Puerto Vallarta 4-Day Family Friendly Itinerary

• Day 1: Enjoy a day at the beach in Playa los Muertos, followed by a sunset stroll on the Malecon Boardwalk. Have dinner at Pizzeria La Dolce, known for their delicious thin-crust pizzas.
• Day 2: Start the day with a visit to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, home to over 3000 species of plants. After lunch, head to the El Salado Estuary for a relaxing boat ride through the mangroves. Dinner at El Andariego, a restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and traditional Mexican cuisine.
• Day 3: Take a day trip to the nearby town of San Sebastian del Oeste, known for its cobblestone streets and historic architecture. Visit the Hacienda Jalisco Museum to learn about the area's mining history. Have lunch at Restaurante El Fortin, which offers panoramic views of the town. Return to Puerto Vallarta in time for dinner at Barcelona Tapas, serving delicious Spanish-inspired small plates.
• Day 4: Spend the morning at the Aquaventuras Park, with water slides, a lazy river, and dolphin encounters. For lunch, try Tacos Revolución, known for their affordable and authentic tacos. Spend the afternoon at the Los Arcos Marine Park, a protected area with excellent snorkeling opportunities. Have dinner at The Swedes Bar & Bistro, a cozy restaurant with Scandinavian-inspired dishes.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Playa los Muertos - 4 hours - free
• Malecon Boardwalk - 2 hours - free
• Pizzeria La Dolce - 1.5 hours - $15-25/person
• Vallarta Botanical Gardens - 3-4 hours - $10/person
• El Salado Estuary - 2 hours - $25-30/person
• El Andariego - 2 hours - $15-25/person
• San Sebastian del Oeste - 6-7 hours - free
• Hacienda Jalisco Museum - 1 hour - $5/person
• Restaurante El Fortin - 1-2 hours - $10-20/person
• Barcelona Tapas - 2 hours - $15-25/person
• Aquaventuras Park - 4-5 hours - $30-50/person
• Tacos Revolución - 1 hour - $5-10/person
• Los Arcos Marine Park - 2-3 hours - $25-30/person
• The Swedes Bar & Bistro - 2 hours - $15-25/person
Total Costs: $195-330/person

Transportation

To get around Puerto Vallarta, travelers can use taxis and public buses. Taxi fares vary depending on the distance and time of day, but a ride from the airport to the hotel should cost around $20-30. Buses are a more affordable option, with fares around $1-2 per trip. For the day trip to San Sebastian del Oeste, it's best to rent a car or join a guided tour for convenience and safety.

Links to Key Attractions and Restaurants

• Vallarta Botanical Gardens
• El Andariego
• San Sebastian del Oeste
• Restaurante El Fortin
• Barcelona Tapas
• Aquaventuras Park
• Tacos Revolución
• Los Arcos Marine Park
• The Swedes Bar & Bistro

Tips:

If time allows, consider adding an extra day to the itinerary to explore more of Puerto Vallarta's attractions. Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can subtract a day from the itinerary and spend more time at each location.