Travel to Puerto Vallarta: When, How and Where to Go

Puerto Vallarta Mexico is the best destination for those looking to taste the classic charm of Mexican culture and relax on the beaches of paradise. Ever since the stars of old Hollywood made this their favorite escape, travelers from around the world have discovered the city’s natural beauty. Here on Mexico’s west coast, the verdant jungles of the Sierra Madre Mountains slope down to meet the sea, creating gorgeous views wherever you look. Within the city, echoes of laughter and music fill the cobblestone streets, and it feels like there’s always something new to do when you travel to Puerto Vallarta.

When is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta

Figuring out when is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta depends on what you’re hoping to do on vacation. If you’re looking to escape frigid temperatures and watch whales splash in the bay, winter is the perfect time to get away to Puerto Vallarta. Families flock to the city in the spring when school takes a break, and with mild temperatures, you can spend your days outside exploring the mountains and sea. For those looking for when is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta and score big on the best hotels, summer is the season of savings. Since tourism is typically slower in the summer and fall, airlines and resorts offer their lowest prices of the year, and with fewer tourists, you’ll be able to explore to your heart’s content without waiting in lines or needing reservations.

How to Travel to Puerto Vallarta

While Puerto Vallarta Mexico still has its small-town charm, it’s become a city that attracts international visitors, the majority of whom enter through the city’s airport. You can easily find direct flights to Puerto Vallarta from most major airports in North America, and because it’s a popular destination, travel to Puerto Vallarta isn’t expensive. To find the best deals, book your airfare for dates in the summer or fall.

Where to Go in Puerto Vallarta

The list of what to do in Puerto Vallarta goes on forever, and even when you travel here every year, there’s always new places to visit in Puerto Vallarta. To get a taste of everything, explore these places to visit in Puerto Vallarta on your next trip:

Downtown Puerto Vallarta

Downtown, or centro, Puerto Vallarta is one of the main tourist areas, and at the top of your list for places to visit in Puerto Vallarta should be the iconic crowned cathedral, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. After checking out this historic church, you can wander along the Malecon, taking in views of the sea and stopping in local shops. At night, lots of local vendors set up shop here, selling everything from authentic Mexican street food to handmade jewelry. You’ll even find the Cross, a look out point high above centro, where you can take in the amazing view of the city, mountains, and Banderas Bay.

The Romantic Zone

When you cross the Rio Cuale from Centro, you’ll enter into Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone. This older area of town is filled with new and classic restaurants, bars, shops, and one of the world’s largest mosaic parks. Puerto Vallarta Mexico is also one of the most gay-friendly cities in the country, and in this area of town, you’ll see lots of businesses, hotels, and restaurants proudly serving LGBTQ travelers. No matter your sexuality, this is where to go in Puerto Vallarta for good food on a night out.

Southern Beaches

Your list of what to do in Puerto Vallarta should include a trip outside of downtown, and to the south of the city are several small fishing villages with beautiful beaches that shouldn’t be missed. In Mismaloya, you can discover the iconic Los Arcos rock formation while paddleboarding, snorkeling, or sailing, and afterward, you can sit down for fresh fish right on the beach. If you’re up for adventure, Boca de Tomatlan is where to go in Puerto Vallarta for a hike. From here, you’ll hike south along the coast and through the jungle, passing by beautiful secluded beaches and ending up at Las Animas Beach, where you can reward yourself with a cold drink and fresh seafood.

Puerto Vallarta offers something for every traveler: an exciting nightlife, beautiful hikes, and a culturally-rich downtown. With all these options for what to do in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll be sure to have the vacation of a lifetime whether you come in the winter for whale watching or in the summer to escape the crowds. All year long, Puerto Vallarta is one of the best destinations in Mexico, offering adventures to all who travel to her shores.