14 Journey Suggestions For Puerto Vallarta For A Protected & Enjoyable Journey (In-Depth Information!)

By Lora Pope. This submit on Puerto Vallarta ideas comprises affiliate hyperlinks to trusted companions!

Searching for journey ideas for Puerto Vallarta in Mexico?

You then’re in the appropriate place!

Whereas many vacationers flock to the seashore cities on Mexico’s east coast, one vacation spot price contemplating in your subsequent journey is Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast.

This beautiful seashore metropolis is rapidly changing into a hub for digital nomads and vacationers alike, providing superb climate, beautiful seashores, and improbable nightlife.

Puerto Vallarta can also be an ideal place to go to in case you love out of doors journey. Town is surrounded by Banderas Bay, so there are infinite alternatives for water sports activities and enjoyable day journeys to close by islands. It’s additionally probably the greatest locations for whale watching in Mexico!

Moreover, there are unbelievable climbing trails with the Sierra Madre Mountains proper behind the town.

If you happen to’re planning to journey to Puerto Vallarta, this submit will inform you every thing you should know to make sure you have a enjoyable and protected journey!

Fast tip: One factor Puerto Vallarta is understood for is its scrumptious meals, so ensure to e-book at the very least one these tasty food and drink tours throughout your keep!

Plan Your Journey To Puerto Vallarta (Free Sources)

However first, earlier than we dive into some vital Puerto Vallarta journey ideas, right here is an invite to seize free entry to the Jessie on a Journey Final Journey Planning Useful resource Library.

Inside you’ll discover workbooks, Google Maps, journey quizzes, and guides meant to assist make planning your good journey simple, stress-free, and even enjoyable! You possibly can seize entry right here:

You can too click here for an interactive map you can zoom out and in of.

Journey Suggestions For Puerto Vallarta

1. Arriving: Puerto Vallarta Airport Suggestions

Attending to Puerto Vallarta is straightforward as there’s a world airport (Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz) with each day flights to many cities in North America.

It’s not an enormous airport, so it doesn’t take lengthy to get via when you arrive, particularly in case you’ve already cleared customs in one other metropolis in Mexico.

The truth is, after I arrived in Puerto Vallarta, it solely took me quarter-hour from the time the airplane landed to gather my baggage and get out of the airport.

The airport is conveniently situated simply quarter-hour from the town middle, and there are a number of choices for getting there.

When you’ve received your baggage, you possibly can both seize a taxi proper exterior the principle airport doorways (many individuals will ask you in case you want one), take a public bus, or get an Uber.

And if you should join, there’s free Wi-Fi within the airport.

Ubers are about half the worth of a taxi, however they don’t come to the airport terminal doorways; you’ll have to stroll 5 minutes.

If you exit the airport, flip left (stroll to the tip of the constructing), and switch left once more. You will note a pedestrian bridge throughout the road. Stroll throughout the bridge and catch an Uber from over there as that is the one place they decide you up. It ought to price about $5-10 to get from the airport to most lodging.

Alternatively, you possibly can take a public bus. The station is true beneath the pedestrian bridge on the identical aspect because the airport.

There are a number of busses that go into the assorted neighborhoods of Puerto Vallarta, which will likely be marked on the entrance of the bus.

If you happen to aren’t certain, you possibly can all the time ask the bus driver by saying the identify of the realm you’re going to. The bus prices 50 cents.

2. US Journey To Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers from the USA attributable to its shut proximity, heat climate, superb ambiance, and a world airport that makes it simple to get to and from.

As a US citizen, you’ll routinely be given a six-month visa on arrival, making it an incredible place to work remotely if you wish to lengthen your keep. The truth is, it’s a preferred place for creators to remain when attempting to start out a journey weblog and generate income.

There are direct flights from dozens of well-liked cities within the U.S. together with Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco.

American Airways, Delta, and Southwest all fly there in addition to a number of different worldwide airways.

3. Journey Suggestions For Puerto Vallarta Security

Security is all the time a priority for guests touring to Mexico, however Puerto Vallarta is definitely one of many most secure locations within the nation.

Hundreds of thousands of vacationers go to Puerto Vallarta yearly with no issues. I’ve lived right here for 3 months as a solo feminine traveler and have by no means felt scared or in peril.

This being mentioned, I do have a couple of security ideas for Puerto Vallarta to share:

Like every metropolis, petty theft does occur so you ought to be vigilant when strolling along with your belongings, particularly at night time.

Hold your cellphone or enticing electronics away once you’re wandering the cobblestone streets, and don’t go away them unattended on the seashore. You may also put money into some pickpocket-proof clothes to extra simply keep away from pickpockets.

Furthermore, all the time defend your self with journey insurance coverage, as theft can occur wherever.

As a solo feminine traveler, I attempt to keep away from strolling at night time regardless of the place I’m. As a substitute, I get Ubers — that are very inexpensive in Puerto Vallarta.

The Malecon, a seashore boardwalk within the middle of Puerto Vallarta, is protected to stroll alone at night time as it’s all the time full of individuals and police.

Throughout Covid-19, Puerto Vallarta acquired the Protected Travels Stamp from the World Journey & Tourism Council, which acknowledges the continued implementation of strict security measures in locations around the globe.

4. Journey Insurance coverage For Puerto Vallarta

Right here is without doubt one of the most vital ideas for vacationers to Mexico:

When visiting Puerto Vallarta — or wherever else on the planet — it’s vital to get journey insurance coverage. If we’ve discovered something within the final yr, it’s that the surprising can and does occur.

Whereas there are numerous suppliers on the market, probably the greatest journey medical insurance coverage for vacationers is SafetyWing as they’ve received a big community and provide each short-term and long-term protection — together with protection in case you’re touring for months in addition to restricted protection in your house nation.

Moreover, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and provides $250,000 price of protection with only one low general deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

5. Puerto Vallarta Climate

Puerto Vallarta has heat climate year-round, making it an ideal seashore vacation spot for these seeking to escape the chilly winters within the northern hemisphere.

Temperatures by no means get colder than 72°F, so that you’ll be capable to benefit from the stunning seashores and ocean it doesn’t matter what time of yr you go to!

June is the most popular month of the yr and the beginning of the wet season which matches till October.

The rain usually solely occurs for a couple of hours within the afternoon or within the night so that you’ll nonetheless get plenty of seashore time even in case you go to in the course of the summer season.

6. When To Go to Puerto Vallarta

The perfect time to go to Puerto Vallarta relies on your tolerance for warmth and crowds. October to April is the excessive season which coincides with probably the most nice (driest) climate and whale-watching season.

Since that is proper after the wet season, it’s additionally perfect for climbing as there will likely be lush inexperienced surroundings and full waterfalls. The truth is, the vacation spot provides among the most stunning hikes on the planet, with this being one of the best time to absorb native surroundings at its most beautiful.

The draw back of visiting in the course of the excessive season is that that is once you’ll discover the most important crowds and the very best costs on lodging.

The climate begins to change into what many would take into account unpleasantly scorching in June, so keep away from touring to Puerto Vallarta then then in case you don’t like the warmth.

Moreover, the summer season coincides with the wet season however generally is a nice time to get offers on lodging and excursions.

You might additionally time your journey to Puerto Vallarta to attend one of many metropolis’s many occasions like Satisfaction month in Might or Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Lifeless) in early November.

7. What To Know About Puerto Vallarta Journey

Now, there are a couple of issues to learn about Puerto Vallarta earlier than touring.

When planning a visit to Mexico, you’ll be joyful to know that the nation has among the most relaxed entry protocols wherever on the planet throughout COVID-19 — so in case you’re questioning “Can I journey to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico” the reply may be very seemingly “sure!”.

You don’t want a check to enter the nation, though I all the time suggest it.

An infection charges are declining on the entire in Mexico, and in Puerto Vallarta, there are few restrictions.

On the time of writing, every thing is open, there is no such thing as a curfew, and for probably the most half, life feels regular right here. You will need to put on a masks inside institutions, and a few locations take your temperature earlier than coming into.

Furthermore, Puerto Vallarta is extraordinarily welcoming to LGBTQ+ vacationers. Zona Romantica is the homosexual neighborhood, and it’s crammed with rainbow flags and homosexual golf equipment. There are many occasions for LGBTQ+ vacationers, particularly throughout Satisfaction on the finish of Might.

You don’t want to know Spanish to journey round Puerto Vallarta, but it surely’s all the time useful to know a couple of key phrases like howdy (hola), thanks (gracias), and the way are you (cómo estás?).

This being mentioned, don’t be nervous in case you can’t communicate Spanish; most locals communicate English and are used to vacationers who have no idea Spanish.

8. Puerto Vallarta Resorts

There’s no scarcity of wonderful motels to remain at in Puerto Vallarta. Whether or not you’re searching for an all-inclusive household resort or an LGBTQ+ pleasant lodge, you’ll be capable to discover it in Puerto Vallarta.

The largest resorts and motels are typically concentrated within the north and south neighborhoods of the town the place you’ll discover nicer seashores.

If you wish to keep in a resort, some good areas are Conchas Chinas, the North Resort Zone, and Marina Vallarta. These locations are identified for having some actually nice all-inclusive Mexico resorts.

If you happen to favor to remain within the coronary heart of the town then e-book your lodging in 5 de Diciembre, El Centro, or Zona Romantica.

From these neighborhoods, you’ll be capable to stroll to The Malecon the place yow will discover eating places, purchasing, and nightlife. You received’t discover as many all-inclusive resorts right here however there are many boutique motels and cute Airbnbs to select from.

In actuality, it doesn’t actually matter which a part of the town you keep in, as getting round is straightforward.

And that can assist you simply discover nice locations to remain, listed here are a couple of assets:

Click here for a list of Puerto Vallarta hotels!

Choose self-contained stays? 

Click on right here to take a look at distinctive native leases! 

You can too use the map beneath to seek for native stays:

9. Getting Round Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta will not be an enormous metropolis which makes it simple to get round.

By way of the finest technique to journey in Puerto Vallarta, in case you keep in Centro or Zona Romantica, you’ll be capable to stroll to bars, eating places, and the seashore simply.

Even in case you keep in one of many neighborhoods a little bit additional out like Conchas Chinas, you possibly can nonetheless get round Puerto Vallarta cheaply by utilizing the bus or ride-sharing apps.

There are buses that run all around the metropolis and solely price 50 cents to get on.

Alternatively, you possibly can take an Uber or inDriver (an area automotive journey app). A 20-minute Uber throughout city prices round $2.50-$5 relying on demand.

There are additionally taxis available on populated streets, however these are usually dearer. All the time bear in mind to barter the worth beforehand in case you get a taxi!

In fact, you can too lease a automotive. Whereas it’s not likely essential to have a automotive in case you’re staying in and exploring Puerto Vallarta because of the various budget-friendly public transportation choices, some vacationers prefer to lease one in the event that they’re doing lots of day journeys to touring to different locations in Mexico.

One suggestion:

Use Discover Cars to rapidly examine your automotive rental choices.

Their comparability instrument does the homework for you, so there’s no must have up 10+ tabs attempting to determine which firm is probably the most inexpensive. Really, it can save you as much as 70% utilizing their instrument!

10. Puerto Vallarta Eating places

No listing of Puerto Vallarta journey ideas can be full with out speaking in regards to the meals.

Mexico is world-famous for its delicacies, and Puerto Vallarta isn’t any exception to this.

Provided that the town is true by the ocean, you possibly can take pleasure in wonderful high quality seafood right here with Mexican taste. A few of the high eating places are:

The road meals can also be superb right here, so don’t be afraid to strive it. There are taco stands on virtually each nook the place you possibly can take pleasure in a filling meal for simply a few {dollars}.

By way of Puerto Vallarta cash ideas, it is a nice technique to save in case you’re touring on a funds.

Puerto Vallarta additionally has loads of vegan and vegetarian eating places to select from. Try Vegan Ramen, the Green Place, and Salud Super Food for wholesome veggie-friendly choices.

11. Issues To Do In Puerto Vallarta

Though Puerto Vallarta is a metropolis, probably the greatest issues about it’s the fast entry to the ocean and mountains, making it an ideal place to go on out of doors adventures.

A few of the hottest issues to do right here embody whale watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, or just stress-free by the seashore and having fun with the beautiful sunsets.

For one of the best diving, head to Los Arcos Nationwide Marine Park.

There are additionally lots of climbing trails to discover across the metropolis. Certainly one of my favorites is Los Arcos which leaves from Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas Seaside.

It takes two hours, passing by secluded seashores alongside the way in which you possibly can cease and luxuriate in.

From Las Animas, you possibly can seize a water taxi again to the town.

One other well-liked stroll inside the metropolis is to the Mirador La Cruz del Cerro, an statement deck with among the finest views of the town.

Inside the metropolis, there are numerous enjoyable issues to do too.

Strolling alongside The Malecon is the right technique to spend a day or night simply folks watching and exploring the various eating places and retailers of Puerto Vallarta.

You possibly can be part of a paid meals or drink tour, and there are additionally free metropolis strolling excursions and artwork walks that occur each Wednesday.

Moreover, Puerto Vallarta has energetic nightlife with golf equipment that go into the early hours of the morning. Salsa dancing may be very well-liked right here!

12. Excursions In Puerto Vallarta

Talking of excursions in Puerto Vallarta, listed here are some highly-rated ones to take a look at:

Click here for a full list of local Puerto Vallarta tours.

13. Day Journeys From Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a superb base to discover surrounding locations as fun day trips.

Sayulita and San Pancho are two up-and-coming seashore cities in Mexico well-liked for browsing. Sayulita is infamous for its nightlife, and San Pancho is extra relaxed.

From Boca de Tomatlán — which is a half an hour drive from Puerto Vallarta — you will get a taxi boat to many secluded seashores and small cities alongside the coast.

Yelapa is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to. This laid-back seashore city is simply accessible by boat or climbing path, and there yow will discover many waterfalls to discover.

There’s additionally the charming mountain city of San Sebastian, an hour and a half drive away. It’s an incredible place to go climbing and funky off from the warmth.

Occurring a trip to Puerto Vallarta by yourself? You’ll be joyful to know that the town is without doubt one of the high solo feminine journey locations for a lot of.

It’s simple to make pals in Puerto Vallarta as a solo traveler. I discovered an incredible group of pals inside two days of shifting right here that I’ve beloved attending to know.

Staying at hostels is all the time a great way to fulfill folks, however in case you favor to remain at an Airbnb or lodge, it’s nonetheless simple to fulfill different vacationers.

Fb teams are one of the crucial well-liked methods to attach with different vacationers in Puerto Vallarta. Listed here are among the finest ones:

I hope the following pointers may make it easier to plan an incredible journey to Puerto Vallarta!

Whereas the town is touristy, there’s a purpose its so well-liked and I’ve fallen in love with it over the previous couple of months. If you happen to’re searching for a enjoyable place to discover in your subsequent trip, Puerto Vallarta is a superb alternative!

What journey ideas for Puerto Vallarta would you add to the listing?

About The Writer

Lora Pope is a solo feminine journey journey author residing nomadically around the globe and presently based mostly in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. She has traveled to over 58 nations and is on a quest to go to all of them, searching for out a deeper reference to the character and wildlife on this planet. You possibly can observe her adventures at Explore With Lora or on Instagram.

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