Alongside Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta is a scenic and equally charming seaside city. Having grown to be such a preferred seashore trip vacation spot, it’s possible you’ll not notice simply how a lot there’s to do right here.
Puerto Vallarta has a number of distinct neighborhoods, none extra vibrant and good than Zona Romantica. Town’s previous city is a veritable kaleidoscope. Whereas downtown, you’ll discover genuine delicacies, enchanting markets and historic buildings, all able to be found on foot.
Past the bustling streets, Puerto Vallarta is unfold alongside one of many largest bays on earth. Simply off the seashore are beautiful islands and an underwater world teeming with vibrant sea life.
There’s no restrict to the way you’ll spend your time right here. However for some contemporary concepts, listed below are the perfect issues to do in Puerto Vallarta.
Discover the Zona Romantica District
Lit like a rainbow with a flurry of vibrant colours, Zona Romantica is among the coolest neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta. Aesthetically pleasing and equally historic, the neighborhood supplies vacationers with a glimpse into Puerto Vallarta because it was not too way back.
Start your expertise by strolling into Zona Romantica alongside the Malecon strolling path, or cross the bridge that runs over the Cuale River. Stroll alongside the cobblestone streets that information you by previous pueblos bursting with contemporary shade. Flush with stunning gardens, ornate balconies and red-tiled roofs, you’ll be stopping each block for images.
Strolling and admiring aren’t the one issues to do right here in Zona Romantica. When you’ve arrived on the weekend, head to the Outdated Farmers Market. Afterwards, make your means down the pleasant Olas Altas to Playa Olas Altas seashore or discover the Galeria Olinala.
Stroll the Malecon
We talked about the Malecon above, however what precisely is it? Spanning over a mile alongside the eye-popping Bay of Banderas, the Malecon affords the most effective free actions in Puerto Vallarta. The paved walkway guides you from downtown to Zona Romantica, passing many main sights alongside the best way.
The Malecon is an thrilling place to be at any time of day. Distributors promoting road meats and mementos line the stretch. Go sand sculptures on the seashore and see the wonderful Church of Our Girl of Guadalupe. Stroll alongside together with your important different for a romantic night. Higher but, time it with the sundown when dwell music rings by the air and the colourful horizon supplies the right backdrop.
On most evenings by the week, the Los Arcos Amphitheater, alongside the trail, throws free performances together with dwell music and conventional dance.
Enterprise into Los Arcos Nationwide Marine Park
After journeying alongside the sting of Bay of Banderas, the second largest on earth, you’ll be itching to get out and discover the expansive harbor. In Puerto Vallarta, life is all concerning the sea, whether or not is lazing on the sand, swimming or fishing, so it’s straightforward to get out on the water.
Inside the Bay of Banderas is the Los Arcos Nationwide Marine Park, the place you’ll discover a protected underwater world teeming with vibrant sea life. Dive beneath the floor to swim alongside hawksbill turtles, octopuses and dolphins whereas seeing whales out of your boat! One of the best time to identify the latter is between December and March.
Go to the Church Our Girl of Guadalupe
The most effective issues to do in Puerto Vallarta is to go to the Church of Our Girl of Guadalupe. Standing proudly within the middle of city, the church harbors a hanging presence, full with beautiful structure. At any time of day, you’ll spot teams of admirers hovering across the church taking limitless images of its detailed facade and aspect partitions. To not point out the unimaginable crown positioned on the high of the tower.
To get a radical appreciation of the Church of Our Girl of Guadalupe, head inside to discover the adorned partitions and altar. Earlier than every service, the bell chimes might be heard round Puerto Vallarta and can turn out to be one of many extra endearing recollections of your time right here.
The motion across the well-known constructing reaches its peak from the December 1st to the 12th yearly throughout the Feast of Guadalupe. Puerto Vallarta involves life with music, dancing, parades and festivities all centered on the church.
Get Your Bearings on a Strolling Tour
Attending to slowly know a metropolis on two ft is a good way to achieve your sense of path, and even come across Puerto Vallarta’s subsequent up-and-coming attraction. We’ve listed a extremely rated strolling tour beneath, however do you know that the town’s tourism workplace runs a sequence of free excursions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays?
Departing at 9am and midday (simply 9am on Saturdays), these free strolling excursions depart from the Municipal Tourism Workplace. Alongside your educated information, discover the streets of Puerto Vallarta, studying about native tradition, the town’s astounding structure and its historical past. The excursions final for round two hours and don’t require a reservation forward of time.
A substitute for this expertise is a guided strolling tour, taking you alongside the Malecon, to the Church of Our Girl of Guadalupe and a few unheralded locations. Finish by tasting scrumptious native espresso and touring a tequila distillery.
Islas Marietas
Within the Bay of Banderas, Islas Marietas is a mesmerizing and uninhabited mini archipelago. Inside the Los Arcos Nationwide Marine Park, the Marietas Islands have been likened to Galapagos. The character is well-preserved with a number of uncommon species calling the islands dwelling.
The highest vacation spot right here is Hidden Seashore. Even in a spot of unimaginable surroundings, Hidden Seashore stands out among the many crowd. Tucked beneath the island’s floor, the seashore, in any other case often known as Playa del Amor, affords one of the crucial memorable experiences in Puerto Vallarta.
Throughout low tide, guests can swim by a small channel, rising on the opposite aspect to search out an open-air cave. Hidden from view, you possibly can bask within the daylight on the serene white sand, watching the cave’s water dance between your toes.
Go Whale Watching
If you wish to spend your day on the Bay of Banderas looking for nothing however humpback whales, then you definately’re in luck. Puerto Vallarta is among the finest locations to go whale watching. Between December and March, humpback whales migrate in important numbers to the bay’s heat waters.
You possibly can seize a set of binoculars and maintain a watch out as you journey alongside the Malecon. However you possibly can’t beat the closeup expertise. There’s an abundance of tour choices to select from, together with half and full-day excursions.
On this half-day tour, take pleasure in inclusive drinks and meals with spectacular views of the whales as they roam the Bay of Banderas.
Sunbathe on Playa de los Muertos
On the sandy shoreline in Zona Romantica, a day at Playa de Los Muertos might be as stress-free or action-packed as you want. Lay down your seashore towel and tub beneath the Mexican solar because the smooth sand supplies the right backrest. Take within the views of the turquoise water and the far-off horizon with windsurfers meandering from left to proper.
After a few hours of solar, swimming and light-weight studying, you would possibly really feel up for some pleasure. Playa de Los Muertos affords jet ski leases and the chance to fly excessive above the shoreline whereas parasailing. You may also staff up with your mates for some seashore volleyball.
With its proximity to Zona Romantica, the seashore has many nice eating places and taking place bars inside strolling distance and the world turns into get together central after darkish.
Museo del Cuale
As you crossed the bridge over the Rio Cuale in your solution to Zona Romantica, you’ll have additionally walked over Cuale Island. The island is the placement of our subsequent attraction, a museum dwelling to an intensive choice of historic ceramics, instruments and artwork.
The Museo del Cuale explores the historical past of indigenous tradition in western Mexico with shows housing artifacts courting between 5000BC and 2000AD. The unimaginable assortment was found by archaeologists, together with a tomb that was excavated out of Sayula east of Puerto Vallarta. Different artifacts to not be missed embrace the ceramic art work and looking gear.
The free museum is nice for younger and previous, with thorough info panels explaining every merchandise and its historical past.
Discover Isla Rio Cuale
With the Rio Cuale flowing by on both aspect, Isla Rio Cuale is a shady oasis with a pleasing temperature drop. With downtown to the north and Zona Romantica to the south, the island has its personal distinct character. Discover the bustling market with native artisans promoting their wares, together with ceramics, mementos and sculptures.
Proceed on to search out little parks alongside the walkways with famend white benches till you come across the statue of John Houston. The monument of the Hollywood director was erected on the twenty fifth anniversary of the movie Night time of the Iguana. The film put Mismaloya Seashore and thus Puerto Vallarta on the vacationer map.
You’ll additionally discover a sequence of unassuming eating places providing nice native eats, plus the Museo del Cuale.
Tick off the Magic Cities
Round Mexico, there are a number of cities which were given an fascinating title. The nation’s Secretary of Tourism labeled such locations as Magic Cities, as they’d maintained their authentic attraction and cultural heritage. This might be music to the ears of vacationers who can reduce by the plethora of random cities and solely discover the “magical” ones.
You could find these cities throughout Mexico, however for these visiting Puerto Vallarta, there are three throughout the surrounding areas. Hidden throughout the dense oak and pines tree forests, Mascota is considered one of these Magic Cities. In Sierra Madre, the mountain city is most well-known for its unfinished church.
For a completed church, colourful buildings and cobblestone streets, head to Talpa de Allende. When the purple “paper flower” bougainvilleas bloom, the previous city involves life. However maybe the most well-liked of the three is San Sebastian del Oeste, 90 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. The previous mining city has modified little through the years. Discover beautiful church buildings and historic ranches backed by misty mountains.
Stroll by the Vallarta Botanical Backyard
There are different methods to depart to the bustle of downtown Puerto Vallarta with out embarking on a journey to a Magic City. The close by Vallarta Botanical Backyard supplies a welcome escape, the place you’ll discover wildflowers, orchids and a way of peace.
As you journey alongside the backyard’s mountaineering trails, you’ll cross paths with native crops and towering timber complemented by desert crops. After admiring the cacti, discover the orchids of vanilla together with agave and cacao. To stave off a number of the warmth, you too can take a dip into the river that rolls by the botanical gardens.
Later, settle into the on-site restaurant for some mouthwatering eats. Afterwards, take a look at the artisan store the place you’ll discover home made chocolate and the native spirit of raicilla. On the best way again to Puerto Vallarta, benefit from the scenic mountain highway with the Bay of Banderas laid out earlier than you.
Go on a Meals Tour
When you’re like me and may’t go per week with out some tacos or elote, then consuming your means round Puerto Vallarta is already in your itinerary. As you stroll across the city hitting up the issues to do on this record, you’ll cross limitless road distributors promoting low-cost treats. A lot in order that the aromas are as a lot part of the town because the previous pueblos.
Whilst you can attempt all the things, typically it pays to get just a little assist. A meals tour of Puerto Vallarta will take you too all the highest eateries so that you solely get the perfect whereas additionally figuring out which eating places to return to.
On this guided meals tour, make your means between seven conventional eateries attempting nothing however essentially the most genuine native delicacies.
Day journey to Yelapa
With the recognition of Puerto Vallarta, and its astounding seashores, rising locals and vacationers alike proceed to seek for underrated seashores to take pleasure in. Locals in search of a seashore day away from city usually head to the sugar sand shores of Yelapa.
Simply 20 miles (32km) south of Puerto Vallarta, the crescent seashore is surrounded by hills giving the sense of a pleasant, non-public hideaway. However the primary cause the seashore right here is much less crowded is as a result of you possibly can solely arrive by boat. You possibly can depart Los Muertos Pier on a water taxi or splash out on a non-public constitution.
You received’t discover a lot past the seashore both, with conventional palapa eating places on supply and a few guesthouses offering native lodging. However in case you’re in search of a quiet paradise and time to modify off, then Yelapa is the place to be.
Go for a Hike
The seaside city of Puerto Vallarta is backed by towering mountains with an abundance of out of doors adventures on supply. The most effective hikes to do right here connects Boca de Tomatlan with Playa Las Animas.
Most select to achieve the attractive Playa Las Animas through water taxi, however reaching the fishing village on foot brings a way of satisfaction. The path takes as much as two hours to finish. As you caress the aspect of a coastal mountain, you’ll cross a number of distant seashores to chill off away from the world. Finally you’ll attain Playa Las Animas, the place you possibly can hang around at cozy seashore shacks earlier than taxiing again.
For a hike just a little nearer to dwelling, climb up the steps on the finish of Abasolo Avenue. The steep stroll comes with a sequence of benches to relaxation on, with the views changing into more and more spectacular the upper you get. When you’ve made it to Mirador de la Cruz, you’ve reached the highest. Catch your breath with all the town unfold out beneath you.
See the Rhythms of the Night time
The most effective issues to do after darkish in Puerto Vallarta is to see the Rhythms of the Night time. The choreographed dinner present has insane aerial acrobatics, dazzling lights and dancing impressed by native traditions.
The creator of Rhythms of the Night time is the co-founder of Cirque de Soleil. The present takes place in a distant space on the southern finish of the Bay of Banderas. Nice for {couples} and households, take pleasure in a buffet dinner by candlelight with an epic present for the primary course.
The easiest way to achieve the occasion is on this evening cruise. Get pleasure from a sundown expertise on the water earlier than reaching Las Caletas, the place an exciting evening awaits.
Watch the Sundown from El Barracuda
At anytime of day you possibly can nosh on delectable tacos and sip margaritas on the seashore by El Barracuda. The seashore bar is among the hottest on the town however it goes to a different stage round golden hour.
Get in early to seize the perfect seats in the home, order your favourite eats and a tropical cocktail (or two) and watch for the present to start. Above the white sands of Playa Camarones, face west and luxuriate in an uninhibited view of the night’s sundown.
Because the solar touches the horizon, it’s as if time stands nonetheless. With barely a noise from the gang, the sky continues to mild up in a blaze of heat colours and the lights alongside the shoreline start to glitter. When the sky fades to black, take pleasure in one other margarita earlier than exploring the town’s well-known nightlife.
Join a Booze Tour
No time in Mexico can be full with out sampling just a little little bit of native tequila. Sure, we all know Mexico created tequila, however it’s possible you’ll be shocked to find how a lot better the drink is throughout the nation.
On this Mexology tour, get your palms on some tequila, mezcal and raicilla to attempt the full-breadth of native spirits on supply. Your knowledgeable information will take you to all the perfect spots in Puerto Vallarta, with the prospect to additionally attempt some craft beer and Kahlua. Be taught concerning the origin of every drink and the function they’ve performed in Mexican life.
Don’t fear, you’ll get to stability out this boozy night with some tasty eats with tacos, enchiladas and even crickets on supply for many who are feeling adventurous.
Deep Sea Fishing
It might be finest to attend just a few days after your booze tour to enterprise out onto the open ocean, however nonetheless it’s one thing you need to do in your Puerto Vallarta journey. Away from the hotpots and taking place seashores, discover your personal slice of paradise on the Pacific ocean. Solid your reel and attempt to land your subsequent prized catch. Widespread sorts of fish discovered off the Pacific coast embrace dorado, wahoo, marlin and sailfish.
Excursions depart usually from the Bay of Banderas, with many selecting to cease throughout the marine park and by fishing villages alongside the coast.
Discover an City Estuary
Simply north of downtown Puerto Vallarta is the Estero El Salado. The protected estuary is a world away from the town and an essential native ecosystem. The city oasis is dwelling to a wide range of wildlife, from fish to reptiles. There are over 100 sorts of chook species discovered throughout the estuary, offering chook watchers with an array of alternatives.
There are a number of raised boardwalks by the park, permitting guests to enterprise so far as attainable. The delicate setting is a vital mating and birthing floor for fish who should navigate many close by predators. In your stroll, maintain a watch out for iguanas and river crocodiles.
To get the perfect perspective of Estero El Salado, nevertheless, join the guided boat excursions which depart from throughout the park from Tuesday to Saturday.
Make your personal Chocolate
A enjoyable free exercise in Puerto Vallarta is the Choco Museum. Masking the historical past of chocolate in Mexico you’ll be taught the story behind cacao crops and the chocolate making course of, from harvest to desk.
The highest attraction within the museum although, is the chocolate making courses. Now armed with a radical understanding of chocolate, you’re able to create your personal. Throughout the class, you’ll learn to course of the cacao beans earlier than getting first hand expertise making Mexican-style chocolate, cacao drinks and even bon-bons!
For a memorable particular person expertise, every visitor can customise their chocolate with their favourite flavors. Later, discover the right spot to attempt your tasty treats.
Go to the Municipal Market of Colonia Emiliano Zapata
There are some thrilling markets to take a look at whereas in Puerto Vallarta, every matching the town’s colourful vibe. One market you could take a look at is Municipal Market of Colonia Emiliano Zapata. The native market, simply out of the Zona Romantica, runs from 6am to 30pm all yr lengthy.
The busy market is the place many locals go to do their weekly store, so the produce goes to be nice. When you’ve acquired a kitchen useful, choose up all the things from veggies to meats and tortillas so you possibly can recreate all of your favourite native dishes. If not, wandering the market is a enjoyable solution to mingle with the neighborhood.
From the market, take a while to discover extra of the South Facet with an excellent stroll alongside the Rio Cuale.
Journey the Marigalante
An actual duplicate of Christopher Columbus’ well-known Santa Maria, the Marigalante, is the old-world pirate expertise you’ve been looking for. Climb onboard the Spanish galleon, made out of over 30 sorts of tropical wooden.
The big ship can maintain as much as 240 swashbuckling sailors unfold out over 4 decks. In contrast to the ships helmed by the likes of Christopher Columbus, the Marigalante additionally comes with an air-conditioned eating room.
There are lots of completely different excursions on supply that cater to households. Need to indulge within the pirate life on board the 700 ton ship and go on a treasure hunt? Then the Pirate Land Tour is for you. Different tour choices embrace snorkeling, fireworks and sunsets.
Go Horse Using
In Puerto Vallarta, the adventures don’t cease. Situated quarter-hour away in Sierra Madre, Rancho el Charro, affords the chance to embark on an epic horse using expertise. Traversing by the tranquil rainforest, cease by rural villages untouched by tourism and cross raging rivers.
Finally you’ll attain a close-by waterfall, the place you possibly can bounce off your trusty stead and dive into the swimming gap. Take within the serenity with the tumbling falls like music to your ears. Soar again on the horse and proceed onto a mountain lookout. Admire the panoramic views of the Pacific and Puerto Vallarta earlier than venturing to an area restaurant proper on the riverbank.
Past the usual half-day tour, Rancho El Charro affords in a single day and multi-day expeditions. Discover historic gold mining cities from the 17th century to a crater lake deep within the mountains of Sierra Madre.
Surf at Sayulita
A comfy surf city an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, is the right escape for surfers trying to chase the stoke. The hip city of Sayulita has lengthy been a sleepy surfer haven, however rising recognition has remodeled it into one thing extra.
Sayulita has a number of nice surf spots on supply, starting from beginner-friendly breaks to difficult reef breaks. The city’s predominant seashore, Punta Sayulita, is enjoyable for all talent ranges, with sand and rock bottoms. Get pleasure from an thrilling break nice for lengthy and quick boarders. The seashore can also be a high spot to surf northern swells when there are storms off the coast.
Past the waves, Sayulita has developed a well-rounded tradition to turn out to be greater than only a surfer’s paradise. Get pleasure from adventures on horseback and hike to by jungle canopies or take pleasure in one of many many native galleries and cute cafes.
The Naval Museum
Devoted to the historical past of the Mexican Navy, the Naval Museum includes over a dozen halls with a flurry of interactive displays. The museum opened in 2006 and rapidly turn out to be a preferred native attraction due to the in depth assortment of artifacts.
A number of the predominant highlights within the Naval Museum embrace scale fashions of historic ships together with the enthralling navigation simulator that enables guests to take the helm. Across the museum you’ll additionally uncover a variety of navy uniforms to see how a number of the nation’s most essential figures dressed by the eras.
Maybe the perfect time to go to the Naval Museum is on each different Saturday. When you’ve timed your go to effectively, you possibly can expertise the “Night time of Museums”. Come at evening to expertise workshops, crusing races and guided excursions led by interval actors.
Discover the Greatest Avenue Artwork
Puerto Vallarta has some fantastic murals dotted alongside the streets. With out even attempting, you’ll come across road artwork, which provides much more shade to an already vibrant metropolis. Lots of the murals you’ll come throughout had been born from the #RESTORCORAL artwork venture that goals to boost consciousness concerning the injury occurring to native and worldwide reefs.
Whereas one can find loads in your solution to the actions on this record, if you wish to search particularly for native murals, then head to the slim streets present in Centro. One other in style possibility is inside Zona Romantica.
The Southside Shuffle
Between November and March, the Southside Shuffle happens each different Friday. Alongside Basilio Badillo in Zona Romantica, greater than 20 completely different artwork galleries and outlets maintain their doorways open into the night.
Serving wine and loads of appetizers, a festive environment envelopes the road with dwell music floating by the air. Underneath the evening sky, wander from retailer to retailer testing artwork, handmade jewellery, vogue and intimate eating places.
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