If there is one city in the state of Jalisco in Mexico that is multi-hyphenate, nothing is more fitting than Puerto Vallarta. Cushioned between the Bahia de Banderas and expansive lush green rolling mountains, the beach resort city boasts one of the most alluring tourist destinations in Mexico. Some of its popular monikers include the “most romantic destination in Mexico”, “safest city in Mexico”, and “friendliest city in the world”. Puerto Vallarta, or simply called by locals, Vallarta proves it has it all. Everywhere you go, whatever you do—you will have beautiful memories to take with you. So jump right in and let’s go explore. Here are the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
1. Enjoy panoramic views of the skyline from the Mirador Cerro de La Cruz
This incredible open-work tower is a treat for civil engineers and architects to check out, but everyone can enjoy the unique views it provides of the skyline of Puerto Vallarta and the seascape. The hike up the stairs can be quite exhausting, even for fitness enthusiasts who have a good amount of stamina, but it is well worth it as you’ll get to see the entire city from the top. There is a Christian cross at the top of the building, and an observation deck above it. You will see plenty of people going up and down the stairs to exercise in the evenings.
Mirador Cerro de La Cruz
Address: Abasolo LB, Cerro, 48304 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Website: Mirador Cerro de La Cruz
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Pray in peace at the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Known in Spanish as La Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, this is a Catholic church that is truly beautiful to explore. Open throughout the day, every day, it is a nice place to visit and meditate in, or pray at, after a long day of exploring the city. The church service is available in English as well as Spanish, as per your preferences. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is the patron saint of Mexico, this building is extremely important to the residents and has been well-maintained for almost a century since it was built.
Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Address: Hidalgo 370, Proyecto escola, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Website: Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Go on a shopping spree at the Cuale Island Flea Market
Situated in one of the most well-maintained and beautiful parts of Puerto Vallarta, the flea market of Isla Cuale is in downtown Puerto Vallarta, and it is a lovely place to check out if you enjoy flea market shopping and shopping locally. You can find a wide range of amazing products, including handmade bracelets, apparel, jewelry, accessories, home décor, and small trinkets and figurines. Surrounding the flea market are the two rivers that have adorable wooden bridges that you can click pictures on, and you can explore the beautiful flora in the area. Once you are done shopping, head over to the municipal market area where you will find authentic Mexican food.
Cuale Island Flea Market
Address: Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 9am - 9pm; Sat: 9am - 8pm
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4. Binge on chocolate at ChocoMuseo Puerto Vallarta
If you are traveling with family, this is a wonderful place to bring your children. This is a chocolate workshop and specialty shop where you can learn to make your own chocolate. In addition, this place will also introduce you to unique chocolate combinations such as chocolate tea. You will learn how chocolate is prepared from scratch, and how to prepare chocolate delicacies. You can taste the candies and chocolate combinations that you have made. If you want to be truly unique, you can even bring your own ingredients such as nuts, mint syrup, or other ingredients.
ChocoMuseo Puerto Vallarta
Address: Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez 128, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Website: ChocoMuseo Puerto Vallarta
Opening hours: 10:30am - 7pm (daily)
5. Explore the beautiful Área Natural Protegida Estero El Salado
If you are interested in exploring the great outdoors, this outdoor reserve is a great way to spend a day outside. This urban estuary features native flora and fauna in Mexico, including reptile and bird sanctuaries. You can opt for the boat tours that take you through the reserve and you will see the wildlife from up close as well. There are interesting activities within the reserve that you can engage in, such as releasing baby crocodiles and baby turtles into the mangroves so that they are protected from terrestrial and aviary predators. The staff is very informative and helpful, and you can ask them about the various species of animals you see.
Área Natural Protegida Estero El Salado
Address: Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio S/N, Villa Las Flores, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Website: Área Natural Protegida Estero El Salado
Opening hours: Mon: 9am - 12pm; Tue - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 3pm (closed on Sun)
6. Go sightseeing at Banderas Bay
Bandera Bay is so magical that it is said to be 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) in depth. Making it even more enchanted are a large number of gigantic creatures visiting near the shore that tourists can see. Some of them are enormous humpback whales, manta rays, marlin, sailfish, marlin, and so many others. Talk about free sightseeing.
Banderas Bay
Website: Banderas Bay
7. Visit Los Arcos Marine Park
The Los Arcos Marine Park has been declared a protected area since 1984. Today, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. Situated south of the Banderas Bay, it has grown to be one of the major stopovers of cruise ships because of its tiny granite islands magnificently swelling from the ocean’s surface. The area also has become a great site for scuba divers and snorkelers owing to its rich marine biodiversity.
Los Arcos Marine Park
Website: Los Arcos Marine Park
8. Go on a Puerto Vallarta outdoor adventure tour (from USD 129.0)
Had enough of the water? Don’t fret! Start the adrenaline pumping with the Puerto Vallarta Outdoor Adventure Tour. Indulge in sweat-breaking activities while immersing in Mother Nature’s best. Rappel down gushing waterfalls; conquer the zip line suspended over a river canopy; cross a hanging bridge in the midst of the forest; race on 4x4 jeeps; get fast and furious on a speedboat—there are enough things to do for every adventure seeker.
Outdoor Zip line Adventure
Duration 6 hours
9. Enjoy some kitesurfing and windsurfing in Bucerias
If kitesurfing and windsurfing are your thing but the crowd is not part of your vocabulary, there is an astounding reason why Bucerias exists. It is for you! Located just along the Banderas Bay, Bucerias boasts a long stretch of white sandy soft beach. Dubbed as the Wind Capital of the Riviera Nayarit, Bucerias is known for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Take a side trip and hit the street villages made of cobblestone.
Bucerias
Website: Bucerias
10. Attend a cooking class (from USD 136.0)
When in Puerto Vallarta, grab the opportunity to learn the basics of Mexican flavors. Condensed into a 5-hour cooking class, you will get a ton of new customary cooking techniques and recipes such as fish ceviche and tequila—that’s of course in a Mexican way. Along with this tour is a visit to a traditional tortilla factory. For marketing the ingredients, you get a glimpse of a vibrant market in Puerto Vallarta. Each day has different menus so make sure to check out their site for the list.
Puerto Vallarta Cooking Class with Market Tour and Tastings
Duration 4 to 5 hours
11. Kiss a dolphin at Aquaventuras Park
It’s free! Yes! You read it right. Get a handshake and a kiss the dolphin, plus an enjoyable belly ride around the pool. Aquaventuras Park also offers a zip line circuit, rock climbing, and a challenge circuit, still for free. But if you want to do it again, 108 MXN (6 USD) will only be emptied from your pocket.
Aquaventuras Park
Address: Carretera a Tepic KM, Puerto Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico
Opening Hours: Daily, 11 am – 5 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Contact: +1 8007275391
Website: Aquaventuras Park
12. Attend the Puerto Vallarta International Gourmet Festival
A yearly event every November, the Puerto Vallarta International Gourmet Festival showcases the best food and wine happening along the Banderas Bay area. Well-renowned national and internationals chefs grace the event. There you get to attend cooking classes, learn wine pairing, taste the best wines and tequila, and so much more.
Puerto Vallarta International Gourmet Festival
Contact:+52 3222037687
13. Visit the Puerto Vallarta Art Walk
Puerto Vallarta is not just about beautiful white sand beaches and nature adventure, the city has a very rich art history, and the Puerto Vallarta Art Walk has a huge contribution in its promotion. If art galleries spur your interest, the art walk is a good place for you to visit. Paintings, fine ceramics, sculptures—made by both national and international artists—are there for you to enjoy.
Puerto Vallarta Art Walk
Address: #230 Calle Leona Vicario, Col. Centro, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Opening Hours: Daily, 6 pm – 10 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Contact: +52 3222225502
Website: Puerto Vallarta Art Walk
14. Catch live performances at the Puerto Vallarta St. Cecilia Music Festival
St. Cecilia Music Festival takes place every November 22 in celebration of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians. Various national and international artists perform a series of different concerts at the festival. It is open to the public and the whole family.
Puerto Vallarta St. Cecilia Music Festival
15. Go snorkeling on the Marietas Islands (from USD 119.0)
Take a full-day tour exploring the wonderful marine biodiversity of the Bahia de Banderas (Bay of Banderas) and the Mexican Pacific. Snorkeling and bird-watching are fun things to do, but kayaking in the clear waters is one of the tour highlights. Play with diverse species of charming dolphins, observe enormous whales and manta rays, and swim alongside green sea turtles.
Marietas Islands: Kayak, Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta
Duration 7 hours
Go beyond the beaches
Puerto Vallarta undoubtedly is one of the most stunning beach destinations in Mexico. But with the variety of things to do and places to visit in the city, it is definitely not just about the beaches. There is more to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico than meets the eye.