Start your trip by soaking up the sun at one of Puerto Vallarta's most popular beaches. Los Muertos Beach is located in Zona Romantica and is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes for a tasty lunch.
Take a stroll along the iconic El Malecon Boardwalk, stretching along the coastline in downtown Puerto Vallarta. You will find a variety of shops selling souvenirs, street performers, and art galleries along the way. Try some of the delicious street food or cool off with some ice cream.
Escape the hustle and bustle of Puerto Vallarta and spend a day exploring the beautiful surroundings of Las Caletas. Enjoy a variety of activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, and paddleboarding. Make sure to take the guided nature walk and visit the outdoor spa for some relaxation.
Embark on a sea safari cruise from Los Peines Pier and explore the beautiful coastline of Banderas Bay. Watch dolphins swim alongside the boat, snorkel in Los Arcos National Marine Park, and enjoy a delicious lunch on board.
Enjoy a day surrounded by nature at Vallarta Botanical Gardens, home to exotic flora and fauna. Take a tour of the gardens or explore on your own, and cool off with a swim in the natural river pools. There is also a restaurant on-site serving fresh, locally sourced food.
Take a guided tour of the El Salado Estuary and Mangrove Swamp for a chance to see a variety of bird and animal species in their natural habitat. You can also take a leisurely boat ride or go kayaking through the mangroves.
Experience an adrenaline rush with a zip lining adventure through the lush forests of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Enjoy spectacular views and feel the wind in your hair as you zip through the canopy. The tour includes transportation, safety gear, and a light lunch.
Join a conservation program and release baby turtles into the ocean at Sayulita Beach. Learn about marine turtle conservation efforts and enjoy spending time on this beautiful beach.
Have a day of fun in the water at Aqua Adventure water park with a variety of water slides, a lazy river, and a children's play area. There are also plenty of shaded areas to relax and enjoy a picnic.
End your vacation with a visit to the stunning Marietas Islands, a protected natural reserve with crystal clear waters and a variety of marine life. Go snorkelling, kayaking or paddleboarding and see if you can spot the hidden beach inside a cave.
It is recommended to rent a car or hire a private driver to get around Puerto Vallarta, as public transportation is not very convenient for tourists. Expect to pay around $30 per day to rent a car or around $80 for a private driver. Boat tours are a great way to explore the coastline and can be arranged by many tour operators.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to San Sebastian del Oeste, a charming colonial town in the mountains. If you have less time, skip the aqua adventure water park, zip lining adventure or El Salado estuary tours.
Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) is the main airport in the region and is located just 7 km north of Puerto Vallarta. The airport is serviced by many major airlines and is a popular tourist hub, with non-stop flights from several destinations in North America, Europe, and Latin America.