Puerto Vallarta in 3 days

Pacific charm on Banderas Bay: cobblestone streets, golden sunsets and warm hospitality. Best time to visit: November-April. Average daily budget: $90 to $220 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Zona Romántica (Old Town), Cobblestone streets, the best dining and nightlife, Los Muertos Beach and the heart of the LGBTQ+ scene.

Morning: Boat trip to Yelapa or Las Ánimas. Reach secluded, jungle-backed beaches on the bay's southern shore accessible mainly by boat.

Afternoon: Explore Zona Romántica (Old Town), Cobblestone streets, the best dining and nightlife, Los Muertos Beach and the heart of the LGBTQ+ scene.

Evening: Walk the Malecón at sunset. The seaside boardwalk lined with famous bronze sculptures, street performers and bay views.

Eat: Tacos al pastor and birria

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: El Centro & the Malecón, The historic core with the iconic church, the seaside sculpture boardwalk and lively plazas.

Morning: Whale-watching (Dec-Mar). Humpback whales gather in Banderas Bay each winter for spectacular sightings.

Afternoon: Explore El Centro & the Malecón, The historic core with the iconic church, the seaside sculpture boardwalk and lively plazas.

Evening: Explore the Zona Romántica. Cobblestone lanes, rooftop bars, galleries and Los Muertos Beach with its colourful pier.

Eat: Fresh pescado zarandeado (grilled bay fish)

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Marina Vallarta, A modern marina district with yachts, golf, waterfront restaurants and resorts.

Morning: Visit the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Vallarta's landmark, crowned by its distinctive filigree crown, in the historic centre.

Afternoon: Explore Marina Vallarta, A modern marina district with yachts, golf, waterfront restaurants and resorts.

Evening: The hike or boat to Colomitos, said to be Mexico's smallest beach, near Boca de Tomatlán.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Ceviche and aguachile

Hidden gems

The hike or boat to Colomitos, said to be Mexico's smallest beach, near Boca de Tomatlán.
Sunset cocktails on a Zona Romántica rooftop away from the Malecón crowds.
The Saturday Olas Altas farmers' market for local food and crafts.
A day trip to the mountain village of San Sebastián del Oeste, a former silver town.

Getting around

The old town, Malecón and Zona Romántica are walkable, though the streets are cobblestoned and hilly, so wear good shoes. Cheap city buses and taxis (agree the fare first, or use Uber) connect the marina, hotel zone and across the bay to Nuevo Vallarta and Bucerías. Water taxis from Los Muertos pier and Boca de Tomatlán reach the southern beaches. The airport is about 15 minutes north of the centre.

Safety

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's safer and most tourist-friendly resort cities, with petty theft and typical scams the main concerns, so use official taxis or Uber, watch belongings and drink responsibly. The cobblestone streets and steep hills are a real trip hazard, so step carefully, and on the Pacific beaches heed surf and rip-current flags, swimming where it's marked safe.

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