Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta offers Pacific Coast beach resort vibes with historic charm. The Zona Romántica (old town) provides cobblestone streets, art galleries, and local flavor, while the Malecon promenade stretches 12 blocks with restaurants, shops, and street performers. The Bay of Banderas is one of the world's largest and deepest, home to humpback whales (December-March) and sea turtles (May-October). Puerto Vallarta is particularly known as an LGBT-friendly destination with many boutique hotels and an annual Pride festival in May.

Founded in December 1851 as the village Las Peñas, the city remained small until the 1960s when Hollywood filmed The Night of the Iguana at Mismaloya. Director John Huston's statue still celebrates his role in launching the tourism industry. The Sierra Madre Occidental mountains rise to over 8,000 ft, protecting the town and creating a semi-tropical climate. Residents are known for being friendly and helpful with directions.

Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate with dry winters and rainy summers. Average high is 27°C in January and 32°C in July. The rainy season runs mid-June through mid-October, with August being the wettest month (14 days precipitation). February, March, and April have the least rain and cloud cover. Hurricanes are rare; the last major storm was Hurricane Kenna in 2002. Peak holiday periods (especially Semana Santa/Easter) see tripled accommodation prices and crowded beaches.

Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (IATA: PVR) is located at Km 7.5 Carretera a Tepic, Área Militar de Vallarta. Major bus lines include Primera Plus (major regional operator with Coordinados and Flecha Armarilla lines), ETN/Turistar (luxurious buses), Grupo Estrella Blanca (includes Elite, Elite Plus, Futura, Chihuahuanese, Pacifico brands), TAP, and Vallarta Plus. The Central Bus Station (Central de Autobuses) is at Bahia de Sin Nombre 363, Colonia Guadalupe Victoria, 9 km NE of downtown. From downtown, local buses cost M$10, taxis around M$200, and Uber about M$100.

Local buses (marked Guadalupe Victoria, Ixtapa, or Juntas) run from downtown to the Central Bus Station for M$10. ATM buses (grey or white with red & blue striping) go north to Nuevo Vallarta, Punta de Mita, and along Route 200. Compostela buses continue north to Sayulita, San Francisco (San Pancho), and Rincón de Guayabitos. Buses marked Las Glorias and Walmart serve the hotel zone. Oxxo stores are scattered throughout the city every few blocks and are useful for small change for buses.

Accommodations range from international hotel chains and upscale villas in Marina Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, and Punta Mita to budget hotels in Old Town. Calle Francisco I. Madero hosts many simple but clean budget hotels in Zona Romántica, a 5-10 minute walk from the Malecon. The south end of Old Town has gay-friendly hotels. Hostels include Oasis Hostel (Libramiento #222) and Casa Kraken Hostel (Juarez #386, M$400) with free WiFi and a rooftop terrace. Budget hotels like OYO Hotel Bernal, Hotel Lina, and Hotel Cartagena de Indias cluster on Madero street.

Puerto Vallarta reflects Mexico's culinary diversity, from casual taco stands to upscale rooftop restaurants. Street food options include Tacos Chilo (open 24/7 on Calle San Salvador/Colombia) and street stalls at Plaza del Pitillal (open evenings). Cheap eats include Cafe de Olla (Basilio Badillo 168, try pork ribs or chicken) and Takos Panchos (Basilio Badillo 162, al pastor tacos, opens 18:00). Coffee Cup serves American-style espresso near the beach (M$100). Vegetarian options include Planeta Vegetariano (Iturbide 270, all-you-can-eat buffet). Upscale dining features La Piazzetta (Neapolitan pizza), Cafe des Artistes (garden setting), and Ah Caramba (seafood with panoramic views).

Beaches include Los Muertos Beach (Zona Romántica with palapa rentals), Las Glorias Beach (near hotel zone), and Playa De Oro (north of center). The Malecon promenade stretches over 12 blocks lined with restaurants, shops, and sculptures including Los Arcos (4 arches with free shows and folk dance performances). Isla Cuale is a narrow river island with galleries and relaxed restaurants. Cultural sites include Naval Museum (C. Zaragoza 4, ship models and military relics), Galeria Dante (Basilio Badillo 269, local paintings and sculptures), and Gringo Gulch (historic Hollywood celebrity homes from the 1950s-60s). Mirador el Cerro de la Cruz offers panoramic views.

Puerto Vallarta's nightlife concentrates around the Malecon and Zona Romántica. Steve's Sports Bar (Basilio Badillo 286) opens 11:00-01:00. Roxy Rock House (Ignacio Vallarta 217) features live R&B and blues for those over 30. Mandala (Paseo Díaz Ordaz 633) is a popular dance club with M$400 cover, open 18:00-04:00. La Bodeguita del Medio (Malecón 858) offers Cuban food, great drinks, and salsa bands with live music. EL Zoo Bar (Paseo Díaz Ordaz 630) is a small but fun dance club. Señor Frogs hosts Tuesday foam parties. Events include Vallarta Pride Parade in May and November Festival with wine and tequila tastings.

Credit cards are accepted at hotel complexes, high-end restaurants, and shops but not at smaller businesses. ATMs are available throughout the city including Santander (airport and centro),banamex (centro), and BanBajío. Oxxo stores are everywhere and useful for small change. Mercado Río Cuale (daily 9:00-20:00) offers beach souvenirs. Galeria Indigena (Juarez 628) specializes in authentic Huichol art and indigenous crafts. La Casa del Habano (Aldama 170) sells real Cuban cigars. Walmart has the cheapest groceries. Note that prices are higher than other Mexican cities; save souvenir shopping for Guadalajara.

Budget travelers should visit outside peak holiday periods when accommodation prices double or triple. Oxxo stores offer the cheapest beer and snacks. Street food (tacos, elotes) runs M$30-50 per item. Local bus rides cost M$10. Uber from downtown to bus station is around M$100 versus M$200 for taxis. Casa Kraken Hostel charges M$400 for dorms. Budget hotels on Madero run M$500-800. Mid-range hotels like Hotel Mocali (M$1250) and Hotel Rio (M$1500) offer central locations. Souvenirs and crafts are cheaper elsewhere in Mexico.

The Marietas Islands offer snorkeling with tropical fish and are accessible by boat tours. Mismaloya, where The Night of the Iguana was filmed, is south of town. Sayulita and San Francisco (San Pancho) are popular surfing and beach towns 45 minutes north by Compostela bus. Nuevo Vallarta has beaches and the Marina. The coastal road (Route 200) leads to Barra de Navidad and the Costalegre region. Autotransportes Talpa Mascota (ATM) buses go inland toward Guadalajara through the mountains via Mascota, Ameca, and Talpa along State Hwy 544 and Fed Hwy 70.

The beaches and hotels have security personnel familiar with the area. Tourist police concentrate on keeping areas safe for visitors. Locals understand the value of tourism and discourage anyone who might prey on visitors. However, avoid confrontations with police as treatment can be poor and may result in paying bribes. For digestive issues, use Immodium which is sold over the counter. In case of emergency, dial 911 (fire, police, medical). For non-emergencies, dial 078 for the Green Angels roadside assistance (English-speaking). Be cautious with street food and small beach snack bars to avoid travelers' diarrhea.

Telcel has the best coverage in Mexico. A Telcel amigo express SIM card costs M$29 (November 2021) at Oxxo stores, with M$50 recharge required for activation. Cell coverage is very good with 5G being the norm in town; expect 4G or less in countryside areas and along the Nayarit coast or Costalegre. WiFi is available in all major hotels and most restaurants and bars. Consumer Protection Office (Profeco) can be reached at +52 322 225-0000.

Guadalajara is accessible via ATM buses through the Sierra Madre mountains (Mascota, Ameca, Talpa route). Puerto Vallarta serves as a hub for the Bay of Banderas region including Nuevo Vallarta, Punta de Mita, Sayulita, San Pancho, and Rincón de Guayabitos to the north, and Barra de Navidad to the south. Local bus lines Primera Plus, ETN, and others connect to major Mexican cities. The Costalegre coastal region offers quieter beaches and fishing villages.