Coastal adventures and lazy beach days await: our Puerto Vallarta travel guide

Hugging the shores of Bahía de Banderas, Puerto Vallarta welcomes all. Whether you’re a keen seafarer, a sun-seeker, or a self-confessed culture vulture, this beautiful resort town holds a little something for everyone.

A once humble fishing town, transformed into a scintillating summer destination

Wander through the cobbled streets of Zona Romántica and you’ll quickly get a feel for the town’s welcoming and bubbly spirit. Cosmopolitan, yet with plenty of traditional charm, there’s much to explore beneath the rustling palms and bright bougainvillaeas. Further from the shore, the opportunities for sailing, diving, and swimming are plentiful; an entire underwater world waits just beneath the shimmering waters of the Pacific Coast.

Soak up the sunshine on Puerto Vallarta’s most beautiful beaches

A visit to Mexico’s Pacific Coast wouldn’t be complete without at least one day spent basking on the sand and doing little else. Although, we expect you’ll fit many more visits in than that - after all, Puerto Vallarta is home to a whole host of gorgeous beaches just waiting to be discovered.

Mismaloya Beach

It’s rumoured that the turquoise shores of Mismaloya Beach are what transformed Puerto Vallarta from a quaint fishing town to an internationally renowned holiday destination. In the mid-1960s, the beach became a set for The Night of the Iguana - a Hollywood movie that brought stars from the big screen over to this unassuming yet spellbinding stretch of coast.

Historic neighbourhoods and mesmerising miradors

It might have been Puerto Vallarta’s alluring beaches that first drew your attention, but there’s much more to this dazzling resort than its beautiful coastlines. If it’s an adventure you’re seeking, scenic mountain hikes and snorkelling excursions are always on the cards. But if you’d like to take it a little easier, the lovely streets of Zona Romántica have plenty to offer.

Take a stroll through the trendy streets of Zona Romántica

One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Puerto Vallarta, Zona Romántica - otherwise known as Old Vallarta - has retained much of its traditional charms. The town’s lively bars and restaurants - most of them decorated with vibrant, eye-catching facades - are always abuzz with locals and visitors alike. Stop by on a Saturday morning and you can make the most of the local farmer’s market, offering organic fruits and vegetables as well as one-of-a-kind jewellery and crafts from local artisans.

Hidden beaches and uninhabited islands

Set sail and explore the lesser-known beauty spots of Puerto Vallarta. From secluded fishing villages to golden beaches that avoid the usual summer crowds, there’s plenty for keen adventurers to uncover here.

Where to Eat in Puerto Vallarta

From sizzling seafood straight off the grill to bursting tortillas filled with fresh ingredients, Puerto Vallarta gives you so many options when it comes to enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine. Feel like trying something a little different? Many of the resort’s fine dining restaurants have created exciting infusions, blending the bold flavours of Mexico with cooking techniques from around the world.

Where to Drink in Puerto Vallarta

You don’t have to call it a day once the sun descends behind the coast; after dark, the cobbled streets of Puerto Vallarta transform into a lively hotspot for drinks and dancing in the resort’s balmy evening temperatures.

Monzon Brewing Co.

Mexico might be best known for its tequila, but craft beer connoisseurs will find lots of great options here too. The Monzon Brewing Co. uses local ingredients to brew a vast selection of beers; IPAs, stouts, pilsners, and blonde ales, you’ll find them all here. Visitors can see first-hand how the beers are made, before the most important part: sampling those delicious brews.