4-Day Itinerary for Puerto Vallarta:

• Day 1: Start your day with a walk on the Malecon, a beachfront boardwalk surrounded by charming shops and restaurants. Stop for breakfast at Mis Amores, a cozy spot offering traditional Mexican dishes. After breakfast, take a short walk to the iconic Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and admire its beautiful architecture. In the afternoon, head to the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens to experience breathtaking views of lush gardens and wildlife. End your day with dinner at Cafe des Artistes, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving creative Mexican cuisine.
• Day 2: Start your day with a morning hike to the Colomitos Beach, a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters and a secluded cove. After the hike, head to Los Muertos Beach for some sunbathing and swimming. In the evening, take a sunset sail to the Las Marietas Islands to enjoy scenic views and possibly spot dolphins and whales. End your day with dinner at La Palapa, a romantic beachfront restaurant serving fresh seafood.
• Day 3: Start your day with a visit to the Vallarta Art Walk, a guided tour of the city's art galleries and studios. Stop for lunch at El Arrayan, a charming restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine. After lunch, head to El Salado Estuary to explore the mangrove forests and spot exotic birds. In the evening, take a taxi to the Malecon and stroll through the street performers and artists, while enjoying the ocean breeze. End your day with dinner at Si Senor, a casual restaurant serving fresh seafood and margaritas.
• Day 4: Start your day with a visit to the Puerto Vallarta Market, a vibrant market with local vendors selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce. Stop for breakfast at Margarita's Kitchen, a popular spot serving delicious traditional Mexican breakfast dishes. After breakfast, take a taxi to the Los Arcos Marine Park, a natural reserve ideal for snorkeling and diving. In the evening, head to La Traviata, a cozy Italian restaurant serving homemade pasta and wine. End your day with a visit to the Malecon's iconic Los Farolitos bar for a nightcap and live mariachi music.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Mis Amores - Breakfast - 1 hour - $10
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Church - Sightseeing - 1 hour - Free
• Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens - Visit - 3 hours - $15
• Cafe des Artistes - Dinner - 2 hours - $60
• Colomitos Beach - Hike - 2 hours - Free
• Los Muertos Beach - Sunbathing/Swimming - 2 hours - Free
• Las Marietas Islands - Sunset Sail - 3 hours - $100
• La Palapa - Dinner - 2 hours - $50
• Vallarta Art Walk - Tour - 2 hours - Free
• El Arrayan - Lunch - 1 hour - $20
• El Salado Estuary - Visit - 2 hours - $10
• Si Senor - Dinner - 2 hours - $30
• Puerto Vallarta Market - Visit - 2 hours - Free
• Margarita's Kitchen - Breakfast - 1 hour - $15
• Los Arcos Marine Park - Visit - 3 hours - $25
• La Traviata - Dinner - 2 hours - $40
• Los Farolitos - Nightcap - 1 hour - $5
• Total Costs: $390

Transportation:

Transportation in Puerto Vallarta is mostly done by taxi, which can be found all over the city. Taxi fares are generally reasonable and can be negotiated before the trip. Alternatively, some attractions offer transportation services for a fee. The city also has a bus system, but it can be crowded and intimidating for first-time visitors. If you prefer to rent a car, be aware that traffic can be congested and parking can be limited in some areas.

Links:

• Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens
• Cafe des Artistes
• Los Muertos Beach
• Vallarta Art Walk
• El Salado Estuary
• Los Arcos Marine Park
• La Traviata
• Los Farolitos

Tips:

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby town of Sayulita for surfing and shopping. If you have less time, consider skipping the Puerto Vallarta Market and spending more time at the beach.