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When I decided to spend 3 days in Puerto Vallarta, it was the very first stop on my 6-week-long Mexico itinerary, and I had absolutely no idea what to expect!
After four days spent in this glorious beach town (a full day of which was spent recovering from jetlag… don’t judge me!) I managed to see all of the city’s highlights and even had time to squeeze in a day trip!
If you follow this 3 days in Puerto Vallarta itinerary you’ll get to explore the city, get a taste of the more “authentic” side of Puerto Vallarta, eat some insane Mexican food and have a fabulous time relaxing on the beach with a Margarita. Trust me – it covers all of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
¡Vámonos!
Top tip: The Mexican currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), but I have listed most of the prices in this post in Mexican Pesos and US Dollars to keep everything simple.
Table of Contents
Puerto Vallarta 3 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Malecon, Romantic Zone and Playa Los Muertos
Stop 1: Malecon
It’s worth getting up as early as you can to take a walk along Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon. It’s far too hot to do this walk comfortably later in the day!
The Malecon is Puerto Vallarta’s oceanfront promenade that stretches for 1 mile. It offers up some of the best views of the beaches and ocean that you’ll find in the city, and it’s always buzzing with activity.
There are no cars along this street, so you can wander aimlessly, checking out the numerous art installations along the way. It’s no Frida Kahlo, but a lot of it is still pretty cool to look at.
Of course, this is also where you’ll find the colourful Puerto Vallarta sign, (which, IMO, is the best free attraction in Puerto Vallarta).
Stop 2: Romantic Zone
After following the Malecon in the direction of the Zona Romantica you’ll end up in the most colourful and popping part of the city. There aren’t many “must-see” attractions here, but, instead, it’s the type of place you should spend some time wandering – everything is just so pretty!
If you head further up the hill of Zona Romantica you’ll get away from the gringo area and find the more local side of Puerto Vallarta. It’s worth a wander here if you’re looking for a peep into the more “authentic Mexico” whilst in Puerto Vallarta.
Stop 3: Lunch in the Romantic Zone
Chances are it’s starting to get pretty hot and sweaty by now, which means it’s the perfect time to break for a long lunch. All this sightseeing is hungry work!
Since you’ll be in the Romantic Zone, you’re perfectly placed to sample some of the best food in Puerto Vallarta. My top picks for lunch around here include Maria Baja or Figueroa’s Burritos.
I get it, I get it. Sometimes, the decision between tacos and burritos is too difficult. That’s why I recommend this food of Puerto Vallarta walking tour, to make sure you hit all of those yummy Mexican dishes off your foodie bucketlist. The tour lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes and visits 10 different food stops, so you’ll certainly get your money’s worth!
Click here to check availability & book
Stop 4: Chill at Playa Los Muertos
With a full belly, it’s time to head over to Puerto Vallarta’s main beach, Playa Los Muertos. There isn’t a whole lot of natural shade on this beach so, unless you’re a hardcore tanner who isn’t afraid of getting burnt, it’s worth paying to hire a sun lounger and umbrella.
That being said, if you’re on a super tight budget you can walk to the end of the beach by the Vallarta Shores hotel which does have some slight shade from palm trees. This area of the beach is also much quieter than the main stretch near the Malecon.
There are some small waves here but it’s generally calm and safe to swim. The water will feel fantastic to cool off in!
Stop 5: Los Muertos Brewing
After a few hours of lounging on the sand, take advantage of being in the Romantic Zone by heading over to Los Muertos Brewing. This is one of the most popular places to get craft beer in Puerto Vallarta.
You’ll find a variety of styles here and they’re surprisingly affordable given that Puerto Vallarta isn’t a thriving craft beer scene. A 475ml house-made beer costs 65 pesos ($3.30), but at happy hour every day (4-6pm) it costs just 40 ($2)!
Day 2: Day Trip to Colomitos Beach or Islas Marietas
On day 2 of this Puerto Vallarta itinerary, I recommend taking a day trip to one of the many nearby attractions.
There are plenty of day trips from Puerto Vallarta to choose from, but to make things simpler I’ll just cover two of the best in this post: the most popular, and the one that I took.
I’m a contrarian, what can I say?
Option 1: Islas Marietas
The most popular day trip from Puerto Vallarta is a boat tour to the Islas Marietas, one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in the area!
You’ll find the famous “hidden beach” here, which is actually called Playa Escondida. This beach is in a cut-out cove of one of the islands and is partially covered from above by a cave. It looks super cool!
The only way to visit the Marietas Islands is by boat tour. You need to be careful, though, as not all Marietas Islands tours include a stop at the hidden beach. What’s more, only 116 people per day are allowed to visit the hidden beach, so it’s essential to book as far in advance as you can.
Fortunately, this Marietas Islands tour includes a visit to the hidden beach and isn’t *too* expensive. It’s certainly worth it if visiting the hidden beach is on your Mexico bucket list!
Click here to check the tour’s availability & latest prices!
Option 2: Colomitos Beach
I opted to visit the “secret” Colomitos Beach as a day trip from Puerto Vallarta as it’s super cheap to visit and I was travelling on a tight budget.
I mean, a beach that’s only accessible by boat or a hike through the jungle? It sounds cool, right?
If you’re interested in taking a day trip from Puerto Vallarta to Colomitos Beach I have written a full guide, including how to get there, that will be super helpful for you to read.
Day 3: Puerto Vallarta Landmarks & Turtles
Stop 1: Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
After breakfast, the first stop of the day is the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most impressive buildings in Puerto Vallarta. Work started on the cathedral in 1903, back when Puerto Vallarta was just a tiny town without tourists.
Despite the early start, the main tower of the church actually wasn’t completed until 1952!
This is one of the best Instagram spots in Puerto Vallarta, especially if you capture the colourful bunting draped across the street in front of the church.
Stop 2: Hill of the Cross Viewpoint
If you don’t have loads of water on you, now is the time to pick some up. I’ve warned you – you’re going to sweat to get to the next stop!
The Hill of the Cross Viewpoint (Mirador La Cruz del Cerro) is a panoramic viewpoint from the top of La Cruz Hill. The view over the city and ocean is blissful, and you’ll agree that the hike up was worth the reward once you see it!
You can get to the lookout point by following Abosolo Street from the Malecon all the way uphill.
Another option is to walk up by following Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Street. There’s a cable car towards the end that you can take in the high season, or you can just continue to walk to the top.
Stop 3: Lunch at Restaurant Rico Mac Taco
You’ll have worked up an appetite by now, so head back down towards the beach and stop off at Restaurant Rico Mac Taco.
This casual canteen-style restaurant is very affordable and serves up a variety of decent tacos. Service here is friendly and prompt, and it costs just 22 pesos ($1.10) per taco here!
Stop 4: Mangos Beach Club
The morning of this third day on the itinerary was pretty full-on, so it’s time to relax and take in some of what Puerto Vallarta is most famous for… Drinks on the beach!
I headed to Mangos Beach Club and I have nothing but great things to say about it. You’re able to use their sun loungers and umbrellas for free provided you’re drinking there. Because of this, it actually works out to be decent value – even if the prices are slightly higher than the average Puerto Vallarta drinks prices.
If you want to know more about how much a trip to Puerto Vallarta costs don’t miss my full guide to the cost of a trip to Puerto Vallarta!
Stop 5: Turtle Release
After lounging on the beach there’s no better way to spend an evening in Puerto Vallarta than visiting a sea turtle camp to watch baby sea turtles be released into the ocean!
This turtle encounter experience is one of the top-rated in Puerto Vallarta and is one of those travel experiences that will be hard to forget.
It’s the perfect way to round off your three days in Puerto Vallarta.
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
Full disclaimer here – I stayed at this crappy hostel and, despite its bizarrely high rating, it was one of the worst places I have ever stayed – and that’s REALLY saying something. I can’t recommend it at all.
I therefore don’t have any firsthand recommendations of where to stay in Puerto Vallarta for you.
That said, I’ve done a bunch of research for this post so I have a few suggestions based on my research!
I can’t stress enough how much you need air conditioning in Puerto Vallarta. Especially if you’re visiting during the rainy season when the humidity is on another level.
For some odd reason, many of the hostels in Puerto Vallarta don’t have aircon, but if you don’t like being drenched in sweat 24/7 it’s worth paying however much they want to charge you just to have it. Trust me!
Hostel
I heard great things about this hostel, which was just down the street from the place I stayed and in a central, safe location.
Only some of the rooms have air conditioning so it’s worth double-checking which dorm you’re selecting before you book. Breakfast is also included in the price – win!
Click here to check availability & latest prices!
Budget Hotel
Located in the Romantic Zone and just 150 metres from the beach, this hotel is the perfect place to stay in Puerto Vallarta on a budget.
Each room is decorated in a traditional Mexican style and there’s even a pool – perfect for cooling off from the insane Puerto Vallarta heat!
A kitchen that guests can use and a rooftop terrace are just a few of the other wonderful amenities that this hotel has.
Click here to check availability & latest prices!
I’ve noticed that prices for this hotel do fluctuate quite a lot, though, so if the prices are looking far from budget-friendly I recommend checking out this bright and beautiful budget hotel.
Resort
This beachfront resort and spa is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a resort getaway in Puerto Vallarta.
With a huge pool, onsite bars and restaurants, a spa and plenty of activities on offer you can’t really ask for more when it comes to resorts in Puerto Vallarta!
Click here to check availability & latest prices!
How to Get To & Around Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta Airport
Puerto Vallarta has its own airport (PVR) which is located around 5 km from the city. It’s super easy to get into the city centre from the airport.
Uber operates in Puerto Vallarta, so if you have a lot of luggage this is your best bet. It’ll cost around 100 pesos ($5) to the Hotel Zone (where most resorts are), 150 ($7.50) to the Centro area, and around 160 ($8) to the Romantic Zone.
If you’re travelling on a budget, never fear. You can catch a bus from outside the airport to the city centre which costs just 10 pesos ($0.50) and takes around 30 minutes.
To find the bus stop, exit the airport and turn left, walking until you get to the main road. If you’re not sure, though, just ask one of the holiday reps waiting by the resort shuttles and they’ll point you in the right direction.
Getting Around Puerto Vallarta
Downtown Puerto Vallarta is very walkable, but if you want to go further distances the bus will become your friend. The buses run up and down the two stretches of Highway 200 in Puerto Vallarta and all journeys cost 10 pesos ($0.50).
If you need to cover a fair distance at night I’d always recommend using Uber unless you’re in a large group.
The touristy areas in Puerto Vallarta are generally fine to walk around in the dark since they are so busy with people going out drinking and dancing, but if you’re getting further off the main streets it’s worth taking an Uber just for the peace of mind.
Where to Eat in Puerto Vallarta
As you can imagine, Puerto Vallarta has no shortage of epic places to eat, but if you’re looking for recommendations, chances are it’s for Mexican food. Here are a few places I can recommend:
- Pancho’s Tacos – delicious and affordable tacos located in the Romantic Zone. The tacos al pastor here are incredible and almost melt in your mouth! There are also decent vegan options. Pancho’s Tacos opens at 4pm and there’s always a queue, so be prepared!
- Marisma Fish Taco – this place serves up what are (in my opinion) the best fish tacos in Puerto Vallarta. The fish is fried fresh for every order and the tacos are bigger than the standard street tacos, so ordering less is more here!
- Don Chava Taquieria Cantina – strong and delicious margaritas are the name of the game here. Or maybe it’s the mouth-watering quesadillas. Or maybe it’s the tacos al pastor… Whatever the reason is, people flock to this charming yet casual restaurant in droves. Prices are great, the food is great, the drinks are great, and the service is great!
How Many Days Should I Spend in Puerto Vallarta?
Three days in Puerto Vallarta is the perfect amount of time for a first visit. I recommend then moving on to Sayulita, Guadalajara or Mexico City if you’re on a longer trip.
Of course, many people only visit Puerto Vallarta on their trip to Mexico, in which case a week seems to be the most common amount of time to spend in Puerto Vallarta.
In terms of pure sightseeing this would be (in my opinion) too long, but if you’re spending some time chilling at a resort you’ll have a good balance of sightseeing and relaxing.
General Tips & FAQs for Visiting Puerto Vallarta
Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting?
Puerto Vallarta is definitely worth visiting! It’s beautiful, easy to navigate as a tourist and full of exciting places to eat and go out drinking. It’s also super, super gay-friendly, making it the perfect destination if you’re looking for a short getaway in the sun with a welcoming atmosphere.
That said, if you’re looking for cultural attractions, such as museums, or an “authentic” experience in Mexico, you’ll have to try a bit harder to find these in Puerto Vallarta compared to other Mexican cities.
Plus, although there are some stunning beaches once you get outside the city (I’m looking at you, Colomitos), the main beaches in Puerto Vallarta, whilst nice, aren’t anything to shout from the rooftops about.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is between April and June when the weather is pleasant but not too hot, the crowds are fewer, and there’s little rain. This makes it an ideal time to enjoy the beaches and other outdoor activities.
Is Puerto Vallarta Safe for Tourists?
Yes. Puerto Vallarta is very safe for tourists, and aside from some mild catcalling I never felt uncomfortable travelling as a solo female in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest cities in Mexico, and any of the more dangerous areas are far from the areas you’ll visit as a tourist.
According to Numbeo, Puerto Vallarta has a crime index score of 33.55 out of 100. For reference, my home city of London, England has a score of 53.79 and Denver, Colorado (I picked a random US city for reference) has a score of 44.82.
With all that said, basic safety tips apply in Puerto Vallarta like everywhere else. Don’t flash valuables, don’t get involved with drugs, keep your belongings secure and don’t walk in dark isolated streets by yourself late at night.
Water Safety in Puerto Vallarta
The main safety concern during your 3 days in Puerto Vallarta is probably food and water safety. My Google searches said that it’s fine to drink tap water in Puerto Vallarta, but all of the locals I spoke to said that it’s not and they do not drink it.
I prefer to do what the locals do for safety, so I recommend against drinking tap water here.
That leaves you with two options – purchase water from the supermarket, which creates a tonne of plastic waste, OR purchase a reusable filtering water bottle.
I used this water bottle on my trip to Mexico and I can happily confirm that it works and is totally safe to drink from! You can refill it from any tap or freshwater stream and it will be transformed into perfectly safe, drinkable water.
This bottle is now something I would never travel without! Click here to get yours!
What to Pack for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
You won’t need to pack anything specifically for Puerto Vallarta that wouldn’t already be on your Mexico packing list. There are a few travel essentials I always recommend for travel to warmer destinations on the coast, though:
- This quick-dry towel is my go-to! It dries super quickly, so you don’t have to carry a soggy towel around with you. It also rolls up into a tiny ball, and sand doesn’t stick to it. It’s perfect for a beach trip.
- Reef-friendly sunscreen is the way to go if you want to protect your skin without polluting and damaging the ocean and marine life in Mexico.
- This waterproof phone lanyard. If you want to go into the sea but don’t want to leave your valuables on the beach I can’t recommend getting one of these enough! I also love that the case is see-through, so you can take selfies and videos underwater!
- I recommend packing the Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish guidebook to help you to communicate.
Have a wonderful trip to Puerto Vallarta!
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