Complete Guide to Puerto Vallarta
Complete Guide to Puerto Vallarta
Here your questions will be answered such as “What’s it like in Puerto Vallarta?” or “What is Puerto Vallarta known for?” or “why should I visit Puerto Vallarta?”
This is coming from me, someone who has lived in Puerto Vallarta and loves it, here is your complete guide to beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!
Enjoy!
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Questions about Puerto Vallarta
What is it like in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta has so much to offer! You can party, enjoy nature, have beach time, enjoy cuisines from around the globe and experience authentic Mexican culture too!
It caters to tourists as well as locals depending on the area that you are in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a beach town and so much more!
It is eclectic, fun, traditional, touristy, elegant, a party and more all in one!
How do you pronounce 'Puerto Vallarta'?
I have heard many people mispronounce the name. In Spanish the double ‘LL’ is said like a ‘Y’ sound in English.
So, it is pronouned “Pu-air-toe Viy-art-a”.
‘Puerto’ means ‘port’ in Spanish, and yes, Puerto Vallarta is a port as well.
Where is Puerto Vallarta?
It is a beautiful place is Mexico.
Specifically, it is in the state of Jalisco which is on the west side of Mexico.
Guadalajara is around 4 hours or so, depending on traffic, from Puerto Vallarta.
If you look at the map below, I have marked Puerto Vallarta with blue arrows.
As you can see it’s right on the coast!
Best Travel Tips for Puerto Vallarta
If you’re looking for travel tips for Mexico in general check out Best Mexico Travel Tips! (Read Before You Go).
These tips are everything from don’t drink the water, some useful words in Spanish and insider tips too!
If you’re looking for tips about Puerto Vallarta specifically, you’re in luck! I have a bunch of other blogs about just that. I will share them here!
- Ultimate Guide to Puerto Vallarta Boardwalk The boardwalk is an awesome place to visit!
- Complete Guide to Enjoy Mariachis in Puerto Vallarta!
- 8 FREE things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- The 7 Best Casual Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta
- Beachfront Hotel in Puerto Vallarta
Let’s continue on with answering your questions about Puerto Vallarta!
What time is it in Puerto Vallarta?
Although Mexico used to follow daylight savings time, it doesn’t anymore. Mexico does not use daylight savings time now.
There are actually 3 different time zones in Mexico.
The one that Puerto Vallarta falls under is Central Standard Time (CST) also called GMT-6.
Some cities that have the same time as Puerto Vallarta based on time zone, NOT daylight savings are Dallas, Chicago in the USA and Edmonton in Canada.
Does Puerto Vallarta, Mexico use daylight savings time?
Previously mentioned, Mexico used to use daylight savings for many years.
As of 2022 Mexico no longer uses daylight savings time anymore.
So if you usually have 1 hour difference from Mexico, then for half the year it will be 2 hours difference, then return to 1 hour difference.
Puerto Vallarta Airport
Is there an international airport in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes there is an airport in Puerto Vallarta with international and national departures.
The airport code is PVR.
This airport is a decent size. There are some food vendors and an outside bar.
You will also have a chance to visit some gift shops to get any last minute gifts too!
There are 2 terminals but that are connected; you don’t have to take a shuttle through the airport to get to the other terminal.
Usually terminal 1 is for national and terminal 2 is for international flights.
Where is the Puerto Vallarta airport?
The Puerto Vallarta airport is located in Nuevo Vallarta.
The address is: Carretera a Tepic km. 7.5, Area Militar de Vallarta, 48311 in Puerto Vallarta.
Close to the airport is a pedestrian bridge for crossing this main road.
There are also several car rental companies close by.
You can also find some other shops in case you need something too.
Beaches in Puerto Vallarta
Are there beaches in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, there are great beaches in Puerto Vallarta!
One of my favourite things about Puerto Vallarta is the beach and board walk!
The sunsets are absolutely stunning! I love how the sunsets glistens on the water as it slowly sets.
You can feel a general calmness as people stop and watch the sunset everyday!
What are the beaches like in Puerto Vallarta?
There are beaches all along Puerto Vallarta! That’s another great thing about Puerto Vallarta!
There is not just 1 or 2 beaches there are so many areas where you can chill on the sand or swim in the water.
There are so many areas of Puerto Vallarta where you get some beach time!
In general, the beaches are swimable.
With that being said there are some areas in Nuevo Vallarta or by the Rio Cuale where there is or are crocodiles. They post warnings so people will notice them.
Of course, follow the flags. There are different coloured flags that tell you if there are any warnings about swimming in the water of if it’s okay.
I strongly recommend checking these warnings and heeding their warnings.
I have seen the waves get quite strong and there have been times where I definitely chose not to go swimming, even though I really wanted to.
Safety first, as they say…
Which is the best beach in Puerto Vallarta?
The complete guide to Puerto Vallarta would not be complete without talking about the best beaches!!
The most happening and best beaches is Los Muertos Beach.
This beach has it all!
There are many different beach front restaurants of all different styles.
Seafood, fancy and romantic, casual, gay bar, live music and more!
You can choose to sit in front of the restaurants or in an open area with your own towel or beach chair and umbrella. There is even a business that rents chairs and umbrellas to sit at the beach, but not be at a specific restaurant.
Many of the bars and restaurants will charge a fee for using the beach chair. It may be 200 pesos or more. Other places say that as long as you buy some food and/or drinks you can use the chair without a charge.
In my experience, there is not too much seaweed or debris. Also, you can swim often in the water. Of course following the posted flag warnings always.
Which ocean is Puerto Vallarta next to?
The beaches of Puerto Vallarta are a part of the Pacific Ocean.
Specifically, the Banderas Bay is where the beaches are. This is actually the second largest bay in all of the world.
The beaches of Puerto Vallarta and neighbouring towns have this bay around them.
Can you swim in the ocean in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes! There are some areas such as Los Arcos that are known for scuba diving or snorkelling. You can see the coral reef and lots of great sealife.
Of course, it’s an ocean so I have seen different fish and even a manta ray there.
In the winter you can go on tours and see whales and dolphins close to Puerto Vallarta.
I have actually been walking on the boardwalk and have seen several whales from my view on the boardwalk.
As I mentioned above, I don’t recommend swimming when the flags say that it’s not safe, and of course, not in areas that have crocodile warnings.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
The winter months are considered high season which means that more tourists are visiting it.
High season is considered to be from November until April.
There are ‘springbreakers’ at different times of this season as well as snow birds and people on vacation.
The temperatures are cooler, but not at all cold. An average day may be like a high or 27 and a low of 17 at night. Of course, this is just an average, and the weather can be unpredictable, especially lately!
Low season is from May until October. This is when there are the least amount of tourists and the temperatures are much hotter.
It is definitely hotter in low season with more humidity. If you would like to avoid rainy season, I would recommend choosing earlier in the summer months such as May or June.
What is the Romantic zone/Zona Romantica in Puerto Vallarta?
The romantic zone, or in Spanish -Zona Romantica is a part of Puerto Vallarta.
They call them ‘colonias’ which is like a different region or neighbourhood of Puerto Vallarta.
The romantic zone is a colonia of Puerto Vallarta. It’s also called “Old Town” because it has all of the older building in it.
It is ‘the place to be’ it has culture, history, beaches, fun, bars, restaurants, shops, markets and much more!
This is also where the boardwalk is which is really so much fun!!
Check out my YouTube video of enjoying an evening on the boardwalk below!
When is Puerto Vallarta known for?
Puerto Vallarta is known for quite a few things actually!
One of them are the amazing sunsets and beaches. For me, it’s the best place to see the sunsets! For example, in Cancun the sunset is behind the beach, meaning you can see if behind the restaurants and shops as opposed to over the water.
In Puerto Vallarta, you see nothing but the ocean and the sunset, except for an occasional boat going by! It’s so beautiful!!!
Another that Puerto Vallarta is known for is being gay friendly.
In fact, Puerto Vallarta has a Pride Week every year complete with beach parties, a parade and much more!
It is also known for tourism and bringing lots of fun! There are many night clubs, pubs, bars, and fun restaurants as well as the boardwalk, the marina and so many more fun areas and things to do!
If that wasn’t enough, the sea life is also a big draw for people to visit Puerto Vallarta. Whether they would like to snorkel, scuba dive, swim, fish, or whale or dolphin watch, it’s all in Vallarta!
Also, and this is a neat fact! The Longest Suspension Bridge in the World is in Puerto Vallarta too!
I went to Canopy River and explored all the fun to be had there!
When is Puerto Vallarta Pride?
The Puerto Vallarta Pride takes place in the end of May for a week.
There is a parade, drag shows, epic beach and street parties, and many other events.
They even had a dog parade where all the dogs were dressed up too!
There is a really fun atmosphere that is full of inclusivity and celebrating diversity and people being themselves freely.
There is actually a magazine that they put out called that tells you about all the gay friendly events in Puerto Vallarta.
Weather in Puerto Vallarta
What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta?
The weather in Puerto Vallarta is hot and sunny often.
Sometimes it gets foggy from the mountains.
There are rainy seasons and at times the rain can be quite heavy.
Also, there can be humidity often especially in the summer months. In the winter it is a bit cooler, but not by any means cold.
An example of a winter day may be that it will be around 27 during the day and around 15 at night. Of course it has been known at times to be colder, I was once in Puerto Vallarta and it was 6 at night!
When is hurricane season in Puerto Vallarta?
Hurricane season is from July until the end of November on average.
This is when there is a higher chance of experiencing a hurricane.
You may want to consider booking at another time if this really frightens you.
Personally, I have been to Puerto Vallarta quite a few times during this time of year. Knock on wood, I have experienced extremely heavy rain and wind and a tropical storms but that’s it in terms of hurricanes.
When is rainy season in Puerto Vallarta?
The rainy season usually starts in July and stops around the end of September.
I find that August and September are often the month with the most amount of rain from my experiences.
Even if it is raining quite hard, it’s usually always a warm rain and people often just walk in it.
During this time, I recommend wearing shoes that won’t easily slip off of your feet.
Sometimes the water flows down the streets in the romantic zone like a river.
And… I have definitely seen flip flops sailing in that river! lol!
If you stay on the sidewalks it’s usually okay, but what about when you need to cross a road…
Are there all-inclusive hotels in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, there are all-inclusive hotels in Puerto Vallarta.
There are some in different areas.
Vidanta is a whole community within its self. There are many others, but they are away from the Romantic Zone.
Many are in the Zona Hotelera, or hotel zone in English.
You can take a bus or a taxi to get downtown if you like.
Some resorts may have shuttles going to specific places, but this would be on a specific hotel basis.
Personally, I like to stay in hotels and enjoy the food that Vallarta has to offer, as opposed to the resort food.
Is there a cruise ship port in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, there are several large cruise lines that come to Puerto Vallarta regularly.
Some of the cruise lines are Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
Especially during high season, you will see several ships docked.
There is suddenly a swell in the amount of people downtown when they get off of their cruise ships.
The cruise ship port is located at 48333 H. Escuela Naval Militar 9, Area Militar de Vallarta.
3 cruise ships can dock at a time at this port.
Majority of the cruise ships are docked for the day and are gone by night time.
When I worked on the cruise ship, we were docked from morning until 9:30pm in Puerto Vallarta.
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
There are soooo many things to do in Puerto Vallarta that it would take several blogs, and that would only cover some of the things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
Even on the boardwalk alone there are many different things to check out and do. Here is the Ultimate Guide to Puerto Vallarta Boardwalk.
You can enjoy free entertainment, music, performers, get food, gifts, drinks, and much more all on the boardwalk.
If you’re looking for some free things to do! Yes, I’ve got you there too! Here is a guide with 8 FREE things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
There are many tours and cruises that you can attend in Puerto Vallarta.
There are walking tours, art tours, taco tours, cruises, tours to visit historical and beautiful places and so much more!
Also, there are so many restaurants, pubs, bars and nightclubs too.
There is also the Rio Cuale which is a river that is lined with vendors. There are also other markets in Old Town and other parts of Puerto Vallarta.
What is the boardwalk like in Puerto Vallarta?
The boardwalk is so fun and entertaining. I can walk the boardwalk several times in 1 evening and see different things every time.
It is the busiest on the weekend, and the next busiest time would be about 1 hours before sunset and into the night.
There are many food vendors that set up in the late afternoon and/or evening. Also, there are vendors selling items such as jewelry, purses, bags, traditional dolls and toys, art, and much more.
Also, you can see clowns, dressed-up characters that you can take a photo with for a tip.
There is even an ‘alien’ that may people stop and stare at.
There are sand sculptures, rock balancing, and artists who will draw you with your friends or family.
There are also many permanent metal sculptures that you can climb, stand on or beside and get pictures with too!
Check out my Ultimate Guide to Puerto Vallarta Boardwalk for even more details!
This YouTube video gives you a sneak peak to the boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta. If you like it, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel.
You can also see other cultural performance such as traditional or Indigenous dancers and performances.
I am including an example of a daily ceremony that is performed at the boardwalk below.
How to get around Puerto Vallarta
Is there Uber in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, you can take Uber or a taxi in Mexico.
Another App that is actually more popular than Uber in Mexico is InDriver.
With this App, you say where you’re going and suggest a price, then the drivers see it and accept or counter offer.
Although, I have not used it, I know of many people who have.
You can pick the driver that you want. You can see their rating and how many rides they have done, as well as their photo, type or car and licence plate when you use this app.
Is their public transportation in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, there are tons of city buses. There is no subway and no street cars either.
The buses don’t really have a regular schedule like every 10 minutes a bus going to the marina comes by. It’s just go the stop and check for your bus.
There are many routes so check or ask if your driver goes to your stop.
The buses cost 10 pesos. You either put it in a little box machine or hand it to the driver. The diver will give you a little piece of paper which is your ticket.
Some drivers carry change, while others don’t and you have to wait for another person to get on the bus to get your change.
So, I recommend having the exact change.
The second recommendation is hold on!! With all seriousness, there are many cobble stone road with tall speed bumps. The traffic can be busy and there may be sudden stops, so be prepared and hold on.
They prefer that you get off at the back door.
There is a bell you can ring or just call out ‘bajan’ with a ‘h’ sound so bahan.
Make your way to the back door before your stop too.
Day trips from Puerto Vallarta
There are several fun places to check out around Puerto Vallarta.
Some fun and/or beautiful day trips that you can take around Puerto Vallarta are:
- Sayulita- You can check out these 15 Must-Try Unique Experiences in Sayulita!
- Mismaloya- for a fun laid back beach
- Boca de Tomatlan for another small beach
- Yelapa for a nice hike and a waterfall. A small simple village.
There are buses that you can take to these places. If you’re looking for tips about taking the bus in Mexico you can check out the Ultimate Guide to Long Bus Trips in Mexico.
Which famous movies were filmed in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, there were several movies that were filmed in Puerto Vallarta.
One of the most influencial films for Puerto Vallarta is ‘A Night of the Iguana’ that was filmed in Puerto Vallarta in 1964.
This movie brought Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to Puerto Vallarta. This is how tourism started in Puerto Vallarta!!
There is a hotel that is called Casa Kimberley. It is the former house of Former home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Predator with Arnold Schwarzenegger was filmed in 1987 in Puerto Vallarta too. This was another influencial movie for Puerto Vallarta.
There are other movies that have since been filmed in Puerto Vallarta, but those are the 2 iconic films!
Food & Drinks in Puerto Vallarta
What are some popular foods and drinks in Puerto Vallarta?
There are several popular foods in Puerto Vallarta, and Jalisco, the state the Puerto Vallarta is a part of.
Some foods that Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco are famous for are:
- Tacos Al Pastor
- Ceviche
- Guacamole – Check out my YouTube video below!
- Birria Tacos
- Pescado Zarandeado
- Marquesitas
Check out my video of how to make a marquesita below! They are delicious, I highly recommend them!
Here is a short list of a few restaurants that are casual, not too fancy. The 7 Best Casual Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta
If you are a vegetarian, I have also created a guide for you to be prepared. I have listed several options that you can have and some sneaky things to look out for.
Here is my guide to Everything you need to know about being a vegetarian in Mexico!
Money in Puerto Vallarta
Which currency should I pay with in Puerto Vallarta?
For the most parts Mexican Pesos or American dollars are accepted.
There are even ATM bank machines that will give you Mexican Pesos or American dollars.
I recommend getting Mexican Pesos. This way you have them to tip performers and people doing various services for you.
As well, you can pay for any souvenirs or things that you want to buy. I find you get better prices overall when you pay with Pesos.
Other currencies are not really accepted at most places. They are quite a few currency exchange booths, although I recommend exchanging some money before you come.
Is tipping expected in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes. Tipping is very common in Puerto Vallarta for many roles and performers.
Servers, taxis and others in this industry are regularly tipped.
As well, performers at Los Arcos theatre will come around with a hat and ask for a tip for enjoying the show.
You will even notice people trying to open doors for you, help you park or pull out of a parking space among other extra things. They are doing this to try to get tips, it is your choice if you tip them.
People also tips the gas attendants here too.
Music in Puerto Vallarta
What types of music are popular in Puerto Vallarta?
Mariachi music is very popular in Puerto Vallarta. It’s only about 4 hours from Guadalajara which many people say is where mariachis started.
Another type of music that is popular is cumbia. This is similar to salsa dancing actually.
Salsa dancing is less popular, but still well-liked in Puerto Vallarta.
Some other local types of music that is played in Banda, this is a traditional Mexican music with a tuba!
Are there mariachis in Puerto Vallarta?
YES! This is one of the things that I love about Puerto Vallarta!!
The mariachi groups are usually on the boardwalk in the evenings and especially on the weekends.
There are several different groups and they change as time continues.
If you love mariachis as much as I do, but you want to learn more about the customs and what to pay etc. check out my Complete Guide to Enjoy Mariachis in Puerto Vallarta!
If you want to request a better or more authentic songs than Tequila, check out my guide of Mariachi Songs To Request.
Why is Puerto Vallarta so popular?
The amazing beaches, mariachis, great food, tequila, Vallarta Pride, being inclusive and gay friendly, amazing art everywhere and culture.
I can go on and on.
There are all inclusive hotels and regular hotels.
There are so many types of tours to do and places to experience.
The boardwalk is also very famous. It is full of performers, shows, vendors, food, people mingling and art work. There are these famous large metal sculptures that you can climb on, sit on, and interact with. There is even a huge ladder that you can climb! So many great photo ops!
You can see wild life, wild parties, tranquility, and authenticity all in Puerto Vallarta!
Is there good fishing in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, there is good fishing. Some of the fish that people have the possibility of catching are Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Billfish, Jack, Snapper, and Wahoo.
There are fishing boats and ‘tours’ that you can take to go fishing.
In the marina they even have restaurants where they will cook and prepare the fish that you cook at a the restaurant.
What kind of animals could I possibly see in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta has a wide variety of animals.
This is because there are so many habitats in Vallarta.
There is jungle, mountains, rivers, oceans, city, and more.
Some land animals that you may see are:
- types of iguanas
- geckos
- badgers
- squirrels
- armadillo
- coati (similar to a badger)
- although it’s an insect -they’re huge so I will add them here- cockroaches
Some birds that you may see are:
- pelicans
- seagulls
- black birds
- herons
- cormorants
- grackles
- parakeet
- egret
- chachalacas (like a loud flying chicken)
Some water animals that you may see are:
- crocodiles
- turtles
- whales
- dolphins
- manta rays
- fish -lots of different kinds
Which tours should I do in Puerto Vallarta?
Well, you can party, chill, sail, fish, watch, eat, visit remote beaches and much more!
You can even go on a pirate cruise! You can enjoy the Rhythms of the Night, whale watching, booze cruising,
If you want to cross the longest suspension bridge in the world, go on the tour to Canopy River. Longest Suspension Bridge in the World!
Is there good scuba diving/snokelling in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, there is!
There are tours that take you out in the water to go scuba diving or snorkelling.
Also, some tours go to Los Arcos which is by a coral reef and this cool arched rock formation.
Why should I go to Puerto Vallarta?
Well, for many reasons!!
Here are my top 10 reasons!
- culture
- beach and sunsets
- food
- amazing sealife
- fun
- authenticity
- cultural variety – you can still get Thai food, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, and much more!
- Inclusivity – everyone is welcomed and invited
- mariachis and live music
- it’s a great part of Mexico with so much variety to offer!
Tours in & around Puerto Vallarta
Are you looking to book some tours for you trip to Puerto Vallarta?
There are many options on land and sea. Some involve nature, drinking, food, art, sea life and much more.
You can check out your options, and even book, right here!
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
Beachfront Hotel in Puerto Vallarta beachfront hotel review for a
There are many different unique and interesting hotels in Puerto Vallarta. Check some out here!
How to get to Puerto Vallarta
As it is an international airport, this is the most common way to arrive.
There are buses that will take you from Sayulita, Mexico City, Guadalajara and other cities too.
You could also arrive by boat and dock in the marina in Nuevo Vallarta too.
Complete Guide to Puerto Vallarta
So were all of your questions answered about Puerto Vallarta answered?
If not, please write me in the comments below and I will do my absolute best to answer you.
Thanks for reading. I wish you a great trip to Puerto Vallarta!
Besides being a travel blogger, I am also a travel writer, Amazon author and an English teacher. Check out my services here!
