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Puerto Vallarta

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City
—°7
Puerto Vallarta (Mexico)
ℹ️

Practical info — Puerto Vallarta

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Walk the Malecón at sunset for the best ocean views and to enjoy the local street performances.
  • Use the 'Orange Buses' to travel cheaply to beautiful southern beaches like Mismaloya.
  • Avoid drinking tap water; always opt for bottled water available at local 'OXXO' convenience stores.
  • Hike up to the Cerro de la Cruz lookout for a remarkable 360-degree panoramic view of the bay.
  • Take a water taxi from Los Muertos Pier to reach secluded coastal villages like Yelapa or Quimixto.

🍽 Food

🍽
Pescado Embarazado

Literally 'pregnant fish' (a pun on 'roasted on a stick'), sold by vendors on the beaches.

🍽
Birria

A savory meat stew that is a local favorite; try it at the food stalls in the municipal markets.

🍽
Tacos al Pastor

Visit 'Pancho's Takos' in the Romantic Zone; it’s famous for its delicious spit-roasted pork.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Municipal Market

Located by the Rio Cuale, this market features two floors of crafts, clothing, and souvenirs.

🛍
Isla Cuale Flea Market

A shaded market on the island in the middle of the river, excellent for a relaxed stroll.

🛍
Art Walk

On Wednesday evenings from October to May, many downtown galleries offer special exhibitions and wine.

🧘
Vallarta Botanical Garden

Located south of the city, it features peaceful trails through impressive tropical plants.

🧘
Isla Cuale Gardens

The forested island in the river provides shade and a quiet break from the Malecón crowds.

🧘
Conchas Chinas

An upscale, quieter area south of Old Town with small, secluded beach coves.

Puerto Vallarta is situated on Mexico Pacific coast within the Bay of Banderas, one of the largest bays in the world, in the state of Jalisco. Founded in the mid-19th century as Las Peñas, it was renamed in 1918 to honor Governor Ignacio L. Vallarta. The city shot to international fame in the 1960s during the filming of The Night of the Iguana, which triggered a massive tourism boom. The historic center architecture, particularly in the Zona Romántica, features cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings topped with red-tile roofs, contrasting sharply with the modern luxury resorts to the north. Set against the lush jungles of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains that meet the ocean, the city gives unique natural beauty. Beyond its beaches, Puerto Vallarta is celebrated for its bustling art scene, the iconic sculptures along its Malecón boardwalk, and its reputation as one of Latin America most LGBTQ-friendly destinations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C202022242525242423232120
Rain mm1625121101553173433341312717

Live webcam – Puerto Vallarta

See what it looks like near Puerto Vallarta right now.

Puerto Vallarta: Malecon · 5.2 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
224,166 (2025)
Coordinates
20.65340, -105.21730

Facts

  • The Bay of Banderas is one of the world largest, with over 100 km of shoreline.
  • Renamed in 1918 in honor of the prominent jurist Ignacio Luis Vallarta.
  • The 1963 film 'The Night of the Iguana' put the city on the international map.
  • The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is famous for the ornate crown atop its tower.
  • Located at the mouth of the Ameca River, which divides Jalisco from Nayarit.
  • The Malecón is a 1.5 km long waterfront boardwalk featuring numerous public sculptures.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Puerto Vallarta (7)

Parque Estatal Estero el Salado🌿 nature

A state park protecting the Estero el Salado mangrove estuary in Vallarta.

Playa de Oro🎡 recreation

Playa de Oro stretches as a beautiful beach along the coast of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. A relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere prevails here, attracting families and solo travelers alike. Visitors happily spend their time swimming in the waves and taking leisurely walks along the shore. Spending time here on warm summer days is particularly good for extensive sunbathing.

Playa Los Tules🎡 recreation

In Puerto Vallarta, Playa Los Tules invites you to spend relaxing hours by the Mexican sea. The surroundings are characterized by a friendly, local atmosphere that entices you to linger. Guests can look forward to refreshing swims and quiet moments resting on the warm sand. Arriving a bit earlier on weekends is recommended for the best beach experience.

Playa Las Glorias🎡 recreation

Playa Las Glorias is picturesquely located within the urban area of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's Pacific coast. A quiet and idyllic flair generally surrounds this spot, making it easy to forget the city bustle. A day by the water promises excellent conditions for swimming and taking long walks along the shore. Visiting in late summer is handy to fully enjoy the pleasant water temperatures.

Administración Del Sistema Portuario Nacional Marina📍 landmark

The national port system administration building for the marina in Vallarta.

Cruise Port📍 landmark

The cruise port in Vallarta.

Rancho Madre Tierra

A zoo in Puerto Vallarta featuring a ranch setting with animals for family visits.

Frequently asked questions

What is Puerto Vallarta famous for?
Beautiful beaches, bustling nightlife, and the Malecón.
When can you watch whales?
The best time is between December and March.
Is it a family-friendly destination?
Yes, there are many kid-friendly hotels and activities.
What is the best way to travel there?
Puerto Vallarta has its own international airport.
Are there good restaurants?
Yes, the culinary scene is top-notch, from tacos to fine dining.
Puerto Vallarta: where is it located?
Puerto Vallarta is located in Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta: what is there to see?
Highlights include Parque Estatal Estero el Salado, Playa de Oro, Playa Los Tules.
Puerto Vallarta: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Puerto Vallarta: why is it worth visiting?
Puerto Vallarta is situated on Mexico Pacific coast within the Bay of Banderas, one of the largest bays in the world, in the state of Jalisco.
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