Puerto Vallarta travel guide
I have traveled to Puerto Vallarta with my Mexican family for the last 36 years.
(photo from 1995)
I have traveled to Puerto Vallarta with my Mexican family for the last 36 years. We have seen the city change and modernize while continuing to be a family friendly travel destination. Unlike other Americanized coastal tourist destinations in Mexico, there continues to be an authentic feel to parts of Puerto Vallarta due to it also being a popular vacation destination for Mexicans themselves.This area can be broken down to several unique travel destinations depending on your vacation goals.
We have frequented the Puerto Vallarta & downtown area due to its more family friendly amenities. What I love the most is that unlike Cabo and Cancun it’s less party focused here. I mean, you can still have a great time during the day or night in puerto Vallarta if that’s what you are looking for. But it’s less a bachelor party scene if you know what I mean. These are some of the other popular areas we've visited:
Nuevo Vallarta
newer hotels, most directly on the beach
great beaches for swimming
lots of all inclusive places, great if you don't intend on leaving your hotel
We’ve stayed at Dreams 6 years ago which was all inclusive for adults and it was phenomenal (hoping it’s still the same)
this area is great for honeymooning or couples getaway
several golf courses in the area
not a lot of areas to venture out and walk around
more expensive
20-30 minute drive from the airport
30-40 minute drive to downtown and boardwalk
marina vallarta
minutes from the airport
a handful of hotels
no sand beaches, more for boats to access and dock
15 minute drive to downtown and boardwalk
lots of shopping areas nearby, including Walmart
Puerto Vallarta
10-15 minutes from the airport
Many hotels located on the beach, very little are all inclusive
Hotels here are very family friendly and there is access to lots of activities/excursions
Boardwalk which is the Malecon is a famous landmark, great for walking in the evenings, can get busy
Hotels centrally located to downtown can be more expensive and older, however make it easy to travel everywhere on foot
A ton of food options everywhere you look
Playa Los Muertos is a popular sand beach destination for locals, just south of the boardwalk.
Many AirBnb and other rentals available within walking distance from the beach
zona romantica
This area has lots of upscale restaurants, bars, and coffee shops that are made with Americans in mind.
The wine scene out here seems to be important and restaurants offer extensive menus
Beach side restaurants are great for watching the sunset and having a cold drink.
Hotels in this zone allow for easy walking and access to food, drink, and fun.
All of these amenities are also a little more expensive here.
mismaloya
45ish minutes south of the airport
20+ minutes from downtown
more exclusive and boutique style hotels built into the cliff sides
great for honeymooning and couples getaway
helpful tips
travel
Most major airlines regularly fly into Puerto Vallarta airport. Rates vary for different parts of the year but are generally inexpensive. We generally purchase winter rates for an average of $400-$450 round table from Northern California. When we see the flights for $350 we snatch them right up. Southwest has inexpensive non stop flights but only on specific days of the week.
When flying into the Puerto Vallarta airport, it can be overwhelming with the amount of people that try to get your attention as you exit the terminal. Its kind of a mad house. Do NOT stop to talk to anyone. We call it the gauntlet. Head straight out near the exits that go out to curbside where the taxis and pick ups are. If you pre-arrange your transportation to wherever you are going, perfect I am sure they will give you specific instructions on where to wait for them. Otherwise a taxi is the way to go and they be found curbside where the signs are located. There will be airport employees wearing TAXI shirts that will direct you to a line and vehicle. But do not talk to anyone inside that might try to sell you something in exchange for free transportation.Travel and lodging rate hikes coincide with religious holidays and other major holidays.
Busy times of the year here include:
Dia de Muertos Oct 31-Nov 3
the first week in December for Virgin Mary celebrations
Christmas is busy with lots of vacationing families
winter months bring a lot of Americans and Canadians escaping the cold weather up north
summer can be busy but keep in mind the heat and humidity along with the rainy season can make the weather just a bit challenging. Also hurricane season is between June-November.
driest months are February-May
whale watching season is December-March
lodging
There is a variety of accommodations ranging from all inclusive campuses in the north to rental properties in the middle of downtown. Most larger hotels do offer a kids program and activities. We have been loyal to the Sheraton Bouganvilla resort since 2005 which is centrally located within walking distance to downtown. The customer service there is incredible and the workers even remember us by name year after year. They have a few swimming pools which include 2 one foot sections for younger children. As a result of its location we do not rent a car and sometimes take a taxi when we don’t feel like walking.safety
Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest, if not THE safest tourist destination in Mexico. Federal security measures are readily visible thru ought the entire city. The U.S. State Department notes that tourist areas of Jalisco (like Puerto Vallarta) are some of the safest places for foreigners to travel.currency
Most establishments will happily take US dollars (not sure about other international currencies) or Mexican Pesos. A good majority will also take Visa so don’t be afraid to ask. There are ATMs thru ought the city and at lots of hotels. They will dispense money in Mexican Pesos.cost
For a tropical destination, Mexico offers inexpensive vacation alternatives to places like Hawaii or similar. For example, eating out at a seafood restaurant for 8 people, our bill was $124 US dollars. For the same group, we had endless tacos one night for $36. For our family of 3, we probably spent less than $500 over 8 days for (lots of) food and drink.transportation
There are safe and regulated Taxi cabs all over the city with very reasonable rates. Renting a car is not a must, unless you are feeling adventurous and want to explore the coast. Depending on where you stay, a taxi cab might be all you need.activities & excursions
If you want to participate in the plethora of actives that require purchasing tickets or special equipment, I recommend you purchase your tickets before hand via the Vallarta Adventures website or inquire at your hotel. Whale watching, hidden beach tours, boat tours, snorkeling, diving, ATV rentals, bungee jumping, dolphins, parasailing, the list goes on and on. Chances are you won’t get ripped off if you do your homework and the plans made for you will be trustworthy. There will be tons of people out in town trying to sell you excursion packages, all with varying rates. Also, there will be tons of time share sale pitches, unless you are interested in purchasing a time share, don’t get conned into one of those presentations.food
famous for tacos al pastor (marinated pork), also get the marinated grilled onions
Open until 6am, great for late night eats.
sit down restaurant with bathroom facilities
Spanish and English menus
#2 on Yelp for tacos
inexpensive
specialty also tacos al pastor
street food vibe with outdoor seating around the food stall
open late most nights, until about 2am depending on availability of food
bathroom facilities available
inexpensive
variety of authentic Mexican food
I recommend carne asada tacos
open 24 hours a day, great for late night eats
large, well lit, sit down restaurant
bathroom facilities available, including baby changing table!
great customer service
el campanario
authentic Mexican food, a favorite for local people
located directly across from the main church in downtown, the view is beautiful
famous for the red pozole, a must have!
sit down restaurant with bathroom facilities
small, busy, and sometimes there is a wait.
some English speaking staff
inexpensive
located just north of the Malecon
variety of local, fresh seafood
great customer service
sit down restaurant with air conditioning and bathroom facilities
inexpensive
located just north of the Malecon
menu has lots of variety and food is very good
popular with locals and veteran tourtists
sit down restaurant
inexpensive
mariscos el jefe
A long time favorite for shrimp cocktails. Not the kind you get at Red Lobster in the USA. Real shrimp cocktail. can be warm or cold. its where giant shrimp sit in a broth made using shrimp peels. Its soooo good. You won’t regret it. Im attaching a photo of what the street cart looks like.
on the beach
If you’re into raw seafood like oysters and clams, check out vendors near the bridge at Playa Los Muertos beach and pier during the day. As the shellfish are pulled out of the water they are brought here to an area with tables set up where you can eat shucked things by the dozen to your hearts content.
The Mercado located just inland between the Malecon and Zona Romantica is a large indoor shopping market with food court. For the most part all the stalls have the same souvenirs and the food can be good if you are feeling adventurous and find the right stall.
family run street cart
located just on the very south end of the Malecon in the row of vendors
we have been supporting them since they started in 1990
Crepes are delicious and have a variety of flavors. Do not go to other crepe vendors. Just this one.
inexpensive snack
ice cream shops
oxxo
convenience store located every couple of blocks, like a 7-11
open late
sell snacks and alcohol
starbucks
If you need a fix of your Starbucks coffee from back home, don’t worry. There are several of these coffee shops spread thru ought. 2 downtown and 1 in Zona Romantica. Oh and they have WiFi!
nuts
You can find roasted nut vendors just north of the Malecon as you walk towards it. My favorite is the variety of candied nuts. Often times you can see them being made in the giant copper pot over flame. So good.
shopping
Most of what you will find being sold in stores and stands are the same thing over and over and you’ll be surprised to know it is made overseas. Nowadays you have to look hard to authentic Mexican souvenirs.
One place that never disappoints for handmade inexpensive pottery and home goods is Alfareria Tlaquepaque (located just north of the Malecon) We come here on every trip to stock on some favorites.
If you are in the market for authentic hand tooled Huarache loafers & sandals, I recommend Huaracheria Diana (located just north of the Malecon). I bought a pair of beautiful blue flats this last trip and I can’t wait to wear them back home. These genuine leather shoes will last forever, you can even have them resoled!
galeria indigena
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Galeria Indigena (located downtown) showcases an incredible collection of handmade Mexican art. I love coming here even if its just to see the amazing pieces. The prices here can be a little bit of a sticker shock but if you can afford a handmade item, I suggest you get yourself something beautiful.
Safari Accents (located in Zona Romantica) is also one of my favorites to shop for unique handmade goods. Rarely do I find anything like these pieces any where else. They even ship oversized pieces internationally!
parisina
If you’re anything like me me like to check out the craft scene or fabric stores when traveling, you’ll be happy to know there is an enormous fabric store Parisina in downtown just around the corner from the big church. I come here every trip to stock up on some sewing supplies.
beach vendors
If you find yourself on the beach during the day, chances are you will be approached by many vendors selling anything from jewelry to blankets. Get used to saying “no gracias” if you are not interested. Or if you are interested in purchasing something, they will most likely negotiate prices with you.
hotel gift shops
Most hotels will have their own gift shop with set prices for souvenirs and miscellaneous things, just keep in mind those prices will typically be higher than out in town. you’re definitely paying a premium for the convenience.
