Find the best things to do, places to stay, beaches, restaurants and travel tips for your trip to Puerto Vallarta.
Photo: the arches on the Malecón and the crown of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, by Soly Moses, Pexels
From hidden beaches to unforgettable boat trips, discover what makes Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico's most popular destinations.
New · 14 Oct 2026 · What it costs to get around Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay — by…
New · 14 Oct 2026 · Work out what your trip will cost — in total, per person and per day…
New · 12 Oct 2026 · The city, the beaches, the boat-only coves and the towns around…
New · 12 Oct 2026 · Still dry and sunny, with a busy calendar: trail races, the regatta,…
New · 12 Oct 2026 · The driest month and the peak of whale season — with the coolest sea…
New · 12 Oct 2026 · Peak dry season: warm days, cool evenings, almost no rain and the…
New · 12 Oct 2026 · Dry, warm and festive: Guadalupe processions, the return of the…
New · 12 Oct 2026 · The dry season returns, the sea is still warm, and the month opens…
24 Oct – 15 Nov 2026 · Altars, processions and the Festival de las Almas, peaking on 1–2 November
Wednesdays from 28 Oct · Downtown galleries open from 6 to 10 p.m., free
11–14 Nov 2026 · Sport-fishing tournament on the bay
12–22 Nov 2026 · Guest chefs and wine dinners across the city
15 Nov 2026 · 21K and 5K, starting at 6.30 a.m.
1–12 Dec 2026 · Nightly processions to the crowned church
8 Dec – 23 Mar · Humpbacks in the bay, peaking late January to early March
Mid-Dec – 6 Jan · Posadas, the tree on the pier and fireworks over the Malecón
4–6 Mar 2027 · Trail races from 5K to 81K, over the Malecón and the hills
17–20 Mar 2027 · Sailing from Hobie Cats to schooners, from Nuevo Vallarta
21–28 Mar 2027 · Holy Week: the busiest week of the year on the beaches
15 May – 10 Jun 2027 · Set menus at fixed prices in around fifty restaurants
23–31 May 2027 · Mexico's best-known LGBTQ+ celebration, in Zona Romántica
A long weekend: Old Town, one boat trip and a beach morning
The first-trip plan: food tour, boat day, a day out and a day off
A full week, with the towns up the coast and the south shore
Calm beaches, kids' clubs and a boat trip that isn't too long
Also: on a budget · for couples · how many days you need · best time to visit · what it costs · flights
Mountains, a deep sea canyon, islands and a river delta: the landscape that…
Where the Sierra Madre meets the sea: the lookout above downtown, the coastal…
When the season runs, where you can take part, and how to tell a release that…
The practical stuff nobody tells you — money, taxis, tap water, touts and the…
The changes we've made to existing guides, most recent first.
Rewritten for 2026: how the nightly processions work, the route along Juárez, the 12 December programme, road closures and buses, food stalls, and the story of the church's crown.
Calendar checked for the 2026–27 season: Marina market dates confirmed, Festival Gourmet programme, half marathon, South Side Shuffle, charro championship, UTMB trail races, regatta and marathon.
The 2026–27 season is official: 8 December to 23 March, with new no-watching zones around the Marietas Islands and between Punta Mita and the Ameca river.
How the city celebrated in 2026, from the Catrina parade to the giant Catrina on show until 15 November, and the dates for 2027.
October's hurricanes, wrapped up: Simon, Trudy and Vance all stayed offshore, Trudy left no significant damage and the airport stayed open; no storm threatens Puerto Vallarta now.
Excursions added: tick the Marietas, whale watching, a surf lesson, a fishing charter or any of 23 trips and their published prices go into your total.
Planning around a festival? See the events calendar for 2026–27.
Snorkelling, seabirds & the Hidden Beach · from ~$60*
Humpbacks in the bay · December–March*
Quiet sail or party boat · 2–3 hours
Boat-only village & waterfalls · DIY possible
*Prices and seasons are indicative and change — we check them periodically and each guide carries its own “last checked” date. Always confirm with the operator before booking.
Everything you need to know before booking a day trip to the famous islands near Puerto Vallarta.
Cobblestone streets, Playa Los Muertos, restaurants, nightlife and some of Puerto Vallarta's most popular places to stay.
Puerto Vallarta is more than one neighborhood. Discover the areas that fit your trip.
Beaches, restaurants, nightlife and a lively atmosphere near Los Muertos Beach.
Large beachfront resorts, shopping and easy access to the city.
A quieter waterfront area with restaurants, golf and marina activities.
A relaxed beach town north of Puerto Vallarta with a local atmosphere.
Dramatic coastline, secluded beaches and spectacular ocean views.
Surf-and-bohemia town an hour up the coast.
