Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Puerto Vallarta sits where the jungle-covered Sierra Madre drops into the Bay of Banderas, one of the largest bays in Mexico. Its cobbled old town, seaside Malecón and string of beach villages give it far more character than a typical resort city.
This guide helps you combine the town's art and food scene with boat trips, snorkelling coves and the bohemian surf towns to the north.
Top things to see in Puerto Vallarta
The Malecón
A seafront promenade lined with bronze sculptures, street vendors and sunset views. Walk it from the Hotel Zone end towards the old town.
Zona Romántica
The old town south of the Cuale River: cobbled lanes, taco stands, galleries and the lively Los Muertos beach and pier.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Its crown-topped tower is the city's symbol. Climb to the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint nearby for a view over the rooftops.
Los Arcos Marine Park
Granite arches rising from the sea, with snorkelling among tropical fish. Most tours combine it with Mismaloya beach.
Yelapa
A car-free fishing village reachable only by water taxi, with a waterfall walk and fresh pie sold on the beach.
Marietas Islands
Off Punta Mita, a protected archipelago famous for the Hidden Beach inside a crater. Access is strictly limited, so book a licensed tour.
Vallarta Botanical Garden
Orchids, river swimming and hummingbirds in the hills south of town, with a good restaurant overlooking the jungle.
Puerto Vallarta in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Old town and Malecón
Breakfast in Zona Romántica, browse Isla Cuale market, walk the Malecón, climb to the viewpoint and toast the sunset from a rooftop.
2Day 2 · Los Arcos and the south coast
Snorkelling at Los Arcos, beach time at Mismaloya, afternoon at the Botanical Garden and a casual seafood dinner.
3Day 3 · Yelapa by boat
Water taxi from Los Muertos pier to Yelapa: waterfall hike, swim and lazy lunch on the sand. Evening tacos crawl in the old town.
Puerto Vallarta in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Riviera Nayarit
Head north to Sayulita for surf lessons and boho shops, then quieter San Pancho for sunset.
5Day 5 · Marietas Islands
Boat tour from Punta Mita or Nuevo Vallarta to the Marietas, with whale watching in winter.
Puerto Vallarta in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Into the Sierra
Day trip to the mountain town of San Sebastián del Oeste or a jungle zipline and river adventure.
7Day 7 · Slow last day
Cooking class or tequila tasting, a last swim and a farewell dinner on the beach with your feet in the sand.
What to do in Puerto Vallarta on a weekend
Stay in Zona Romántica. Saturday: Malecón, old town and a sunset rooftop. Sunday: morning boat to Los Arcos and Mismaloya, back for a seaside lunch.
What to do in Puerto Vallarta in the evening
The Malecón comes alive after dark with street performers and families; Thursday art walks open galleries in season. Zona Romántica is the heart of nightlife, including one of Mexico's most welcoming LGBTQ+ scenes.
For something calmer, book a sunset sail on the bay or dine with live music in the hills.
Puerto Vallarta for couples
Sunset sailing on the bay, dinner at a cliffside restaurant in the southern hills and a private boat to a secluded cove make PV a classic honeymoon spot.
Puerto Vallarta with kids
Kids love boat trips, sea-turtle releases in season, the shallow beaches of Nuevo Vallarta and the botanical garden's river.
Practical tips for Puerto Vallarta
Best time to visit
November to April is dry and sunny; December to March adds humpback whales. Summer is hot, humid and rainy but greener and cheaper.
Getting around
The international airport is about 15 minutes from downtown. Local buses are cheap; taxis and ride-hailing are easy. Water taxis serve the southern beaches.
Frequently asked questions
Is Puerto Vallarta safe for tourists?
It's considered one of Mexico's safer destinations; use normal precautions and licensed taxis at night.
When can you see whales in Puerto Vallarta?
Humpback whales visit the bay from about December to March.
Where is the best beach in Puerto Vallarta?
Los Muertos for atmosphere, Conchas Chinas for calm water and Yelapa or Las Ánimas for a remote feel.