Puerto Vallarta stretches along 40km of Banderas Bay coastline, backed by the Sierra Madre mountains. Its attractions combine a cobblestoned historic center, a 1.9km oceanfront promenade, sandy Pacific beaches, and jungle-covered mountains that offer zip-lining and waterfall hikes.
The Malecón
The Malecón is Puerto Vallarta‘s 1.9km oceanfront boardwalk running from the Hotel Rosita in the north to the Los Muertos Pier in the Zona Romantica. Rebuilt in 2011, it’s lined with bronze sculptures (the most photographed being ‘The Boy on the Seahorse’), street performers, sand artists, and open-air cafes. Free and open 24 hours, but most lively from sunset to 11:00 PM. The Malecón is closed to vehicles, making it a pedestrian-only promenade. The Los Arcos amphitheater at its center hosts free cultural performances on weekend evenings. Best walked at sunset for photography.
Zona Romantica and Los Muertos Beach
The Zona Romantica (Old Town/Romantic Zone) is the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta south of the Cuale River. Its cobblestone streets are lined with art galleries, boutique hotels, and 50+ restaurants. Los Muertos Beach (Playa de los Muertos) is the zone’s main beach, a 500-meter stretch of golden sand with the new Los Muertos Pier (completed 2013) at its southern end. Beachfront restaurants rent chairs and umbrellas (MXN 100-200 per day with food/drink purchase). The water is swimmable year-round (24-30°C/75-86°F). For weather conditions, check the {L(base+’-weather-by-month’, ‘Puerto Vallarta weather guide’)}.
Islas Marietas and Hidden Beach
The Islas Marietas are a UNESCO-protected archipelago 35km northwest of Puerto Vallarta, famous for the Hidden Beach (Playa Escondida), a beach inside a collapsed crater accessible only by swimming through a 10-meter tunnel at low tide. Tours depart from Punta Mita Marina (45 minutes north of PV) or Puerto Vallarta’s marina (2 hours by boat). Tours cost MXN 1,500-2,500 per person including snorkeling equipment. Visitor numbers are strictly limited to 116 per day; book 2-4 weeks ahead. The islands are closed Mondays and Tuesdays for conservation. The best months for visibility are November through May when seas are calmest.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are a 26-hectare preserve 24km south of the city in the Sierra Madre foothills, accessible by public bus (MXN 40 from the corner of Carranzas and Aguacate) or taxi (MXN 300 one-way). Open daily 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Mondays April-November). Entry MXN 200. The gardens feature native Mexican orchids, vanilla plantations, a jungle trail to the Horcones River where you can swim, and a restaurant with hacienda-style views. Hummingbirds and butterflies are abundant. Best visited in the dry season (November-May) when trails are passable.
Canopy River Zip Line and Jorullo Bridge
Canopy River, in the Sierra Madre foothills 20 minutes south of the city, offers 11 zip lines across jungle canyons with views of the river below. The package (MXN 1,100-1,500) includes transport, safety equipment, and a tequila tasting. The Jorullo Bridge, at 470 meters, is one of the world’s longest vehicular suspension bridges and is accessible on ATV tours or horseback rides. Book directly or through your hotel; tour operators handle round-trip transport from the hotel zone. Best in the dry season; zip lines operate rain or shine but are more exhilarating with clear mountain views.
