Puerto Vallarta

Destination information

A popular city resort on the Pacific Ocean coastline in the west of Mexico. P.V, as the English speakers call it, enjoys a typical tropical climate with its rainy and humid season running from July till September. The main hotel zone runs along the shoreline with well-groomed beaches, top notch modern facilities and superb watersports. For the adventurous, there are lush jungles with sparkling waterfalls to explore nearby and lovers of marine life will be spoiled as to the west, on the Bay of Banderas, the sea is home to schools of dolphins and a colourful kaleidescope of tropical fish which will delight scuba divers and snorkellers alike. It’s also blessed with one of the most magical natural phenomena as every year, humback whales come to mate between December and March. The city’s newly extended Malecón (boardwalk) runs from the south of the Old Town to the heart of the central downtown area and makes an idea people watching spot with street performers, shops, restaurants and bars. For a slice of real Mexican life, take an evening stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town’s Zona Romantica where the street vendors sell freshly made sugary churros (delicious fried dough sticks), tacos and tamales. Don’t forget that not many local places will take credit cards but there are plenty of ATMs and all hotels will help with money changing.

Eats & drinks

With everything from big name chains to roadside taco stalls there’s something for everyone in P.V. Sample some of the locally grown mangos, avocados and bananas in an ‘Aguas frescas’ drink or take a day trip to nearby Tequila to try some of that intoxicating blue agave juice! The bars and restaurants on the Malecón boast the best sea views for the sunset over Banderas Bay.

Getting around

Taxis are regulated and inexpensive but always make sure you ask the price before you get in. Go local and get the bus for just a few pesos or take the free trolley service which runs along the Malecón into the Old Town. Head to Los Muertos Pier for water taxis to beaches with no road access.