Dazzling beaches, bustling nightlife, jungles, food, and a vibrant culture are some of the alluring attractions that draw in millions of visitors to Puerto Vallarta each year. In addition to all-inclusive hotels and resorts, there are also vacation rentals available in Puerto Vallarta for tourists who prefer homier stays. Unlike its sisters Playa Del Carmen and Cancun, it is yet to experience the effects of wanton Western capitalism, and as such, it still has the traditional and authentic charms that are quickly getting eroded in other places. Alone, Puerto Vallarta has a lot to offer, but it can also act as a base for exploring plenty of attractions in the neighboring regions with day trips. Scroll down and learn about some of the incredible day trips from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
1. San Pancho (from USD 46.0)
San Pancho, a picturesque beach town on the Mexican coast, is the perfect destination for a day trip. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by this quaint town’s charming sights and sounds. Wake up early and set off on a scenic drive along the coast, soaking up the stunning ocean views and lush greenery.
Stroll through the town’s streets during the afternoons, admiring the vibrant colors and unique architecture. Visit the local market and browse the handmade crafts and artisanal goods on display. Head to the beach and dip in the crystal clear water to enjoy the soothing sound of the waves. As the day draws to a close, savor a delicious seafood dinner at one of the town’s many restaurants, watching the beautiful sunset over the horizon.
Puerto Vallarta: Sayulita and San Pancho Beaches Tour
Duration: 7.0 hour
2. Playa Mismaloya (from USD 162.96)
Located on the southern coast of Puerto Vallarta, Playa Mismaloya is a hidden gem that is worth exploring. A scenic drive along the coast will take you to this secluded beach, nestled between lush forests and towering cliffs.
Spend the day soaking up the sun at the beach. You can explore the hidden coves and rocky outcrops that dot the coastline or go snorkeling to discover the vibrant marine life beneath the surface. Head to one of the beachfront bars during the evenings and catch the sunset.
Puerto Vallarta: Sun Buggy Sightseeing Tour with Lunch
Duration: 5.5 hour
3. Las Caletas (from USD 159.0)
Las Caletas is rather secluded, but is easily accessible from the city, making it one of the very top places to visit near Puerto Vallarta. It has incredibly beautiful beaches, and it is also the home to Mexico’s version of the Garden of Eden. Its jungles, with diverse vegetation and wildlife, the culinary diversity, and the golden sands on the beaches will ensure that you have more to do and see for a day trip. Additionally, it has some of the best spots for water sport activities such as scuba diving, kayaking, and snorkeling so you may want to carry some gear if you are a fan of these.
Las Caletas Beach Hideaway
Duration: 7 hours
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4. Yelapa
A quick side trip from Puerto Vallarta will give you a chance to explore one of the best-kept gems in the region. Yelapa is a little known beach town, but one full of white sands, blue waters, and a very peaceful atmosphere. You can snorkel, scuba dive or kayak as you enjoy the marine environment and the diversity of marine life beneath the waters. Away from the beach, there are several sightseeing opportunities in this old town, not to mention the waterfalls and a tour of the fishing villages which will ultimately see to it that you have a packed itinerary on this day trip.
5. Islas Marietas (from USD 121.0)
Islas Marietas is a group of protected islands that you can explore fully in under a day, making it another great destination for road trips from Puerto Vallarta. Visiting Islas Marietas, however, is so controlled that only a specific number of people can be given access at any given time. However, when you manage to land on the islands, you will be pleased with the hidden paradise you will find. It has a particular beach that is surrounded by a circle of rock walls, and due to the preservation efforts, all the islands are alive with tropical marine life. When you visit Islas Marietas, be sure to carry your snorkeling gear because you don’t want to miss the beautiful sightings of sea turtles and dolphins in the island’s crystal clear waters.
From Vallarta: Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise
Duration: 7.0 hour
6. Majahuitas
Majahuitas is a hidden gem that can be easily accessed by boat from Puerto Vallarta, and it is one of the best sunset-watching spots in the region. It is a homey beach with several sun huts where you can simply relax while you enjoy the views and the breeze from the sea. Since it is a fishing village, you will enjoy the lovely encounters with the friendly fishermen, and you will also love the fresh seafood available in the huts by the beach. If you are finding Puerto Vallarta a little bit stifling, then a day trip to Majahuitas will be liberating.
7. Sayulita (from USD 59.0)
Sayulita is a laid-back beach town that is very popular among surfers. Its beaches are expansive, and always have the right tides to make people come from far and wide to enjoy surfing. A day tour from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita will give you a great chance to explore picturesque beaches and to understand why it is such a darling to surfers. You will also love touring the beautiful little streets, where you will find lots of shops selling unique souvenirs. And don’t forget to try out the delicious tacos that will be available along the streets.
Sayulita Beach Day Trip from Puerto Vallarta
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
8. Mascota (from USD 219.0)
Mascota is one of Mexico’s Magic Towns, locally known as “Pueblos Magicos”. It is a relatively small town and a popular mountain destination in the Sierra Madre mountain range system. This is where you head to when you are tired of the beaches, and perpetual sights of palm trees, and beach umbrellas associated with the coastal towns. A day trip to Mascota will not just give you a well-deserved break from the ocean environment, but also will give you a chance to explore some of Mexico’s ancient gems such as the Anthropology Museum and Preciosa Sangre Church. The area is full of changing sceneries you will love to explore all day long.
Day Trip to Mascota and Talpa de Allende from Puerto Vallarta
Duration: 10 hours
9. San Sebastian (from USD 85.0)
The former town of San Sebastian is now a vibrant tourist destination with lots of historic attractions. Some of the notable attractions worth sparing a day to explore here include 18th-century churches, ancient agave and coffee farms, and the beautiful hills and forests that surround the town. The old charm you find here will be like taking a step back in time for a surreal experience.
Full-Day San Sebastian del Oeste Tour from Puerto Vallarta
Duration: 7 hours
10. Guadalajara
Guadalajara is Jalisco’s capital, and it is a melting pot of culture, charming zest life, and pure colonial beauty. Palm tree-lined streets, gorgeous plazas, incredible foods, upmarket restaurants, and UNESCO sites like the Guadalajara Cathedral should give you more than enough reasons to plan a day trip to this seductive city.
11. Barra de Navidad
The small city of Barra de Navidad is usually seen as a quick stop when exploring attractions in the neighboring city, but it is also a potent destination for road trips from Puerto Vallarta. With its small size, you can easily explore it within a day and it isn’t in short of attractions that would delight people’s hearts. Some of the notable attractions in this city include surfing at Costa Allegri, swimming at the Tenacatita Beach, enjoying the breeze and the views at El Manglito, and sampling the city’s culinary diversity at Restaurant Ramon.
12. Sierra Madre (from USD 109.0)
A day trip to the Sierra Madre is a great opportunity to go on a full off-road adventure of the Sierra Madre Mountains. The mountains feature a low-lying jungle that slowly turns into a dry woodland as you climb up higher. It is another great way to break away from the coast and treat yourself to the diverse landscapes of Mexico. There are lots of off-road jeep tours and several hiking trails that you can use to explore the landscapes, while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the rich tropical wildlife.
Sierra Madre Village Tour from Puerto Vallarta: Hike, Lunch
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
13. Tequila (from USD 550.0)
Tequila is one of Mexico’s signature drinks, and a day trip to the village of Tequila is highly recommended when you are in Puerto Vallarta. It is a chance to explore the beautiful agave fields, learn about the plant’s traditional methods of cultivation, and learn about the full process of making tequila, right from the fields to the bottle. Additionally, such a day trip will also see you explore some of the colonial history and architecture of the town, including a visit to the beautiful ancient churches as well as strolling the little cobblestone streets.
Puerto Vallarta Private Tequila Cultural Day Trip with Tasting
Duration: 12 hours
Get a break from Puerto Vallarta with these day trips
Going for day trips from Puerto Vallarta doesn’t mean that you have exhausted all the attractions in Puerto Vallarta. It is a chance to explore some of the nice attractions that you can easily reach from Puerto Vallarta. It is also an opportunity to get away from the ocean environment and sample what Mexico’s other landscapes have to offer. Use these top day trips from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for a breather during your visit.
Frequently asked questions about day trips from Puerto Vallarta
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