Puerto Vallarta is a vacation spot that has been welcoming travellers for a few years, and it’s one in all our favorite locations to go to in Mexico. There are quite a few enjoyable issues to do in Puerto Vallarta — it has one thing for everybody.
Whether or not you’re a backpacker on a price range, a digital nomad in Mexico seeking to spend a month, a pair wanting a week-long trip, or an expat seeking to quiet down, you’ll discover actions in Puerto Vallarta to maintain you busy.
The town is break up up into neighbourhoods (zones), with the countless 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 price range you may have.
Right here’s my record of the highest 21 issues to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!
Right here’s a fast rundown of the zones in Puerto Vallarta beginning on the airport and going south:
- Marina – extra upscale than the lodge zone, with the Marriott Resort, Westin & extra.
- Resort Zone – just some minutes drive from the airport, this space has many motels, 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 facet of the River Cuale and provides reasonably priced lodging.
- Centro (Romantic Zone) – positioned on the south facet of the River Cuale, you’ll discover quite a few bars, cafes, eating places and Playa Los Muertos Seashore. It is a fashionable space with a big LGBTQ group. The lodging ranges from price range 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 an entire rundown on travelling to town of PV, try our detailed information right here.
Observe, this put up has been up to date in 2022 to incorporate the newest greatest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta, the present costs and addresses and extra. Get pleasure from your journey.
1. Stroll…All over the place!
I’ve to place strolling as #1 on the record of issues to do in Puerto Vallarta. Exploring on foot is one of the simplest ways to get a really feel for town, and most areas of PV are reachable by strolling.
Mexico is already one of many least expensive nations to journey, however when you are able to do issues without cost, like strolling and sightseeing, it can save you much more cash.
It is a nice strategy 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 to put on good sneakers because the sidewalks and roads are very uneven.
Observe: the greatest time to journey to Mexico if you wish to stroll round cities could be within the winter months, or within the shoulder season. In any other case, it may be unbearably sizzling and also you’ll almost certainly need to be on the seaside all day.
2. Be a part of a Meals Tour
Do you know that Mexico’s delicacies has made the record of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO? This award hasn’t been granted to some other nationwide meals group.
Mexican meals is a lot greater than tacos and quesadillas and one of the simplest ways to study extra in regards to the tasty delicacies is to hitch a tour. It is a should do in Puerto Vallarta for foodies.
We’ve achieved meals excursions all all over the world, 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 in regards to the metropolis of PV whereas concurrently feasting and dealing off the energy.
There are a couple of foodie excursions on supply with Vallarta Meals Excursions, however we went on the “Unique Downtown Tour“, which took us by means of the middle of PV on each side of the river. We ate quite a few dishes and tried some drinks as effectively. You can even be a part of their night taco tour.
We extremely advocate this tour! Click on right here to study extra and test out the video we made:
3. See Rhythms Of The Night time (among the finest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta)
In the event you’re on the lookout for a mini Cirque de Soleil-type cultural present and dinner expertise, then Rhythms of The Night time will probably be one thing you received’t need to miss!
We noticed this efficiency and though we’re not massive followers of enormous group excursions, this present was spectacular and value each penny. This is without doubt 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 an attractive personal cove. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a fantastically lit space with tiki torches and candles.
You’ll then be proven to your seat within the outside auditorium, which is surrounded by palm bushes. The seats are all staggered, so despite the fact that there are individuals sitting in entrance of you, you’ll don’t have any points seeing the present.
The present depicts numerous tales of the traditional Hispanic civilization and Mexican folklore. Through the efficiency, there’s reside 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.
In the event you’re questioning what to do in Puerto Vallarta at evening, that is it. Don’t miss this present! Click on right here to study extra in regards to the tour and to e-book tickets.
⇒ See Additionally: Issues To Do in Mazatlan – 21 Experiences You Don’t Wish to Miss
4. Watch Sundown
There’s simply one thing in regards to the sunsets on the Pacific Coast, and specifically, Puerto Vallarta. Among the greatest sunsets we’ve ever seen have been from right here. Seize a drink and benefit from the present.
Nice viewing locations embrace 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 famous.
*Observe: Puerto Escondido is one other epic Pacific Coast vacation spot for sunsets in Mexico. When you have an opportunity, attempt to go to there as effectively.
5. Calm down on Playa las Gemelas
Surprisingly, nearly 20 minutes’ drive south of Puerto Vallarta, you’ll discover seashores that seem like they need to be Cancun or Playa del Carmen moderately than the Pacific. I believe this is without doubt one of the greatest seashores in Mexico.
Playa las Gemelas has turquoise water and whitish sand. After we visited, there have been fairly a couple of waves, however no riptides or undertow, and the waves have been enjoyable to swim in.
Different guests have skilled fully calm water right here, so it actually simply relies on the climate and the time of yr.
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, nevertheless it’s price it once you see the view.
To achieve right here, you’ll need to park at Condominios Girasol Sur (in entrance alongside the highway). There isn’t a precise parking for the seaside, so that you’ll want to search out some on the road, or within the few roadside spots in entrance of Girasol Sur Condos.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to 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 facet of meals)
For these of you who prefer to drink tequila – it’s Mexico, who doesn’t?! – this tour is for you.
Throughout our current journey to Puerto Vallarta, we joined the extremely rated Mex-ology tour and loved a late afternoon of Mezcal, Tequila, Raicilla, craft beer, Kahlua espresso and different handcrafted cocktails.
To associate with the booze, you’ll get some tasty meals to assist absorb the alcohol.
The dishes we had have 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 tip of it, however you’ll study quite a bit in regards to the traditions and creation of those alcoholic drinks.
We had an incredible 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 prefer to hangout.
Click on right here to study extra in regards to the Mex-ology Tequila, Tacos & Cocktails Tour on Get Your Information, or in case you favor, you’ll be able to study extra and e-book by means of Viator.
7. Eat Contemporary Oysters
Whereas Mexico is one in all the very best nations on the planet for meals and 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 joyful to know that you would be able to get recent 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’ll be able to sit and luxuriate in your plate of meals by the water, or you’ll be able to take them to go. Squeeze some lime juice on, sprinkle with some salt and add some sizzling sauce in case you like. Get pleasure from!
☞ SEE ALSO: Playa del Carmen Mexico: The Final Journey Information
8. Go to San Pancho
About an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta is the seaside city of San Pancho (San Francisco), which is without doubt one of the greatest day journeys from Puerto Vallarta.
This small city isn’t as quiet because it as soon as was, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a pleasant place to go to. What’s stunning is that despite the fact that it’s not a really massive place, there are many issues to do in San Pancho.
You may go {golfing} for the morning (or late afternoon), eat some actually good worldwide meals, take Spanish classes, do yoga, log on, watch the child turtles be launched and extra.
It’s a cool place to spend the afternoon because it’s simply an hour away from Puerto Vallarta. Replace 2022: sadly, the golf course in San Pancho is closed now.
To get from Puerto Vallarta to San Pancho, you’ll be able to lease a automobile, take the bus for round 50 pesos, or be a part of a day tour of San Pancho and close by Sayulita.
Observe: the ocean right here is kind of tough and isn’t an incredible place for swimming. You can 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 busy visitors that whizzes alongside the slim streets.
Alongside the Malecon, you may have the attractive ocean on one facet, 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 within the late afternoon and evenings when it’s a cooler temperature. And truly, wandering alongside the Malecon is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in La Paz as effectively.
The place to Keep in Puerto Vallarta
There are quite a few resorts, motels, boutiques, hostels, Airbnbs, and flats for lease in Puerto Vallarta. There actually is one thing for everybody, with Airbnb and Reserving.com being the most well-liked methods to e-book.
10. Be a part of a Chocolate Making Class
The Choco Museum is without doubt one of the many free issues to do in Puerto Vallarta. In the event you’re serious about 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 fingers soiled and EAT some scrumptious chocolate, then be sure to hitch one of many lessons on the Choco Museo.
Discover ways to make conventional mole sauce, sizzling chocolate truffles, or particular person candies. Click on right here to study extra about workshops and lessons.
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in Cabo San Lucas – A Record of The High 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 is perhaps a good suggestion to get some train each occasionally! This is without doubt one of the Puerto Vallarta actions you don’t need to miss.
Eco Experience is an eco-conscious firm in Puerto Vallarta that gives mountain biking and mountain climbing journeys within the surrounding jungle trails of the Occidental Sierra Madre.
In the event you’re into journey and being lively, this is without doubt one of the issues to do in Puerto Vallarta that needs to be on the prime of your record.
They’ve biking excursions for novices and superior riders, plus they provide completely different size journeys as effectively — from 15 to 48 kilometers (9.3 – 30 miles).
The routes move by means of villages, waterfalls, rivers, pine bushes, and extra. Click on right here to study extra about Eco Experience and the biking and mountain climbing journeys they provide.
*Observe: in case you’d moderately 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 within the mountains?
Though we’ve by no means achieved this in Mexico, zip-lining by means of the attractive cover is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta. You’ll be on the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains and might journey by means of the jungle over 2 miles (3.2kms) of zipline. This highly-rated ziplining expertise is a superb exercise in Puerto Vallarta. And, if you end up within the Yucatan, ziplining is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Cancun as effectively.
12. Chill Out on Los Muertos Seashore
That is the seaside south of the Los Muertos Pier. And, as with the stretch of sand north of the pier, there are plenty 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 effectively, however they aren’t too pushy. Close to the south facet of the pier, you’ll discover a lot of native households spending the day (particularly on weekends), whereas additional south from there’s thought-about the LGBTQ space, which is at all times busy and plenty of enjoyable.
We’ve visited this seaside a couple of occasions now. Throughout December, the waves have been extremely massive and the surf and undertow have been unbelievably robust. The tough water began from the pier and went north to the La Langosta Loca restaurant.
Nevertheless, on the south facet of the pier, the water was calm and youngsters have been swimming. After we hungout at Los Muertos seaside in the summertime, the water was calm in every single place — and we even noticed a lot of small Manta Rays!
At all times be conscious of the ocean and when unsure, at all times ask a neighborhood if it’s protected to swim.
☞ SEE ALSO: 51 Superior Issues To Do in Mexico
13. Wander The Previous City
Puerto Vallarta has an attractive outdated 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 the direction of the Romantic Zone. As most individuals take the Malecon or the primary 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’ll be able to come out close to the Rio River.
For a tremendous view, you’ll be able to hike as much as the Mirador Cerro de La Cruz. It takes about half-hour and is a bit strenuous, however the view is spectacular. Convey a lot of water and put on good sneakers.
14. Go Scuba Diving
Getting out on the water is at all times a good suggestion when travelling, however so is getting underneath it. The diving in Mexico is subsequent stage.
Whether or not you’re scuba licensed or not, try Banderas Scuba Republic. This firm is PADI acknowledged and the staff is PADI licensed.
At this scuba store, you’ll be able to take lessons and classes to get your certification, or if you have already got your Open Water, you’ll be able to go for some dives. Whereas scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta isn’t the very best in Mexico, it’s at all times good to get out for a dive.
Anticipate to see turtles, rays, eels, and extra. Banderas Scuba Republic is positioned within the Romantic Zone, cease by and test them out.
Observe: We didn’t personally dive with Banderas Scuba Republic, they have been simply extremely reviewed on TripAdvisor. At all times do your personal 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 in regards to the metropolis of Puerto Vallarta, together with its tradition, historical past, and structure, then it’s greatest to hitch a strolling tour with a educated information.
That is the very best factor to do in Puerto Vallarta in your first day within the metropolis so you may 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 within the Previous Metropolis Corridor Constructing. The tour is about 2 hours lengthy and no reservation is required. Click on right here for particulars.
In search of extra Mexico posts? See Additionally:
Issues To Do in San Pancho – A Record of The High 15
Issues To Do in Playa del Carmen – A Record of The High 21
Issues To Do in Guanajuato – A Record of The High 10
Locations To Go to in Mexico – High 33 Spots
Backpacking Mexico – High Causes To Journey Right here Now
16. Be a part of the Free Artwork Stroll
Puerto Vallarta has essentially the most artwork galleries of any Mexican coastal metropolis. On Wednesday evenings, lots 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 people artwork. A go to right here is unquestionably one of many extra distinctive issues to do in Puerto Vallarta.
Entrance is free, there isn’t a information, however there’s normally wine and tequila given to guests…without cost. The “artwork stroll” runs from the tip of October to the tip of Could, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, each Wednesday. It is a yearly occasion. Click on right here to study extra in regards to the Artwork Stroll.
17. Go to the Church Of Our Girl Of Guadalupe
You may’t miss the Church Of Our Girl Of Guadalupe once you go to. 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 spiritual or not, I like to recommend taking a peek inside, and naturally, taking a great deal of pictures of the ornate exterior. This church is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Puerto Vallarta.
If you end up within the metropolis from December 1 – 12, you’ll be capable of 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 within the Puerto Vallarta space all began, again in 1963 with the filming of Night time Of The Iguana.
As of late, Puerto Vallarta has extra tourism, whereas the bay at Mismaloya remains to be comparatively quiet. That is one other nice day journey from Puerto Vallarta.
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, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a pleasant place to go to.
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in La Paz, Mexico – A Record of the High 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 memento markets.
Don’t miss the Municipal Market of Colonia Emiliano Zapata, which is a superb place to buy recent produce. This market runs from 6:00am to three:00pm, twelve months a yr. Click on right here for instructions.
Additionally, if you would like produce and fish, try the Municipal Market in December 5. Go early to get the very best collection of seafood.
Within the strip of distributors, you’ll discover meats, greens, tortillas, and different gadgets. It is a excellent spot to take meals away, or to create a scrumptious lunch! Visiting a neighborhood market is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta. Click on right here for instructions.
20. Do Some Mountain climbing
You received’t actually discover mountain climbing within the metropolis itself. However, in case you take a bus, or drive your automobile out to Boca de Tomatlan, you are able to do a extremely nice day hike to Las Animas. The trail winds alongside the ocean, with the jungle on one facet and the attractive water on the opposite.
You’ll hike alongside stone stairs and slim paths, whereas arriving at beautiful secluded bays alongside the best way. In the event you’re fortunate, you’ll see some whales or dolphins enjoying within the water.
The complete 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 supply.
To get again to Boca, you’ll be able to take a ship from Las Animas, or hike again the best way you got here. This is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta for outside lovers. For extra data on how to do that hike, click on right here.
21. Spend A Night time On The City
The Puerto Vallarta nightlife is superior. It doesn’t matter what form of a celebration you’re on the lookout 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 evening away at Co-De or one of many many fashionable Malecon nightclubs (Zoo, Mandala or La Vaquita) or watch your favorite sports activities staff on the massive display at locations like El Torito Sports activities Bar & BBQ Home, Gamers and El Soñador.
For reside music, you’ll be able to’t go improper with Incanto, Roxy Rock Home, and La Casa de Hugo. If it’s craft beer you search, you may have 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 the very best locations to sip and dance, try our put up: Puerto Vallarta Nightlife – The Finest Locations to Drink and Dance.
Bonus! Volunteer With Canines
In the event you’re an animal lover, why not spend a couple of hours of your trip in PV volunteering with animals?
Mates of Puerto Vallarta Animals wants volunteers to spend time with the canines (and cats!) on the shelter. You may assist out by strolling canines, feeding them and naturally, giving them a lot of love and a focus.
The Acopio shelter is positioned just a bit bit outdoors of the middle of town, however be sure to contact Mates of PV Animals first earlier than arriving on the shelter. Study extra about how one can make a distinction in a shelter canine’s life, right here.
Now You Know What To Do in Puerto Vallarta
I hope this record of issues to do in Puerto Vallarta helps you propose your journey. Whereas town is kind of touristy, it’s fashionable for good cause and we actually take pleasure in our visits right here.
Be certain to pattern the tasty road meals every time you’ll be able to, discover the native markets, and luxuriate in strolling across the metropolis. Tell us what you’d add to this record within the feedback under. Pleased travels 
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