On Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta wraps around the Bay of Banderas, with jungle-covered mountains behind cobbled streets and a lively seafront Malecón. At the bay’s northern tip, Punta Mita is the polished, resort-lined counterpoint — and the surf towns of the Riviera Nayarit sit just beyond.
Where to Base Yourself
Where to stay
Zona Romántica
Old Vallarta’s cobbled heart south of the river: walkable, full of restaurants, and a short stroll to the beach and the Malecón.
Punta Mita
A peninsula of luxury resorts, golf and calm beaches at the bay’s northern tip, about an hour from town.
Sayulita
A bohemian surf village up the coast, colorful and busy, with easy waves for beginners.
Book a Tour
Popular Puerto Vallarta experiences
A boat day to Los Arcos and the Marietas Islands, whale watching in winter, and a food tour through Old Vallarta are the ones to book. Browse Puerto Vallarta tours ↗
From the Journal
Puerto Vallarta stories
Luxury in Punta Mita & Riviera Nayarit
Punta Mita Beach Guide: Pacific Luxury Meets Natural Calm
Garza Blanca: Slow Mornings and Pacific Dreams in Puerto Vallarta
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta: Neighborhoods and Beach Towns Compared
Day Trips from Puerto Vallarta: Beach Towns, Islands and Mountain Villages
What to Eat in Puerto Vallarta: Seafood, Street Tacos and Raicilla
Plan it
Your Puerto Vallarta trip, sorted
Jungle mountains, Pacific sunsets and a bay full of life.
Where to stay
Pick your base
The Zona Romántica for walkability and restaurants, Punta Mita for resort calm, Sayulita for a surf-town scene.
Eat + drink
Where to eat and drink
Tacos and fresh seafood from street stands to beach palapas, raicilla (the local agave spirit) and tequila from nearby Jalisco.
Areas
Where to wander
The Malecón’s sculptures at sunset, the Zona Romántica’s cobbled streets, and the beaches of Punta Mita.
AreasWhat to pack
Dress for the Pacific
Swimwear, linen, a sun hat and reef-safe sunscreen, plus walkable sandals for the cobbles. Summer is hot, humid and rainy; winter is dry and warm.
3 days
How to spend your time
Old Vallarta, a day on the bay, then Punta Mita or Sayulita.
Worth booking
Reserve these ahead
A boat trip on the bay — and, from roughly December to March, a humpback whale-watching tour.
Luxe JetterPlan your Puerto Vallarta travel wardrobe
Boutique shopping
Shop Puerto Vallarta & Mexico’s designers
Boutique shopping in Latin America → · Style your finds in Luxe Jetter ↗
More in Mexico: Mexico City · Oaxaca · Guadalajara · Riviera Maya · Mérida · All Mexico destinations
Make it your Puerto Vallarta
From the city guide
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Choose your pace and the people coming along. Build a flexible outline for Puerto Vallarta, then return to these guides for the details.
Plan my Puerto Vallarta trip ↗A little more inspiration
Pack for the Pacific with Luxe Jetter ↗Bring the colors and character of your destination into your travel style.
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