; pay in pesos for the best price.
Hotel checkout(30 minutes)
Settle the bill and store bags if your flight is later.
Transfer to PVR airport(20 minutes)
Marina Vallarta is ~10 minutes from PVR; allow 2.5-3 hours before an international flight.
21-Day Puerto Vallarta Itinerary
Arrival & Zona Romántica
Land at PVR, settle into the bohemian Old Town, and ease into the bay with a first sunset on Los Muertos beach. Keep it light after travel.
Airport transfer from PVR to Zona Romántica(25 minutes)
Pre-book an authorized airport taxi from the terminal booth or use Uber (~250-350 MXN); decline anyone offering a 'free tour' — it's the timeshare hustle.
Check in and settle on Olas Altas(1 hour)
Base yourself near Olas Altas or Basilio Badillo for walkable dining and beach access.
Sunset on Playa Los Muertos by the Pier(2 hours)
Beach chair near the sail-shaped Los Muertos Pier; loungers ~150-200 MXN with minimum spend, margaritas ~120-180 MXN.
Dinner on Basilio Badillo (Restaurant Row)(1.5 hours)
Wander the 'Calle del Café'; La Palapa on the sand for a splurge or a casual rooftop taquería.
Downtown, the Malecón & Old Town heart
A walking day through historic Vallarta — colonial streets, the crowned church, the sculpture-lined boardwalk, and the Cuale river island, all on foot.
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe(45 minutes)
The landmark parish with its filigree crown modelled on an empress's tiara; free entry outside Mass, dress modestly.
Río Cuale island craft markets(1 hour)
Cross the footbridge to the green island for craft stalls, the small museum, and shaded cafés.
Lunch and midday siesta(2 hours)
Beat the heat — Pancho's Takos for al pastor (~30-50 MXN each), then rest.
Stroll the Malecón at golden hour(2 hours)
Mile-long boardwalk from the Los Arcos amphitheatre past the bronze sculptures; sand artists and Voladores pole-flyers near sunset.
Dinner and Malecón nightlife(2 hours)
Rooftop cocktails or live music downtown; liveliest after dark.
Marietas Islands & the Hidden Beach
A full-day boat tour to the protected Marietas archipelago for snorkelling and the famous collapsed-crater Playa Escondida — book ahead, permits are strictly limited.
Marietas Islands eco-tour(7 hours)
~1-hour boat ride out; tours ~US$90-120 (1,600-2,200 MXN). Hidden Beach access is capped by daily federal permits — book a licensed operator ahead and bring reef-safe sunscreen (required).
Snorkel and swim at the Marietas reefs(2 hours)
Blue-footed boobies, manta rays, and clear reef snorkelling; a guided swim through the rock tunnel reaches Playa Escondida when permits allow.
Evening rest in Zona Romántica(2 hours)
Recover with an early casual dinner near Olas Altas.
South-shore villages: Las Ánimas & Quimixto
Hop the water taxis along the roadless southern coast — palapa beaches, grilled fish, and a jungle waterfall hike, all reached only by boat.
Water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán(30 minutes)
Bus or Uber to Boca de Tomatlán, then a colectivo water taxi (~200 MXN round trip) — cheaper than the Los Muertos pier.
Beach time and lunch at Playa Las Ánimas(2.5 hours)
Claim a palapa, swim the calm cove, and order pescado zarandeado (~250-350 MXN).
Boat onward to Quimixto waterfall(2 hours)
Short hop to Quimixto, then a 20-minute walk (or ~150 MXN horseback ride) to the waterfall and pool.
Afternoon return boat and easy dinner(1.5 hours)
Return before seas pick up; Joe Jack's Fish Shack on Basilio Badillo is reliable back in town.
Rest day & Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Slow the pace with a cool, green half-day in the hills, then a relaxed beach afternoon. The trip's first true rest day.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens(3 hours)
'El Tuito' public bus from Carranza Street (~30 min, ~25 MXN); entry ~US$10 (180 MXN), with river swimming holes and the Hacienda de Oro restaurant. Open Tue-Sun.
Lazy beach afternoon back in town(2.5 hours)
A slow afternoon on Los Muertos or Playa Camarones — a book and a paleta.
Sunset cocktails on a rooftop(1.5 hours)
Sunset from a Zona Romántica rooftop bar like El Solar.
Yelapa — off-grid bay village
A day trip to the roadless bohemian fishing village in the bay's far south: waterfall hike, fresh fish on the sand, and the famous beach pie.
Water taxi to Yelapa(45 minutes)
Morning water taxi from the Los Muertos pier or, cheaper, Boca de Tomatlán (~US$20-25 / 350-450 MXN round trip); no roads in.
Hike to the Yelapa waterfall(1.5 hours)
Walk 20-30 minutes to the upper Cola de Caballo waterfall (small entry fee); swim before midday heat.
Fresh-fish lunch and the famous pie(1.5 hours)
Just-caught fish at a beach palapa, then coconut or chocolate pie from the pie ladies.
Afternoon return boat(1 hour)
Early return to avoid choppy late-day seas; relax at base.
Hands-on: Mexican cooking class & market
Go deeper into Jalisco food culture with a market visit and a cooking class, then a leisurely afternoon. A change of pace from beaches and boats.
Mercado and ingredient tour(1.5 hours)
Many classes start at a local mercado to choose chiles, masa, and herbs behind Vallarta cooking.
Mexican cooking class(3 hours)
Hands-on class (~US$60-90 / 1,100-1,600 MXN) making salsas, fresh tortillas, ceviche, and a main like birria, then eating your work.
Afternoon rest(2 hours)
Light siesta and a beach walk to digest.
Mariachi or live-music evening(2 hours)
Live mariachi or a trova set at an Olas Altas bar.
Rest day — beach, spa & slow Old Town
A genuine recovery day before the first multi-night side trip. No alarms; pure relaxation around the Zona Romántica.
Late breakfast and slow morning(1.5 hours)
Chilaquiles or huevos rancheros at a Basilio Badillo café; no rush.
Beach lounging on Los Muertos(3 hours)
Full lazy session with vendors bringing fruit, oysters, and cold cervezas to your chair.
Spa or massage(1.5 hours)
Beachfront or boutique-hotel massage (~700-1,200 MXN).
Pack a small bag for the north-shore trip(30 minutes)
Prep an overnight bag for Sayulita/Punta Mita; leave the rest stored at your PV base if it stays booked, or check out fully.
North to Sayulita (overnight 1) & surf
Begin a 3-night Riviera Nayarit base. Move north into Nayarit's surf-and-bohemian town and learn to ride the gentle break. Note: Nayarit is one time zone behind PV.
Travel north and check in to Sayulita(1.5 hours)
Compostela 'ATM' bus from the Plaza Las Glorias stop (~45-60 min, ~50-60 MXN) or rental car; check into a Sayulita guesthouse for two nights.
Beginner surf lesson(2 hours)
Sayulita's mellow beach break is Mexico's surf-lesson capital; group lesson with board ~US$30-40 (550-700 MXN).
Lunch and galleries on the plaza(1.5 hours)
Papel-picado streets, huichol-bead boutiques, and beachfront ceviche.
Sunset and Sayulita nightlife(2.5 hours)
Sunset surfers from the point, then live music and mezcal bars off the main square.
San Pancho & Playa de los Muertos (Sayulita, overnight 2)
A slower Nayarit day from your Sayulita base — quieter San Pancho and a short jungle walk to a hidden cove. Still on Nayarit time.
Day in laid-back San Pancho(3 hours)
Short hop to San Francisco (San Pancho) for a calmer beach, the Entreamigos community centre, and a slower main street than Sayulita.
Lunch in San Pancho(1.5 hours)
Acclaimed small-town dining scene — wood-fired and farm-to-table spots punch above the village's size.
Walk to Sayulita's hidden cemetery beach(1.5 hours)
Back in Sayulita, a 15-minute jungle path past the cemetery reaches the quieter Playa de los Muertos cove for an afternoon swim.
Second Sayulita evening(2 hours)
Sunset tacos and a relaxed last night before shifting to Punta Mita.
Punta Mita & whale watching (return to PV)
Work back south along the bay's upscale northern tip, then take to the water before returning to your Puerto Vallarta base for the rest of the trip.
Move to Punta Mita(45 minutes)
Drive/bus to the bay's northern point; Punta de Mita village has surf beaches while exclusive resorts ring the headland.
Whale watching (Dec-Mar) or El Anclote beach time(3.5 hours)
In season, a certified small-boat tour (~US$50-80, 3-4 hrs) with biologists and hydrophones — pick an operator respecting legal distance rules, go in the calmer morning. Off-season, swim and surf El Anclote.
Seafood lunch at El Anclote(1.5 hours)
Beachfront palapas with ceviche, aguachile, and grilled fish facing the surf break.
Return to Puerto Vallarta and check in(2 hours)
Drive back (~1 hr) to your PV base; easy dinner at El Barracuda on Camarones beach.
Rest day & Spanish lesson
A recovery and slow-living day back in PV — a little language practice, beach, and an easy evening. Re-center before the next big trip.
Morning Spanish lesson(2 hours)
Book a private or small-group Spanish session in town (~US$15-25/hr); even one lesson sharpens market and restaurant interactions.
Beach and reading afternoon(3 hours)
Long, unhurried session on Los Muertos or Camarones with beach-vendor snacks.
Sunset paddle or swim(1 hour)
Rent a SUP or just swim as the sun drops over the bay.
Quiet dinner in the Romántica(1.5 hours)
Casual taco or seafood night; early to bed.
Up to San Sebastián del Oeste (mountain overnight 1)
Climb into the Sierra Madre for a 2-night stay in a cool colonial silver-mining Pueblo Mágico — a complete contrast to the coast. Bring a light layer.
Mountain drive to San Sebastián del Oeste(1.5 hours)
Rental car or tour up winding roads (~1.5 hrs) to the 1,500m former silver town; check into a small heritage inn for two nights.
Explore the colonial plaza and church(2 hours)
Wander the whitewashed streets, the main church, and old mining-era buildings; the cool pine air is a relief from the coast.
Raicilla hacienda tasting(1.5 hours)
Tour a raicilla (mountain agave spirit) distillery and taste the regional moonshine-turned-craft-spirit.
Mountain-town dinner(1.5 hours)
Hearty Sierra fare — local coffee, fresh cheese, slow-cooked meats around the square.
San Sebastián coffee, viewpoint & slow day (overnight 2)
A full slow day in the mountains — coffee plantations, the La Bufa viewpoint, and the pace of a town with almost no traffic.
Coffee plantation visit(2 hours)
Tour a hillside coffee finca, see the beans roasted, and buy fresh-ground bags to take home.
La Bufa viewpoint(2.5 hours)
Drive or hike to the La Bufa lookout (~2,500m) for huge Sierra Madre views — on clear days you can see toward the coast; a 4x4 or guide helps on the rough track.
Lazy plaza lunch(1.5 hours)
Long, unhurried lunch on the square; almost nothing here is rushed.
Quiet mountain evening(1.5 hours)
Wrap up in a sweater for the cool night and an early dinner before returning to the coast tomorrow.
Descend to the coast & rest
Wind back down out of the Sierra to Puerto Vallarta and decompress. A transitional rest day after the mountains.
Mountain descent to PV(2 hours)
Drive back down the winding road (~1.5-2 hrs) and re-check into your PV base.
Beach reset on Los Muertos(2.5 hours)
Trade pine air for sea air with a slow beach afternoon and a swim.
Sunset margaritas(1.5 hours)
Reacquaint yourself with the bay sunset from a beach club or pier-side bar.
Easy seafood dinner(1.5 hours)
Casual ceviche and grilled fish; nothing strenuous.
Tequila & Guadalajara day excursion
A long iconic inland day to the UNESCO agave landscape and the town of Tequila, with a taste of Guadalajara's culture. Best as a guided round trip; depart early.
Early departure toward Tequila(4 hours)
Tequila/Guadalajara is ~3.5-4 hrs each way; a guided full-day tour (~US$90-150) with transport is the realistic option.
Distillery tour and tasting(2 hours)
Tour a working distillery among the blue-agave fields — see the jima harvest, roasting ovens, and barrel aging; taste blanco, reposado, and añejo.
Lunch in Tequila town square(1.5 hours)
Traditional Jalisco fare beneath the volcano; mariachi on the plaza.
Return drive(4 hours)
Long ride back to PV; plan a very low-key evening.
Rest day — slow beach & the bay's calm coves
A real recovery day after the longest excursion of the trip. Stay in the bay, move slowly, recharge.
Sleep in and late breakfast(1.5 hours)
No alarm; coffee and chilaquiles on a shaded terrace.
Boat or bus to Playa Colomitos(3 hours)
From Boca de Tomatlán, take a short water taxi or the 30-minute coastal trail to tiny Playa Colomitos, often called Mexico's smallest beach — a quiet snorkel cove.
Beach picnic and swim(1.5 hours)
Pack snacks (limited services at Colomitos) and laze on the small sand; calm, clear water.
Return and relaxed dinner(1.5 hours)
Back to PV for an easy evening near base.
Bucerías & north-shore towns
A slower northern-bay day in cobblestoned Bucerías — long flat beach, art market, and a famous cliffside dinner. More local than Sayulita.
Bus or drive to Bucerías(40 minutes)
Compostela bus north (~40 min, ~30-40 MXN); Bucerías has one of the bay's longest, flattest beaches.
Beach walk and art-market browse(2.5 hours)
Stroll the public-art Galleria Bucerías zone and craft stalls, then relax on the wide sand.
Long beachfront lunch(1.5 hours)
Beachside seafood or a tlayuda; the village is built for slow lunches.
Sunset dinner at Le Kliff(2.5 hours)
On the way back, book the dramatic cliffside Le Kliff south of town for sunset — reserve ahead for terrace tables.
Rest day — galleries, mercado & Old Town
An unhurried culture-and-craft day on foot in central Vallarta. The trip's final rest day before wind-down.
Morning gallery walk(1.5 hours)
Browse the Old Town galleries and Galería Pacífico; the Wednesday-evening ArtWalk runs seasonally if your dates line up.
Mercado Municipal Río Cuale(1.5 hours)
Shop for last souvenirs — silver, vanilla, leather, huichol art — and haggle gently; pay in pesos.
Long lunch and siesta(2.5 hours)
A leisurely meal followed by a real afternoon rest in the heat.
Sunset and dinner(2 hours)
Catch a final Malecón sunset stroll, then dinner of choice downtown.
Free beach day & sunset sail
A flexible, low-commitment penultimate day — open beach time and a celebratory sunset cruise on the bay.
Open beach morning(3 hours)
Return to your favourite beach — Los Muertos, Camarones, or a south-shore cove — with no schedule.
Light lunch and pack-prep(1.5 hours)
Easy seaside lunch and start organising bags for tomorrow's departure.
Sunset sailing or booze cruise on Banderas Bay(3 hours)
Book a small-boat sunset sail (~US$45-70) from the marina or pier for the bay's best golden-hour views and a final toast.
Farewell dinner(2 hours)
Go out on a high — La Palapa on the sand or El Barracuda's beachfront for a memorable last meal.
Marina, last shopping & departure
A relaxed final morning around Marina Vallarta and last-minute shopping before the airport transfer. Checkout day.
Marina Vallarta morning stroll(1.5 hours)
Walk the yacht-lined marina boardwalk and the El Faro lighthouse; close to the airport for departure logistics.
Last-minute shopping and coffee(1 hour)
Vanilla, Raicilla, Talavera ceramics, or huichol beadwork; pay in pesos for the best price.
Hotel checkout(30 minutes)
Settle the bill and store bags if your flight is later.
Transfer to PVR airport(20 minutes)
Marina Vallarta is ~10 minutes from PVR; allow 2.5-3 hours before an international flight.
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
FMM Tourist Permit
US, Canadian, EU, UK, and many other passport holders don't need a visa for tourism and receive a tourist permit (FMM) on arrival, now often issued as a passport stamp, for up to 180 days (the agent may grant fewer days — check your stamp). Confirm your stamped duration before leaving immigration, as overstaying brings fines.
Budget
Pay in Pesos, Not Dollars
Many tourist businesses quote US dollars, but you almost always get a worse rate that way — pay in pesos and withdraw from bank ATMs (BBVA, Santander) rather than the blue 'cash kiosks', which charge poor rates and high fees. Decline the 'charge in your home currency' option on card machines for a better rate.
transport
Cheap Buses and Water Taxis
Local buses run constantly along the bay for around 10 pesos and reach the airport, Marina, and southern beaches; just flag them down. For the roadless southern villages (Yelapa, Las Animas, Quimixto), water taxis leave from the Los Muertos pier and Boca de Tomatlán. Uber operates but can have friction with taxi drivers at the airport.
Local Customs
Timeshare 'Free Tour' Hustle
The most common visitor gotcha is the timeshare pitch: friendly people near the Malecón, airport, or marina offer free tours, breakfasts, or discounted activities, then trap you in a high-pressure sales presentation for hours. A polite, firm 'no, gracias' and walking on is the only reliable defence.
Safety
Sun, Surf, and Tap Water
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's safer resort cities, but take normal precautions: drink bottled or filtered water, watch for strong rip currents and undertow on open Pacific beaches (heed the flag warnings), and use registered taxis or Uber at night. Reef-safe sunscreen is required for the Marietas and other protected waters.
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