14 Journey Suggestions For Puerto Vallarta For A Protected & Enjoyable Journey (In-Depth Information!)

By Lora Pope. This publish on Puerto Vallarta suggestions accommodates affiliate hyperlinks to trusted companions!

Searching for journey suggestions for Puerto Vallarta in Mexico?

Then you definitely’re in the correct place!

Whereas many vacationers flock to the seashore cities on Mexico’s east coast, one vacation spot price contemplating on your subsequent journey is Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast.

This beautiful seashore metropolis is shortly turning into a hub for digital nomads and vacationers alike, providing wonderful climate, beautiful seashores, and unbelievable nightlife.

Puerto Vallarta can be an ideal place to go to when you love outside journey. Town is surrounded by Banderas Bay, so there are countless alternatives for water sports activities and enjoyable day journeys to close by islands. It’s additionally the most effective locations for whale watching in Mexico!

Moreover, there are unbelievable climbing trails with the Sierra Madre Mountains proper behind town.

When you’re planning to journey to Puerto Vallarta, this publish will let you know every thing it’s good to know to make sure you have a enjoyable and protected journey!

Fast tip: One factor Puerto Vallarta is thought for is its scrumptious meals, so be certain that to e-book a minimum of one these tasty food and drink tours throughout your keep!

Plan Your Journey To Puerto Vallarta (Free Assets)

However first, earlier than we dive into some necessary Puerto Vallarta journey suggestions, right here is an invite to seize free entry to the Jessie on a Journey Final Journey Planning Useful resource Library.

Inside you’ll discover workbooks, Google Maps, journey quizzes, and guides meant to assist make planning your good journey straightforward, stress-free, and even enjoyable! You possibly can seize entry right here:

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Then let’s go over some important tips for traveling to Puerto Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta Map

To start, it’s helpful to have an idea of where things are. This map of Puerto Vallarta can help:

Puerto Vallarta travel map
Puerto Vallarta map

You can too click here for an interactive map you could zoom out and in of.

Journey Suggestions For Puerto Vallarta

1. Arriving: Puerto Vallarta Airport Suggestions

Attending to Puerto Vallarta is straightforward as there’s a world airport (Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz) with each day flights to many cities in North America.

It’s not a giant airport, so it doesn’t take lengthy to get by means of when you arrive, particularly when you’ve already cleared customs in one other metropolis in Mexico.

In actual fact, after I arrived in Puerto Vallarta, it solely took me quarter-hour from the time the airplane landed to gather my luggage and get out of the airport.

The airport is conveniently situated simply quarter-hour from town heart, and there are a number of choices for getting there.

When you’ve obtained your baggage, you may both seize a taxi proper exterior the primary airport doorways (many individuals will ask you when you want one), take a public bus, or get an Uber.

And if it’s good to join, there’s free Wi-Fi within the airport.

Knowing important travel tips for Puerto Vallarta will help you plan the perfect trip to Mexico
Puerto Vallarta – Picture: Lora Pope

Ubers are about half the value of a taxi, however they don’t come to the airport terminal doorways; you’ll have to stroll 5 minutes.

Once you exit the airport, flip left (stroll to the top of the constructing), and switch left once more. You will notice a pedestrian bridge throughout the road. Stroll throughout the bridge and catch an Uber from over there as that is the one place they choose you up. It ought to price about $5-10 to get from the airport to most lodging.

Alternatively, you may take a public bus. The station is true below the pedestrian bridge on the identical facet because the airport.

There are a number of busses that go into the assorted neighborhoods of Puerto Vallarta, which shall be marked on the entrance of the bus.

When you aren’t positive, you may all the time ask the bus driver by saying the identify of the realm you will. The bus prices 50 cents.

2. US Journey To Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers from the USA attributable to its shut proximity, heat climate, wonderful environment, and a world airport that makes it straightforward to get to and from.

As a US citizen, you’ll robotically be given a six-month visa on arrival, making it a fantastic place to work remotely if you wish to lengthen your keep. In actual fact, it’s a well-liked place for creators to remain when attempting to start out a journey weblog and generate income.

There are direct flights from dozens of common cities within the U.S. together with Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco.

American Airways, Delta, and Southwest all fly there in addition to a number of different worldwide airways.

3. Journey Suggestions For Puerto Vallarta Security

Security is all the time a priority for guests touring to Mexico, however Puerto Vallarta is definitely one of many most secure locations within the nation.

Hundreds of thousands of vacationers go to Puerto Vallarta yearly with no issues. I’ve lived right here for 3 months as a solo feminine traveler and have by no means felt scared or in peril.

This being stated, I do have a couple of security suggestions for Puerto Vallarta to share:

Like every metropolis, petty theft does occur so you have to be vigilant when strolling together with your belongings, particularly at night time.

Maintain your telephone or enticing electronics away whenever you’re wandering the cobblestone streets, and don’t depart them unattended on the seashore. You may additionally spend money on some pickpocket-proof clothes to extra simply keep away from pickpockets.

Furthermore, all the time defend your self with journey insurance coverage, as theft can occur anyplace.

As a solo feminine traveler, I attempt to keep away from strolling at night time regardless of the place I’m. As an alternative, I get Ubers — that are very inexpensive in Puerto Vallarta.

The Malecon, a seashore boardwalk within the heart of Puerto Vallarta, is protected to stroll alone at night time as it’s all the time full of individuals and police.

Throughout Covid-19, Puerto Vallarta acquired the Protected Travels Stamp from the World Journey & Tourism Council, which acknowledges the continued implementation of strict security measures in locations all over the world.

Exploring Mmalecon on a trip to Puerto Vallarta
Malecon, Puerto Vallarta – Picture: Lora Pope

4. Journey Insurance coverage For Puerto Vallarta

Right here is without doubt one of the most necessary suggestions for vacationers to Mexico:

When visiting Puerto Vallarta — or anyplace else on the earth — it’s necessary to get journey insurance coverage. If we’ve realized something within the final yr, it’s that the surprising can and does occur.

Whereas there are a lot of suppliers on the market, the most effective journey medical insurance coverage for vacationers is SafetyWing as they’ve obtained a big community and supply each short-term and long-term protection — together with protection when you’re touring for months in addition to restricted protection in your house nation.

Moreover, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and affords $250,000 price of protection with only one low general deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

5. Puerto Vallarta Climate

One of the top travel tips for Puerto Vallarta is to see the sunset
Sunsets in Puerto Vallarta – Picture: Lora Pope

Puerto Vallarta has heat climate year-round, making it an ideal seashore vacation spot for these trying to escape the chilly winters within the northern hemisphere.

Temperatures by no means get colder than 72°F, so that you’ll be capable to benefit from the stunning seashores and ocean it doesn’t matter what time of yr you go to!

June is the most well liked month of the yr and the beginning of the wet season which fits till October.

The rain sometimes solely occurs for a couple of hours within the afternoon or within the night so that you’ll nonetheless get numerous seashore time even when you go to through the summer season.

6. When To Go to Puerto Vallarta

Exploring the beaches of Puerto Vallarta
June in Puerto Vallarta – Picture: Lora Pope

One of the best time to go to Puerto Vallarta will depend on your tolerance for warmth and crowds. October to April is the excessive season which coincides with essentially the most nice (driest) climate and whale-watching season.

Since that is proper after the wet season, it’s additionally best for climbing as there shall be lush inexperienced surroundings and full waterfalls. In actual fact, the vacation spot affords a few of the most stunning hikes on the earth, with this being one of the best time to absorb native surroundings at its most gorgeous.

The draw back of visiting through the excessive season is that that is whenever you’ll discover the most important crowds and the very best costs on lodging.

The climate begins to turn out to be what many would contemplate unpleasantly sizzling in June, so keep away from touring to Puerto Vallarta then then when you don’t like the warmth.

Moreover, the summer season coincides with the wet season however could be a nice time to get offers on lodging and excursions.

You may additionally time your journey to Puerto Vallarta to attend one of many metropolis’s many occasions like Pleasure month in Could or Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Useless) in early November.

7. What To Know About Puerto Vallarta Journey

Exploring El Centro while traveling to Puerto Vallarta
Centro Puerto Vallarta – Picture: Lora Pope

Now, there are a couple of issues to learn about Puerto Vallarta earlier than touring.

When planning a visit to Mexico, you’ll be glad to know that the nation has a few of the most relaxed entry protocols anyplace on the earth throughout COVID-19 — so when you’re questioning “Can I journey to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico” the reply may be very possible “sure!”.

You do not want a take a look at to enter the nation, though I all the time advocate it.

An infection charges are declining on the entire in Mexico, and in Puerto Vallarta, there are few restrictions.

On the time of writing, every thing is open, there isn’t any curfew, and for essentially the most half, life feels regular right here. You should put on a masks inside institutions, and a few locations take your temperature earlier than coming into.

Furthermore, Puerto Vallarta is extraordinarily welcoming to LGBTQ+ vacationers. Zona Romantica is the homosexual neighborhood, and it’s full of rainbow flags and homosexual golf equipment. There are many occasions for LGBTQ+ vacationers, particularly throughout Pleasure on the finish of Could.

You do not want to know Spanish to journey round Puerto Vallarta, however it’s all the time useful to know a couple of key phrases like good day (hola), thanks (gracias), and the way are you (cómo estás?).

This being stated, don’t be nervous when you can’t converse Spanish; most locals converse English and are used to vacationers who have no idea Spanish.

8. Puerto Vallarta Resorts

There’s no scarcity of wonderful inns to remain at in Puerto Vallarta. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for an all-inclusive household resort or an LGBTQ+ pleasant resort, you’ll be capable to discover it in Puerto Vallarta.

The largest resorts and inns are typically concentrated within the north and south neighborhoods of town the place you’ll discover nicer seashores.

If you wish to keep in a resort, some good areas are Conchas Chinas, the North Resort Zone, and Marina Vallarta. These locations are identified for having some actually nice all-inclusive Mexico resorts.

Conchas Chinas is one of the best areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta
Resorts in Conchas Chinas – Picture: Lora Pope

When you choose to remain within the coronary heart of town then e-book your lodging in 5 de Diciembre, El Centro, or Zona Romantica.

From these neighborhoods, you’ll be capable to stroll to The Malecon the place you’ll find eating places, buying, and nightlife. You gained’t discover as many all-inclusive resorts right here however there are many boutique inns and cute Airbnbs to select from.

In actuality, it doesn’t actually matter which a part of town you keep in, as getting round is straightforward.

And that will help you simply discover nice locations to remain, listed here are a couple of sources:

Click here for a list of Puerto Vallarta hotels!

Favor self-contained stays? 

Click on right here to take a look at distinctive native leases! 

You can too use the map under to seek for native stays:

9. Getting Round Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is just not an enormous metropolis which makes it straightforward to get round.

By way of the greatest solution to journey in Puerto Vallarta, when you keep in Centro or Zona Romantica, you’ll be capable to stroll to bars, eating places, and the seashore simply.

Visiting Los Muertos Pier is one of the top things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Los Muertos Pier – Picture: Lora Pope

Even when you keep in one of many neighborhoods a bit additional out like Conchas Chinas, you may nonetheless get round Puerto Vallarta cheaply through the use of the bus or ride-sharing apps.

There are buses that run everywhere in the metropolis and solely price 50 cents to get on.

Alternatively, you may take an Uber or inDriver (an area automotive experience app). A 20-minute Uber throughout city prices round $2.50-$5 relying on demand.

There are additionally taxis available on populated streets, however these are sometimes costlier. All the time bear in mind to barter the value beforehand when you get a taxi!

After all, you may as well lease a automotive. Whereas it’s not likely essential to have a automotive when you’re staying in and exploring Puerto Vallarta because of the numerous budget-friendly public transportation choices, some vacationers prefer to lease one in the event that they’re doing a variety of day journeys to touring to different locations in Mexico.

One suggestion:

Use Discover Cars to shortly evaluate your automotive rental choices.

Their comparability software does the homework for you, so there’s no have to have up 10+ tabs attempting to determine which firm is essentially the most inexpensive. Truly, it can save you as much as 70% utilizing their software!

10. Puerto Vallarta Eating places

No listing of Puerto Vallarta journey suggestions could be full with out speaking in regards to the meals.

Mexico is world-famous for its delicacies, and Puerto Vallarta is not any exception to this.

On condition that town is true by the ocean, you may take pleasure in wonderful high quality seafood right here with Mexican taste. A number of the prime eating places are:

Mezcal y Sal offers some of the best cheap eats in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Tacos from Mezcal y Sal – Picture: Lora Pope

The road meals can be wonderful right here, so don’t be afraid to attempt it. There are taco stands on nearly each nook the place you may take pleasure in a filling meal for simply a few {dollars}.

By way of Puerto Vallarta cash suggestions, it is a nice solution to save when you’re touring on a finances.

Puerto Vallarta additionally has loads of vegan and vegetarian eating places to select from. Try Vegan Ramen, the Green Place, and Salud Super Food for wholesome veggie-friendly choices.

11. Issues To Do In Puerto Vallarta

Though Puerto Vallarta is a metropolis, the most effective issues about it’s the fast entry to the ocean and mountains, making it an ideal place to go on outside adventures.

A number of the hottest issues to do right here embrace whale watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, or just stress-free by the seashore and having fun with the beautiful sunsets.

For one of the best diving, head to Los Arcos Nationwide Marine Park.

Los Arcos Marine Park Mexico is one of the top attractions in Puerto Vallarta
Los Arcos Marine Park – Picture: Lora Pope

There are additionally a variety of climbing trails to discover across the metropolis. One in all my favorites is Los Arcos which leaves from Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas Seaside.

It takes two hours, passing by secluded seashores alongside the way in which you may cease and revel in.

From Las Animas, you may seize a water taxi again to town.

No Puerto Vallarta visitor's guide would be complete without mentioning Colomitos Beach
Colomitos Seaside – Picture: Lora Pope

One other common stroll inside the metropolis is to the Mirador La Cruz del Cerro, an statement deck with a few of the greatest views of town.

Throughout the metropolis, there are a lot of enjoyable issues to do too.

Strolling alongside The Malecon is the proper solution to spend a day or night simply folks watching and exploring the numerous eating places and retailers of Puerto Vallarta.

You possibly can be part of a paid meals or drink tour, and there are additionally free metropolis strolling excursions and artwork walks that occur each Wednesday.

Moreover, Puerto Vallarta has energetic nightlife with golf equipment that go into the early hours of the morning. Salsa dancing may be very common right here!

12. Excursions In Puerto Vallarta

Talking of excursions in Puerto Vallarta, listed here are some highly-rated ones to take a look at:

Click here for a full list of local Puerto Vallarta tours.

13. Day Journeys From Puerto Vallarta

San Pancho in Mexico should be listed in every travel guide to Puerto Vallarta
San Pancho, Mexico – Picture: Lora Pope

Puerto Vallarta is a superb base to discover surrounding locations as fun day trips.

Sayulita and San Pancho are two up-and-coming seashore cities in Mexico common for browsing. Sayulita is infamous for its nightlife, and San Pancho is extra relaxed.

From Boca de Tomatlán — which is a half an hour drive from Puerto Vallarta — you may get a taxi boat to many secluded seashores and small cities alongside the coast.

Yelapa is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to. This laid-back seashore city is barely accessible by boat or climbing path, and there you’ll find many waterfalls to discover.

There’s additionally the charming mountain city of San Sebastian, an hour and a half drive away. It’s a fantastic place to go climbing and funky off from the warmth.

San Sebastian is one of the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta
San Sebastian is a good day journey from Puerto Vallarta – Picture: Lora Pope

Occurring a trip to Puerto Vallarta by yourself? You’ll be glad to know that town is without doubt one of the prime solo feminine journey locations for a lot of.

It’s straightforward to make mates in Puerto Vallarta as a solo traveler. I discovered a tremendous group of mates inside two days of shifting right here that I’ve liked attending to know.

Staying at hostels is all the time a great way to satisfy folks, however when you choose to remain at an Airbnb or resort, it’s nonetheless straightforward to satisfy different vacationers.

Fb teams are one of the common methods to attach with different vacationers in Puerto Vallarta. Listed below are a few of the greatest ones:

I hope the following pointers may provide help to plan a tremendous journey to Puerto Vallarta!

Whereas town is touristy, there’s a cause its so common and I’ve fallen in love with it over the previous couple of months. When you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable place to discover on your subsequent trip, Puerto Vallarta is a good alternative!

What journey suggestions for Puerto Vallarta would you add to the listing?

About The Creator

Lora Pope is a solo feminine journey journey author dwelling nomadically all over the world and presently primarily based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. She has traveled to over 58 international locations and is on a quest to go to all of them, looking for out a deeper reference to the character and wildlife on this planet. You possibly can comply with her adventures at Explore With Lora or on Instagram.

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