Marina Vallarta is a popular tourist destination located in the heart of the city. It's a beautiful marina that offers a variety of activities for families. You can choose from boat tours, fishing trips, and beach activities. There are also many restaurants and shops to explore.
Los Arcos National Park is a great place to enjoy nature with your family. The park has beautiful beaches, snorkeling and diving activities available, and jungle paths to explore. You can also take a boat ride to see the granite formations that the park is named after.
The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a perfect place to spend a relaxing day with your family. It has a wide range of exotic plants, animals and scenic hikes. There are also restaurants on the site, and you can enjoy a traditional Mexican meal with a stunning view of the surrounding mountain range.
The Malecon is a beautiful boardwalk that stretches along the oceanfront. It's a great place to take a stroll, watch the sunset and enjoy street performances. There are also many restaurants and shops in the area that offer traditional Mexican cuisine, sweets and souvenirs.
Sayulita is a small town famous for its beautiful beaches and surfing opportunities. You can spend the day at the beach, try surfing or paddleboarding, and enjoy some of the town's unique boutiques and shops. The town also offers some amazing food stands and juice bars to experience the local food culture.
We recommend renting a car for this itinerary as it offers more flexibility and mobility between destinations. There are also many affordable options to rent with several local rental companies. If, however, renting a car is not a possibility, there are taxis, buses and shuttles available. They are slightly less expensive than renting a car, but the itinerary would need to be adjusted to fit their schedules, which may be less flexible.
Estimated travel cost: Car rental: $$ - $$$ for 5 days
If you have extra time, you can also visit Marieta Islands, a hidden beach and national park that is only accessible by boat. Alternatively, you can spend an extra day in Sayulita if you prefer a more restful day at the beach.
If you have less time, we suggest removing Sayulita from the itinerary and spending the day exploring other sights in Puerto Vallarta, such as the Church of Our Lady Of Guadalupe.
The nearest airport to Puerto Vallarta is Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). It is located approximately 4 km north of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Many major airlines offer flights to Puerto Vallarta, connecting it to several major cities across North America. To save time and hassle, it's best to arrange airport transportation in advance.