Puerto Vallarta
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Puerto Vallarta - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. El Malecón
Zona Romántica | PromenadeIf you have visited Puerto Vallarta before, maybe you remember that its malecón used to have cars between the boardwalk and the shops and nightclubs...
If you have visited Puerto Vallarta before, maybe you remember that its malecón used to have cars between the boardwalk and the shops and nightclubs. But in 2012 Puerto Vallarta's beloved walkway underwent a huge renovation that closed it to traffic and transformed it into a highly enjoyable (and quiet) pedestrian walkway. The scene now takes in runners, skaters, and bicyclists, as well as traditional bronze sculptures. There is talk of reopening it to cars to cater to local businesses negatively affected by the loss of traffic, but for now you can enjoy it as a lovely pedestrian promenade.
View Tours and Activities -
2. Playa Borrego
BeachYou can walk or ride a bike to long, lovely Playa Borrego, 1 km (½ mile) south of town. Rent a surfboard at Stoners' or Mar y Sol restaurant...
You can walk or ride a bike to long, lovely Playa Borrego, 1 km (½ mile) south of town. Rent a surfboard at Stoners' or Mar y Sol restaurant to attack the year-round (but sporadic) shore or jetty breaks here, or stroll down to the southern end to admire the lovely, palm-fringed estuary.
Turistico Playa del Borrego, San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico -
3. Archaeological Museum
El Centro | Museum/GalleryPre-Columbian figures and Indian artifacts are on display at the Archaeological Museum. There's a general explanation of Western Pacific cultures...
Pre-Columbian figures and Indian artifacts are on display at the Archaeological Museum. There's a general explanation of Western Pacific cultures and shaft tombs and abbreviated but attractive exhibits of Aztatlán and Purépecha cultures and the Spanish conquest.
Western tip of Isla Río Cuale, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, 48330, Mexico-No phoneSight Details
Rate Includes: By donation, Mon.–Sat. 10–6 -
4. Basilica de Talpa
Religious Building/Site/ShrineOn the large plaza, the Basilica de Talpa is the main show in town. The twin-spire limestone temple is Gothic with neoclassic elements. After...
On the large plaza, the Basilica de Talpa is the main show in town. The twin-spire limestone temple is Gothic with neoclassic elements. After visiting the diminutive, royally clad Virgin in her side chapel, stroll around the surrounding square. Shops and stalls sell sweets, miniature icons of the Virgin in every possible presentation, T-shirts, and other souvenirs. Chicle (gum) is harvested in the area, and you'll find small keepsakes in the shapes of shoes, flowers, and animals made of the (nonsticky) raw material.
Talpa de Allende, Jalisco, Mexico -
5. Casa Museo de Doña Conchita
Other AttractionYou're welcome any time at the Casa Museo de Doña Conchita. The aged but affable lady loves to show visitors photos of her venerable family...
You're welcome any time at the Casa Museo de Doña Conchita. The aged but affable lady loves to show visitors photos of her venerable family—which she traces back six generations. See bank notes from the mining days, bloomers, shirts made by hand by the lady for her many children, and other old memorabilia. If you speak Spanish, ask Doña Conchita to tell you about the ghosts that haunt her house, which is right on the square between the basketball court and la presidencia, or town hall.
Calle Juárez 2, San Sebastián, Jalisco, 46990, Mexico322-297–2860Sight Details
Rate Includes: $1, Monday–Saturday 10:30–3 and 5–7, Sunday 12pm–3 -
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6. Cerro de la Cruz
Town/VillageThe countryside just outside town is ideal for hikes and drives. From Mascota's plaza you can walk up Calle Morelos out of town to Cerro de...
The countryside just outside town is ideal for hikes and drives. From Mascota's plaza you can walk up Calle Morelos out of town to Cerro de la Cruz. The hike to the summit takes about a half hour and rewards with great valley views.
Mascota, Jalisco, Mexico -
7. Cerro de San Basilio
ViewpointFor a bird's-eye view of the town and coast, hike or drive up Calle Juárez, the main drag, to Cerro de San Basilio. Contaduría. Cannons protect...
For a bird's-eye view of the town and coast, hike or drive up Calle Juárez, the main drag, to Cerro de San Basilio.Contaduría. Cannons protect the ruined Contaduría, built during colonial times when San Blas was New Spain's first official port. Cerro de San Basilio, 63740.
San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico -
8. Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
El Centro | Religious Building/Site/ShrineThe Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is dedicated to the patron saint of Mexico and of Puerto Vallarta. The holy mother's image, by Ignacio Ramírez...
The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is dedicated to the patron saint of Mexico and of Puerto Vallarta. The holy mother's image, by Ignacio Ramírez, is the centerpiece of the cathedral's slender marble altarpiece. The brick bell tower is topped by a lacy-looking crown that replicates the one worn by Carlota, short-lived empress of Mexico. The wrought-iron crown toppled during an earthquake that shook this area of the Pacific Coast in October 1995 but was soon replaced with a fiberglass version, supported, as was the original, by a squadron of stone angels. This was replaced with a newer and larger rendition in October 2009.
View Tours and ActivitiesCalle Hidalgo 370, between Iturbide and Zaragoza, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, 48330, Mexico322-222-1326-No phoneSight Details
Rate Includes: 7:30 am–9 pm daily -
9. Contaduría
Historic District/SiteCannons protect the ruined Contaduría, built during colonial times when San Blas was New Spain's first official port. ...
Cannons protect the ruined Contaduría, built during colonial times when San Blas was New Spain's first official port.
Cerro de San Basilio, San Blas, Nayarit, 63740, Mexico -
10. El Templo de la Virgen del Rosario
Religious Building/Site/ShrineContinuing down the road from the Contaduría brings you to El Templo de la Virgen del Rosario. Note the new floor in the otherwise ruined structure...
Continuing down the road from the Contaduría brings you to El Templo de la Virgen del Rosario. Note the new floor in the otherwise ruined structure; the governor's daughter didn't want to soil the hem of her gown when she married here in 2005. A bit farther on, San Blas's little cemetery is backed by the sea and the mountains.
Calle Jose Ma. Mercado, at Echevarria, San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico -
11. Estero El Salado
Marina Vallarta | Nature Preserve/Wildlife RefugeYou know how in New York they reserved a huge piece of much-coveted land for Central Park? Well, something like that happened in Puerto Vallarta...
You know how in New York they reserved a huge piece of much-coveted land for Central Park? Well, something like that happened in Puerto Vallarta with the Estero El Salado. This estuary right in the middle of the city has been declared a protected area featuring spectacular examples of biodiversity. Boat tours go deep into El Salado from Tuesday to Saturday at 11 am and 3 pm. Get ready to see plenty of crocodiles up close and personal in their natural habitat, as well as a variety of birds and impressive vegetation. There is a museum and a tower offering stunning views of the estuary and the city. Call or write ahead (via the website) to book a tour.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico322-226–2878Sight Details
Rate Includes: $25; check website for different discounts -
12. Grand Velas Spa
Spa–SightThe spa at Nuevo Vallarta's most elegant all-inclusive resort has dramatic architectural lines and plenty of marble, stone, teak, and tile....
The spa at Nuevo Vallarta's most elegant all-inclusive resort has dramatic architectural lines and plenty of marble, stone, teak, and tile. The 16,500-square-foot facility has 20 treatment rooms and ample steam, sauna, and whirlpools. Lounge in the comfortable chaises near the "plunge lagoon" (with warm and cold pools) between or after treatments. Highlights of the extensive treatment menu are the chocolate, gold, or avocado wrap; Thai massage; cinnamon-sage foot scrub; and the challenging buttocks sculpt-lift. There's even a kids' spa menu. Adjoining the spa is an impressive fitness facility.
Av. de los Cocoteros 98 Sur, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, 63735, Mexico322-226–8000Sight Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted -
13. Iglesia de la Virgen de los Dolores
Religious Building/Site/ShrineOn one corner of the plaza is the town's white-spire Iglesia de la Virgen de los Dolores. The Virgin of Sorrow is feted on September 15, which...
On one corner of the plaza is the town's white-spire Iglesia de la Virgen de los Dolores. The Virgin of Sorrow is feted on September 15, which segues into Mexican Independence Day on the 16th.
Calle Ponciano Arriaga 110, Mascota, Jalisco, Mexico -
14. Iglesia de San Sebastián
Religious Building/Site/ShrineIglesia de San Sebastián is a typically restored 1800s-era church that comes to life in the days preceding its saint's day, January 20th. ...
Iglesia de San Sebastián is a typically restored 1800s-era church that comes to life in the days preceding its saint's day, January 20th.
San Sebastián, Jalisco, Mexico -
15. International Festival of Migratory Birds
Festival–SightInternational Festival of Migratory Birds. In late January, you can attend the International Festival of Migratory Birds for bird-watching...
International Festival of Migratory Birds. In late January, you can attend the International Festival of Migratory Birds for bird-watching tours and conferences with experts and fellow enthusiasts. San Blas, Nayarit. avessanblas.uan.mx.
San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico -
16. La Iglesia de la Preciosa Sangre
Religious Building/Site/ShrineMascota's pride is La Iglesia de la Preciosa Sangre (Church of the Precious Blood), started in 1909 but unfinished due to the revolution and...
Mascota's pride is La Iglesia de la Preciosa Sangre (Church of the Precious Blood), started in 1909 but unfinished due to the revolution and the ensuing Cristero Revolt. Weddings, concerts, and plays are sometimes held here under the ruins of Gothic arches. Note the 3-D blood squirting from Jesus's wound in the chapel—you could hardly miss it.
Calle Rosa Davalos s/n, Mascota, Jalisco, Mexico -
17. La Tovara
Matanchen | Nature Preserve/Wildlife RefugeLa Tovara. Turtles sunning themselves on logs, crocodiles masquerading as logs, water-loving birds, and exotic orchids make the maze of green...
La Tovara. Turtles sunning themselves on logs, crocodiles masquerading as logs, water-loving birds, and exotic orchids make the maze of green-brown canals that is La Tovara—an out-of-town must for nature lovers. Launches putter along these waterways from El Conchal Bridge, at the outskirts of San Blas, about a three-hour drive from Marina Vallarta, or from the nearby village of Matanchén. After cruising along for about 45 minutes—during which you'll have taken way too many photos of the mangrove roots that protrude from the water and the turtles—you arrive at the spring-fed freshwater pools for which the area is named. You can hang out at the restaurant overlooking the pool or play Tarzan and Jane on the rope swing. Most folks take the optional trip to a crocodile farm on the way back, stretching a two-hour tour into three hours. Carr. Las Islitas s/n. Embarcadero principal, Matanchen, San Blas, Nayarit, 63744. 323/108–4174. www.latovara.com. $10. Daily 8–6.
Carr. Las Islitas s/n. Embarcadero principal, San Blas, Nayarit, 63744, Mexico323-108–4174Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10, Daily 8–6 -
18. Lago Juanacatlán
Body Of Water/WaterfallLago Juanacatlán is a lovely lake in a volcanic crater at 7,000 feet above sea level. Nestled in the Galope River valley, the pristine lake...
Lago Juanacatlán is a lovely lake in a volcanic crater at 7,000 feet above sea level. Nestled in the Galope River valley, the pristine lake is surrounded by alpine woods, and the trip from Mascota past fields of flowers and self-sufficient ranchos is bucolic.
Mascota, Jalisco, Mexico -
19. Los Muertos Pier
Zona Romántica | Marina/PierThere was a time when Los Muertos Pier was a sad piece of concrete extending a few meters into the sea, but that changed in 2013 when it was...
There was a time when Los Muertos Pier was a sad piece of concrete extending a few meters into the sea, but that changed in 2013 when it was replaced by a beautifully designed pier that underwent years of renovations. The new pier was an instant hit and has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Puerto Vallarta. It's perfect for a romantic walk, for reading a book while listening to the sound of the waves, and for viewing at night when it lights up the buzzing Los Muertos Beach. Oh, and it also serves as a pier! You can get a boat from here to visit the amazing beaches south of Puerto Vallarta, such as Yelapa, Quimixto, Las Animas, and many more.
End of Francisca Rodriguez St., Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico -
20. Mercado José María
Market/BazaarBrowse for fruits or good photo-ops at the market, Mercado José María, where you can take a load off at Chito's for a milk shake or fresh fruit...
Browse for fruits or good photo-ops at the market, Mercado José María, where you can take a load off at Chito's for a milk shake or fresh fruit juice.
Calle H. Battalón de San Blas, between Calles Sonora and Sinaloa, San Blas, Nayarit, 63740, Mexico
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