Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is one of the most fantastic places to visit in Mexico. It offers a rare combination of cosmopolitan sophistication with eco-tourism in a way that most other destinations can’t. For instance, in a single day here you can go golfing on a world-class course in the morning, take a jungle cruise through an estuary filled with crocodiles and iguanas, and then enjoy a gourmet dinner in a world-class restaurant. While this city excells as a destination for well-heeled tourists from around the world, it is also surprisingly affordable if you just want to relax and explore without emptying your bank account.
Here are eight of my favorite things to do on a visit to Puerto Vallarta!
There are three ways that most Americans will experience Puerto Vallarta and this will significantly impact what and where you can go while exploring the area.
All-Inclusive Mega Resorts – While there are a few all-inclusive resorts located in the main part of Puerto Vallarta, the big resorts are mostly located along the coast, north of the city in an area known as Riviera Nayarit or Nuevo Vallarta. This is because the beaches are much better along this part of the bay compared to closer to downtown. Unfortunately, this means that guests staying at resorts including Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit or Riu Jalisco will need to take a ride 30-40 minutes to visit downtown areas.
Traditional Hotels and Resorts – There is a wide variety hotels all along the coast of Bahia de Banderas as well as smaller boutique properties downtown as well. Puerto Vallarta is such an amazing place to explore that these properties are among your best choices since you can enjoy the amenities at the hotel but you can chose from the fabulous restaurants available in town too. Some of these hotels do offer all-inclusive packages as well.
Mexican Riviera Cruises – For first-time visitors, a Mexican Riviera cruise that includes an overnight in Puerto Vallarta is the best way to experience a quick taste of this destination that will leave you dreaming of returning for a longer visit sometime soon. By doing a cruise you have the option of exploring the city in a way that matches your comfort level. For instance, you can choose to do organized excursions hosted by the cruise company such as a boat ride that includes snorkeling and all-inclusive beach break, work with a local tour operator to explore the sites, or you can simply hire a taxi to take you to your favorite foodie spots in town.
Now that you’ve figured out how you will get here and what type of accommodations, it’s time to plan your adventure.
One thing that makes this city unique is that it is an authentic part of Mexico that appeals to both American and Canadian tourists as well as domestic Mexican vacationers too. Plus, it is an actual thriving city and not simply a stretch of sand lined with resorts.
From exploring the cobblestone streets of the historic downtown area to enjoying dinner and drinks on a sideway cafe, or taking a boat ride on the bay, there are plenty of activities for everyone.
Here are eight amazing things to do on vacation in Puerto Vallarta:
Take A Stroll Along The Malecon –
The Malecon is a popular boardwalk located near the heart of Old Town Puerto Vallarta also known as the “Romantic Zone”. This area features sculptures, fountains, and many different types of shops and restaurants lining both sides of the street. It’s also where various events like live music performances take place during certain times of the year.
Along the way, you’l also be able to explore different iconic parts of the city including Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe catholic church and Naval History Museum, both located by Plaza de Armas – the central square of Puerto Vallarta.
Go Whale Watching –
During winter months (Dec-March), humpback whales can be found migrating along the Pacific coastline near Puerto Vallarta, making it an ideal spot for whale watching! Take a boat tour and get up close and personal to these majestic creatures as they make their way through their journey.
Explore Las Caletas Beach –
Las Caletas is a private beach owned by Vallarta Adventures and is located 15 miles south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. It is a perfectly idyllic tropical getaway that can only be reached by boat and was once owned by film director John Huston who lived there for many years. Today it is still world-famous for its secluded beauty and crystalline waters making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling! It’s also home to some great restaurants where you can grab a bite after spending some time in the water.
Jungle Cruise through Estero El Salado –
This is one of the hidden gems that most tourists never experience when they visit Puerto Vallarta. The Estero el Salado Protected Natural Area is more than 400 acres of land including 334 acres of marshes and mangroves along with nearly 90 acres of tropical rainforest that are filled with a rich diversity of plants and animals.
One of the best ways to experience this is by taking a boat cruise with a guide who can point out the different features here as well as share the importance of wetlands like this as a habitat for animals but also in helping to manage flood waters.
Los Veranos Canopy Adventure Park –
This park consists of trails with varying levels of difficulty as well as suspended bridges and zip lines that reach heights up 200 feet above ground! It’s a great way to explore nature while getting some exercise in one thrilling adventure after another!
Discover Local Cuisine –
Delicious Mexican cuisine awaits around every corner when visiting Puerto Vallarta so don’t miss out on trying any local delicacies like smoked marlin (marlin ahumado) tacos, ceviche, or aguachile. This town is a favorite among foodies since you can geek out on whatever your style is … love street food? Great, go walk around at night and check out the stands selling everything from tacos to churros (or signup for food tour).
On the other hand, if you love first-class dining … you’ll find that here as well. While each big resort has a fabulous restaurant on the property, you’ll want to venture off into town to get something truly special. Puerto Vallarta is home to some of the best culinary talent in Mexico and you can find that on display at places like Cafe Des Artistes as well as Tintoque but also at more affordable but no less enjoyable places like Oscar’s Restaurant located just off the beach at the south end of the Malacon.
Go Fishing –
If fishing is your thing, you should sign up for one of the fishing charters available here. While there are big expeditions that go out to see for days at a time, you can also find many fish right here in the Bay of Bandaras including tuna, marlin, snook, and red snapper. Also, depending on the charter and season, you may get lucky enough see dolphins and whales too!
Tequila Tasting –
Puerto Vallarta is part of the Mexican state of Jalisco and is often the closest that most Americans will ever get to the fabled lands of Tequila, deeper inland from the city. While you won’t find the actual tequila distilleries here, there are plenty of places where you can do a tasting and there are tours that you can take that go from bar to part sampling different agave spirits including not just tequila but other agave spirits including mezcal, sotol, and bacchanal.
Some hotels such as Marriott Puerto Vallarta even have a tequila experience where guests can learn more about the process of making the spirit right there on the property.
No matter what type of traveler you are, these eight amazing activities will guarantee great time during your visit to Puerto Vallarta. So, don’t forget to give each one shot during your stay here in paradise.
