Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta at a Glance
Located on the beautiful coast of the state of Jalisco, it is a renowned port that has been a traditional relaxing place since the early 1930s. Today it is adorned with the contrast between its classic buildings and the modernity of its hotels, the dynamism of its shopping galleries, bars, restaurants or the lively nightlife.
Sheltered by the imposing Sierra Madre, it invites visitors to discover its natural beauties.
Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48333, Mexico
Brief overview of the area's history
Known to Spanish conquerors on their journey to Sea of Cortez since the 16th century. The location provided fresh water, food, and firewood, as well as shelter during inclement weather or pirate attacks to galleons on their trip to the Philippines. Although its development as a port did not occur until the 1800s, with the founding of the city on December 12, 1851 by Don Guadalupe Sanchez Torres, calling the town Las Peñas de Santa Maria de Guadalupe, later Puerto Las Peñas, and until 1918 it receives the official name of Puerto Vallarta in honor of the Governor of the state of Jalisco Don Ignacio L. Vallarta. Read More
Initially, the port’s economy was centered on the distribution of salt for the silver mines in nearby towns such as San Sebastián and La Mascota, and later on in the banana plantations Dlocated close by.Throughout this period the area began to attract visitors who admired its climate and natural beauty.
It was a haven for businesspeople, national and foreign artists in the 1950s and 1960s, providing a new style of destination.
Today, Vallarta is regarded as one of the most popular foreign tourist destinations in Mexico.
Higlights
El Malecón
A must for anyone who comes to Vallarta, the promenade is almost two kilometers long, from the Rosita hotel to the Los Muertos pier. Read More
In it, cultural events and celebrations are held at sunset, you can find handicraft vendors, in some of its different areas they have bars and restaurants, art galleries or shopping areas just by crossing the street.
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Today one of the most iconic views of the town of Puerto Vallarta is that of the bell tower of the parish with its crown of angels adorning the upper part. Read More
Its construction was carried out more than 100 years ago, although the crown was added several years later, it is the center of the city for religious celebrations among the “Vallartans”.
Jardín Botánico de Vallarta
If you want a change of scenery, the Vallarta Botanical Garden is the best option for an extraordinary tour. Opened in 2005. Read More
ALL ABOUT PUERTO VALLARTA
The high season of tourism in Puerto Vallarta consists of several stages that dictate the transportation and lodging rates at the destination. Read More
OCTOBER.
This month is one of the most accessible months to visit Vallarta since the prices of services and rooms are relatively low, with temperatures in the area between 70 and 80 F.
NOVEMBER – MAY
As in most tourist destinations in the country, the temperature at this time varies from 70 F during the day and 60 F at night. This season has the highest rates. Consider this when booking accommodation and activities, there is limited availability. This is the time when Vallarta has its highest hotel occupancy, a season also for the best humpback whale watching in the region.
JUNE
It is a month of low hotel occupancy, with average temperatures around 90 F during the day, however lodging rates are more affordable.
JULY – SEPTEMBER
This time of the year includes the most accessible tourist season for the destination, with the lowest rates in airlines and lodging, consider that the hurricane season in the Pacific is at its peak, finding cloudy days with intermittent rains which increases humidity significantly, even so, Vallarta is still a paradise.
Puerto Vallarta has a wide variety of activities; beaches, a quiet walk along the Malecón at sunset, a fun expedition through the Sierra Madre jungle, visiting mining towns such as San Sebastián or Mascota, and enjoying an excellent set of waves in Punta Mita. Vallarta has a bit of everything for all tastes.
The romantic zone, the varied options of bars and restaurants in the different attractive points in the town or in the luxurious hotels.
Visit the iconic parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a neoclassical building and an important monument of the city, a must-see of the bell tower with its beautiful crown of angels, located next to the main square of the city.
The Lic Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport is equipped with two terminals, one for domestic flights and the other for international flights. After you collect your luggage or exit customs at the international terminal, you will be approached by a significant number of people who want to sell you tours, timeshares, or private transportation. The airport has signage as well as personnel who will ask you if you need transportation and direct you to where you may take taxis to your hotel. The service charges can be costly depending on the location you are targeting, so investigate all possibilities ahead of time.
If you wish to take a local UBER or Taxi, the dynamics will be different because you will have to exit the airport, cross the highway bridge, and walk around the corner to the bus stop. That is the only location where the car can pick you up; however, local taxi service is also available in this area; nonetheless, keep in mind the number of suitcases you are traveling with, as you will have to walk with them to take an external service.
Private transportation services can also be reserved in advance; their personnel will be waiting for you with a corporate sign and your name on it.
The main activity in Puerto Vallarta is tourism, being a fundamental part of the local economy. Therefore, the State of Jalisco and the city invest resources to have a safe environment for their visitors.
During your stay, as in any other city in the world, it is recommended to use common sense, being aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid wearing very flashy jewelry or showing significant amounts of cash, use the safe deposit boxes of the rooms in your hotel by storing valuables, cash or electronic devices that you have.
It is recommended not to walk on the beach at night, as well as to take into account the season of the year in which you visit the city to avoid staying during a meteorological phenomenon.
Depending on where you stay, Puerto Vallarta is a resort where you can stroll to most places. The beach, bars and restaurants, shopping, and the boardwalk are all nearby.
You can use the following services to get outside of Puerto Vallarta’s conventional area:
*Because the taxi services in Vallarta do not utilize taximeters, we recommend that you agree on the fare before entering the car to avoid any surprises.
There are various car rental agencies in the destination, ranging from well-known worldwide companies to smaller local businesses.
The public transportation system provides low-cost service throughout the Banderas Bay area.
Uber service has been offered at the location for several years and can be a fantastic alternative for transportation in both Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit.
You will find all the major international car-rental agencies in Puerto Vallarta, as well as some local companies; the offer is the same in most of them, with clean and new cars. The price will be the difference, so do your booking ahead, you will find better prices and the model you are looking for. When you rent, consider full insurance including personal liability, during high season some agencies can run out of cars.
Buying gas in and around Puerto Vallarta is easy as there are several gas stations in town. Prices are posted in pesos by liter so take that into consideration, most gas stations will take both cash or credit card.
Best Beaches
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Playa Los Muertos
Playa Los Muertos is Puerto Vallarta's best-known and most popular beach, both for locals and visitors alike. It's a great location to unwind, enjoy the crystal-clear waves, savor a fantastic ceviche or seafood, and watch the sunset. Read More
It may be accessed by strolling down the Malecón between the Malecón and the Cuale River.
This beach is the major attraction of old Vallarta, and it is surrounded by bars and restaurants. There is also another beach feature, the pier, which was inaugurated in 2013. It is a combination of modern design and local culture. -
Playa Conchas Chinas
Conchas Chinas is a must-see when visiting Vallarta, and it's only a few minutes away from the well-known romance zone.
There are hotels, bars, and restaurants on this beach, so you may have a delicious margarita while watching the sunset. Read MoreEmphasizing its geographic location Conchas Chinas is protected by the Sierra Madre jungle and the crystalline waters of Bahia Banderas. It features rock formations that create natural sea pools from which you may enjoy the area's marine life. It is a beach with little current and waves, allowing for sports such as snorkeling and diving. -
Playa Las Gemelas
One of the most stunning beaches in Bahia Banderas, with white sand and crystal clear water, is located 25 minutes from Puerto Vallarta on the way to Barra de Navidad. Read More
It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and admission is free. However, the entrance is in poor condition, thus access for individuals with disabilities is not suggested.
Being a beach distant from the port and even with condominiums surrounding it, it lacks infrastructure, thus it is recommended that you bring whatever you need that you will use or consume.
One of the loveliest corners of this gorgeous coastline, and a suggested beach for snorkeling on days with low tide and calm conditions. -
Islas Marietas, Playa Del Amor
The Marieta Islands, located west of Puerto Vallarta and adjacent to Punta de Mita, are home to La Playa del Amor, one of the most photographed and romantic sites in Bahia Banderas. Read More
Because it is a National Marine Park and a Protected Natural Reserve, it is an excellent place to practice diving and snorkeling.The Marietas are Two volcanic islands that formed more than 50,000 years ago, the first Round Island is well known for the crater that overlooks the secret beach below.
The reserve's entrance is limited for its protection to a specific number of visitors per day; reserve the spaces in advance so that you can appreciate this natural beauty on the days you visit Vallarta. -
Playa Punta de Mita
This paradise of golden beaches, mild waters, and outstanding surf conditions is located in the Nayarita section of the Bay of Banderas and can be reached through federal highway 200 from Puerto Vallarta. Read More
The area boasts various coral reefs where you can view countless marine life, mantas, rainbow fish, turtles, crustaceans, and more. The area is distinguished by its restaurants with cuisine, particularly fish and seafood, that is so fresh that it is an experience from the sea to the table.
You can also Sport fish for billfish, sailfish, marlin, or a beautiful dorado.
Punta Mita is the best beach in the entire destination for surfing, whether you are a beginner or an advanced level surfer. The waves are incredibly long, allowing you to surf for a long distance.On Stinky's Beach, there are numerous shops and establishments that provide classes or equipment rentals. El Faro and Punta Burros have more difficult spots. It's around 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta.
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Playa Majahuitas
This little bay with immaculate beach and transparent waters, located in the Cabo Corrientes area, is a haven where one may detach from the outer world for a few wonderful days. Read More
It is only accessible by sea because it is located 29 kilometers west of Puerto Vallarta, either at the Los Muertos beach pier or by land to Boca de Tomatlán and then taking a water taxi to Majahuitas.
Diving and snorkeling are the major activities in this paradise, which boasts multiple reefs and caverns with uncountable types of marine animals.
Parrot fish, puffer fish, moray eels, and crabs, as well as various species of turtles, visit the area, as does the humpback whale migration season at the end of the year.
Beach Gallery
Photos by: Noecillo Ramirez, Emanuel Robles, PostandFly, Saúl Robles, Qué plan Vallarta, Costo por Destino, ViajeFest, The Sassy Mom, Wild Treks Adventures, Vallarta Life, Explorando con Sergio Vázquez, Charlesdeviaje, La Vista de Frank and other authors.
Gastronomy
The gastronomic experience that Vallarta offers, is one of the many activities that will delight your senses, the variety of establishments around the town and on the different beaches of Banderas Bay will be a great and tasty adventure.
Restaurants near the beach offer the most varied and fresh dishes with an experience : “From the sea to your table”.
Unforgettable gastronomic creations from the hands of brilliant chefs who represent gourmet international cuisine in Vallarta. You will also discover bars and pubs where alchemy is represented in the perfect cocktail to set that unforgettable moment. From a craft beer, a home-distilled tequila or a sexy Martini overlooking the sea, they create the perfect atmosphere for a very special destination.
Nature
Puerto Vallarta is a city located in Bahía Banderas and sheltered by the imposing Sierra Madre del Sur, being one of the largest and most beautiful bays in Mexico. It is also home to thousands of land and marine animal species as well as countless species of flora endemic to the region.
Ecosystems such as El Salado estuary where the flora is represented with four types of environments: Medium forest with 15 dominant species, mangrove with 3 species, thorn forest with 4 species, marsh or grassland with 6 species and aquatic and underwater vegetation with 15 species, one of the places where the greatness of nature is appreciated, this area is home to 99 species of birds, 10 species of mammals and 29 species of reptiles and amphibians.
Bahía Banderas is also one of the places where every year different species of whales meet to court, mate and give birth to their calves, the predominant species is the gray whale, which makes its migration from Alaska to Baja California, Baja California Sur , Sinaloa and Nayarit.
Puerto Vallarta is home to different endemic and migratory species that adorn the area with their different colors, birds such as Parrots, Parakeets, Owls, Hawks, Quails, Woodpeckers, Magpies, Mockingbirds to name a few.
Activities
Puerto Vallarta is a lovely resort with pristine white sand beaches that invite visitors to participate in a variety of activities in this paradise shielded by its amazing landscapes. A quiet town to explore, a beautiful bay to enjoy a romantic Sunset sail, a sea where one can snorkel on its various beaches or diving for the more experienced, visiting one of Los Arcos’ rock formations and its beautiful islands, zip-lining in the jungle, hiking to its waterfalls, or the adrenaline rush of a buggy tour through challenging roads. Visit hidden colonial mining communities in the Sierra, a glimpse of a completely different past in the region, and stroll around the Plaza de Armas close to the gorgeous and imposing parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Delight your senses with the city’s diverse gastronomic offerings, from famous local birria tacos to renowned seafood restaurants overlooking the ocean, or savor an evening as a couple in a well-known Austrian bistro, a town classic. This lovely city delivers all of this and more to those who are fortunate enough to know a location that combines the colonial and the modern, allowing them to experience a completely different image of Mexico.
Fishing
Banderas bay offers a unique opportunity for the traveler who wishes to catch the Big One! There are two options that you can try, depending on what kind of fish you want on your wall. You can experience fly fishing which is available for inshore species like Spanish Mackeral, Bonitos, Skip Jacks, Yellowfin Tuna, Needlefish or Dorados, all depending on the season.
If you like to get your heart pumping, go for offshore fishing where you can catch big Dorados, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish or Marlins.
Boat charters range from 28 ft Super Pangas all the way to 40 ft sportfisher Yachts.
Golf
Golf is one of the most popular sports in North America and Puerto Vallarta has several high-level courses to practice this activity.
Av. Paraiso 800, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit
Phone: 322-226-8190
Located in the Nuevo Vallarta side, this amazing course created by Robert Von Hagge is one of the newest in the destination.
This is a par -72, 7239 yard championship golf course with nine bodies of water and streams, fearsome beach bunkers right at the edge of the Pacific Ocean at Paradise Village.
Carretera Tepic- Puerto Vallarta Km 145, Bucerias, Nayarit
Phone: 329-296-5006
This is Percy J. Clifford designed par -72, 6853 yard Championship golf course, with narrow fairways and nine water hazards, 43 bunkers that protect the approaches. Beautiful landscapes with a light ocean breeze, the course offers 4 tee-off marks providing the right level of challenge for all players.
Punta Mita, Nayarit
Phone: 329-298-4091
Located Northeast of Punta Mita it is an 18 hole, par -72 7022 yard conceived by Greg Norman ,with gorgeous views 8 holes are surrounded by a lush virgin jungle, challenging players of all levels with very well groomed fairways and greens, 7 holes are link style holes and the last 3 holes run along the pacific coastline.
Paseo de la Marina 430, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Phone: 322-221-0073
Located right in the heart of the Marina area in Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by the Sierra Madre and the majestic Banderas Bay, it is the closest course to town.
An 18 hole par -71 6701 yards Championship golf course designed by Joe Finger almost 32 years ago, with lush scenery and tranquil rolling fairways.
Paseo de Las Moras, Nuevo Vallarta
Phone: 322-226-4000
Located in the Nuevo Vallarta area, this is a fun and challenging 6700 yard par -70 golf course that has been completely renovated by Jack Niklaus in 2011.
Wide fairways protected by seven lakes and 47 bunkers will challenge you to play your best with its constant air currents.
Circuito Universidades 653, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Phone: 32-2290-0030
These are two of the most acclaimed golf courses in Vallarta, lush dense jungles, deep ravines, swift creeks and the views of Banderas Bay, make playing these courses an extraordinary experience.
Two 18 hole golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, offer some of the best views of Puerto Vallarta, The Marina area and Banderas Bay.
The Nicklaus course is an 18 hole 7057 yard, par -72 layout that will make you think twice every move you make.
The Weiskopf course is an 18 hole par -72 6976 yards comprising deep ravines, dense jungles, blending elevations and magnificent views of Puerto Vallarta and the background of the Sierra Madre mountains.
Shopping
From traditional markets to luxurious shopping centers, the shopping offer in Vallarta is extraordinary.
It can be found from souvenirs, crafts, jewelry or typical Mexican textiles to the freshest products of the region in the organic markets of the town.
Modern shopping malls with fashion stores or premium trendy items can be found in places like La Isla, Plaza Peninsula or Galerías Vallarta. Artisan markets such as the Municipal Market, located in downtown Vallarta, offer visitors handicrafts and clothing made with traditional methods, a heritage passed down from generation to generation. In the area of local organic products, the Olas Altas market is the place to visit.
Vallarta also offers countless galleries and establishments located around the boardwalk, in the streets and corners of the town where you can find some souvenirs to remember your visit to Vallarta.
Nightlife
Vallarta from adventure and extreme activities during the day changes its speed at nightfall, so after a well-deserved rest and an excellent dinner you will be able to find an incredible variety of establishments in the destination to make your night a memorable evening.
Whether in the center, the Romantic Zone, the Hotel Zone or Nuevo Vallarta, this charming bay will always have a magical place for all tastes, all preferences and for you.
From a Sexy Martini Lounge, a distillery, a Salsa Hall, a brewery, bars, pubs or cafes you can enjoy the other side of this Pacific destination celebrating and dancing until dawn.
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