Popularly referred to as ‘PV’ or just 'Vallarta’, the coastal getaway town of Puerto Vallarta boasts lavish oceanfronts and a charming small-town vibe. There are many scenic spots for tourists to explore. While the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains form the town’s backdrop on the east, the stunning Banderas Bay snakes along its coast to provide visitors with spectacular getaway experiences. Los Muertos Beach, or Playa Los Muertos, in Puerto Vallarta, is another spot you can’t miss. Azure waters meet the beach’s glittering, golden sands that are peppered with many camera-toting tourists and beach bums having a ball. It is a popular hangout spot for families, expats, locals, and water sports enthusiasts. Book one of the many Vrbo vacation rentals for your stay and witness the vibrant city culture and participate in water sports at this marvellous beach. The town also has many all-inclusive hotels catering to tourists who prefer a more luxurious stay. To make the most of your time here, check out our guide to Los Muertos Beach, Puerto Vallarta.
Where to stay
1. Playa Los Arcos
Playa Los Arcos is one of the best hotels for those who want to enjoy nice beach views in Puerto Vallarta. Apart from easy beach access, this property has outdoor pools for guests to take a refreshing dip. Guests also can enjoy rejuvenating treatments in a spa.
You can book an air-conditioned room featuring a private balcony. The hotel organizes outdoor activities such as walking tours and indoor entertainment programs such as themed dinners to keep their guests engaged. If you feel hungry after all these activities, indulge in exclusive Austrian cuisine at Café Maximilian and Mexican food at Mi Pueblito.
Book Your Stay: Playa Los Arcos Hotel Beach Resort & Spa
2. Casa Nicole Boutique Hotel
If you are looking to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in Los Muertos Beach, then stay at the charming Casa Nicole Boutique Hotel. This hotel features a 24-hour front desk to ensure a seamless stay for guests. The on-site eatery, Casa Nicole, offers Mexican and American cuisine.
Stay connected with free internet and enjoy the city and garden views from the balcony in your room. The air-conditioned rooms feature convenient amenities such as flat-screen TVs, desks, wardrobes, and private bathrooms with a walk-in shower.
Book Your Stay: Casa Nicole Hotel Boutique
Things to do / Highlights
Go in for some water sports
Parasailing, windsurfing, and jet skiing are among the top water sports activities that visitors busy themselves with. Or, you can just enjoy an invigorating swim in Puerto Vallarta. Else, hop aboard a banana boat and enjoy an exciting time, wading through the ocean’s waters. Since the beach sees a heavy tourist footfall, there are plenty of gear rental shops and guided tour facilities that you’ll be able to find. Just zero in on the activity you prefer and go around bobbling in water.
Spend time fishing
You can also bring along your reels and rods and find yourself a spot on the Los Muertos Pier or the rocks on the southern side of the beach and enjoy time fishing. Although, remember to be careful as there might be naughty cranes snatching your catch!
Enjoy beach activities
Those not too confident about water sports can have themselves a whale of a time indulging in some beach volleyball. You’ll find several nets and other groups playing. You can mingle with others, too.
Soak in gorgeous views
Spot the towering, sail-shaped structure and that’s the Los Muertos Pier, bustling with photographers and hordes of tourists there to admire stunning views of the vista. While the day time offers an unmatched view of the never-ending horizon, the evenings are a visual treat for views of the sunset from Bahía de Banderas. At nighttime, the structure is bathed in blue lights, making it quite the stunning sight. Remember to head there early to be able to grab a place to sit, else you’ll have to make do standing.
Walk down to neighbouring areas
The Malecón boardwalk runs along the beach’s shore from the pier to the north. It is dotted with several beautiful statues that you can stop by and admire or click snaps for your Instagram. Among the most famous of these life-like statues is the Seahorse statue. Additionally, the beach’s southern end, a strip called Blue Chairs, is a haven among the LGBTQ community. It is quite the party place, we hear.
What to eat
Award winning, mouth-watering, belly-stuffing burger (and fries) - all for 70 pesos TODAY!
Posted by Joe Jack's Fish Shack PV on Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Considering Los Muertos Beach’s popularity, there are a ton of eateries the beach is fronted with. From casual cafes and walk-in shacks to fine dining restaurants, Los Muertos Beach in Puerto Vallarta offers diverse culinary experiences. Choose one that suits your preference best.
Los Muertos Brewing
Serving some of the best, most crisp locally crafted beers is Los Muertos Brewing. Pair this with one of their freshly made pizzas and you have yourself a winning combo! It is located on the south side and is barely a five-minute walk from Los Muertos Beach.
Joe Jack's Fish Shack
A short walk from the beach is Joe Jack’s Fish Shack, bustling with hungry diners gorging on the restaurant’s yummy seafood. Order their fish tacos, one of the burgers, or the fish and chips and you’ll know why the place enjoys the popularity that it does. Wash these down with a side of one of their zingy mojitos – mmmm!
Di Vino Dante
Just a few steps from the beach, along Basilio Badillo Street, is Di Vino Dante, offering an exquisite, upscale dining experience. Oozing an intimate charm, the restaurant’s ambience (and of course, delicious food) makes it a top spot for dates or a romantic dinner. It is primarily a tapas and wine bar, but is touted to serve some of the best margaritas in town so remember to order one. Di Vino Dante also has an excellent selection of Latin American and Mexican wines that you can go in for.
Things to buy
Posted by Barb Bremner on Wednesday, 14 March 2018
The beach is lined with many shops selling a variety of items, ranging from souvenirs to trinkets that you can pick up. Don’t leave the beach without buying some of these:
Crystalware
PV’s best crystalware store, Mundo de Cristal, is a skip away from the beach. They sell all sorts of delicate items, such as drink stirrers, glassware, and other decorative items made of crystal. They even offer shipping services so if you want to buy something, but are worried about the size or weight, request them for doorstep delivery!
Hernandez ceramics
You can’t leave PV without buying these bespoke, hand-painted Hernandez items. Senor Talavera and Encino, both house a fantastic collection so drop by and pick some up. They also offer shipping services so buy away!
Tequila
Mexico is BIG on tequila so it’s only right that you take back some to relish at home as well. Herradura and Don Julio are the top tequila brands that are recommended. You can buy these off any liquor store you find around you.
Raicilla
A trip to PV isn’t complete if you’re not taking back raicilla, a drink that resonates with the Mexican state every bit. It tastes a bit like tequila, except is much more nuanced in terms of flavour and is best enjoyed in the form of cocktails. There’s a subtle smokiness about it that you’ll just love so do buy some for home.
Vanilla
You’ll find some of the world’s best, most aromatic vanilla in Puerto Vallarta. The one most commonly opted for is the one by Orlando. You can buy these off any store selling grocery or everyday items.
Travelers tips
Beware of vendors
There’s no dearth of small-time vendors on the beach. Some of them can get particularly aggressive so tourists or first-time visitors should keep an eye out. Just remember to turn them down in a stern, but polite manner. A simple “no, gracias” should do the trick!
Swimming-friendly side
For those of you with children, stay near the Los Muertos Pier, where waters and facilities are better for children to enjoy swimming in the ocean.
Carry beach essentials
While a sexy beach tan is welcome, getting bronzed to the point of being sunburnt isn’t. Remember to carry along a sunscreen lotion, sunhats, caps, towels, and other necessary stuff to avoid an unsavoury experience.
How to get there
Cab
There are several spots across the city from where you can hitch a taxi. Else, just fire up the Uber app and call one for yourself anywhere.
Bus
Bus travel is the most common way for tourists to get around PV because it’s cheap and hassle-free. Several buses service the Los Muertos Beach at a frequency of every 10 to 15 minutes so go in for one closest to you.
Private car
Unless you want to explore neighbouring towns, it’s best to skip renting a private car. There are ample trustworthy public transportation modes that you can opt for.
Los Muertos Beach information
Los Muertos Beach
Address: El Centro (Off Calle Olas Atlas), Puerto Vallarta 48380, Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Department of tourism: Visit Puerto Vallarta
Frequently asked questions about Los Muertos Beach, Puerto Vallarta
History
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