Mexico is filled with great destinations and they all seem to have their own distinct personality. Cancun is Spring Break mecca, Riviera Maya is tranquil and historic, and Cabo is where the influencers and celebs hang out. I’ve been to Puerto Vallarta a couple of times, and to me, this place feels like real Mexico. It’s authentic and unspoiled. It just has a different vibe from those other beach destinations. I think it’s the perfect vacation destination to experience a little fun and a lot of adventure, while enjoying great food!

The history of Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant resort town located on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Jalisco. Nestled along the Bay of Banderas, it is surrounded by lush, tropical mountains and picturesque beaches. Originally a small fishing village, Puerto Vallarta began to gain international recognition in the 1960s after serving as the backdrop for the movie The Night of the Iguana, starring Richard Burton. This exposure, coupled with the town’s natural beauty and charming cobblestone streets, transformed it into a popular tourist destination. Today, Puerto Vallarta is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, thriving art scene, and welcoming atmosphere, blending traditional Mexican charm with modern luxur

What to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

1. Ziplining – I’m terrified of heights but there was no way I was going to miss ziplining through a tropical forest high above the trees of the Canopy River. This is one of the best ways to experience the region. There are eight ziplines, including Mexico’s longest and fastest zipline at 4,000 feet reaching speeds up to 60 mph. Good thing I did not know these stats before I strapped in for my ride. It was exhilarating and so much fun. The lines take you down to the valley so to get back up the mountain, your transport is a mule train.

2. Riding ATVs – If you’d rather experience the jungle from the ground, taking a guided ATV trip along the dusty roads of the backcountry is the way to do it. You’ll see great natural terrain including the real Montezuma’s revenge tree. Our trip ended at a hidden watering hole, complete with a beautiful waterfall, perfect for washing off the dust of the trail ride. my newfound sense of adventure gave me the courage to try a little cliff diving (okay, it was just jumping off a rock into the water).

3. Walking food tours – It seems that every other storefront in downtown PV is a taqueria serving up some of the best street food.  And they all smell amazing. At night, taco stands (the original food trucks) open in the streets where locals hang out. But to truly experience this culinary mecca, I recommend The Street – An Evening Taco Adventure Tour that is a walking and eating tour of the street foods of Vallarta. Save your appetite because you’ll be trying eight different types of Mexican cuisine including marlin ceviche tacos, tacos al pastor, sopes, and steaming hot churros.

4. Strolling the Malecón – This mile-long esplanade is the best place to pick up a few souvenirs and do some people watching. It’s a peaceful stroll along the ocean’s edge with hieroglyphs of Jalisco’s history etched into the concrete. If you want to get an amazing sunset picture, stroll the Malecón at dusk through the romantic zone. Don’t miss the Los Arcos Amphitheater.

5. Yachting along Banderas Bay – There is nothing quite as luxurious as sitting aboard a 58’ foot yacht, with abundant cocktails and a waiter tending to your every need. The scenery is amazing, but so are the margaritas. We sailed along the coastline for miles, watching a pod of dolphins cross the bow. We docked off Los Arcos (The Arches) which on days when the water is clear, is a great snorkeling spot.

6. Vallarta Botanical Garden – This was a sweet surprise on a day trip high up into the mountains. This destination has been recognized as, “One of the Top 10 Gardens in North America Worth Travelling For.” The garden has dozens of varieties of indigenous plants and flowers. There’s a charming chapel on the site perfect for destination weddings.

7. Drinking raicilla – If you love tequila, then sampling Jalisco’s homegrown distilled spirit, is akin to coloring outside the lines. Like tequila and mezcal, raicilla comes from the agave plant, but is smoked underground for days, giving it a very smokey flavor. It adds a very interesting twist to margaritas.

8. Lounge by the pool – Yes, be sure to save an afternoon to simply lounge by the pool, drink a margarita and take in the beautiful ocean. Check out the “Where to Stay” section below for one of the best infinity pools and the best hotel in Puerto Vallarta.

9. Take a cooking class – Gaby’s Mexican Restaurant, a PV favorite since 1989, offers a chance to tour the local markets and cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare authentic Mexican dishes including ceviche, tortillas, tamales, salsas and PV’s national dish. Bring your appetite as the fruits of your labor result in a 6-course Mexican feast. It’s one of Puerto Vallarta’s best restaurants.

10. Dine on the beach at La Palapa – If dining on the beach and dining under the stars are on your bucket list, you can check both off at La Palapa. Located in a quaint part of town at Playa Los Muertos, your table is oceanside in the sand where you’ll dine on tropical Mexican cuisine under lanterns.

The best hotel in Puerto Vallarta

Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel is the perfect home base for your trip to PV. It’s an adults-only all-inclusive resort situated on a quiet, secluded section of the beach on the edge of downtown Puerto Vallarta, just a short walk to the Malecón. But with the infinity pool and poolside bar, not to mention that amazing view, you won’t feel the need to leave the resort. The main pool is lined with comfortable cabanas and the pool concierge will tend to your every need from fresh towels to fresh drinks. There’s both fine and casual dining at three restaurants, along with The Mind & Soul Spa. Villa Premiere is a short walk from the city’s historic downtown and Malecón boardwalk. Known for its intimate atmosphere and personalized service, the hotel offers elegantly designed suites with stunning ocean views, private balconies, and modern amenities. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining at its on-site restaurants, relax with oceanfront spa treatments, or unwind by the infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With its blend of contemporary elegance and Mexican charm, Villa Premiere is a perfect destination for couples and travelers seeking a serene and romantic escape.

There are many hotels spread across the beaches of Puerto Vallarta. So do your research and find a hotel in Puerto Vallarta that fits your needs.

Is Puerto Vallarta Safe To Visit?

Puerto Vallarta is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Like any popular tourist area, it’s advisable to take the usual precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded spots. The local authorities and hospitality industry work to ensure visitors feel secure, and the city has a low crime rate compared to other major tourist destinations in Mexico. Getting around Puerto Vallarta is convenient, with various transportation options including taxis, public buses, and ride-sharing services like Uber. For those looking for a more scenic way to explore, walking through the cobblestone streets of the historic center or taking a water taxi to nearby beaches is a popular and enjoyable choice.

The Weather in Puerto Vallarta and When To Go

Puerto Vallarta enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, making it a popular destination for sun-seekers. The dry season, from November to April, offers sunny skies, low humidity, and comfortable temperatures averaging between 75°F and 85°F, making it the best time to visit. This period is ideal for outdoor activities like beach outings, hiking, and exploring the town’s cultural attractions. The rainy season, from June to October, brings higher temperatures and afternoon showers, which can be refreshing and often clear up quickly. While this season is less crowded and more budget-friendly, travelers should be prepared for occasional storms. For those looking to experience Puerto Vallarta at its liveliest, January through March is also prime whale-watching season, adding another reason to visit during the winter months.

Getting to Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is located on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco. It sits on the Bay of Banderas, one of the largest natural bays in Mexico. You can fly into Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), which serves both international and domestic flights, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world. There are many cheap direct flights from the U.S. to Puerto Vallarta.

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