Puerto Vallarta occupies a rare space in Mexico’s travel landscape. It is neither a sleepy fishing village nor an overbuilt resort corridor, but a working Pacific port that has learned to balance tradition with tourism. Cobblestone lanes climb from the Bay of Banderas into the foothills of the Sierra Madre, while the malecón hums with evening walkers, street performers, and the smell of grilled marlin. For first-time visitors, the city can feel like a collection of pleasant contradictions: old-world charm next to modern galleries, quiet beaches minutes from buzzing nightlife, and jungle waterfalls within a short drive of downtown.
The geography itself shapes the experience. Puerto Vallarta sits on one of the largest and deepest natural bays in the world, which means the water stays relatively calm for swimming and boating. The tropical climate brings warm days most of the year, with a rainy season from June through October that turns the surrounding hills a deep, almost luminous green. Because the city stretches along the coast and up into the hills, neighborhoods have distinct personalities. The Zona Romántica offers a bohemian, walkable energy, while the Hotel Zone and Marina Vallarta feel more polished and resort-oriented.
Understanding the city’s layout helps you plan smarter. Downtown, or El Centro, is anchored by the parish church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the main plaza. Just south lies the Zona Romántica, also called Old Vallarta, where many of the best restaurants, boutique hotels, and the popular Playa Los Muertos are located. Further south, the coast becomes wilder and less developed, with beaches like Conchas Chinas, Mismaloya, and Boca de Tomatlán. Heading north, you will find the marina, golf courses, and long stretches of sand that feel more residential.
What makes Puerto Vallarta especially rewarding is that it works for many different travel styles. Food lovers can move from street-side taco stands to high-end Mexican kitchens without leaving the same neighborhood. Outdoor enthusiasts can snorkel at Los Arcos in the morning and hike to a waterfall by afternoon. Families can spend an easy day at a beach club, while couples might prefer a sunset sail or a quiet dinner overlooking the bay. The key is knowing which experiences are worth your time and which are simply tourist filler.
This guide focuses on experiences that hold up year after year. Rather than chasing trends, the list below highlights places and activities that give you a genuine sense of the region’s culture, nature, and daily life. Some are iconic, some are underrated, and all are accessible without an elaborate tour package. You can mix and match them depending on your energy, budget, and how many days you have.
Whether you are visiting for a long weekend or settling in for two weeks, these are the essential things to do in Puerto Vallarta. They are arranged to help you experience the bay, the mountains, the food, and the neighborhoods in a way that feels natural rather than rushed.
Cuale Island Flea Market
| Address | Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Great place overall to get some tourist gifts. Be prepared to bargain though because most of these prices are jacked up about double the cost to fool tourists in paying much more then these are worth.
For example, I was told these magnets are hand painted and they are 100 pesos for one. But they are literal pieces of paper printed out and put on cheap wood. Just check what you are buying because they will tell you anything to get you to buy the merchandise.
The best outdoor market in this city. Definitely worth taking the uber to.
Always fun and colourful to stroll - great little stores. Relaxed vibe- beautiful flowers, flags and products bring the space alive. A must stroll!
Lots of options for souvenirs. Clean and safe. Everyone was very friendly.
We heard that the Isla Cuale Market was the best in Puerto Vallarta, and so we had to check it out. We totally agree - it is THE best outdoor market in PV!! Even the journey to get there is scenic - you walk across a suspension bridge, and through a tunnel painted in beautiful artwork. You enter at pretty much the middle of the market, and either way you look, you see bright, vibrant colors everywhere. The variety of shops, the quality of merchandise, and the friendliness of the vendors - it all adds up to a wonderful shopping experience. Lots of the vendors are making their merchandise right there, so you can see how they are made, which is pretty neat. There is so much to see and do, and a bunch of places to eat as well. We had lunch at the River Cafe, and it was delicious!! We got there right as the market opened, so it was nice and cool, but even as the day got hotter, it stayed cool down in the market. This is definitely the place to go if you want a great local shopping experience.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens AC
| Address | Carretera Puerto Vallarta, Carr. Costera a Barra de Navidad Km 24, 48425 Jal., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 322 223 6182 |
Very beautiful place! Hummingbirds, peacocks, parrots, and other tropical birds everywhere. The flowers are amazing. The staff is so friendly and the restaurant has great food and drinks. There is a taxi stand there that will take you anywhere and I heard a bus goes by but we didn’t take it(the cost for four of us wasn’t that much cheaper on the bus). We didn’t go on the Jaguar trail, but covered the rest of the park, including seeing the river, in about two hours and we had 70 year olds with us. The swinging bridge is very swingy, so be ready!
I came here yesterday and it was AMAzing! If you love nature, you will be thrilled. I basically just wandered around and saw tons of plants, trees, flowers, birds, butterflies, memorials, art...it's like taking your favorite California nursery and multiplying it by 1,000 😊
There are different places to sit, electric fans, peacocks who want to show off, and the gorgeous chapel which was so whimsical inside it made my jaw drop 🦋 🦋 🦋 No matter what photos you see of the gardens it will never do it justice. Just go see for yourself.
The restaurant is perched above with a view of the hills and river. There are hummingbird feeders hung near every table, so you have a constant show. If you are a bird watcher, besides these guys there are plenty of birds to see so bring binoculars! 🐦 🐦⬛ 🌸
The food at the restaurant looked delicious, but I only got dessert because why not? The coconut cake was fantastic and the service was friendly and attentive.
Since it was Sunday I took an Uber for about $23 US from 5 Diciembre for a 45 minute ride. On the way back I took the bus which comes every 1/2 hour and the stop is across the road. It drops you at the beginning of town, so I meandered the rest of the way, but you can walk one street down and get another bus or Uber. There wasn't cell service at the gardens, so the bus or taxi seem like solid options to get back.
Entry fee is 300 pesos and they had a sign saying so discounts 😆
Hot tips....bring bug repellent and reapply....away from the plants 🪴 🌿 Bring water with electrolytes and maybe a hat...it was nice and breezy with shade in some places, but of course it's still hot if you'rein the sun. As for the bugs, it's not like bugs are attacking you. I was fine for the 1st hour, but maybe I walked into a buggy area or my spray wore off, so I had to reapply a little. I was itchy for a couple minutes, so nothing extreme. You will be happy if you bring spray and water for sure 😎
It's also dog friendly, but only on leash and I didn't see any dogs when I was there. It was a little hot in the middle of the day. 🐶❤️
Absolutely stunning!
Bring reef friendly sunscreen and swim wear and enjoy the river! Bug spray is a must.
Enjoy the restaurant on site! The gift shop has some beautiful items and in some cases for a cheaper price than in town.
It's absolutely magical and I wish I could have gone back multiple times or at least with even more time. Download the maps ahead of time as the Internet connection isn't great. There are easy trails down to the water...and harder trails. I'm glad we took the Jaguar trail DOWN and figured out there's an easy trail UP.
Super easy to get to with the city bus.
Bring binoculars!
Beautiful gardens and butterflies. The restaurant is fabulous with a porch and lovely breeze highlighting a refreshing lunch and drinks. Impeccable service. If coming via Uber be sure to arrange a return or wait for 25 minutes for a cab.
Beautiful experience and spot to have breakfast/lunch! Food was great and such great service—very friendly. I had the chilaquiles, a classic, with both red and green sauces and it was some of the best I’ve had. My partner had an omelette tacos and enjoyed that.
It rained while we were there which was still nice, so had it been nicer it would’ve been even better walking around and seeing all their beautiful plant life and birds they have living on property.
Jorullo Puente Colgante
| Address | Camino Los Llanito km. 4.5 Los Almacenes, 48373 Puerto Vallarta, Jal Camino Los LLanitos KM 4.5 Los Almacenes, 48373, 48373 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 322 122 8231 |
This was definitely my favorite thing we did while visiting PV! We all had our own ATVs, which made it even more fun! Got to stop at a beautiful waterfall where you can take a dip. Tour guides were amazing. The front part of our group were thrill seekers which was so much fun to be a part of, bc we got to go pretty fast. They accommodated my aunt whom wanted to go much slower and allowed her to be at the back of the group. Allowed fun for everyone. 😀
We booked this tour through the resort we stayed at. Worth every penny!! Will definitely do this again when we visit the area!
Wonderful experience, staff were very friendly, helpful, and hospital able.
Did the day pass. Enjoyed the glass view deck, the bridge and the pool, good food and service.
The drive to the park was scenic and charming as well.
We went here through a prepaid trip via Canopy River activities from our hotel stay at Villa La Estancia. Excellent adventure! We, a family of 4, opted for the RTV experience, and it included an adventurous high-speed drive on the muddy/sandy/dusty mountain roads with several curves, ups and downs. They give helmets, bandanas, and goggles to protect your head but the experience was thrilling. My family, including my wife and 2 daughters enjoyed the thrilling experience. This included crossing over two suspension wooden bridges and a brief stop over to experience the El Salto water fall where some others enjoyed a small jump into the river! Overall a thrilling half a day experience. Be ready to get dirty covered with dust and sand and mud and get wet! The restaurant at the return spot has hot and good food waiting for you to order and quench your hunger after the adventurous ride!
Definitely a good place to take beginners to do offroad on ATVs. There was some rock climbing and seeing the waterfall.
Had a great time! The staff was great, the equipment was well maintained, and the terrain was a lot of fun. You'll get wet here and there as they have a couple overhead sprinklers that pour on you as you drive through them. The place where you begin and end your adventure is very nice, with terrific views of the valley.
Butterfly Sanctuary Mariposario Jardin Magico
| Address | C. Golondrina 60, Campo Verde, 48290 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | 322 239 3921 |
We had a really fantastic experience here; our guide (I wish I could remember his name) was extremely knowledgeable and charming. He was able to tell us everything you could ever want to know about the native butterflies of the area! We saw (and at times heard) several species of butterflies; we even witnessed a few fresh butterflies emerging from their chrysalides. At the end, we got to name and release our own butterflies!
The sanctuary itself is a little out of the way from the touristy parts of Vallarta, but it's definitely worth the taxi/Uber over. It's a beautiful place doing great work for conservation education.
10/10 experience! My boyfriend and I brought his daughter here as she is obsessed with butterflies. It was just a group of us and another couple with their son for a 12pm on a Saturday so it felt intimate. The tucked away conservancy is beautiful and so informative! I am so thankful they are doing such thoughtful work for these beautiful creatures. We learned so much that we never knew about butterflies. We were impressed with Danilo’s English and was very thankful of being so accommodating to our group. He was amazing with the kids, and the butterfly release is so special!
I would highly recommend this as an easy 1 hour or so activity for the family and so many beautiful photo opps with butterflies flying all around you!
Adrian was extremely knowledgeable. We didn't really know what to expect driving down the road and arriving. The place is tucked back into the forest pretty well. What they are doing with butterflies there is remarkable. Very educational experience we all enjoyed. Glad we went.
We did the private guided tour, and it was worth every moment. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and fluent in both English and Spanish. They have 15 native species currently and we got to learn so many amazing facts, like what butterflies sound like when they fight and how to identify males and females.
As an added bonus for dog lovers, they have several dogs they rescued from rough situations that are living their best lives.
This experience was fabulous! Fabian, the owner, has created a beautiful space for learning about butterflies. He’s very passionate and it comes through. We even got to release some butterflies! He took us to one of his favorite places for lunch and that was really fun also. Highly recommend.
Los Muertos Beach Pier
| Address | Francisca Rodríguez 121, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Los Muertos Beach Pier in Puerto Vallarta is the great spot to relax after a busy day wandering the city around.
As the sun begins to set, the views become absolutely stunning, with vibrant colors reflecting off the water and also great place to see the green flash just right before the sunset.
Overall, it’s a must-visit spot if you’re in Puerto Vallarta.
In Puerto Vallarta, I often return to Los Muertos Beach Pier to meditate, take pictures, and simply be. Facing the vast Pacific Ocean in Banderas Bay, time seems to slow. There is something profoundly serene yet quietly melancholic about this place: alive with color, movement, and possibility. The rhythm of the waves invites reflection, the horizon stirs longing, and the air hums with a vibrant excitement that gently awakens the soul. Here, I find both stillness and motion, solitude and connection, all coexisting in perfect harmony.
Every time I go to Puerto Vallarta I go to Los Muertos Beach Pier. I enjoy walking from the entrance to the malecon all the way to the Pier. I try to do that everyday if I can. There is plenty to see on the way but the best part is the Pier at night because the lighting makes it look great. On both sides of the Pier you can see people swimming in the sea and restaurants with music as well. Plus all the boats by the Pier coming and going during the day. At night there are not many boats leaving the Pier but it looks beautiful with all the boats out there.
I highly recommend a visit to the Pier at night and during the day. It is such a beautiful sight always.
Beautiful place to check out! Very busy around sunset but what a great view!
It was also lovely to see it around Christmas time all decorated up.
Gorgeous views of the sea and the beach. Absolutely amazing at sunrise and sunset. We were there on Christmas and it was beautifully lit up. It was absolutely packed and for good reason. What a view, what amazing vibe. Unforgettable and spectacular
Puerto Vallarta Malecon
| Address | Paseo Díaz Ordaz S/N, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Dec 31, 2025
New Years Eve along the Malecón, breathtaking, sand, ocean, waves, beautiful meal at Serrano’s Meat House, watched the fireworks ‘n drones along the ocean at Canto del Mar Beach 🏖️
What an incredible experience surrounded by beautiful scenery, to end the evening streets are blocked off in Romance Zone district for a street dance 💃 🕺 how cool is that!! DJ blaring out the music 🎶 you cannot help but dance ‘n move with the beat on street or side walks. I took the safer route staying off the cobble stones. There were lots lots lots of people. Not once was there issues in the crowd, I felt very safe. So much fun. 🤩
Please enjoy my memories I am sharing.
Colleen
Fun place to walk, try local tacos, and soak in the vibrant energy of the city. It’s lively with people, vendors, and local shops, and features beautiful statues that reflect regional history and folk tales. We visited both during the day and at night and felt safe the whole time. Family friendly with a great atmosphere and wonderful ocean views.
Fun place to see at night and during the day. Lots of action and pretty good food vendors. You must make an effort to carve some of your time to visit here
We walk it every morning, sometimes two or more times. You never get tired of the sound of the waves hitting the shoreline. I especially like the rock tumbling area, where the waves tumble large rocks in the surf, sounding like distant thunder.
Amazing place to walk and snack all the way. It was vibrant and full energy. Lots of people and vendors. Numerous things to eat and drink and beautiful statues reflecting history and folk tales. Family friendly and safe. Lots of police on duty making one feel safe and secure. We absolutely loved the place and kept going for dinner, lunch or just snack while enjoying the vibe.
VidantaWorld
| Address | MPVJ+6P, 63735 Jarretaderas, Nayarit, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 800 292 9446 |
We came here to watch the Cirque du Soleil and this review is just about the venue.
We've lived in PV part-time for years, and it's our first time here, and the place is amazing. We Ubered from ZR and got dropped off in the area, then a mini shuttle took us to the main spot.
The grounds are super well-kept, and all the plants around are looking good.
The lagoon is gorgeous, and so is the water feature.
We didn't do the dinner and show package at the Cirque; instead, we grabbed an early dinner at one of the pavilions.
The staff are friendly and helpful. The cocktails are incredible, I wanted more, but I knew they'd give us champagne and appetizers during the show.
The food is pretty decent. I got the cochinita pibil, and it was tasty. The half roasted chicken is delicious.
I probably won't come here often because of how far it is and the traffic.
One star. Absolutely shocking guest management and concierge communication at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta.
The check-in and visitor access system was completely disorganized from beginning to end.
Our clients paid a fortune to stay at this resort, yet despite them going personally to the concierge multiple times to register our names and announce our arrival, we still could not get past the valet parking area. The communication between the concierge and security staff appears completely broken.
Meanwhile, when these same guests came to visit us at the Mio Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, they walked right in without hassle, interrogation, or confusion.
At Vidanta, however, we were treated like a problem despite being invited guests of paying members. Four people on our tour — all financially capable potential future clients — wanted to see the property and experience the resort. Vidanta lost that opportunity entirely through incompetence and mismanagement.
To make matters worse, we were told it would cost approximately $40 USD just to have someone pushed in a wheelchair. Completely unacceptable considering the prices guests already pay to stay here.
The concierge service was essentially useless. Days of attempts by the guests to register us led nowhere. No coordination. No clarity. No accountability.
We never made it past the parking lot.
For a luxury resort, the level of disorganization was honestly embarrassing.
Wow, just WOW!!! An amazing show. The best we have seen. Worth the money!!! One of the best meals and presentation EVER. Staff extraordinary. Desserts out of this world. Must Do. The grounds around arena were Amazing. Loved every minute of it from start to finish.
Went to see circus de sola Ludo. It's a long walk in but worth it. The theater is amazing with water tanks (pools) that circle the inside and are actually part of the amazing show. The doors in & out go through the tanks. The divers come to the windows & fistbump the children as the crowd leaves. Highly recommend. The food is great too with a presentation that goes with the show. But that's only a part of VidantaWorld. It's a theme park with many great rides, event, shops & restaurants for kids & adults. I think the rides may be closed right now because of the massive construction going on. The gondola ride over to the park is breathtaking!
We went to Ludo. AMAZING! And dont forget the water shows afterwards. Yes, pricey, but worth every pesos and more. We had the incredibly presentation of dinner and desert before the show. The show was outstanding.
Pirate Ship Vallarta
| Address | H. Escuela Naval Militar S/N Zona Hotelera Norte, Zona Hotelera, Área Militar de Vallarta, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 322 223 3154 |
4.5 STARS — Our group of six enjoyed last night’s show. The food was surprisingly very good. Three of us got the salmon which was perfectly cooked: slightly crispy yet super moist. The heat was intense at first but they got us drinks pretty quickly and kept them coming (until our server had to join the act). The tiny waters were warm however and my requests for water were disregarded at the end after dancing which is when I needed water the most (besides arrival) because staff were focused on getting their tips as people left. (Thus, my spouse didn’t tip as much.)
My kids are in college which was the perfect age for this pirate-themed partying boat. Fun music, silly antics, nice crew, and dancing at the end was much enjoyed.
This a nice experience. My only issue I had was the woman inside the ticket booth at the store who rude to my husband, when he asked her a simple question about the ship. I did let a supervisor know. The crew on the boat were very attentive it was a fun experience you are there for a while, but they do offer a meal and free drinks. Would recommend going!!!
Great day out. Must do if you have kids.
Some folks have said in their reviews about coercion for tips, absolutely not the case. They were very chill and respectful. We got the pictures too.
Food was great.
I cannot say enough how great it was from start to finnish! What a great crew and show these guys put on! All the guys and gals are so good but i think we did manage to have the best if the best " alligator" he truly went way out of his way to make us feel welcome and make our experience very special and how much "Griselda" was with the kids , especially because it was my Birthday 🎂 if your thinking of going, do it! You wont regret it! And the food way great! Music dj was great
Expensive! But totally worth it. Food was delicious and show was amazing. Please note there was very crude pirate humor tailored towards adults. Super lo did not understand the inuendos. Fireworks were great!
Malecon Boardwalk Vallarta
| Address | Paseo Díaz Ordaz s/n, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | 322 779 7191 |
Enjoyable time watching ocean view, shops and restaurants. Works of art are highlighted along the way and many colorful crafted items are for sale in shops. Lots of restaurants so go hungry 🤤
What a beautiful experience. There are no cars allowed, it’s just walking and bikes. It is right along the ocean and there are so many photo opportunities. Lots of places to eat and sit. This is a must see for sure.
3/4/25It’s a closed to cars beautiful walk way area next to the ocean with a lot of bars for night life and a lot of peddlers selling souvenirs like fridge magnets. A few art work sculptures to take memory pictures and spectacular view to ocean.
So much art and a beautiful place to walk. Get lost in the streets and enjoy the views.
Always beautiful for a stroll anytime of the day or evening. Picturesque, entertaining, many shops, bars, restaurants, money exchanges and banks, and live entertainment with a backdrop of the beautiful bay, boats and famous Vallarta sunsets and live performers. Also many food vendors along the malecon and nearby the Church de Guadeloupe.
Palo Maria waterfall
| Address | 48399 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Tucked away like a little secret, this small waterfall feels almost unreal. The water is crystal clear, gently cascading into a shallow pool where dozens of tiny fish swim around your feet. It’s peaceful, refreshing, and surprisingly lively at the same time. A perfect hidden spot to cool off, relax, and feel completely connected to nature. We walked around 20min, I would say it’s not a difficult hike at all, and a path is easy to find too, you even can see it from the road.
A quaint and adventurous walk through the jungle leads you to this refreshing waterfall and natural pool. I hadn’t been here in a while, and coming back reminded me that visiting during the dry season probably isn’t ideal if you’re hoping for a strong waterfall flow.
That said, it’s still a really nice hike, and the pond is a beautiful spot to cool off and relax for a bit.
This is a gorgeous place to visit and go for a swim in a natural pool at the bottom of the fall. It's a 45 minute hike one way with 50% easy and 50% rocky terrain with a few river crossings to get to the 2st fall. With 3 boys aged 7, 12 and 14 took us 1 hour because of no markings on the trial. Easy access from downtown PV by bus. The water is crystal clear and refreshing. The hike us in a jungle setting with birds and butterflies flying around. I suggest shoes you are fine wetting. I did cross the river barefoot but this added time to the trek for removing and putting them back on. Lots of locals and tourists alike. Not super crowded but not a ghost trial either.
There is no fee to walk there. No facilities whatsoever.
What an amazing place to visit!
The hike is actually quite easy—especially if you start from the bridge. Overall, it’s definitely worth the effort. You’re going to break a sweat, but that’s part of the experience and the excitement—especially for first-timers who aren't familiar with the trail.
If you take it at a relaxed pace, the hike takes about an hour. But trust me—do it. You won’t regret it.
It’s a great idea to make it a full-day adventure. Bring some snacks and drinks with you. I didn’t know this at first, but I heard there’s a second and even a third waterfall deeper in if you keep going.
Finally, a tour is available for this site, don't pay it. Do it for free.
An absolutely worthwhile hike! You don't need to hire a guide. We started in Garza Blanca Resort and although we did go with the group, the group leader had a key to get us through the gate in the fence period to avoid that you simply start at the road and hike up the stream bed which isn't really that much longer.
It is definitely worth the risk and effort to climb the crappy Mexican fixed ropes on the left side of the first waterfall to reach the base of the second waterfall. Just be careful and don't blow it.
My video is of the upper waterfall where most people don't go. The photograph is of the upper waterfall, and also looking down on the pool at the base of the lower waterfall
Hill of the Cross Viewpoint
| Address | Abasolo LB, Cerro, 48304 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
This is a great local thing to do. Pick a cloudy day and earlier in the day if you can. The walk is moderate for the ones in shape. It will take you between 10 and 15 minutes in that case to get to the top. It is a mix of stairs and steep pavement with grooves to help with the traction.
Once you get to the top, you will not regret your sweat. The views cannot be beaten in Puerto Vallarta. You can see the entire bay almost from the middle of the bay.
The path is clean. No tickets are needed, it is a free attraction.
If you are driving there, park on street just below the first incline. During the busy season, you may want to consider Uber to drop you off at the same location at the base of the walk.
A good way to see the city and a view of the entire bay. Highly recommend suggest going in the afternoon or evening towards sunset when the temperature is cooler. Best of all this location is free. Also, for those looking for a good stair or climbing workout climbing the hill is great exercise.
We visited around 2 PM on a Wednesday — definitely not the best idea because the heat was intense 🥴. The climb is quite steep and challenging, but the breathtaking views at the top make every burning step worth it. It’s absolutely a spot you should add to your itinerary. This is FREE.
One thing to note: the washrooms were closed during our visit. We’re not sure if they open only at certain times or if they’re currently closed indefinitely.
What a beautiful spot to visit. Have your breath taken away by the views, and the hike 😂, or just sit beneath the cross and pontificate on life. I walked here from cruise ship, which is about 4 miles and mostly flat. The last mile begins the elevation gains and then the final stair climb will make you hate your physical trainer, but it's well worth it. Plenty of time to recover at the top. During the hotter season, leave as early as possible. Make sure you pre hydrate, bring water, and start off with a good snack. When ready to head back, walking down to the melacon and hit a beach front joint for some fish tacos and cervesas
Was driven up to the top of the road so the stairs were not that bad. It was quite easy really and i am not that young. Lots of different views to look at. Went to the top and sat for an hour there. Could even see the whales in the ocean. Other people came and went without taking the view in. Really so much to look at. It gorgeous. When we left we walked back to the Malecon. Visited a church there, so Beautiful. Spent the whole day there. If you get a chance to go do this, do it. Wear proper shoes for walking or you might be sorry. Enjoy.
Vallarta Adventures | Terminal Marítima
| Address | N Puerto Mágico, Heroica Escuela Naval, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 322 226 8413 |
What an amazing adventure! I would recommend this excursion to anyone! We went as a family with our kids ages 11, 14, 16, and 18. Our youngest was scared but loved every bit of the adventure! Tommy was an amazing guide! Lancer knew my name from the first introduction and remembered it the entire day. Victor and Karim were helpful too. We felt safe and cared for the entire day and would do this again over and over!! Thanks for a wonderful time!!
These guys are so great! Decided last minute to do the beach excursion with some snorkeling. The staff was friendly, respectful and took care of us. Definitely the best part of our trip! Ruben was the best! Kept our drinks filled and took lots of pictures for us. This was an amazing value for the price!
Best tours we've had ever!!
We've booked tours with Vallarta Adventures everytime we've visited these past few years. Highly reccoment the Marietas and bbq beach tour!! The teams, this year Dani y su equipo, are always amazing at their job, very entertaining and ready for any questions onboard. The tours are done simultaneously in Spanish and English.
The snorkeling is always fun and beginner friendly and the beach lunch included with our tour was fab like always. The beach is LUSH and amazing to swim in, plus they have bannana boats and other stuff to use all included. There's always time to rest onboard inbetween segments of the tour and the drinks onboard are great.
Muchas gracias a todo los equipos que tienen ¡Son geniales!
My family and I had an amazing time with Danny Boat Six! We visited La Caletas, Puerto Vallarta and had such a wonderful day enjoying the beautiful beach and all the activities included in the tour. The food and drinks were also included, which made the experience even better.
The customer service was excellent, and the entire crew made us feel welcome and well taken care of. We had such a great time and would highly recommend this tour company to anyone looking for a fun and memorable day.
We will definitely be coming back! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
San Sebastián is a cute town in the mountains which was part of the silver boom up until 1925. Our tour guides were personable and extremely knowledgeable and made the visit to the town a day to remember. Lunch was good and stopped at a local tequila distillery and coffee plantation. A wonderful day and tour we would highly recommend.
Practical Tips for Visiting Puerto Vallarta
A little preparation goes a long way in Puerto Vallarta, especially if you want to avoid common frustrations and travel with confidence. These tips come from observing how the city works day to day, not from a one-time vacation snapshot. They will help you save money, stay comfortable, and treat the place and its people with respect.
First, use pesos rather than U.S. dollars for everyday purchases. Many businesses accept dollars, but the exchange rate they offer is usually worse than what you would get at a bank or ATM. Withdraw pesos from a reputable bank ATM inside a store or bank lobby, and decline the ATM’s dynamic currency conversion when prompted. Second, get comfortable with the local bus system. Buses run frequently along the main coastal road, cost just a few pesos, and connect downtown with the Hotel Zone, Marina, and points south. It is safe, affordable, and a good way to see how locals move through the city. Third, do not underestimate the sun and humidity. The ocean breeze can make the heat feel gentler than it is, so carry water, use reef-safe sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon. Fourth, learn a few Spanish phrases. In tourist areas you will find English widely spoken, but a simple “buenos días” or “gracias” goes a long way in markets, taxis, and smaller neighborhoods. Finally, support local businesses directly. Eat at family-run restaurants, buy from artisans at cooperatives or markets, and tip fairly. Tourism is a major part of the local economy, and spending thoughtfully helps keep the city’s culture intact.
Puerto Vallarta rewards travelers who slow down enough to notice the details: the way the cobblestones gleam after a rain, the sound of church bells mixing with mariachi music, the sight of pelicans diving into the bay at dusk. You do not need a packed itinerary to understand the city. Sometimes the best hour of the day is simply sitting on the malecón with a fresh coconut or walking through the Zona Romántica before the shops open.
The experiences above will give you a strong foundation, but leave room for spontaneity. Talk to your server, ask a gallery owner about their favorite beach, or follow a side street you have not walked before. Puerto Vallarta has a way of revealing itself slowly, and the memories that stay with you are often the ones you never planned.
