Things to do

The List of 22 Top Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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Mexico's beautiful city, Puerto Vallarta is situated in the state of Jalisco. Besides the nice sandy coasts, the city boasts pretty good nightlife.

Originally a fishing city, it boasts many tourists visiting because of its beautiful beaches and of course its Malecon. The city is also well known for great Mexican food as well as for snorkeling and whale watching within the area.

Besides, there are more things to do in Puerto Vallarta:

1. Enjoy A Sunset Walk on El Malecón

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Popular tourist attraction El Malecon is a 2 km long promenade by the sea where people can just walk or enjoy the view. There is no car access, so you may walk or bike around the area freely.

By evening, the sky appears to be so glamorous and beautiful and the water of the ocean compliments the scenery. You can take a break at Cheeky Monkey and El Patron to watch the sunset with a cup of drink.

The Malecon is also decorated with art, and shops and people are performing some tricks so it is always enjoyable.

2. Find Best Restaurants And Bars At Zona Romántica

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Romantic Area or Zona Romantica is a place that belongs not only to lovers. The wonderful and very picturesque, small paved streets are packed with excellent shops, restaurants, and cafes.

You can spend the whole day admiring the spirit of both typical and contemporary Mexican culture here. Also, explore the side streets of unique colonial architecture, and delicious street foods. If the weather is perfect for a walk along the beach and watch the sunset from the pier.

This is Vallarta's old town with the best vibe for any age and better than the touristy Malacon! After dark the nightlife is rocking with all the cool bars and endless entertainment.

3. Swim With Dolphins

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There are dozens of whale-watching tours in Puerto Vallarta. This tour provided by Wildlife Connection is the one to pick. The tour guides are truly marine biologists who know all about the mating and feeding habits of whales and other marine mammals.

The talk at the beginning of the tour is most informative. After that, you go out in small, comfortable yet maneuverable boats with an excellent driver. The guides don't just know the technicalities of marine mammals but know where to position the boat based on the activity of the creatures.

You will see over a dozen whales. And, by the end of the tour, you get up very close to some slow-surfacing whales, maybe 50 feet away.

4. Go To Muelle de Playa Los Muertos

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A beautiful and iconic spot to take in the scenery and people-watching. It is one of the very busy local and tourist attractions Puerto Vallarta.

If you come early in the morning, you can watch the town wake up with restaurants getting ready to open for business, fishermen readying their boats and joggers. In the afternoon, you can see the sun seekers and thrill seekers on the banana boats. A fun place to take it all in.

This pier is located right in the heart of the Malecon. Make sure to visit during the day and at night to get the full feel of the area. The lit-up structure is stunning at night.

5. Savor Seafood At Noroc

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This is a beautiful restaurant that provides its guests with a beautiful sunset location along with the indoor feeling of a water theme. It offers each fine dining diner from delicious meals to invigorating host services.

The design of the restaurant is great. You have an option to eat beside the sand or under a tent just a few steps from the sand. The inside is well laid with water fountains all over and opened to the beach and the Bay area.

Every table is circular to permit people to face one another for conversation. The Kitchen is clean, as are the restrooms and this portrays a great image of the owners, as well as the employees.

6. Snorkel At Los Arcos Marine Park

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The park has many magnificent geological features such as stone arches which give the park its name. More specifically you will be able to see fish of different colors, different types of corals, and numerous flocks of pelicans and other types of seabirds.

It is perfect for snorkeling since the water is relatively clear and you can observe lots of fish closely. The park is situated far from the coast of PV Mexico and is suitable for one-day boat trips.

The park is the first of its kind in Mexico which is a federally protected area to take care of marine life and tourist.

7. Climb The Mirador de La Cruz

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Mirador de La Cruz (Lookout on Cross Hill) is one flagship landmark and one of the must-have things to do in Mexico Puerto Vallarta. From the top, you get a spectacular view of Puerto Vallarta city, the Bay of Banderas, and other parts of the region.

On clear days one could easily see Punta Mita towards the North and Los Arcos towards the South. The lookout is not only well known for its geological importance but also a historical place with a big cross on the top.

A pleasant and quite energetic affair is hiking to the top of the hill since it provides an opportunity to see upper city districts and feel the spirit of street life.

8. Witness The Rhythms of the Night Dinner Show

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This awesome event blends a boat trip during the sunset several miles off the shore to get to an offshore island. It is followed by a candle-lit dinner and finally cultural troupe performance. The night starts with a romantic boat ride through huge Banderas Bay.

During the ride feel the warmth of the air and the beautiful scenery of the Puerto Vallarta skyline sipping on your favorite cocktail from the open bar. The main show known as the Rhythms of the Night is a notable show based on music, dance, and acrobatics.

Staged in the theatre with an outdoor setting accompanied by the natural scenery of rain forest, the show is about the unity of man and nature.

9. Offer Prayers At Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

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Locally referred to as the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, this is a beautiful building and essentially the Catholic Church in town.

The church is however a combination of two architectural designs due to the growth of the town of Puerto Vallarta into a city. The main chapel is neo-classical in style as is the bell tower which looks more like a Renaissance structure.

Marriage ceremonies are often held here and when it is a festive season like Christmas, Mexican customs and ceremonies are performed. It is, therefore, a great tour since attendees get to witness these rich cultural festivals firsthand.

10. Experience The Artistic Soul of Marina Vallarta

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The marina features marvelous art pieces some of which include the Ballena Vallarta sculpture, a gift for mothers by Octavio Gonzalez Gutierrez. Tourists can analyze several art galleries of various types of local as well as international artworks like the International Gallery and Galeria Amores.

Art and Market Marina Vallarta is held every Thursday night with more than 200 offers showcasing handmade products, wines from the region, and different types of food to give a cultural touch.

During the evening, the marina is filled with yachts, and ocean views become a beautiful sight for photography sessions or romantic walks in the evenings.

11. Stay At Pier 57

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This contemporary classy hotel features ocean views, a roof-top deck, and a strategic location to some of the town's key excitement areas in Puerto Vallarta. Pier 57 is surrounded by the nearby Playa de los Muertos widely recognized as one of Puerto Vallartas most active beaches.

The facilities are intended to provide you with comfort, and some of them are two-bedroom condominiums with a kitchen, ensuite bath, dining area, sitting room, television, etc.

If you want to organize your accommodation in Pier 57, you should use one of the online platforms, such as Booking.com or Make My Trip. These websites contain complete details regarding the property, the rates and facilities, and guest reviews.

12. Roam Around Isla Rio Cuale

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A calm place that provides vacationers with an opportunity to unwind in the middle of a noisy city. This slim island was created in 1926 after a hurricane changed the direction of the Cuale River; it is in the colorful Zona Romantica.

Tourists can take a walk in the natural environment, attend museums and galleries, and have a nice cup of coffee and a scrumptious meal at cozy restaurants such as River Cafe.

There is also a Cuale Archaeological Museum on the island and a vibrant market where locals will be seen displaying handiwork. For lovers of history and art, along with exquisite local flavor, Isla Rio Cuale will always be one of the interesting Mexico Puerto Vallarta things to do.

13. Admire The Colorful Garden of Vallarta Botanical Garden

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The garden is nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountain range and is two hours drive south of Puerto Vallarta. The Vallarta Botanical Garden occupies 79 acres; it is one of the most significant and vital tropical landscaped gardens at the moment.

You may take time and enjoy the colors of flowers such as the orchids, bromeliads, and rhododendrons. Also, take a well-articulated trail leading to Rio Horcones' calm shores.

Try Mexican food at the Hacienda del Oro Restaurant as you tour this natural wonder of Mexico.

14. Take A Trip To Majahuitas Beach Club House

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Majahuitas Beach Club is situated just to the south of Puerto Vallarta and is only reachable by boat which gives guests a peaceful retreat from the busy city. This beach club is quite famous for its beautiful nature, delicious food prepared by top chefs, and exciting beach parties on Saturday and Sunday.

Take your time to relax on Balinese chairs, sip homemade special cocktails, and try the water fun: kayaking and paddle boarding. And when the sun is setting follow the sounds of the night live music and appreciate the isolation and beautiful scenery of this place.

Book your ticket now for upcoming events.

15. Discover the World of Chocolate At ChocoMuseo

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A visit to ChocoMuseo is one of the highlights of things to do in Puerto Vallarta Mexico and is more than just a trip to a cocoa plantation. It ushers customers into the realm of chocolate.

You find numerous opportunities to participate in creating different sweet items based on cacao here, offering interesting workshops. Starting from the Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop, which is a class on roasting and grinding beans, to the Chocolate Truffles Workshop in which participants make their own flavored ganache and truffles, all classes are a mesmerizing tour of the taste buds.

Have fun whilst making and consuming hot Mexican chocolate and take home your creations.

16. Hike Jorullo Point For Spectacular Views

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This exciting tour allows you to explore the subtropical wilderness with stunning panorama and animal sights. The best feature of the walk is the newly built glass floor at Jorullo Point; it affords a breathtaking 360-degree view of the forest.

If ever you find yourself in this glass structure there is an adrenaline rush from when you scan different mountains around the structure. This tour ranges from 2 to 3 hours and, after the trek, there's a brief session of tequila tasting to celebrate after the trek.

Thus combining nature, adventure, and Mexico spirit.

17. Ziplining In Canopy River Park

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You can move on long cables and course through the air over the Jungle and Rivers. There is much to do at Canopy River Park, such as ziplining, all-terrain vehicle trips, and even horseback tours, all in the park.

The zipline course has several lines that take the rider above gorgeous green trees and serpentine rivers. It's certainly a lot of fun to be able to take a look at the natural beauty that surrounds us.

The guides are always informed on how to ensure the guests' safety and this way you are free to enjoy the experience. People can take a mule ride up the mountain once they have ziplined.

18. Explore Mangroves And Wildlife At Estero El Salado Protected Natural Area

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This special place is in the middle of the city and is very useful to the environment. It has many different types of plants and animals, bird life, crocodiles, and monkey life.

One can also take a guided tour to learn about the mangroves and their role in protecting this city from a storm. The visits may be accompanied by a boat trip through the mangroves where several animal sightings could be permitted.

It may also be noted that Estero El Salado is also an area where people can work hard to protect nature, and as such a visit is always supportive of that cause.

19. Enjoy A Relaxing Evening Cruise Around Banderas Bay

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You can go on a pleasant boat ride and watch the sunset on the water. Most cruises include food such as cheese and appetizers and free-flowing drinks from a bar as part of the package.

For instance, the Rhythms of the Night cruise is a dinner-and-a-show kind of beach event. Lovely music plays in the background and you can take wonderful pictures of amazing nature.

The atmosphere is deeply relaxing, and the scene is peaceful, with the ocean forming an unending backdrop to the pretty picture of Puerto Vallarta. Such tours take anything from one and a half to two hours hence giving you ample time to make the best of the event.

20. Unwind And Enjoy The Nature At Las Caletas

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You can lay on the hammock and feel very relaxed. Las Caletas is an attractive site that was the residence of an outstanding movie director, John Huston.

It is one of the most extraordinary beaches which can only be accessed through a boat. There you can lie in hammocks that are even over the water, which is pretty awesome.

The venue also provides options for snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle boarding. Moreover, if you want to experience further relaxation go for a massage at the spa. Hammocks are lying under trees as well so that the visitors can get shade. A great place to unwind and enjoy nature.

21. Explore The Sierra Madre Mountains On Horseback

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You can go for some adventurous rides through picturesque tracks accompanied by thick tracts of green forests, and get a fairly good glimpse of many animals including birds, deer, and monkeys.

These tours require horses and they are provided by such companies as Rancho Capomo and Nakawe Adventures. They have perfectly polite horses for new and experienced riders.

The mountains are scenic with rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls as a bonus for horseback riding. Tours usually feature visiting waterfalls like the 20-meter Las Palmas Waterfall where you could take a swim.

22. Travel From Las Ánimas to Quimixto’s Enchanting Waterfall

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First, you have to go to Boca de Tomatan from Puerto Vallarta. There are buses or a private car which will take you approximately thirty minutes to get to Boca de Tomatlan. Following that, one can take a water taxi to Las Animas Beach.

Once there trek through Quimixto. This trek is of medium difficulty level. On arriving at Quimixto there are many opportunities for exploring the waterfall which is off the main trail only a short distance away.

Be sure to wear a swimsuit and have some money with you to take a dip in the pool that is near the waterfall or try some food and drink in a cafe, that can also be found near the waterfall.