Your complete guide to tours, beaches, restaurants, and experiences in Puerto Vallarta — gateway to Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre.
42 km²
Banderas Bay Surface
Nov–Mar
Whale Watching Season
300+
Restaurants in the City
PVR
International Airport
Curated private moments — from sunset sailing to jungle cooking classes — perfect for creating unforgettable memories.
diamond Private Experiences 🐋 Humpback Whale Watching
Witness humpback whales breaching, spy-hopping, and tail-slapping in Banderas Bay from November to March. Our expert marine biologist guides ensure a responsible and unforgettable wildlife encounter.
diamond Private Experiences 🤿 Las Marietas Islands Snorkel & Hidden Beach
Explore the UNESCO-protected Marietas Islands and swim through a sea cave to reach the legendary Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor). Snorkel with sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish in crystal-clear waters.
diamond Private Experiences 🌅 Sunset Sailing on Banderas Bay
Sail into a Pacific sunset aboard a luxury catamaran with open bar, fresh ceviche, and live music. Watch dolphins surf the bow waves as the Sierra Madre mountains glow golden behind Puerto Vallarta's church.
diamond Private Experiences 🌿 Sierra Madre Jungle Zip-Line Adventure
Soar above the jungle canopy on 8 zip-lines, cross hanging bridges, and rappel down waterfalls in the Sierra Madre mountains just 30 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. A full-day adrenaline adventure for all levels.
Travel in comfort with our private transfer services from Puerto Vallarta airport (PVR) or between destinations along the Riviera Nayarit.
restaurant Food Puerto Vallarta is famous for fresh ceviche, aguachile, pescado zarandeado, and birria tacos. Discover the best restaurants in the Romantic Zone and along the Malecón.
hotel Stays From luxury beachfront resorts to boutique hotels in the Romantic Zone — find the ideal accommodation for your Puerto Vallarta stay.
map Day Trips Surf villages, secret beaches, and colonial destinations — all within reach from Puerto Vallarta.
location_on Destination Manzanillo beach and Puerto Angelito
Although Tulum is a destination mostly known for its big waves and its surfer culture, it also hides many other attracti
location_on Destination Carrizalillo beach
Discovering Playa Carrizalillo: A Hidden Gem in Tulum, Quintana Roo 🌴🌊 Welcome to Tulum, a paradise on the Pacific
location_on Destination Manialtepec lagoon
Located just 18 kilometers northwest of Tulum, is the Manialtepec Lagoon. One of the most important natural reserves in
location_on Destination Zicatela Beach
Discovering Playa Zicatela: The Surfing Capital of Mexico 🌊🏄♂️ Without a doubt, one of the most emblematic and repres
location_on Destination La Punta
Discovering La Punta: A Hidden Treasure in Tulum, Quintana Roo 🌴🌊 Welcome to Tulum, a paradise on the Pacific coas
location_on Destination Tulum
Welcome to Tulum ! The hidden mexican paradise. La Punta, and its surfer / hippie vibe will make you feel like in the 60
Puerto Vallarta is a coastal city in the state of Jalisco, on Mexico's Pacific coast, nestled in Banderas Bay. A former colonial town transformed into a world-class tourist destination since the 1960s, it combines historic charm, wild nature, and modernity. Its 42 km of coastline, world-class restaurants, and cruise port make it one of Mexico's most-visited destinations.
Jalisco
State, Pacific Coast
42 km²
Banderas Bay
28°C
Avg. Temperature
PVR
International Airport
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta was founded in 1851 as a port for exporting coffee, timber, and minerals from the Sierra Madre. Originally called "Las Peñas," it was renamed in 1918 after Ignacio L. Vallarta, former governor of Jalisco. For decades it remained an isolated fishing town accessible only by boat or plane.
Puerto Vallarta's transformation into a world-class tourist destination began in 1963 when John Huston filmed "The Night of the Iguana" here with Richard Burton. Burton's public romance with Elizabeth Taylor turned the city into a Hollywood romance symbol, drawing global attention and triggering a tourist boom.
Today, Puerto Vallarta receives over 4 million visitors per year. It is recognized as one of Mexico's most tolerant and LGBTQ+-friendly cities, with a thriving arts and cultural scene in the Romantic Zone.
Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season (November–May) is sunny and ideal. The rainy season (June–October) brings afternoon showers but perfect mornings and lower prices.
28°C / 82°F
Avg. Temperature
Nov–May
Dry Season (Best)
Jun–Oct
Rainy Season
Nov–Mar
Whale Season
Banderas Bay is one of the world's richest natural bays in marine biodiversity — a sanctuary for whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and spectacular underwater life.
Humpback Whales
Nov–Mar, Banderas Bay
Dolphins
Year-round residents
Sea Turtles
Nesting Jul–Nov on beaches
Giant Manta Rays
Spotted in the bay
Orcas
Seasonal sightings
500+ Fish Species
Tropical reef life
Puerto Vallarta is considered one of Mexico's safest tourist destinations. The main tourist zones (Romantic Zone, Malecón, Marina, Hotel Zone) are well-lit, well-frequented, and safe day and night. The city has a strong tourist police presence.
Practical tips: Use official taxis (Uber works well) rather than street taxis. Avoid displaying cameras or jewelry in busy areas. Boat trips to Yelapa and the Marietas Islands are always operated by licensed tour operators.
Puerto Vallarta is especially welcoming to the LGBT+ community — the Romantic Zone is one of Mexico's liveliest gay neighborhoods with specialized bars, clubs, and hotels.
What is Puerto Vallarta known for?
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