Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Beaches & Travel Guide
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's favorite Pacific beach towns — a charming old town on the Bay of Banderas in Jalisco, with a famous Malecón, great food and warm, welcoming vibe.
Why visit Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's favorite Pacific beach towns — a charming cobblestoned old town (the Zona Romántica) on the Bay of Banderas, with a famous seaside Malecón, excellent dining and art, and some of the country's warmest LGBTQ+ and expat communities. It balances resort comfort with real Mexican character.
How to get to Puerto Vallarta from the US
Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) has frequent direct flights from across the US, especially the West Coast and major hubs, on United, American, Alaska, Delta and others. The airport is about 10 minutes from the Hotel Zone and 20 from downtown.
Best time to visit
November to April is the dry, sunny high season and the best weather. May to October is hot and humid with afternoon rains, within the Pacific hurricane season (June–November). Winter is also prime whale-watching season in the bay.
Top things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Stroll the Malecón and its sculptures, explore the Zona Romántica and Playa Los Muertos, see the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and take a boat to the hidden beaches of Las Marietas Islands, Yelapa or Las Ánimas. Day trips head to Sayulita, tequila country and the Sierra.
Where to stay
The Zona Romántica (Old Town) is walkable and full of character; the Hotel Zone and Marina Vallarta have big resorts; and Nuevo Vallarta / Riviera Nayarit just north offers newer all-inclusives.
Is Puerto Vallarta safe for tourists?
The state of Jalisco carries a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory from the US Department of State. Puerto Vallarta is a major, well-established beach destination popular with US and Canadian travelers. Many travelers visit Puerto Vallarta without incident by flying in, staying in the main areas and avoiding intercity travel at night; review the current US State Department Mexico Travel Advisory before you go.
The Mexican Pacific and Western Mexico
Puerto Vallarta shares Banderas Bay with the Riviera Nayarit to the north. Guadalajara, Jalisco's capital, is just 5 hours by road or 45 minutes by air. Along the southern Pacific coast, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Acapulco, and Huatulco offer equally beautiful beaches. At the northern end, Los Cabos offers luxury tourism in Baja California. Check Puerto Vallarta vacation packages.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Puerto Vallarta?
On the Bay of Banderas, on the Pacific coast in the state of Jalisco, about 875 km from Mexico City.
How do I get to Puerto Vallarta from the US?
Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) has frequent direct flights from across the US, especially the West Coast and major hubs.
What is there to do in Puerto Vallarta?
Walk the Malecón and the Zona Romántica, relax on the beaches, and take boat trips to the Marietas Islands, Yelapa or Las Ánimas; nearby Sayulita is a popular day trip.
When is the best time to visit?
November to April for dry, sunny weather — also whale-watching season. May to October is hot and humid, within the Pacific hurricane season.
Is Puerto Vallarta safe for tourists?
Jalisco carries a Level 3 ‘Reconsider Travel’ advisory, but Puerto Vallarta is a major, well-established beach destination popular with US and Canadian travelers. Use normal precautions and review the current US advisory.