THINGS TO DO

Sun & Beach

A Beach for Every Mood

Blessed with over 40 beautiful and unspoiled stretches of sun-kissed sand, Puerto Vallarta is a beach lover’s dream come true. Each with its own unique ambiance and qualities, whether you are in search of fun and energy or calm and peaceful, there’s a beach here to match your mood.

Puerto Vallarta’s original ‘happening’ beach, and still its most popular, is Playa los Muertos (Beach of the Dead), which is action-central for locals and tourists alike, especially on weekends. Here you’ll find a non-stop parade of vendors, selling everything from grilled fish on sticks to jewellery, sombreros and sarapes. Full of high-octane fun, there is also no shortage of bars and restaurants when it comes time to refuel.

If you want peace and quiet… a little stretch of sand to call your own as you stretch out in the sunshine with a good book in hand... then head either north or south. To the north, you’ll find Playa Olas Altas (High Waves Beach), where the waves aren’t usually very high at all. To the south, the last beach that can be reached by road is Boca de Tomatlan. Great for swimming, from here you can rent pangas – small fishing boats – and travel to even more remote beaches such as Yepala, Las Animas and Quimixto.

Thanks to @_exappiah for making this photo available freely on @unsplash

 

Sightseeing

Picture Perfect

Having developed over the years into one of Mexico’s top beach destinations, Puerto Vallarta has a lot of offer – with lots to see and do on any given day. Whether you are into history, art, food, beach, adventure or nature, there’s something here for you.

When it comes to discovering all of Puerto Vallarta’s charms though, the best place to start is on the Malecon (boardwalk) in the downtown area. This seaside promenade/pedestrian walkway is home to many great bars, restaurants, shops and galleries, along with just being a popular place to hang out and people watch, for visitors and locals alike. It’s also a great place to kick off your nighttime escapades as many of the city’s ‘in’ discos and clubs are located here.

If you are looking for the heart of the city, its symbol and icon, it isn’t hard to find either, just look up – the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church dominates the downtown skyline and is the city’s the most photographed landmarks.

And while you are strolling along the Malecon, you can keep walking right to the area known as Viejo Vallarta (Old Vallarta), also known as the ‘Romantic Zone’. Made up of quaint, winding cobblestone streets, this area is packed with shops, cafés, bars and restaurants, and as such is one of the most popular and busiest parts of town, which is active all day and well into the night.

Not far from the Romantic Zone, you’ll find the city’s most famous and popular beach: Playa Los Muertos. Despite its rather ominous name – which translates to ‘Dead Men’s Beach’ – this 1.5-kilometre-long stretch of golden sand offers the epitome of fun in the sun, with activities, food, drink and calm waters that are great for splashing around in. This is where you can also grab a water taxi and go explore the less frequented beaches in the south.

Other great places to check out while in Puerto Vallarta include the Isla Rio Cuale, for great shopping in a cool ambiance, and Marina Vallarta, a luxurious area that is located just 15 minutes north of the city and is home to some of the best restaurants and spas.

Thanks to @arusfly for making this photo available freely on @unsplash

 

History & Culture

Star Power

Set between the rugged Sierra, the Pacific Ocean and the powerful Ameca River, the beautiful piece of Mexican geography that today we know as Puerto Vallarta, was first discovered in 1541 but then practically forgotten for the almost 300 years that followed.

A small fishing village, it wasn’t until the 1930s when the world started to take notice. But it was in 1964 that Puerto Vallarta really made headlines. The setting for John Huston’s film adaptation of The Night of the Iguana, the movie showcased the beautiful Mismaloya Beach, but it was its stars – Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and their well-publicized affair – that really shone the spotlight on this place.

It was this publicity that brought foreign investment to these shores in the 1970s, which in turn brought about the once small village’s massive expansion into the popular tourist destination you find today.

Thanks to @cjmcqueen for making this photo available freely on @unsplash

Eco Adventures

Made by Mother Nature

Puerto Vallarta has been, and will always be, well-suited for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

There’s the ocean of course, and Banderas Bay specifically, which every year during the winter season is visited by humpback whales on their annual migration. Take a tour led by biologists who will enhance the already amazing experience of seeing these magnificent creatures close up, by telling you all about the wonderful world of these huge cetaceans.

You can also swim with dolphins and manta rays off the sunlit coast of the Marieta Islands, go on a kayaking tour, scuba diving, or, for a truly amazing experience, participate in a turtle release program.

On dry land, the options are just as plentiful. Take a hike through the jungle or go horseback riding. If you enjoy seeing and learning about the vegetation that is native to these parts, be sure to visit the Botanical Gardens.

A trip to the El Salado Estuary is another option for exploration, and if you love bird watching, well you’ve come to the right place – Puerto Vallarta is home to more than 350 bird species, including aquatic, terrestrial and marine birds.

 

Romance & Weddings

Romance, Guaranteed

Puerto Vallarta is made for romance… it did, after all, get its big break thanks to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s own little love story and the paparazzi who covered it so enthusiastically.

But beyond that, this place just lends itself to romantic moments. Whether it’s a sunset stroll along the Malecon, a picnic on some beautiful stretch of beach, or cruise along that pristine coastline, there are no shortage of moments those in love won’t… well… love.

Destination weddings are a big thing here too, as one might expect, and settings for ‘I do’s’ are plentiful, be it on the beach or cliffside, both offer unparalleled views.

Thanks to @graphicillusion for making this photo available freely on @unsplash 

Wild Adventures

There is so much to do in Puerto Vallarta that it can be hard to know where to start. Stretching out on that hot sand beach is always an option, but beyond the beach, countless wonders await. There are a couple of standouts though, depending on when you travel. If you visit during the winter months (December to March), you will be there for the annual migration of humpback whales and should definitely head out on an excursion to see these beautiful creatures for yourself. If you visit between July and December, you have the opportunity to witness and participate in annual the turtle release program.

Must See/Must Do: Relaxation and adventure await you in Puerto beaches and crystal clear waters. Grab your favourite book and head over to any of the popular and uncrowded beaches for some R’n’R. The Bay of Banderas is a well-known spot for incredible bird-watching and scuba diving. This is the deepest and largest inlet in the Pacific Ocean. The views are stunning and the waters are relatively calm. This makes it a great place for adults and children to dip their feet in the water and take in the scenery. Another great beach getaway/tour is the Las Caletas Beach Hideaway. Talk to your resort representative about getting here and spend your day visiting with animals, canoeing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and much more! And of course take some time to discover the wonders of Puerto Vallarta itself. The old part of the city has its own architectural style, with cobblestone streets and adobe houses topped with red roofs that highlight the elegance of the Mexican colonial style.

Hidden Gems: For a little bit of history, about an hour and 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, you will find the historical town of San Sebastian del Oeste. This remote village, which is nestled at the top of the spectacular Sierra Madre Mountains, has retained all the charm of the colonial times complemented by the fresh mountain air.

Daytripper: Enjoy the sights, sounds, shops and sea in a day! Start your morning off wandering the Malecon in the downtown area. This is not to be missed if you love to people watch and enjoy the culture. There are vendors, street performers and restaurants. Rest your legs at any one of the terrific restaurants along the way and try out some local specialties like grilled mahi-mahi or ceviche. Once you’re reenergized, head over to Playa Los Muertos. Located an easy walking distance, from the Malecon, you can claim a spot on the beach or take a water taxi to other incredible beaches in the south.

The View: A trip to Los Arcos National Marine Park is sure to be remembered. This incredible park offers amazing cliffside views of the small granite islands offshore. At the park you will also find deep tunnels, caves, arches and coral reefs. It is a protected area for seabirds, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars. The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking.

Thanks to Nicole Herrero for making this photo available freely on @unsplash 

Shopping

Eclectic Art & Unique Shops

If you’d like to spend some time during your holiday exploring boutiques and art galleries, well then Puerto Vallarta is the place for you. Known for having the most diverse and impressive selection of Mexican fine art outside of Mexico City, the galleries here are a true pleasure to discover and explore.

Plus, if you visit between November and April, a few dozen of the local galleries get together to offer weekly art walks (every Wednesday between 6 and 10pm), and most of these galleries also offer complimentary cocktails to enjoy while you peruse. A fun evening enjoyed by visitors and locals alike!

Puerto Vallarta also has many great little shops, as well as markets and expansive plazas where you can find an abundance of silver jewellery, beachwear and Mexican souvenirs such as sarapes, leather goods, and more.

Where to start? Head to the Malecon area and go from there. Some of the more attractive shops are located about one to two blocks back from the Malecon.