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Looking to enjoy Puerto Vallarta without spending a fortune? Then this list of free things to do in Puerto Vallarta is going to come in handy for you!
This swoon-worthy coastal city in the Mexican state of Jalisco is everything you’d expect from Mexico and more – it’s loud, it’s exciting, every day is a beach day, and you’ll find fabulous free things to do around every corner!
Oh, and that’s before we even mention the food…
One of the best things about Puerto Vallarta is that it’s perfect for budget travellers. There are just so many interesting things to do for free here. Yup – you can have a great time in Puerto Vallarta without spending any pesos!
I visited Puerto Vallarta at the very start of my 6 week backpacking trip through Mexico, and I was on a very tight budget. I spent four days here entertaining myself with all of the free activities in Puerto Vallarta and managed to keep to my strict budget relatively easily.
So, if you’re looking for a few free things to do to squeeze into your Puerto Vallarta itinerary, you’ve come to the right place!
Table of Contents
The Best Free Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
1. Walk The Malecon
This long boardwalk, which runs along the city’s coastline, offers up some of the most scenic views of Puerto Vallarta’s beaches, and it’s one of the most popular spots to watch the sunset in Puerto Vallarta!
On your walk along the Malecon you’re bound to come across a variety of street performers as well as numerous public works of art. You see, the Malecon, as well as being a boardwalk, is also a kind of outdoor art gallery.
You’ll find lots of iconic sculptures and artworks integral to the city’s identity here.
Arguably the most famous of these is the El Pescador sculpture. This giant fisherman statue designed to pay tribute to the region’s historic fishing heritage.
The El Pescador isn’t the only artwork worth seeing though – my favourite was the sculpture of a couple dancing in front of the ocean. So romantic!
Even if you don’t set out on a deliberate walk along the Malecon you’ll undoubtedly find yourself walking along here on your trip to Puerto Vallarta since it’s the most scenic way to get around town.
Of all the free things to do in Puerto Vallarta, the Malecon is my favourite!
2. Hike to La Cruz del Cerro Viewpoint
This is perhaps not one of the best free things to do in Puerto Vallarta in the rainy season when the humidity makes even a couple of steps feel too sweaty, but the hike up to the La Cruz del Cerro viewpoint is an excellent free activity at other, less sweaty, times of the year.
The Hill of the Cross Viewpoint (which is called La Cruz del Cerro in Spanish) is a panoramic viewpoint towering over the city of Puerto Vallarta. From here, you’ll find kick-ass views over the city, the beaches and the ocean!
There are numerous different ways to reach the top, but the most popular option is to walk all the way up Aboloso Street from the Malecon. You’re also able to walk up Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Street.
During high season a cable car runs (albeit sporadically) which can take you up the final staircase of the hike if you don’t feel like walking it.
3. Playa Los Muertos
Playa Los Muertos is one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Hanging out here is easily one of the best free activities in Puerto Vallarta!
The water here is crystal-clear, vibrant blue, and safe to swim in. There are also plenty of sun loungers with umbrellas that you can rent for the day.
However, since we’re talking about the best free things to do in Puerto Vallarta, you can roll out your towel to sunbathe on the beach for free. Check out my Mexico packing list for my travel towel recommendation!
It’s worth noting that there isn’t much naturally occurring shade on Playa Los Muertos. If that’s important to you (and it should be!) head over to the end of the beach near the Vallarta Shores Hotel.
You’ll find a few palm trees here that you can lounge under.
4. Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone
Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone is the hip and happening area of town. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s absolutely gorgeous too.
Taking a stroll around the Romantic Zone is one of the top free things to do in Puerto Vallarta since it’s one of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods!
From colourful bunting to vibrant street art, cute cobbled alleyways and cats lounging in doorways (who doesn’t love cute cats??) you could easily spend a couple of hours exploring the Romantic Zone on foot.
As well as just wandering aimlessly, the Romantic Zone is great for something else – food! Some of the most delicious and authentic restaurants in Puerto Vallarta are in this neighbourhood.
Of course, eating tasty Mexican food isn’t quite free… It’s certainly one of the best cheap things to do in Puerto Vallarta, though!
5. Puerto Vallarta Farmers’ Market
The Puerto Vallarta Farmers’ Market, also called the Olas Altas market,
It’s strictly producers-only, meaning you won’t find any factory-made tourist tat here. Instead, everything here has been created, baked, brewed, sewn or grown by the vendors.
The farmers’ market takes place every Saturday from 10am-2pm at Lázaro Cárdenas Park. Here, you’ll find locals and tourists alike turning up to purchase and sample the lovely fresh produce here. Just arrive with an empty stomach!
6. Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
This intimidating Catholic church in downtown Puerto Vallarta is one of the top free places to visit in the city. It was built around 1903 but the full construction of the church was not completed until 1963!
You can enter to look around for free, but the true beauty of this church lies on the outside.
At the top, you’ll see the iconic crown sitting above the church’s spires. This is an iconic part of Puerto Vallarta’s skyline.
7. Puerto Vallarta Sign
Like so many Mexican cities, Puerto Vallarta has a huge, colourful sign of the city’s name. The Puerto Vallarta one is cool, but it’s nothing compared to the massive pink one you’ll find in Guadalajara!
Anyway… did you even go to Puerto Vallarta if you didn’t get a photo standing by the Puerto Vallarta sign??
You’ll find the Puerto Vallarta sign on the Malecon just in front of the ocean. It’s the perfect backdrop to your photo with the sign!
8. Street Art and Murals
You’ll have probably figured it out by now, but Puerto Vallarta is a very creative city that embraces art! For this reason, the city is scattered with enthralling street art and murals that are all free to check out.
You can find the best street art in Puerto Vallarta here. It is the perfect free self-guided walking tour of the city for art enthusiasts.
A highlight of Puerto Vallarta’s street art scene is definitely the huge Frida Kahlo mural (called “Underwater Dreaming”). It’s a must-see whilst in Puerto Vallarta!
9. Cuale River Market
In downtown Puerto Vallarta you’ll find the Cuale River Market, the Puerto Vallarta flea market on the banks of the Cuale. This is probably the best place in Puerto Vallarta to buy souvenirs, especially if you’re looking for a bargain.
Of course, though, it’s also free to just stroll around and browse.
Inside this multistorey market you’ll find handcrafted gifts and souvenirs from all over Mexico. You’ll also find a few places to sample some local street food. The market is open from 9am every day.
Want to know more about the cost of a trip to Puerto Vallarta? Check out my full Puerto Vallarta budget breakdown!
10. Watch the Voladores de Papantla
Watching the Voladores de Papantla, or the Papantla Flyers, is one of the most unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta for free (although leaving a tip is appreciated). It’s a very bizarre thing to witness if you’ve never seen anything like this before, but absolutely fascinating!
Basically, five men climb to the top of a large flagpole and then fly through the air spinning around the pole until they reach the ground. One of the flyers will play the drum and flute as they spin, which is downright impressive!
The origins of this date back to pre-Columbian times in Mexico when the ritual was used as a form of prayer.
The Papantla Flyers perform daily on the Puerto Vallarta Malecon at 6pm.
11. Hike to Colomitos Beach
Okay, so this technically isn’t a free thing to do. However, since all you’ll need to pay for is the return bus journey to Boca de Tomatlan, which costs $1, it’s definitely one of the best cheap things to do near Puerto Vallarta.
You can read my full guide to visiting Boca de Tomatlan and Colomitos Beach, but this hidden beach is one of the few secret things to do in Puerto Vallarta!
You can only access Colomitos beach by boat or a hike through the jungle from Boca de Tomatlan. Only the adventurous make it here!
So, as you can see, although Puerto Vallarta can be an expensive place to visit. But with the right mindset and some advance planning, it’s totally possible to visit Puerto Vallarta on a shoestring budget!
I hope you add a few of these wonderful free things to do in Puerto Vallarta to your trip itinerary to keep your travel costs down. You won’t regret it!
