Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco in Mexico. It's a vacation destination, LGBT friendly, but also home to a lot of expats. PV was quite surprising, it's a very laid back, fun and vibrant city. They have great weather, amazing food and everyone speaks english which makes it a lot easier if you're not fluent in Spanish.
1. Walk the Malecon
The Malecon is a board walk in PV, it's mainly a shopping avenue. It's also where a lot of bars are so it is very animated at night. It's a nice place to go for a walk during the day, and it goes all the way to Zona Romantica.
2. Zona Romantica
Zona Romántica is the trendy, animated area of PV. It's were most of the tourist and expats go to. It has a LGBT bars, restaurants, courtyard cafes, art galleries, shops, etc. It's also along side the popular Los Muertos Beach Pier.
3. Go shopping at local markets or mall
Discover the local Markets, like Cuale Island Flea Market or Mercado Municipal Río Cuale. Or go to the Mall like La Isla, where you can find all the trendy clothing stored. There is also a Saturday market, where all the unsold branded clothes from the US are sold for just a few bucks.
4. Chocolate Museum
ChocoMuseo is a great activity to do while in PV. You learn the history of chocolate, but also how chocolate is made, and you'll make your own from start to finish.
5. Take a Boat ride to a nearby beach
Some of the beaches are not easily accessible by car, so you'll need to use a taxi boat to get you there. There are great quiet and local ones, like Quimixto or Yelapa. Just make sure to pay the boat guy at the very end on the way back, to ensure you have a ride back and you're not stranded on the beach.
6. Foods & bars
Some of my favorites have been:
You can find my full list on my article, where to get food and drinks in PV.
7. Go on an excursion
There are a few activities you can do like ATV in the city or mud truck in the forest. Go to the Marietas Islands, Los Arcos and so much more. Check out Viator, Airbnb experiences, or Atlast Obscura for ideas and tours.
8. Take a day trip to Sayulita and Punta Mita
Go to Nayarit, the nearby state and visit Sayulita or Punta mita. Sayulita is a small village that is the go-to destination for digital nomads. You can rent a golf cart to go around the center, enjoy the beach and market during the day, and join the vibrant nightlife at dawn.
9. Go to the beach
It can get very hot so a day at the beach is always welcomed. Playa Los Muertos is the most popular one as it's the one in Zona Romantica. But there is also smaller and more local beaches, like .Conchas Chinas.
10. Nightlife
A lot of people come to PV just for the nightlife. You can find great bars, and clubs. The entertainment is pretty cool, and the staff is generally very nice.
Other things you might find useful...
If you are looking to do some groceries, the supermarket La Comer is quite amazing, you can find everything. There is also a Costco just next to it, in case you are already a member.
If you are looking for a beauty salon, Artepil Spa is very good!
Check the weather for the best time to go, it can get pretty hot, and it's the time of humid hot where you're sweating just by seating and you just want to do nothing all day.
✈️ When to go |
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🏠 Where to stay |
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🧳 What to pack |
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🚕 Getting around |
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💡Things to know |
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