Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting? Here’s Why You Should (or Shouldn’t) Go
Wondering if Puerto Vallarta is worth visiting? Here’s what I think!
As someone who lives in Mexico City and has easy access to Puerto Vallarta, I’ve visited this coastal city numerous times.
Nestled along Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and endless activities.
But: Is Puerto Vallarta worth visiting? Let’s find out!
Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting?
Yes, I think Puerto Vallarta is worth visiting and while there are other beach destinations I love slightly more, it’s definitely one of the best Mexico has to offer for several reasons!
Puerto Vallarta offers a mix of beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture. It’s one of those places that receives lots of international tourism, but hasn’t turned itself into a circus and remains very authentic and true to itself.
Aside from that, something else that makes Puerto Vallarta wonderful its the fact that you can enjoy a mix of beach goodness and nature during your vacation.
Snorkeling, diving, surfing and the likes are huge here, but you’ll also find plenty of activities in the mountains (hiking, biking, zip lining, etc), which makes for a really varied itinerary!
If you’re a foodie, you’ll also love the local cuisine. Fresh seafood, authentic tacos, and delicious local beverages are easily accessible. I definitely suggest you spend some time trying out the street food here even if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort!
Another great thing about Puerto Vallarta? You can vacation here no matter your budget! Want to splurge? You’ll find plenty of high-end resorts all over (or you can head over to nearby Punta Mita for an ultra-luxurious experience). If you’re on a budget, you’ll also find plenty of options like hostels, bnbs, and Airbnbs that don’t cost an arm.
What makes Puerto Vallarta not worth visiting?
I think Puerto Vallarta is very much worth visiting unless you hate the heat! In that case, you should avoid it during the month of July! I was there once during that time and would never do it again – it was unbearable, at least for me! (If you’re just staying at your resort, you should be fine, though).
Crowds can be another drawback. Popular spots and beaches can get packed, making it hard to find peace and quiet. With that being said, this doesn’t happen year-round and there are plenty of hidden gems when it comes to beaches near Puerto Vallarta.
You might find the nightlife too loud if you’re looking for peace. Bars and clubs can keep the noise going well into the night. This shouldn’t deter you, though, but I’d definitely about staying in the city center and Zona Romántica if you want a good night’s sleep.
Are there amenities in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes! Puerto Vallarta is a very popular tourist spot and has lots of amenities for a comfortable stay.
Accommodation options range from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hostels, so you’ll find amenities for every budget.
When it comes to dining, there are restaurants offering everything from cheap local Mexican dishes to high end options and international cuisine. Coffee shops are also popular here in case you’re visiting as a digital nomad and wifi is usually top notch.
You’ll also find tons of boutiques and malls as well as local markets all over, so you can choose between high-end brands and local crafts if you’re up for shopping.
If you’re up for relaxing, you’ll also find plenty of spas, wellness centers, yoga classes, and more.
As for medical services, you’ll find well-equipped hospitals and clinics as well as English-speaking doctors in Puerto Vallarta.
Getting around is easy, you can opt to rent a car at the airport and public transportation is well-connected. There are also taxis as well as ride-sharing apps all over town.
Moreover, you’ll find ATMs and exchange services all over town. Credit cards are usually accepted all over Puerto Vallarta, but I do recommend carrying a bit of cash as well, especially if you’re visiting smaller nearby towns such as Sayulita.
How much does it cost to visit Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is a great place to visit because it caters to travelers with all budgets. Here’s a rough idea of what you might spend:
Accommodation
Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. On average:
- Hostels: $20 to $40 per night
- Mid-range hotels: $70 to $150 per night
- Luxury resorts: $200 and up per night
Food and Drinks
- Street food and local diners: $5 to $10 per meal
- Mid-range restaurants: $15 to $30 per meal
- High-end dining: $50 and up per meal
Activities
There’s plenty to do in Puerto Vallarta, from beach activities to tours and day trips.
Many of these options are free, while others have a cost. You shouldn’t spend more than $150 USD on a day trip or tour, though (and some cost as low as $20 USD).
Transportation
If you’re on a budget, you can get around on local buses, which cost anywhere from $0.50 to $1.00 USD each way depending on the distance.
Taxis and ride-sharing apps charge depending on the distance, but you can budget around $5 to $20 USD per ride.
Car rentals range from $30 to $60 USD per day.
How is Puerto Vallarta different from Cancun or Los Cabos?
While all three destinations are great, what makes Puerto Vallarta stand out is the fact that it offers a more authentic Mexican vibe compared to Cancun or Los Cabos.
You’ll find cobblestone streets, local art galleries, and charming boutique shops. It’s a bit like stepping back in time while still having modern amenities.
In Puerto Vallarta, you can explore lush, green mountains and enjoy the scenic ocean views at the same time, while Cancun’s landscape is more flat with pristine beaches that seem to stretch forever.
Los Cabos has a desert-meets-ocean feel, which is pretty unique (like I said, they’re all great, but it all comes down to the type of vacation you’re after!).
Top Reasons to Visit Puerto Vallarta
Now that we’ve covered the basics, its time to list all the reasons Puerto Vallarta is worth visiting so you can see if it’s a place you’d enjoy!
1. Its beaches
Puerto Vallarta boasts a range of beautiful beaches.
Playa Los Muertos is one of the most popular spots, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
For a quieter experience, check out Conchas Chinas, known for its secluded coves and crystal-clear waters.
Whether you prefer bustling beach scenes or tranquil shores, you’ll find a beach to love.
2. It’s kid-friendly (but also has plenty of adults-only amenities if you’re traveling without kids)
If you’re traveling with little ones, Puerto Vallarta has numerous kid-friendly activities.
You can spend a day at the Vallarta Zoo or take a family boat trip to watch the dolphins. Many resorts provide kids’ clubs, so you can enjoy some adult time.
If you’re visiting without kids and want a child-free experience, don’t fret! There are plenty of beach clubs, hotels, and tours that are adults-only.
3. There’s art everywhere
One of the aspects that made me fall in love with Puerto Vallarta is that there is art in every corner!
You’ll find galleries all over town, but even when strolling around – you’ll see it! Almost every corner has a building splattered with street art and you’ll find outdoor exhibitions all over, even on the Malecón.
4. The food is great (try tacos de birria)
Puerto Vallarta is a food lover’s haven.
You’ll find an array of restaurants serving delicious Mexican cuisine. One must-try dish is tacos de birria, succulent meat slow-cooked in rich broth.
Street vendors and upscale dining options alike offer mouth-watering dishes to satisfy any palate and budget.
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5. Puerto Vallarta is LGBT-friendly
Puerto Vallarta also has a bustling LGBTQ+ community and is considered a welcoming destination for everyone.
You’ll find numerous bars, clubs, and events that cater to the community and, Puerto Vallarta is host to what is considered one of the biggest and greatest Pride celebrations in Mexico (I can’t attest as I’ve never been, but my best friend says he enjoys it more than Mexico City’s and that’s saying a lot!).
6. Easy, direct access from major US cities
Getting to Puerto Vallarta is convenient with numerous direct flights from major US cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas.
The Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport is just a short drive from the city center, too!
7. It’s touristy but stays authentic
Despite its popularity, Puerto Vallarta retains its Mexican charm.
You’ll find lots of touristy amenities, but if you want a local experience, you’ll be able to get that too! This is what makes it stand high above the crowds compared to other major Mexican beach destinations.
8. It’s pretty safe
Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the safer destinations in Mexico. Tourist areas are well-patrolled, and locals are known for their hospitality.
With that said, it’s always wise to take general safety precautions like you would in any other tourist destination.
9. So many amazing day trips
Puerto Vallarta is an excellent place to base yourself to explore other parts of Mexico!
You can take plenty of day trips from Puerto Vallarta, including secluded beaches and islands, small pueblos tucked away in the mountains, tiny villages such as Yelapa, and more!
10. Outdoor adventures if you want to mix beach and nature
Beyond the beaches, Puerto Vallarta offers numerous outdoor activities. Zip-lining through lush jungles, hiking to hidden waterfalls, and ATV tours are just a few options.
This means that Puerto Vallarta is a destination that caters to all types of travelers and allows for a pretty varied itinerary!
Some people enjoy the beach, but they don’t necessarily want to spend every second of their vacation lounging on the sand and Puerto Vallarta allows you to mix things up quite a lot!
11. It’s pretty affordable
Puerto Vallarta is relatively budget-friendly. Accommodations range from budget hotels to luxury resorts, so you can find something in your price range.
Eating out is also affordable, especially if you opt for local eateries and even high-end restaurants aren’t super expensive compared to other destinations.
12. It has a vibrant nightlife
When the sun sets, Puerto Vallarta comes alive.
The city has something for everyone after dark, from lively bars to elegant lounges. The Malecon, a bustling boardwalk, is packed with energetic nightclubs where you can dance the night away.
You’ll find plenty of options to keep you entertained well into the night.
13. It’s easy to visit Tequila on a day trip
A trip to the town of Tequila is a must for spirit enthusiasts. Located a few hours from Puerto Vallarta, you can tour distilleries and learn about the tequila-making process or even ride the famous Tequila train!
14. Whales!
During the winter months, Puerto Vallarta is a great location for whale watching.
Humpback whales migrate to Banderas Bay, providing an extraordinary sight. You’ll find plenty of tours that offer the chance to see these majestic creatures up close.
Conclusion: Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting?
Ultimately, it all comes down to you!
In my opinion, however, Puerto Vallarta is definitely worth visiting!
In conclusion, Puerto Vallarta undoubtedly stands out as a destination worth visiting. Its stunning beaches, vibrant local culture, and diverse range of activities cater to travelers of all interests.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or an immersive cultural experience, Puerto Vallarta offers something unique for everyone.
