Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta. Activities, Experiences, Adventures

Outdoor Exploration

Discover the adventurous side of Puerto Vallarta.

Hiking and Trekking Routes

Coastal Jungle Hikes

Boca de Tomatlán to Las Ánimas/Quimixto/Yelapa: Ranges from easy (1-1.5 hours) to more challenging (several hours). Water taxis provide return transport.

Mirador Cerro de la Cruz

A steep but rewarding urban hike offering panoramic city views (see section 8.5).

Botanical Garden Trails

Easy to moderate trails within the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden, exploring Mexico's botanical diversity.

Water Sports and Activities

Snorkeling and Diving: Popular at Los Arcos Marine Park, Marietas Islands, and along the southern coast for clear waters.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Available for rent at many beaches, a peaceful way to explore the coastline.
Parasailing: Offered at Los Muertos Beach and other major beaches for aerial views of the bay.
Jet Skiing: Rentals are available for those seeking speed on the water.

Adventure Sports

Ziplining: Exciting rides high above the forest floor.
ATV or Off-Road Tours: Explore the jungle and mountains.
Rappelling/Canyoning: Descents down waterfalls or rock faces.
Cycling: Guided mountain biking excursions in Sierra Madre.

Wildlife Encounters

Whale Watching: Mid-December to March for humpbacks.
Dolphin Encounters: Swimming with dolphins at facilities.
Sea Turtle Release: Seasonal events from July to December.
Birdwatching: Botanical Garden and jungle areas.

Fishing Expeditions

Deep-sea fishing charters target marlin, sailfish, and dorado.
Charters available from Marina Vallarta.
Options for half-day or full-day excursions.
Experienced captains and crews guide trips.

Wildlife Interaction Caution

Always choose certified and ethical tour operators that prioritize the animals' welfare. Maintain a respectful distance.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with local culture through hands-on experiences.

Workshops and Classes

Cooking Classes: Learn traditional Mexican cuisine (see section 7.5).
Art Classes: Some galleries offer workshops to create art inspired by the region.
Spanish Language Schools: Various schools provide intensive or casual language courses.
Community-Based Tourism: Tour operators partner with local communities for authentic experiences.

Cultural Performances & Ceremonies

Folkloric Ballet

Traditional Mexican dance performances, often with mariachi music, showcase Mexico's rich dance heritage.

Mariachi Music

Live mariachi bands perform in many restaurants and plazas, providing an authentic Mexican soundtrack.

Rhythms of the Night

A highly-rated dinner show with acrobatics, music, and dance on a private island called Las Caletas. Book your experience here.

Fiestas de Guadalupe

Celebrated in December (1st-12th) with parades, music, and cultural events honoring the city's patron saint.

Day of the Dead

Early November brings altars, parades, and special events honoring deceased loved ones.

Restaurant Week & Gourmet Festival

Restaurant Week (May) and International Gourmet Festival (November) feature special menus and renowned chefs.

Relaxation and Wellness

Puerto Vallarta offers many options for unwinding and rejuvenation.

Spa and Wellness Centers

Most luxury resorts have extensive spas (e.g., Velas Vallarta, Casa Velas, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit).
Independent spas offering various treatments, like massages and facials, are abundant throughout the city.
Specifically, many options exist in Zona Romántica for a relaxing experience.
Consider a beachfront massage for a truly serene moment.

Natural Therapy Options

Hot Springs

No natural hot springs exist directly in Puerto Vallarta. Some tours to hot springs further inland in Nayarit may be available.

Yoga and Meditation

Several yoga studios and retreat centers operate, often incorporating beachfront or jungle settings for a serene experience.

Traditional Healing

Some local practitioners may offer traditional Mexican healing (curanderismo), though less widely advertised to tourists.

Beach and Pool Clubs

Relax by the Bay

Numerous beach clubs along Los Muertos Beach and in the Hotel Zone.

Amenities

Offer lounge chairs, food and drink service, and sometimes pools.

Top Picks

Mantamar Beach Club and Sapphire Ocean Club are popular choices.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Puerto Vallarta comes alive after sunset with diverse entertainment options.

Live Music Venues

Mariachi: Many traditional Mexican restaurants feature live mariachi bands.
Jazz/Blues: Occasional venues in Zona Romántica host jazz or blues acts.
Rock/Pop: Bars in the Hotel Zone and Downtown may have live cover bands.
Act2PV: A popular venue for Broadway-style shows, cabarets, and tribute acts, especially popular with LGBTQ+ visitors.

Nightclubs and Dancing

Downtown/Malecón

Mandala, La Santa, Strana, and Senor Frog's offer lively dance floors.

Zona Romántica

Many smaller bars and clubs, especially catering to the LGBTQ+ community, like CC Slaughters and Industry Nightclub.

Late-Night Fun

Most bars and clubs close around 2-3 AM, but some may stay open later on weekends.

Bar Districts

Zona Romántica (Lázaro Cárdenas street) and Malecón have many bars.

Pub Crawls

Available through various tour operators, offering a structured way to experience the nightlife. Join a pub crawl!

Theater & Performance

Teatro Vallarta hosts various shows. Act2PV offers Broadway-style shows and cabarets.

Shopping Recommendations

Traditional Crafts & Souvenirs

Mercado Municipal Río Cuale and Mercado de Artesanías for crafts and souvenirs.
Talavera Pottery: Hand-painted ceramics.
Silver Jewelry: Authentic Taxco silver.

Local Flavors & More

Vanilla: Highly regarded Mexican vanilla.
Tequila/Raicilla: Authentic local spirits.
La Isla Puerto Vallarta and Marina Vallarta for luxury shopping.

Ethical Shopping & Customs

Buy directly from artisans or reputable galleries to foster fair compensation. Avoid items from endangered species (coral, turtle shells) as they are illegal. Be aware of your home country's customs regulations for duty-free limits and prohibited items.

Shopping and Markets

Traditional Markets & Artisan Crafts

Mercado Municipal Río Cuale: An island in the middle of the river, with a wide array of souvenirs, crafts, clothing, and some food stalls.
Mercado de Artesanías (flea market): Near the Marina, with numerous stalls selling handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs.
Artisan Workshops and Crafts: Numerous art galleries (see section 8.2) sell paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry by local and international artists.
Ethical Shopping: Buy directly from artisans or reputable galleries to foster fair compensation.

Souvenirs & Luxury Shopping

Talavera Pottery: Hand-painted ceramics from Puebla, often sold in Puerto Vallarta.
Silver Jewelry: Taxco silver is famous, and many shops in Puerto Vallarta sell authentic silver.
Vanilla: Mexican vanilla is highly regarded for its flavor.
Tequila/Raicilla: Bottles of authentic local spirits make good gifts.

Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta