Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, is a beautiful resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast. With its cobblestoned streets, beautiful beaches, exciting nightlife, vibrant culture, and scenic views, you will surely have an exciting and relaxing adventure.
Want to discover the charm of Puerto Vallarta in just 24 hours? Here’s how!
The Basics
Airport: PVR – Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport
Timezone: Central Standard Time
Currency: Mexican Pesos
Credit Cards and ATMS: Some places are cash only, but most places in downtown Puerto Vallarta accept credit cards. There are plenty of ATMs around.
Language: Spanish and English
Plug Types: A&B
Safety: Puerto Vallarta is very safe for tourists.
Getting Around: Taxis, Uber, Public Transportation
Getting to Puerto Vallarta
There are a few ways to get into Puerto Vallarta. If you’re already in Mexico, you can drive. It’s about a five-hour drive from Guadalajara.
Fly to Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) – There’s many direct flight options to Puerto Vallarta all across the US and Canada. Be sure plan to have plenty of time to get through customs, as the line can often be long.
Fly to Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) – From here you can take a taxi, uber or bus transfer to Puerto Vallarta, although it’s about a 5 hour drive.
Take a Cruise – A few cruise line’s arrive at Puerto Vallarta’s Maritime Terminal. Puerto Vallarta is included on itineraries from Carnival Cruises and Celebrity Cruise line.
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta has a lot of great options to stay. There’s plenty of budget, midbudget and luxury options. There’s something for every price range.
Budget Hotel – Hotel Pueblito Vallarta – This charming hotel offers a rooftop pool and is located right in the heart of Zona Romantica with plenty of affordable restaurants close by.
Mid Range Hotel – Canto del Sol – This hotel sits right on the ocean and offers beautiful views, a swim-up bar, entertainment, and delicious all-inclusive food and drink options with a variety of restaurants. We stayed here on our trip and I posted a review of it here.
Luxury Hotel – Casa Velas – An intimate boutique hotel, Casa Velas is a stunning property that offers beautiful rooms with great views.
Best Air BnB – Casa Miamela – Offering stunning ocean views with two balconies and plenty of restaurants nearby, Casa Miamela is a great option for anyone looking to get off the beaten path a bit.
What to Eat in Puerto Vallarta
Noroc – Noroc is a restaurant located right on the Malecon. It offers a great variety of food and a beautiful view of the ocean, the booths are surrounded by pools of water making it a unique experience. I recommend getting a reservation for sunset for tremendous views of the sun setting over the ocean.
Tuna Azul – Best known for its flavourful ceviche and savory seafood, Tuna Azul is a great restaurant with reasonable prices. Enjoy people-watching from the patio or balcony. The lobster tacos are a must-try!
Sky Bar (Pinnacle Resorts) – Enjoy rooftop views while sipping delicious cocktails and mouthwatering food. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. They even offer a 2-for-1 happy hour during select times!
Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta
Los Tules – With its soft amber-colored sand and gentle waves, Los Tules is a great beach for swimming, kayaking, and jet skiing. There is often horseback riding available here too! Located next to lots of shopping, you can spend a wonderful day here!
Playa de Oro – Nicknamed ‘Golden Beach’ Playa De Oro typically has calm waves making it a great swimming spot. This beach is a great place for Jet skiing, parasailing, and beach volleyball. Playa de Oro is very accessible being located in the north hotel zone
Mismaloya – Enjoy crystal clear water and lush greenery from the Sierra Madre mountains at this small fishing village about 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding on the crystal clear water this beach has to offer. Nearby there is a small tequila factory and the Puerto Vallarta Zoo.
What to do in Puerto Vallarta
Rhythms of the Night – A fun cirque du soleil style show in an outdoor theatre, complete with a dinner and boat ride!
Release Baby Sea Turtles – Release baby sea turtles with Campamento Boca de Tomates during select times of the year, you can read my experience and guide here
Walk The Malecon – Enjoy shopping, viewing art, people watching, street food, and a beautiful ocean view.
Mirador de La Cruz – A hike to one of the best views in Puerto Vallarta.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens – Enjoy viewing a mystical garden of tons of tropical plants.
Jorullo Bridge – ATV over the longest suspension bridge made for vehicles in the world. Drive over the bridge that hangs above the Cuale River and a forested canyon.
Whale Watching – There are tons of tour companies who can take you whale watching, I recommend booking with Vallarta Adventures
Puerto Vallarta is a great place to spend the day! I have another post on 22 Free Things to do in Puerto Vallarta or you can read about our one week trip to Puerto Vallara! If you’re spending more time in Puerto Vallarta I recommend reading this post which includes the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta, or read about my favourite day trip from Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa!
Puerto Vallarta is definitely on my bucket list. That ATV over the suspension bridge sounds different and interesting. I would definitely check that out when I visit there some day.