You know that feeling when you’re hunting for the perfect beach destination but you’d rather skip the overcrowded Caribbean resorts where great rafts of seaweed sometimes wash ashore? If you’re drawn to authentic Mexico, breathtaking sunsets and stunning scenery, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico will win you over completely. This town on the Pacific coast offers a unique blend of traditional Mexican charm, modern comfort and wild jungle that tumbles straight down into the sea.
While Mexico’s east coast battles sargassum seaweed in the Caribbean, the Pacific side has clear water — a touch cooler and darker, but clear. And the best part? Swimming in Banderas Bay is wonderfully safe, which is far from a given on the wild Pacific. In this guide you’ll find 15 things to see and do in Puerto Vallarta and the nearby surf mecca of Sayulita, so you come home from Mexico with the loveliest memories. I’ll tell you where to stay, how things stand with safety, and how many pesos to budget.
TL;DR
- Pacific without seaweed: Unlike the Caribbean (Cancún, Tulum), Puerto Vallarta isn’t plagued by sargassum blooms. The water here is clear year-round.
- Best time to visit: December to March. It’s dry, temperatures hover around 27 °C and, best of all, you can watch enormous humpback whales from a boat.
- Zona Romántica: The historic heart of town with cobbled lanes, great cafés and an incredible atmosphere. For 2026 it’s officially becoming Mexico’s first “Friendly District”, with 10 million pesos invested into public space.
- Sayulita and San Pancho: If you’re after a more bohemian vibe and waves to surf, head a little further north into the state of Nayarit.
- Prices and currency: You pay in Mexican pesos (MXN). The exchange rate is roughly 20 MXN to 1 £. Always carry cash — plenty of smaller spots don’t take cards.
When to visit Puerto Vallarta
If you want to experience the best Puerto Vallarta has to offer, planning is key. The climate splits into two main seasons — the dry season and the rainy season — and each has its charms. Generally, though, most travellers head here when winter is at its coldest back home in the UK.
According to travellers, the best time to visit is December to March, when you’ll enjoy dry weather, temperatures around 27 °C and the peak of humpback whale season (January and February). February works out as the perfect compromise between gorgeous weather, whales and reasonable prices without the Christmas and Easter crowds, while November is a great tip for bargain hunters source.
If you go in summer (June to October), be ready for the rainy season. That doesn’t mean it pours from dawn to dusk, though. Mornings are usually beautifully sunny and the sharp tropical showers tend to roll in only in the late afternoon. The upside is that the surrounding jungle is incredibly lush and green during this time, and hotel prices drop sharply. For more detail, check out our article on when to visit Mexico.
💡 Tip: If you’re heading out on boat trips in January or February, throw a light hoodie or jumper into your case. The morning breeze on the ocean can be pretty chilly, even in Mexico!
Where to stay: from the historic centre to surf villages
Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding coast offer accommodation for every budget, whether you’re after a cheap hostel, a romantic boutique hotel or a sprawling resort that looks after you from morning till night. The town splits into several distinct neighbourhoods, so think carefully about which atmosphere suits you best.
If you love the buzz of the town, little cafés and want everything within walking distance, stay in Zona Romántica (the old town). It’s the liveliest and most popular part of town. For families with kids, or anyone after a quieter resort holiday, Marina Vallarta or the Nuevo Vallarta area (already over the line in neighbouring Nayarit) is ideal. And if you’re coming mainly for the surf and the boho vibe, head straight for the towns of Sayulita or San Pancho.
In Puerto Vallarta, the neighbourhood makes all the difference: the bohemian Zona Romántica by Los Muertos beach is the heart of the action, while the resorts on the southern tip offer peace and quiet with a view. Luckily, it’s all linked by the malecón boardwalk.
💑 For couples: Casa Maria Hotel Boutique & Gallery is an adults-only boutique in the heart of Zona Romántica, a two-minute walk from Los Muertos beach, with its own gallery and pool (from around £95 a night).
👨👩👧 For families: Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is an all-inclusive beachfront resort with six pools, a kids’ club and a family programme (from around £330 a night for two, all-in).
💰 Best value for money: Hotel Boutique Rivera del Rio is a charming boutique with individually styled rooms, a pool and a hot tub, a 15-minute walk from the beach — consistently great reviews (from around £115 a night).
✨ For a splurge: Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta is a AAA Five Diamond adults-only resort above the bay with rooftop infinity pools and a butler (from around £470 a night).
Booking tip: for all of these hotels, choose a rate with free cancellation — plans change, and you don’t want to pay for somewhere you never end up reaching. And don’t leave it to the last minute: the top-rated addresses sell out months ahead in peak season, and prices then jump by tens of percent.
Here are a few specific tips for highly rated hotels that travellers — and we — have long sworn by:
- Cheaper stay in the old town: Hotel Posada De Roger is an absolute classic in Zona Romántica. It has a gorgeous plant-filled courtyard, traditional Mexican architecture, a small rooftop pool and prices that won’t ruin your wallet (often under £60 a night).
- The happy medium for couples: Casa Maria Hotel Boutique is a beautiful, design-led adults-only hotel. It sits just steps from Los Muertos beach, has a great pool, and reviewers can’t stop raving about its cleanliness and helpful staff.
- Luxury with ocean views: Almar Resort is a top-tier beachfront hotel known for its fantastic beach club and infinity pool. Although it’s primarily aimed at an LGBTQ+ clientele, everyone is welcome — anyone after premium service and a good time will feel right at home.
- A relaxed family holiday: Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa in the Marina Vallarta area offers huge pools, a private beach and total peace away from the bustle of the centre.
- Stylish stay in Sayulita: If you opt for the surf village, take a look at Hotel Ysuri Sayulita. It’s right on the beach, with a beautiful garden and a design that perfectly captures the local bohemian vibe.
💡 Tip: As a rule, you’ll find a standard double room in a good hotel in the centre for around £60 to £100 a night (roughly 1,250–2,000 MXN). During the holidays (Christmas, New Year, Easter), though, prices shoot up and you’ll need to book your stay several months ahead.
Things to see and do in Puerto Vallarta and around
Puerto Vallarta isn’t just about lounging on the beach with a margarita in hand — though you can absolutely do that from morning till night. The town and the surrounding Banderas Bay hide so many activities that you definitely won’t be bored. From strolls through the historic centre to whale watching and discovering hidden jungle waterfalls.
1. An evening stroll along the Malecón boardwalk
The nearly two-kilometre pedestrian promenade known as the Malecón is the beating heart of the whole town. It runs along the coast and offers the loveliest ocean views. By day it’s a nice spot for a walk, but the Malecón works its real magic just before sunset, when locals and tourists gather, street performers unpack their gear and dozens of food stalls open up.
According to travellers, the walk along the malecón is among the safest in town thanks to the lively buzz, good lighting and an ever-present police patrol. It stays busy here until late, but if you’re heading back to accommodation outside the main tourist zones, it’s recommended to call a registered taxi or an Uber for the journey at night source. As you stroll, be sure to notice the famous bronze sculptures lining the promenade. The most photographed is probably “The Boy on the Seahorse” (El Niño sobre el Caballo de Mar), which has become the town’s unofficial symbol.
2. Get lost in the lanes of Zona Romántica
If you’re looking for that real, authentic atmosphere, you have to head to Zona Romántica, also known as Viejo Vallarta (the Old Town). Travellers describe Zona Romántica as the heart of Puerto Vallarta, with cobbled lanes, little cafés and great restaurants, where you can walk almost anywhere on foot — plus the area is very clean, calm and safe source. The colourful house façades draped in bougainvillea will have you reaching for your camera at every turn.
The neighbourhood is also famous for its huge openness. Puerto Vallarta is considered Mexico’s most important LGBTQ+ destination, and the gay scene centres mainly around Lázaro Cárdenas street, where you’ll find over thirty different venues. For 2026, the town is preparing an official ‘Friendly District’ with rainbow signage, new pedestrian zones and public art, investing over 10 million pesos source. The atmosphere here is incredibly friendly and laid-back for absolutely every traveller.
3. Take a dip at Playa de los Muertos
Right on the edge of Zona Romántica you’ll find the town’s most famous beach, Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead). Don’t let the slightly morbid name put you off — legend says a battle with pirates once took place here, but these days it’s all easy living, parasols and cold beer. It’s the busiest beach for miles around, but that’s precisely where its charm lies.
The beach’s landmark is the modern Los Muertos Pier, shaped like a giant ship’s sail. At night the pier is beautifully lit, and by day water taxis (known as pangas) set off from here to beaches you can’t reach by land. Renting two sun loungers with a parasol will set you back around 300 to 500 MXN (roughly £12–20) a day, though it’s often enough to order food and drinks above a certain value at the adjoining beach bar.
4. Photograph the iconic Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Even if you’re not big on sightseeing, you simply can’t miss this church. The Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe is an architectural gem and the main landmark of the entire historic centre. Its tower is topped with a beautiful filigree crown said to be held up by angels.
The church is at its most beautiful from the outside, especially when you wander the narrow lanes climbing up towards it and the tower suddenly pops into view among the colourful little houses. Entry is, of course, free, and if you visit in early December you’ll experience the huge celebrations around the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, when the streets fill with processions, music and dancing.
5. Find some shade on Isla Cuale
Right in the middle of town, where the Cuale River flows into the ocean, lies a small green island called Isla Cuale. It’s like stepping into a completely different world. While the Malecón bakes in the sun and buzzes with activity, here you’ll find mature trees, shade, suspended rope bridges and plenty of fluttering birds. And if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it), you might even spot wild iguanas basking on the branches.
The island is laced with walking paths and home to a huge market selling handicrafts, ceramics, silver and textiles. It’s probably the best place in town to pick up souvenirs. Just remember that a bit of haggling is expected here, especially if you’re buying several items from one stall.
💡 Tip: Stop on the island for a coffee or a fresh coconut. There are some lovely little cafés where you can sit and watch the world go by.
6. Hike up to the Mirador de la Cruz viewpoint
If you want Puerto Vallarta laid out in front of you and don’t mind working up a sweat, head to the Mirador de la Cruz viewpoint (the Lookout at the Cross). It sits on a hill right above the town centre and offers a truly spectacular 360-degree view over the whole of Banderas Bay, the red rooftops of the old town and the mountains in the background.
The way up runs along Abasolo street, and at the end you face a steep climb and a decent flight of steps. Entry is free, but I’d recommend going early in the morning or just before sunset — the hike up in the humid heat at midday wouldn’t be much fun. There’s also no shade or drinks stall at the top, so don’t forget to bring your own water bottle!
7. Experience spectacular whale watching
This is the experience that really makes it worth visiting Puerto Vallarta in winter. Every year from mid-December to the end of March, thousands of enormous humpback whales migrate to the warm, safe waters of Banderas Bay to mate and bring their young into the world. Seeing a twenty-metre creature up close as it leaps above the surface and crashes back down with an almighty splash is something you’ll never forget.
Plenty of agencies in town run these trips. You can choose anything from large, stable catamarans (ideal for families and anyone who suffers from seasickness) to small, fast boats (zodiacs) that get you much closer to the whales. A half-day trip usually costs between 1,200 and 1,800 MXN (roughly £50–75). Be sure to pick a company that has a marine biologist on board and follows strict animal-protection rules — Vallarta Adventures, for example, has a good reputation.
8. Discover the hidden beach on the Islas Marietas
The Islas Marietas archipelago is a protected national park lying just off the coast. It’s a cluster of volcanic islands made famous above all by the stunning Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor), which sits literally inside a huge crater. Boat trips to the islands cross the relatively calm waters of the bay, so they suit more sensitive stomachs too, and there’s a great chance of spotting dolphins along the way.
Reviews from 2025 praise the crew and the refreshments on the boats, but some tourists point out that the water here can be quite cold in January and the snorkelling itself sometimes falls short of expectations due to poor visibility source. It’s important to know that, for conservation reasons, only a very limited number of people are allowed onto the Hidden Beach each day (you’ll need to pay extra for a special permit), and the islands are usually closed to the public entirely on Mondays and Tuesdays by government order. A basic island trip costs around 1,500 MXN (£62), while access to the Hidden Beach will run to over 3,000 MXN.
9. Snorkel at Los Arcos de Mismaloya
A little south of town, enormous granite formations resembling arches rise out of the sea — these are Los Arcos. It’s a protected marine park and probably the best accessible spot for snorkelling and diving close to Puerto Vallarta. The water here is usually clear and the reefs are full of colourful fish and rays, and you might even meet a sea turtle.
The best way to reach the arches is to arrange a small boat (panga) on Mismaloya beach or Playa de los Muertos. A one- or two-hour trip will set you back around 800 to 1,200 MXN (roughly £33–50) for the whole boat. If you’re more active, you can rent a paddleboard or kayak and paddle out to the reefs from shore under your own steam.
10. Cool off at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Once you’ve had just about enough of salt water and sand, head up into the hills outside town. About 45 minutes’ drive south lie the beautiful Vallarta Botanical Gardens. This isn’t one of those dull gardens with neatly trimmed shrubs — it’s more a slice of wild jungle that someone has cleverly laced with trails.
You’ll find huge collections of orchids, vanilla plants, cacti and bromeliads. The site sits at a slightly higher altitude, so the air is noticeably more pleasant and cooler than down in town. Entry costs 300 MXN (around £12), and a big draw is the on-site restaurant with stunning views over the valley, where flocks of brightly coloured birds come to gather. From the centre, you can get here on the local bus heading towards “El Tuito”, which leaves from the junction of Venustiano Carranza and Aguacate streets.
11. Take a day trip to isolated Yelapa
Yelapa is a small, sleepy fishing village buried deep in the jungle on the southern edge of Banderas Bay. Its charm lies in the fact that no road leads here. The only way to reach it is by boat (water taxi) from the aforementioned pier at Playa de los Muertos or from the harbour at Boca de Tomatlán.
In the village you’ll find no cars, just narrow dusty tracks travelled by donkeys and horses. From the beach, a lovely 30-minute walk through the rainforest leads to the Yelapa Waterfall, where you can take a dip. On the beach, be sure to try the famous “Yelapa pie” — local women (the so-called pie ladies) wander around with huge tubs balanced on their heads, selling fresh pies, and the banana or coconut one is an absolute sensation! A return boat ticket costs around 400 MXN (roughly £17).
12. Get a glimpse of luxury in Marina Vallarta
If you fancy a break from the traditional Mexican chaos, head to the north of town to the Marina Vallarta district. It’s a modern harbour full of luxury yachts, manicured golf courses and upscale residences.
A beautiful colonnade runs around the whole marina, lined with upscale boutiques, cafés and restaurants. If you’re here between October and May, definitely come on a Thursday evening for the popular “Art & Market”, a huge market with art, jewellery and fantastic street food. It’s noticeably calmer and more “American” here than in the historic centre, but for a laid-back early evening it’s an ideal spot.
Sayulita and Nayarit: a paradise for surfers and free spirits
While Puerto Vallarta is a fully fledged town, the state of Nayarit just over the hill offers a completely different world. If you love surfing, yoga and dreamcatchers and don’t mind a slightly hipster atmosphere, head north.
Going by many travellers’ experiences, Sayulita is the place to switch off and slow right down, while Puerto Vallarta works as a town with shopping and a buzzing nightlife. For surfing, reviews clearly favour Sayulita, since the sea in the bay by Puerto Vallarta is often too calm. At the same time, travellers warn on forums that Sayulita is long past being an undiscovered little village and gets pretty crowded in season source.
13. Sayulita: colours, waves and papel picado
Sayulita is, hands down, the best-known surf town in the area. Its streets are literally roofed with colourful Mexican bunting (papel picado) that flutters in the wind and makes the best backdrop for photos. You’ll find dozens of surf schools here, where for around 1,000 MXN (£42) they’ll take you out for a two-hour beginner’s lesson.
The beach in Sayulita is lovely, but it can be packed shoulder to shoulder. If you’re after peace and quiet to read a book, it might be a touch too loud for you. The town is also full of beautiful boutiques selling handmade clothing and ceramics. From Puerto Vallarta you can get here comfortably by bus in about an hour (a ticket costs around 60 MXN).
14. San Pancho (San Francisco): the quieter sister
If you arrive in Sayulita and find it’s all a bit too much, don’t despair. Just hop a few kilometres further north to the town of San Francisco, which nobody here calls anything other than San Pancho.
San Pancho is what Sayulita was ten years ago. It’s incomparably more peaceful, with a wider and emptier beach (watch out, though — the waves and currents here can be quite strong and it’s not really the place for surf beginners) and a wonderful community. You’ll find the great community centre Entreamigos and plenty of businesses that take sustainability seriously. It’s an ideal place for an evening by the ocean.
15. Discover the hidden beaches of Nayarit
If you have a hire car or aren’t put off by longer jungle walks, the coast around Sayulita and San Pancho hides several beautiful, almost deserted beaches. One of them is Playa Carricitos, reached by a roughly 45-minute walk through the woods from Sayulita.
You won’t find any beer stalls or toilets here, just golden sand, palm trees and the wild ocean. It’s exactly the kind of place where you pack a picnic blanket, your own snacks and a book, and no one hears from you all day.
💡 Tip: If you head to Sayulita or San Pancho by hire car, be prepared — parking in the narrow lanes is a nightmare. You’re better off using the paid park-and-ride lots on the edge of the towns (around 100–150 MXN a day).
What to eat (and survive without meat)
Mexican cuisine is phenomenal and has even made it onto the UNESCO list. And if, like us, you don’t eat meat, there’s no need to worry about going hungry in Mexico — quite the opposite! The basis of the Mexican diet is corn, beans and cheese, so there’s a wealth of vegetarian options. The local street stalls and renowned restaurants alike serve up amazing flavours. Locals often tuck into chilaquiles with chicken for breakfast or enjoy fish ceviche and prawns during the day, but we’ve got different favourites for you.
You absolutely have to try the classic street tacos you’ll find on every corner. Look for stalls with tacos filled with mushrooms, beans, grilled cactus (nopales) or cheese. An absolute delicacy is *huitlacoche*, a corn fungus (often called the Mexican truffle) with a wonderful earthy flavour.
Another thing you can’t miss is *elote* — boiled or grilled corn on a stick, which the vendor generously slathers in mayonnaise, sprinkles with salty cotija cheese, drizzles with lime and dusts with chilli. It sounds odd, but it’s incredibly addictive! And to drink? Forget the beer for a moment and have a fresh *agua fresca*, a light fruity lemonade — the tamarind or hibiscus (jamaica) one is the best.
Practical travel tips
So that nothing catches you out on the ground, we’ve jotted down a few practical points. Mexico can occasionally be a little quirky, and it’s good to know what to watch out for.
- Getting around and Uber: Uber isn’t officially allowed to pick up passengers at Puerto Vallarta airport (thanks to the taxi lobby). If you want to save money, just wheel your case across the pedestrian footbridge over the motorway right by the airport and call your Uber there. Ordinary trips around town then work perfectly fine and safely.
- Money and cash machines: The currency is the Mexican peso (MXN), with an exchange rate of roughly 20 MXN to 1 £. Always carry cash — small stalls, buses and markets don’t take cards. When withdrawing from an ATM, watch out for so-called DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) — the machine will offer you a “guaranteed rate” in pounds, which is always terrible value (you can easily lose 8–9 %). Always decline this offer (Decline Conversion) and let it charge in pesos!
- Is Puerto Vallarta safe? While some Mexican states (like neighbouring Sinaloa) carry the US government’s highest Level 4 warning, Puerto Vallarta lies in the state of Jalisco, and the town itself and its tourist zones are considered very safe. Common sense applies, of course — don’t leave belongings unattended on the beach, and don’t wander down deserted dark lanes at night. We’ve written more on this topic in our article Is Mexico safe?
Where to next
If you’re weighing up where else to head in Mexico, or still deciding whether the west coast is right for you, take a look at our other articles too, where we’ve put together plenty of practical guides:
- Want a complete overview of the whole country? Read our big pillar article on what to see in Mexico.
- If you fancy even wilder surf country in the south, explore Puerto Escondido.
- And if you long for endless roads, desert and cacti, definitely consider a road trip across the Baja California peninsula.
Whale-watching trips, the Islas Marietas and yacht excursions can be booked on GetYourGuide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Puerto Vallarta or Cancún better?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Cancún offers turquoise Caribbean Sea and white sand (but with the risk of sargassum seaweed), huge all-inclusive resorts and American style. Puerto Vallarta has a more authentic Mexican atmosphere, mountains plunging into the ocean, darker sand and clear water year-round.
Do I need a visa for Puerto Vallarta?
If you’re traveling with a Czech passport for tourism purposes, you don’t need a visa. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a stamp with permission to stay for up to 180 days, and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned return.
Is it safe to drink tap water?
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No, throughout all of Mexico it’s not recommended to drink tap water, not even in good hotels. Always drink only bottled water. For brushing your teeth, tap water is usually fine, but to be safe you can use bottled water as well.
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How much does food cost in restaurants and on the street?
Street food (tacos, quesadillas) is very cheap, one taco will cost you roughly 20 to 30 MXN (about €1–1.50). At a regular restaurant in the center you’ll pay around 250–400 MXN (€12–20) for a main course, depending on the level of the establishment.
How do I get from the airport to the center?
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The easiest option is to take an official airport taxi, which has fixed prices according to zones (around €15–20 to the center). If you want to use cheaper Uber, you need to cross the pedestrian bridge over the highway in front of the airport with your luggage.
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Can you surf in Puerto Vallarta?
Right in Banderas Bay near the city, the waves are usually too small and calm, the sea here is more suitable for swimming or paddleboarding. For proper surfing, you need to head about an hour north to the towns of Sayulita or San Pancho.
Do European plugs work in Mexico?
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No, Mexico uses American outlets (type A and B) with 110 V voltage. Don’t forget to pack a travel adapter in your suitcase at home – without it, you won’t be able to charge your phone.
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Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
