The Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
One of Mexico's most visited tourist destinations is Puerto Vallarta. It is a resort town on the Pacific coast in Jalisco state. Although it is predominantly known for its beaches and nightlife, there are plenty of things to see and do to suit various tastes and people of all ages. You will find cultural and historical attractions, family activities, beautiful outdoor spaces, and restaurants serving cuisine from across the globe. To get the best experience during your trip, it can help if you plan your vacation itinerary before visiting this stunning location. Here are the 20 best things for first-timers to enjoy in Puerto Vallarta.
Sail Around the Bahia de Banderas
Bahia de Bandera, or Banderas Bay, is the largest bay in Mexico. Although the bay has many enjoyable activities, the most popular option is sailing. There are multiple charter boat companies where you can charter a boat for a day or more. If you have no boating experience, you may prefer to board one of the boat trips excursions that tour the bay every day. It is wonderful to admire the stunning sea views and enjoy the shoreline of Puerto Vallarta from a different perspective.
Explore the Area Natural Protegida Estero El Salado
An urban estuary, the Area Natural Protegida Estero El Salado is a fantastic place to visit if you enjoy wildlife and the outdoors. The estuary has more than 100 species of birds, and it is also home to a vast array of fish, reptiles, and other animals. Some of the many animals you are likely to see while exploring the estuary include opossums, raccoons, green iguanas, and crocodiles. You can walk on the wooden pathways through the estuary, or reserve a place on one of the guided boat tours.
Enjoy a Boat Trip to the Islas Marietas National Park
If you want to get away from the lively vibe of Puerto Vallarta and enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings, you should take a day trip to the Islas Marietas National Park. Only a select few boat tour companies are permitted to ferry guests to these islands, and not only are they a RAMSAR site, but they are also part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Both hunting and fishing are banned on the islands. During your visit, some of the wildlife you will see are dolphins, manta rays, seabirds, whales, and tropical fish. If you visit La Nopalera beach, you can also enjoy kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, and paddle boarding.
Spend the Day at Los Muertos Beach
As a beach resort, Puerto Vallarta has stunning beaches, and one of the most popular is Los Muertos Beach. You can take a stroll along the beach's famous pier, which is known as a spot for enjoying spectacular sunsets. Los Muertos Beach is also a great place to try new activities, such as parasailing. Lining the beach are bars, cafes, and restaurants, so you can enjoy a drink and something to eat during your visit to the beach.
Sail, Dine, and Party on the Marigalante
The Marigalante is a Spanish galleon made from 30 species of tropical wood. This ship is a replica of the Santa Maria, Christopher Columbus' ship. It can carry 240 passengers, and it boasts four decks, a dining room, and a bar. During a cruise on this ship, you can enjoy a delicious meal and live music. There is also a pirate show to enjoy while you dine. Several cruise options are available, including family-friendly and sunset cruises. The day trips include the chance to snorkel in the Pacific Ocean, while the evening cruises have firework displays.
Visit the Isla Cuale
The Isla Cuale is a small island in the Rio Cuale. It was formed in 1926 when the river swelled, causing it to create two branches and leaving the island between these branches. It sits between the Zona Romantica and downtown Puerto Vallarta. There are a series of crossings that link the island to the town. Stepping onto the island is like taking a step back in time, and it has a different vibe to the main town. The island is a lush sanctuary of greenery, with just a few buildings. There is a line of open-air stalls that sell souvenirs, and there are also a couple of restaurants.
Stroll Along the Malecon
Located in downtown Puerto Vallarta, the Malecon is a seaside promenade. It is a pedestrian only zone, so it is the perfect place to take a stroll. You can enjoy views across the Pacific Ocean and admire the art and sculptures that decorate the promenade. There are many street vendors, cafes, shops, and bars in this part of town. Therefore, you can combine your stroll with lunch or a spot of shopping.
Go to the Museo Naval Secretaria de Marina Armada de Mexico
Although Puerto Vallarta has many museums to visit, one of the top museums to include in your itinerary is the Museo Naval SecretarÃa de Marina Armada de Mexico. This museum opened its doors in 2006, and its focus is the Mexican Navy. There are 150 cultural objects to see, and 14 rooms are housing the interactive exhibits. The displays include to-scale ship models, a navigation simulator, and a collection of Navy uniforms from different eras.
Visit the Museo del Cuale
Another fascinating museum to visit is the Museo del Cuale, which you will find on the Isla Rio Cuale. It covers the lives of the indigenous people living in Mexico thousands of years ago, and there is an impressive collection of pre-Hispanic ceramics. Other exhibits include many items used by the indigenous people in various aspects of their lives, such as tools, hunting equipment, and household items. There is also artwork and a locally excavated tomb. Entry to the museum is free, so it is an excellent activity if you have a limited budget.
Take a Water Taxi to Quimixto
While Puerto Vallarta is a resort town focused on a lively experience for tourists, Quimixto offers a different experience. Quimixto is a small village located in the southern part of Bandera Bay, and it is only accessible by water. If you want to visit this quaint village, then the best mode of transport is a water taxi, and they run regularly throughout the day. You can catch a water taxi from the pier at Los Muertos Beach or Boca de Tomatlan. Although the beach is the main attraction of this village, a one-mile walk takes you to a pretty waterfall. Quimixto is one of the best places to try traditional Mexican cuisine, as it is on the menus at most of the village's restaurants.
Go Whale Watching
There are many different boat trips for tourists to enjoy during their stay in Puerto Vallarta, but one that you should not miss a whale watching tour. Banderas Bay is home to these magnificent creatures, and watching the whales in their natural habitat is a spectacular sight.
Enjoy Horseback Riding at Rancho
El Charro Just 15 minutes outside downtown Puerto Vallarta is Rancho El Charro. At this ranch, visitors can enjoy horseback rides into scenic areas, such as the Sierra Madre mountains. The ranch accommodates riders of different abilities, from experienced riders to novices. Likewise, the horseback riding trips vary in length, from three hours to eight hours. There are even some trips lasting several days. In addition to horse riding, these trips also include food.
Eat Traditional Mexican Cuisine
Puerta Vallarta predominantly caters to tourists, so many restaurants serve typical American and British dishes. While some of these restaurants are outstanding, do not miss out on trying traditional Mexican cuisine while you are there. Few people know that UNESCO included Mexican cuisine in its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. Joining a food tour is one of the best ways to sample some traditional Mexican dishes, as the guide will take you to the best stalls and eateries.
Watch a Performance at Rhythms of the Night
If watching a live performance is something you want to include in your vacation itinerary, then the best option in Puerto Vallarta is to see a show at Rhythms of the Night. It is a smaller version of the Cirque du Soleil show. A sunset cruise takes you to a private cove in Las Caletas, and the performance takes place in an outdoor auditorium lit with candles and tiki torches. Make Chocolate at The Choco Museum If you want to save money by enjoying some free activities in Puerto Vallarta, consider a visit to The Choco Museum. There, you can learn about harvesting cocoa beans, producing chocolate, and other uses of cocoa. For a small cost, you can also take part in a chocolate-making class. You will learn how to make either individual chocolates, hot truffles, or a traditional mole sauce.
Enjoy the Adrenaline Rush of Zip-Lining
Thrill-seekers should try zip-lining through the jungle's canopy. The zip-lines run for two miles through the jungle at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Not only is this a thrilling activity, but it also offers you stunning views. Overall, it is a fantastic activity to enjoy if you are not afraid of heights.
Go Scuba Diving
Below the Pacific Ocean's surface lies a peaceful and colorful underwater world that is home to a vast array of creatures. The only way to see most marine life is to go scuba diving and sink to the depths of their natural habitat. When you go scuba diving in Banderas Bay, you will see eels, stingrays, tropical fish, and turtles.
Visit the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Stroll Around Old Town Puerto Vallarta
Many tourists spend most of their time on the beach or along the promenade, where you will find most of the bars, clubs, cafes, and restaurants. However, a visit to the Old Town, which is the historic district of Puerto Vallarta, shows you a different side to the resort. In this part of the town, there are colorful houses and cobbled streets. The Old Town is also home to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and it is worth taking a peek inside this beautiful religious structure. It is hard to miss the church, as it towers over the center of the town. The interior is ornate, and the architecture is magnificent.
Kayak Out to the Los Arcos National Marine Park
Los Arcos National Marine Park is a group of three tiny granite islands in the shape of arches just south of Banderas Bay. You can visit the Los Arcos by boat or paddleboard or kayak out to the arches. Visitors enjoy swimming under the arches, sitting on the rocks watching the turtles and whales or exploring the caves.
Party the Night Away
If you enjoy dancing, then Puerto Vallarta is the place to visit. This town has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs staying open until the early hours of the morning. You will find most of the best night spots along the Malecon.
These are just some of the fun and interesting things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and there are many more great activities for you to enjoy during your stay. Try to include as many of the listed activities and attractions in your vacation itinerary as possible to have the best experience of this resort town.