Mexico › Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide
Updated: April 5, 2026
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Puerto Vallarta is a world-class resort on Mexico’s Pacific coast and remains one of my personal favorite destinations in the country. It sits on the massive Banderas Bay, which is a prime spot for watching humpback whales during their winter migration. I love PV for its mix of traditional Mexican charm in the Old Town, excellent food scene, and the variety of beaches that range from party-centric to completely secluded.
The popular beach stretches along the entirety of Puerto Vallarta facing out to the beautiful Banderas Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions about Puerto Vallarta
Where is Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco on Mexico’s western coast. While the main city is in Jalisco, the northern suburbs and resort areas extend across the Ameca River into the state of Nayarit. It is situated about 880 km west of Mexico City and 330 km west of Guadalajara. Flight times are quite manageable: about 3.5 hours from San Francisco or Los Angeles, 2.5 hours from Houston or Phoenix, and just 1.5 hours from Mexico City.
How big is Puerto Vallarta?
The greater Puerto Vallarta metro area has grown significantly and now has a population of nearly 600,000. The main tourist and business zones stretch for about 10km along the center of Banderas Bay. However, the coastal area I recommend exploring extends much further: more than 50km to the north into the Riviera Nayarit and 20km to the south toward Boca de Tomatlán. Many of the best beaches further south are only accessible by boat.
What is the history of Puerto Vallarta?
Originally a small fishing and salt-trading village known as Las Peñas in the mid-1800s, the town was renamed in 1918 to honor Ignacio L. Vallarta, a former Jalisco governor. It remained a quiet coastal town until 1963, when director John Huston filmed “The Night of the Iguana” in Mismaloya. The high-profile romance between stars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor brought international media attention to the town, sparking a tourism boom that hasn’t stopped since. Huston loved the area so much he lived here for decades, and you can still see his statue on Isla Cuale.
The iconic Our Lady of Guadalupe Church as part of the Puerto Vallarta skyline.
How do I get to Puerto Vallarta?
Most visitors arrive via Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), which handles frequent non-stop flights from major hubs across the US, Canada, and Mexico. If you are already in Mexico, the bus system is excellent. First-class buses from Guadalajara take about 5 to 6 hours, while the trip from Mexico City takes roughly 14 hours. The main bus terminal is located north of the city near the airport. I recommend taking a taxi from the terminal to your hotel: rates are fixed by zone, but always confirm the price with the driver before you leave.
What are the options for PV airport transportation?
The airport is about 10km north of the Old Town. If you have a lot of luggage, the official airport taxis are the easiest option. You buy a ticket at the kiosk inside or just outside the terminal. Prices are zone-based: expect to pay around $18-20 USD (approx 400 pesos) for the Old Town or $30 USD for Mismaloya.
Uber is very active in PV and usually costs about half as much as an airport taxi. While a 2025 court ruling technically permits Uber pickups directly at the terminal, the local “taxi union” friction means many drivers still prefer to meet you just outside the airport grounds. The easiest way to catch an Uber is to walk out of the terminal, turn left, and cross the pedestrian bridge over the highway. This is a well-known pickup spot. If you are traveling light, local buses (marked “Centro” or “Olas Altas”) stop right in front of the airport and cost less than $1 USD in pesos.
When is the best time to go to Puerto Vallarta?
I think the best time to visit is between mid-April and June. The weather is fantastic, the winter crowds have thinned out, and you can often find better hotel rates. October and November are also great, especially if you enjoy snorkeling, as the water is at its clearest and warmest then. The rainy season typically peaks from July through September; expect hot, humid days with heavy but short afternoon downpours and spectacular evening lightning storms.
The malecon walkway along the waterfront is one of the most popular areas for tourists, lined with restaurants, night clubs, art galleries, street performers and food vendors.
What are the main resort areas in Puerto Vallarta?
The city is divided into several distinct zones. The Zona Romántica (Old Town) is the most walkable and charming, full of bars, cafes, and the popular Playa de los Muertos. To the north is the Zona Hotelera, where you’ll find larger high-rise resorts and shopping malls. Further north is Marina Vallarta, an upscale area centered around a yacht basin and golf course. Across the state line in Nayarit is Nuevo Nayarit (formerly Nuevo Vallarta), which features massive all-inclusive resorts and wide, sandy beaches. To the south of town, the coastline becomes more rugged and jungle-clad, leading to Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán.
What are the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta?
If you want a classic lively beach, Playa de los Muertos is the place to be. It’s the heart of the city’s social and LGBT scene. For something quieter, I highly recommend taking a water taxi to Playa Colomitos or Playa Caballo. These are beautiful, secluded coves with clear water and soft sand. Playa Conchas Chinas, located just south of the Old Town, is another gem: it features small turquoise pools tucked between rock formations. For surfing and a more bohemian vibe, many people take a day trip further north to Sayulita or San Pancho.
Do I need a car in Puerto Vallarta?
In most cases, no. Puerto Vallarta is very easy to navigate without a car. Taxis are everywhere, Uber is reliable, and the local bus system is cheap and covers almost everywhere a tourist would want to go. If you are staying in the Old Town or the Hotel Zone, you can walk to most restaurants and shops. A rental car is only useful if you plan on doing extensive exploring deep into the Riviera Nayarit or heading into the mountains to towns like San Sebastian del Oeste. Keep in mind that parking in the Old Town can be a nightmare.
How do water taxis work in Puerto Vallarta?
Water taxis are essential for reaching the remote beaches south of the city. You can catch them from the Los Muertos Pier in the Zona Romántica or from the small pier in Boca de Tomatlán. Taking the boat from Boca is much cheaper and faster. Currently, a one-way trip from Boca to Yelapa costs about 130 pesos, while departing from Los Muertos costs around 350 pesos. These boats also stop at Las Ánimas, Quimixto, and Majahuitas. Always confirm the time of the last boat back so you don’t get stranded!
Where to change money in Puerto Vallarta?
I always recommend using bank ATMs to get the best exchange rate. There are several reliable banks along the Malecón and in the Old Town. Avoid the independent ATMs in convenience stores or on the street, as they often have high fees and lower security. If you must exchange cash, the “Casas de Cambio” (exchange booths) usually offer better rates and shorter lines than the banks or the airport.
Where should I stay in Puerto Vallarta?
If you want to be in the middle of the action with the best restaurants and nightlife at your doorstep, stay in the Zona Romántica. For a traditional “resort” experience with large pools and beach service, the Zona Hotelera or Nuevo Nayarit are better fits. If you want luxury and a bit more peace, look at the hotels in Conchas Chinas or Marina Vallarta. For a true getaway, I love the small boutique hotels and eco-resorts in Yelapa, which is only accessible by boat and feels worlds away from the city.
Folkloric dancers performing as part of a free public cultural program in downtown.
What are the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta?
Start with a walk along the Malecón, the seaside boardwalk. It’s great for people-watching and seeing the various bronze sculptures. I also recommend visiting the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and exploring the shops on Isla Cuale. For nature lovers, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens are world-class and located about 30 minutes south of town. If you are looking for adventure, there are several excellent zipline tours in the jungle. Boat trips are a must: snorkeling at Los Arcos Marine Park or taking a “Rhythms of the Night” dinner show cruise to Las Caletas are two of the most popular activities for a reason.
What are the restaurants like in Puerto Vallarta?
The food scene here is incredible. You can find everything from 20-peso street tacos to high-end multi-course tasting menus. For a special night out, Café des Artistes is a legend in the city for its French-Mexican fusion. I also love Trio for Mediterranean food and Joe Jack’s Fish Shack for casual seafood and great fish tacos. Don’t be afraid of the taco stands: some of the best al pastor and fish tacos I’ve ever had were from small carts in the Zona Romántica.
What currency is used in Puerto Vallarta?
The official currency is the Mexican Peso ($). While many places will accept US dollars, you will almost always get a terrible exchange rate. I strongly suggest paying in pesos for almost everything. Most established restaurants and shops accept credit cards, but you will need cash for taxis, buses, and small vendors.
Is Puerto Vallarta expensive?
It caters to all budgets. You can easily spend hundreds of dollars a night on luxury villas and fine dining, but it is just as easy to find clean, comfortable guesthouses for $50 USD and eat delicious local meals for under $10 USD. Generally, the further you move away from the beach, the lower the prices will be for both food and lodging.
Is Puerto Vallarta safe?
Yes, Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the safest destinations in Mexico for tourists. The city relies heavily on tourism, and there is a visible police presence in the main areas. Use common sense as you would in any city: don’t leave your belongings unattended on the beach, stick to well-lit areas at night, and keep your valuables in your hotel safe. The biggest “danger” for most tourists is overexposure to the sun or the strong Pacific undertow at certain beaches.
