Frequently Asked Questions About Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for travelers around the world with luxury resorts, verdant jungles, tranquil beaches, and small-town culture. Since it’s not as well known as cities like Cabo San Lucas and Cancun, there’s a number of Puerto Vallarta frequently asked questions that travelers love to know. With answers for everything from is Puerto Vallarta safe to travel to and lists of what to do in Puerto Vallarta, this article will have you ready to throw a swimsuit in a bag and board the next flight out.

Where is Puerto Vallarta Mexico?

Puerto Vallarta is on Mexico’s west coast, facing the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains. If you look closer at where is Puerto Vallarta, you’ll see that it’s in the Bay of Banderas, a calm but large bay lined by palm trees and incredible resorts.

How do I get to Puerto Vallarta?

Flying into the Puerto Vallarta airport is the quickest and easiest way to get to Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta given the number of flights arriving daily. When deciding how to get to Puerto Vallarta, most travelers use the Puerto Vallarta airport as their gateway to incredible vacations. For those traveling for an extended period of time, driving is another option to consider when deciding how to get to Puerto Vallarta. Since it takes at least 16 hours to reach the city from the US-Mexico border, driving provides an opportunity to visit other popular Mexican destinations along the way. If you are looking for how to get to Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta and you decide to drive, you’ll also be able to conveniently maneuver around the city and explore the surrounding villages and countryside.

Is Puerto Vallarta Safe?

Yes, Puerto Vallarta is regularly listed as one of the safest cities in Mexico, and there are no Puerto Vallarta travel restrictions for US citizens. While other areas of Mexico struggle with gang violence, Vallarta is a safe haven for destination weddings, spring break trips, and family vacations. Because “is Puerto Vallarta safe to travel to?” is one of the Puerto Vallarta frequently asked questions, business and community leaders are invested in preventing crime. While there are no official travel restrictions, it’s important to use common sense and adhere to local laws when visiting the destination, much like it is anywhere else in the world.

What Time is It in Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is in the Central Standard Time Zone, but one thing important to consider when calculating what time is it in Puerto Vallarta is daylight saving time. The city jumps forward an hour on the first Sunday in April and goes back on the last Sunday in October.

Current local time in
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

When’s the Best Time to Travel to Puerto Vallarta?

Figuring out the best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta depends on a few factors. One thing to consider is the weather. Warmer summer temperatures make swimming and scuba diving in the ocean absolutely perfect, but cooler winter weather keeps you from sweating so much while hiking in the mountains. It’s also important to think about the tourist seasons. Winter is a busy time of year with more travelers and more events, but summer means big travel deals and fewer people on the beach.

When is Puerto Vallarta Rainy Season?

The rainy season in Puerto Vallarta lasts from June to October with short bursts of rain common in the late afternoons and evenings. These rainfalls typically last an hour, giving locals and visitors plenty of time in the mornings and afternoons to run errands and go on exciting tours. When the Puerto Vallarta weather starts to storm, look out to sea for a dazzling show as clouds and lightning roll across Banderas Bay. If you’re worried about when is Puerto Vallarta rainy season, you should know that there are several perks to traveling between July and October. Since tourism is typically slower, travel businesses and hotels offer their lowest prices of the year during the rainy season, and the showers breathe life into the emerald jungles after months of dry Puerto Vallarta weather. While this is one of the Puerto Vallarta frequently asked questions, don’t let knowing when is Puerto Vallarta rainy season keep you from experiencing the wonders of the city.

What Should I do in Puerto Vallarta?

The top activities for what to do in Puerto Vallarta range from jungle adventures, watersports on the tropical beaches, and local cultural experiences. With the sunny Puerto Vallarta weather and the city’s natural beauty, the best things to do are outside. On land, stroll the cobblestone streets and Malecon boardwalk, or hike to hidden waterfalls in the jungle. To explore the ocean, go snorkeling at the Marietas Islands or scuba diving at Los Arcos. To see the humpback whales, the best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta is in the winter. With no Puerto Vallarta travel restrictions, you can safely and confidently enjoy it all.

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta?

The city’s all-inclusive resorts along the beach are the best options for your vacation, and if you’re worried about is Puerto Vallarta safe, these areas are considered the best for travelers. Not only will you be close to all sorts of options for things to do in Puerto Vallarta, but your resort booking will include all your food, drinks, and on-site entertainment that’s just steps away from your plush suite with a private balcony and breathtaking view.

When is Hurricane Season in Puerto Vallarta?

Hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta typically lasts from July-October with most storms coming in September. However, the natural geography of the Bay of Banderas protects the city from most storms. Typically, they end up passing farther out at sea or being downgraded to a tropical storm. If you check when is hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta and see that it’s when you’re traveling, don’t worry. You’ll likely just have some afternoon showers, giving you a chance to curl up with a good book, take a cooking class, or pamper yourself in the spa.

With no Puerto Vallarta travel restrictions and all your questions answered, it’s time to start booking your vacation to paradise and traveling like a pro!