Puerto Vallarta is a vacation spot that has been welcoming travellers for a few years, and it’s one among our favorite locations to go to in Mexico. Whether or not you’re a backpacker on a funds, a digital nomad seeking to spend a month, a pair wanting a week-long trip, or an expat seeking to cool down, you’ll discover issues to do in Puerto Vallarta to maintain you busy.
The town is cut up up into neighbourhoods (zones), with the limitless issues to do in Puerto Vallarta unfold out alongside Banderas Bay and past. In actuality, it doesn’t actually matter which a part of town you keep in, as getting round is straightforward.
You’ll, nevertheless, need to select your zone fastidiously primarily based on the vibe you’re after and the funds you’ve.
Right here’s a fast rundown of the zones in Puerto Vallarta beginning on the airport and going south:
- Marina – extra upscale than the resort zone, with the Marriott Lodge, Westin & extra.
- Lodge Zone – just some minutes drive from the airport, this space has many lodges, eating places, malls, a Walmart & Sams Membership.
- Centro (Previous PV) – smaller houses, residential space, the Malecon (oceanfront promenade) runs alongside right here, many eating places and bars. This space is on the north aspect of the River Cuale and provides reasonably priced lodging.
- Centro (Romantic Zone) – positioned on the south aspect of the River Cuale, you’ll discover quite a few bars, cafes, eating places and Playa Los Muertos Seaside. It is a common space with a big homosexual group. The lodging ranges from funds to prime finish.
- Conchas Chinas – that means “Chinese language Shells” primarily based on the seashells discovered right here, this can be a extra prosperous/posh space of Puerto Vallarta with gated communities and high-end condos.
Study extra about the place to remain in Puerto Vallarta with our lodging and neighbourhood information. And, for a whole rundown on travelling to town of PV, try our detailed information right here.
Now that you’ve got an concept of what every neighbourhood has to supply, right here is my listing of 20 cool issues to do in Puerto Vallarta!
Word, this publish has been up to date 2020 to incorporate the most recent finest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta, the present costs and addresses and extra. Take pleasure in your journey.
1. Stroll…All over the place!
I’ve to place strolling as #1 on the listing of issues to do in Puerto Vallarta. Exploring on foot is one of the best ways to get a really feel for town, and most areas of PV are reachable by strolling.
It is a nice option to see what the distributors are promoting, to individuals watch and to get a lay of the land. You by no means know what you’ll stumble throughout when discovering town on foot…simply be sure that to put on good sneakers because the sidewalks and roads are very uneven.
2. Be a part of a Meals Tour
Do you know that Mexico’s delicacies has made the listing of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO? This award hasn’t been granted to every other nationwide meals group! Mexican meals is a lot greater than tacos and quesadillas and one of the best ways to study extra concerning the tasty meals is to affix a tour.
We’ve finished meals excursions all world wide, and our favorite ones are in Mexico. In Puerto Vallarta, try Vallarta Meals Excursions. This firm provides a mixture of tradition, strolling and meals excursions, making it an effective way to study concerning the metropolis of PV whereas concurrently feasting and dealing off the energy.
There are a number of foodie excursions on provide with Vallarta Meals Excursions, however we went on the “Authentic Downtown Tour”, which took us by the middle of PV on either side of the river. We ate quite a few dishes and tried some drinks as properly. You may also be a part of their night taco tour.
We extremely advocate this tour should you’re a foodie! Click on right here to study extra and verify out the video we made:
3. See Rhythms Of The Evening (top-of-the-line issues to do in Puerto Vallarta!)
In the event you’re searching for a mini Cirque de Soleil cultural present/dinner/theatre expertise, then Rhythms of The Evening will likely be one thing you need to try. We noticed this efficiency and though we’re not huge followers of enormous group excursions, this present was spectacular and value each penny. This is likely one of the prime excursions in Puerto Vallarta.
The night begins with a sundown cruise (together with open bar) throughout Banderas Bay to Las Caletas, which is a ravishing non-public cove. While you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a fantastically lit space with tiki torches and candles.
You’ll then be proven to your seat in the outside auditorium, which is surrounded by palm timber. The seats are all staggered, so although there are individuals sitting in entrance of you, you’ll don’t have any points seeing the present.
The present depicts varied tales of the traditional Hispanic civilization and Mexican folklore. Through the efficiency, there’s dwell music, dancing, contortionists, fire-twirlers and extra. Following the present, you’ll take pleasure in a big buffet dinner earlier than returning to Puerto Vallarta by boat. Don’t miss this present! ☞ Click on right here to study extra concerning the tour and to ebook tickets.
⇒ See Additionally: Things To Do in Mazatlan – 21 Experiences You Don’t Wish to Miss
4. Watch Sundown
There’s simply one thing concerning the sunsets on the Pacific Coast, and in explicit, Puerto Vallarta. Among the finest sunsets we’ve ever seen have been from right here. Seize a drink and benefit from the present.
Nice viewing locations embody wherever alongside the Malecon, up the hill behind the Church of Our Girl of Guadalupe, or from El Barracuda which is our favorite seaside bar. As soon as the solar goes down, the celebration begins in PV — there are such a lot of bars and golf equipment, the nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is known!
*Word: Puerto Escondido is one other epic Pacific Coast vacation spot for sunsets in Mexico. In case you have an opportunity, attempt to go to there as properly!
5. Chill out on Playa las Gemelas
Surprisingly, nearly 20 minutes drive south of Puerto Vallarta, you’ll discover seashores that appear to be they need to be Cancun or Playa del Carmen fairly than the Pacific.
Playa las Gemelas has turquoise water and whitish sand. After we visited, there have been fairly a number of waves, however no riptides or undertow and the waves had been enjoyable to swim in. Different guests have skilled utterly calm water right here, so it actually simply is determined by the climate and the time of 12 months.
There are simply 2 condominium complexes on the seaside and nothing else…not even any bathrooms. Convey a cooler crammed with beer, water and snacks and spend the day. The stroll to the seaside is pretty steep and down some uneven steps, however it’s price it once you see the view.
To attain right here, you’ll need to park at Condominios Girasol Sur (in entrance alongside the street). There isn’t a precise parking for the seaside, so that you’ll want to seek out some on the road, or in the few roadside spots in entrance of Girasol Sur Condos. Alternatively, you may take a neighborhood bus and get dropped off right here.
That is by far our favorite seaside in Puerto Vallarta. Don’t miss it! Click on right here for instructions.
6. Be a part of a Booze Tour (with a aspect of meals)
For these of you who wish to drink tequila – it’s Mexico, who doesn’t?! – this tour is for you. Throughout our current journey to Puerto Vallarta, we joined the Mex-ology tour and loved a late afternoon of Mezcal, Tequila, Raicilla, craft beer, Kahlua espresso and different handcrafted cocktails.
To go together with the booze, you’ll get some tasty meals to assist absorb the alcohol. The dishes we had had been full parts of fish tacos, meat tacos, seafood “enchiladas”, onion rings, crickets (sure, crickets!) and delectable dessert. Not solely will you be having enjoyable, and feeling a bit tipsy by the top of it, however you’ll study lots concerning the traditions and creation of those alcoholic drinks.
We had a terrific day with our information. A lot enjoyable in reality, that she took us out for some late-night shenanigans the place the expats and locals wish to hangout! Click on right here to study extra concerning the Mex-ology Tequila, Tacos & Cocktails Tour.
7. Eat Recent Oysters
Whereas there’s positively a Puerto Vallarta restaurant for everybody, typically it’s good to eat road (seaside) meals. In the event you’re an oyster lover, you’ll be glad to know which you could get contemporary oysters on the seaside.
Slightly below the bridge that crosses the River Cuale, you’ll see many distributors promoting these tasty morsels. Plastic tables and chairs are arrange so you may sit and luxuriate in your plate of meals by the water, or you may take them to go. Squeeze some lime juice on, sprinkle with some salt and add some sizzling sauce should you like. Take pleasure in!
☞ SEE ALSO: Playa del Carmen Mexico: The Final Journey Information
8. San Pancho
About an hour drive from Puerto Vallarta is the seaside city of San Pancho (San Francisco). This small city isn’t as quiet because it as soon as was, however it’s nonetheless a pleasant place to go to. What’s stunning is that although it’s not a really huge place, there are many issues to do in San Pancho.
You’ll be able to go {golfing} for the morning (or late afternoon), eat some actually good worldwide meals, take Spanish classes, do yoga, log on, watch the newborn turtles be launched and extra. It’s a cool place to spend the afternoon because it’s simply an hour away from Puerto Vallarta.
To get from Puerto Vallarta to San Pancho, you may lease a automotive, take the bus for round 50 pesos, or be a part of a day tour of San Pancho and close by Sayulita.
Word: the ocean right here is sort of tough and isn’t a terrific place for swimming. You could possibly try Bucerias for swimming.
9. Stroll The Malecon
One of many many nice issues about Puerto Vallarta is the lengthy Malecon (oceanfront promenade) which runs for about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile). That is the right spot to take pleasure in a stroll, with out having to cope with the loopy visitors that whizzes alongside the slender streets.
Alongside the Malecon you’ve the gorgeous ocean on one aspect, and plenty of outlets, eating places and bars on the opposite (promoting $1 margaritas and Coronas!). There are additionally quite a few artwork installations and road performances right here.
The Malecon is the hot-spot, particularly in the late afternoon and evenings when it’s a cooler temperature. And really, wandering alongside the Malecon is likely one of the hottest issues to do in La Paz as properly.
The place to Keep in Puerto Vallarta
There are quite a few resorts, lodges, boutiques, hostels, Airbnbs and flats for lease in Puerto Vallarta.
☞ Click on right here to match costs and see critiques of one of the best lodging on Reserving.com
If you wish to keep in an Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta, click on right here to join free and obtain as much as $55 off your first reserving 😀
In Puerto Vallarta, we’ve personally stayed on the Catedral Lodge Vallarta Boutique and at this Airbnb condominium. Each had been nice and we advocate them. For extra on one of the best Puerto Vallarta lodges and the place to remain, click on right here.
10. Be a part of a Chocolate Making Class
The Choco Museum is likely one of the many free issues to do in Puerto Vallarta. In the event you’re in studying the historical past behind cocoa, plus discovering out how chocolate is made (from harvest to manufacturing), then the museum is for you.
If you wish to get your palms soiled, and EAT some scrumptious chocolate, then be sure that to affix one of many (paid) lessons on the Choco Museo. Learn to make conventional mole sauce, sizzling chocolate truffles or particular person sweets. Click on right here to study extra about workshops and lessons.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in Cabo San Lucas – A Checklist of The Prime 21
11. Mountain Biking Journey
Though lounging by the seaside and devouring tacos is at all times a good suggestion when travelling to Mexico, it could be a good suggestion to get some train each as soon as in some time!
Eco Journey is an eco-conscious firm in Puerto Vallarta that gives mountain biking and mountaineering journeys in the encompassing jungle trails of the Occidental Sierra Madre. In the event you’re into journey and being energetic, this is likely one of the issues to do in Puerto Vallarta that you just received’t need to miss.
They’ve biking excursions for learners and superior riders, plus they provide totally different size journeys as properly — from 15 to 48 kilometers (9.3 – 30 miles). The routes move by villages, waterfalls, rivers, pine timber and extra. Click on right here to study extra about Eco Journey and the biking and mountaineering journeys they provide.
*Word: should you’d fairly mix train with consuming, Vallarta Meals Excursions has a brand new tour referred to as Bikes & Bites…test it out!
Not into biking, however nonetheless need to be in the mountains?
Though we’ve by no means finished this in Mexico, zip-lining by the gorgeous cover is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta. You’ll be on the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains and may journey by the jungle over 2 miles (3.2kms) of zipline. The tour is run by Los Veranos Cover Tour, which has a 5-star score and over 2,500 critiques on TripAdvisor. Click on right here to study extra and ebook this tour. Replace 2020: we’ve been knowledgeable that there’s an “animal sanctuary” visited on this journey, which sounds extra like caged animals, and we don’t condone this. For a extra moral ziplining expertise full with ATV’ing, click on right here for a enjoyable tour with Estigo Excursions (which has greater than 1,00zero critiques on TripAdvisor). And, if you end up in the Yucatan, ziplining is likely one of the finest issues to do in Cancun as properly.
12. Chill Out on Los Muertos Seaside
That is the seaside south of the Los Muertos Pier. And, as with the stretch of sand north of the pier, there are quite a lot of actions happening — from swimming and browsing, to parasailing and boating. Plus, you’ll discover quite a few seaside eating places and bars right here.
There are distributors wandering up and down the seaside as properly, however they aren’t too pushy. Close to the south aspect of the pier, you’ll discover numerous native households spending the day (particularly on weekends), whereas additional south from there may be thought of the homosexual space, which is at all times busy and quite a lot of enjoyable.
After we visited Los Muertos Seaside in December, the waves had been extremely huge and the surf and undertow had been unbelievably sturdy. The tough water began from the pier and went north to the La Langosta Loca restaurant. Nonetheless, on the south aspect of the pier, the water was calm and kids had been swimming. Be conscious of the ocean and when in doubt, at all times ask a neighborhood if it’s secure to swim.
☞ SEE ALSO: 51 Superior Things To Do in Mexico
13. Wander The Previous City
Puerto Vallarta has a ravishing previous city with cobbled streets and vibrant houses 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 steps and proceed strolling alongside the again roads in direction of the Romantic Zone. As most individuals take the Malecon or the principle streets, you’ll have the quiet “higher” roads mainly to your self!
You’ll come throughout houses draped in vines, cats sleeping on steps and fairly wrought-iron balconies. After you’ve completed exploring and having fun with the peace and quiet, you may come out close to the Rio River.
For a tremendous view, you may hike as much as the Mirador Cerro de La Cruz. It takes about 30 minutes and is a bit strenuous, however the view is spectacular. Convey numerous water and put on good sneakers.
14. Go Scuba Diving
Getting on the water is at all times a good suggestion when travelling, however so is getting underneath it! Whether or not you’re scuba licensed or not, try Banderas Scuba Republic. This firm is PADI acknowledged and the group is PADI licensed.
At this scuba store, you may take lessons and classes to get your certification, or if you have already got your Open Water, you may go for some dives. Count on to see turtles, rays, eels and extra. Banderas Scuba Republic is positioned in the Romantic Zone, cease by and verify them out.
Word: We didn’t personally dive with Banderas Scuba Republic, they had been simply extremely reviewed on TripAdvisor. All the time do your individual unbiased analysis when selecting a scuba diving firm.
15. Be a part of a Free Strolling Tour
Strolling by yourself is nice, however if you wish to study a bit extra concerning the metropolis of Puerto Vallarta, together with its tradition, historical past and structure, then it’s finest to affix a strolling tour with a educated information. That is one of the best factor to do in Puerto Vallarta in your first day in town so you will get your bearings.
Each Tuesday (9:00am and midday), Wednesday (9:00am and midday) and Saturday (9:00am), there are free excursions placed on by the Municipal Tourism Workplace. The assembly level is on the Municipal Tourism Workplace, which is in the Previous Metropolis Corridor Constructing. The tour is about 2 hours lengthy and no reservation is required. Click on right here for particulars.
16. Be a part of the Free Artwork Stroll
Puerto Vallarta has probably the most artwork galleries of any Mexican coastal metropolis. On Wednesday evenings, most of the artwork outlets open their doorways and permit guests inside to view the items. All mediums of artwork are on show, together with work, sculptures, pottery and folks artwork. A go to right here is unquestionably top-of-the-line issues to do in Puerto Vallarta for artwork lovers.
Entrance is free, there is no such thing as a information, however there may be often wine and tequila given to guests…totally free. The “artwork stroll” runs from the top of October to the top of Might, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, each Wednesday. It is a yearly occasion. Click on right here to study extra concerning the Artwork Stroll.
17. Go to the Church Of Our Girl Of Guadalupe
You’ll be able to’t miss the Church Of Our Girl Of Guadalupe once you go to, actually. Towering over the middle of Puerto Vallarta is that this stunning piece of structure. In the event you’re questioning what to do in Puerto Vallarta when it’s raining, a visit to this church is a good suggestion.
Whether or not you’re non secular or not, I like to recommend taking a peek inside, and naturally, taking a great deal of photographs of the ornate exterior. This church is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Puerto Vallarta.
If you end up in town from December 1 – 12, you’ll have the ability to benefit from the celebrations for the Our Girl of Guadalupe Competition, which incorporates candlelight processions, vibrant parades, and naturally, meals.
18. Go to Mismaloya
Positioned on the southern a part of Banderas Bay, you’ll discover the fishing village of Mismaloya. That is the place tourism in the Puerto Vallarta space all began, again in 1963 with the filming of Evening Of The Iguana. That is what kicked off tourism in the realm.
Today, Puerto Vallarta has extra tourism, whereas the bay at Mismaloya remains to be comparatively quiet. The gorgeous bay is backed by thick jungle, there are eating places lining the seaside and also you’ll have views of the Los Arcos Marine Park. There’s, nevertheless, the Barcelo Resort which takes up a lot of the bay, however it’s nonetheless a pleasant place to go to.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in La Paz, Mexico – A Checklist of the Prime 21
19. Verify Out The Markets
Visiting the markets in Mexico is at all times a deal with. In Puerto Vallarta, you’ll discover meals, fish, clothes and trinket markets. Don’t miss the Municipal Market of Colonia Emiliano Zapata, which is a good place to buy contemporary produce. This market runs from 6:00am to three:00pm, 365 days a 12 months. Click on right here for instructions.
Additionally, if you’d like produce and fish, try the Municipal Market in December 5. Go early to get one of the best collection of seafood. Within the strip of distributors, you’ll discover meats, greens, tortillas and different gadgets. It is a good spot to take meals away, or to create a scrumptious lunch! Visiting a neighborhood market is likely one of the finest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta. Click on right here for instructions.
20. Do Some Mountain climbing
If you wish to do some unbiased mountaineering, you received’t actually discover it in town itself. However, should you take a bus, or drive your automotive out to Boca de Tomatlan, you are able to do a very nice day hike to Las Animas. The trail winds alongside the ocean, with the jungle on one aspect and the gorgeous water on the opposite.
You’ll hike alongside stone stairs and slender paths, whereas arriving at beautiful secluded bays alongside the best way. In the event you’re fortunate, you’ll spot some whales or dolphins taking part in in the water.
All the hike takes about 2 hours to finish, and when you arrive at Las Animas, all that’s left to do is benefit from the seaside, and one of many many eating places on provide. To get again to Boca, you may take a ship from Las Animas, or hike again the best way you got here. For extra info on how to do that hike, click on right here.
Bonus! 21. Take pleasure in a Evening On The City
The Puerto Vallarta nightlife is superior! It doesn’t matter what type of a celebration you’re searching for, you’ll discover it in PV. From seaside bars and nightclubs to cantinas and breweries, an evening out in Puerto Vallarta is certain to be memorable. Whereas a lot of the happenin’ nightlife is across the Romantic Zone, you’ll discover bars throughout town.
Dance the night time away at Co-De or one of many many common Malecon nightclubs (Zoo, Mandala or La Vaquita) or watch your favorite sports activities group on the large display at locations like El Torito Sports activities Bar & BBQ Home, Gamers and El Soñador.
For dwell music, you may’t go flawed with Incanto, Roxy Rock Home and La Casa de Hugo. If it’s craft beer you search, you’ve a few choices in Puerto Vallarta. Don’t miss Monzon and Los Muertos. For cocktail lovers, try El Colibri, Bar La Playa and Twisted Palms.
To study extra about one of the best locations to sip and dance, try our publish: Puerto Vallarta Nightlife – The Greatest Locations to Drink and Dance.
Take pleasure in The Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta!
I hope this listing of 20 issues to do in Puerto Vallarta helps you propose your journey. Whereas town is sort of touristy, it’s common for good purpose and we actually take pleasure in our visits right here. Be sure that to pattern the tasty road meals at any time when you may, discover the native markets and luxuriate in strolling across the metropolis. Tell us what you’d add to this listing in the feedback under! Joyful travels 😀
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