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Puerto Vallarta lies on Banderas Bay, one of Mexico's largest bays, where the Sierra Madre drops steeply to the Pacific. It was a small fishing town until the 1960s, when the filming of The Night of the Iguana nearby brought international attention. Today it is a major resort city that has kept a traditional old town of cobbled streets and red-tiled roofs.
The Malecón, the seaside promenade, is lined with bronze sculptures and is lively from morning until late evening. Just inland, the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is known for its crown-topped tower, and a steep climb leads to the Mirador el Cerro de la Cruz for panoramic views. Isla Cuale, a shaded river island, has craft stalls and small cafés, while Playa Los Muertos and its sail-shaped pier anchor the Zona Romántica. Gringo Gulch, a hillside of villas, recalls the Hollywood era. South along the coast, Mismaloya is where the famous film was shot, and the Vallarta Botanical Gardens grow orchids and native plants in the hills. Boat trips visit the Los Arcos rock formations and the Marietas Islands.
The city suits couples, families, and LGBTQ travelers, as the Zona Romántica is a well-known gay-friendly area. Humpback whales visit the bay in winter, and Sayulita is an easy day trip north.
WiserMap travel guidePuerto Vallarta Mexico Malecón Los Arcos and Whale SeasonPlan Puerto Vallarta with the best places to visit, from the Malecón and Zona Romántica to Mismaloya, the Botanical Gardens, Los Arcos and whale watching.Read the guide
Seafront promenade running along the bay in the heart of the city, lined with bronze sculptures, restaurants, bars and shops. It comes alive at sunset with street performers and families. Walk its full length in the evening and look for the famous Boy on the Seahorse statue.
Puerto Vallarta's landmark church, crowned by a distinctive open crown on its bell tower, a block inland from the Malecón. In December the Guadalupe festival brings nightly processions. Visit respectfully outside of services and see the crown lit up at night.
Viewpoint on the hill above downtown reached by a steep climb of streets and stairs, with a cross and panoramic views over the bay, the church crown and the Malecón. The climb takes about 20 minutes. Go early in the morning or at sunset, and bring water.
Narrow island in the Río Cuale between downtown and the Zona Romántica, with shaded paths, craft stalls, small cafés and a statue of John Huston. Hanging bridges connect it to both banks. Browse the Huichol art stalls and walk from one end to the beach end.
Lively old neighborhood south of the Río Cuale, with cobbled streets, cafés, restaurants, galleries and bars, popular with visitors and a center of LGBTQ+ friendly nightlife. It feels walkable and relaxed by day. Explore its streets in the evening and settle in for dinner.
The busiest beach in town, lined with beach clubs and restaurants, ending at a striking modern pier with a sail-shaped tower. Water taxis leave from the pier for southern beaches. Rent a lounger for the day and watch the sunset from the end of the pier.
Hillside neighborhood above the Río Cuale where Americans built homes in the 1950s and 60s, famous for Casa Kimberley, linked to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton by a pink bridge. Steep lanes offer views. Walk it slowly, as the stairs and streets are steep.
Beach village south of the city where John Huston filmed The Night of the Iguana in 1963, which helped make Puerto Vallarta famous. The cove has restaurants and boats to snorkeling spots. Take the local bus from town and combine it with Los Arcos offshore.
Granite rock islands with natural arches rising from the sea off Mismaloya, protected as a marine park and popular for snorkeling and diving among reef fish. Boat tours and kayaks reach them from Mismaloya or the city. Go in the morning for calm, clear water.
Small beach village on the south shore of Banderas Bay with no road access, reached by water taxi from Los Muertos pier or Boca de Tomatlán. It has a sandy cove, palapa restaurants and a jungle walk to a waterfall. Try the famous pie sold on the beach and catch an afternoon boat back.
Botanical gardens in the hills south of the city with orchids, agaves, cacti and native forest, plus trails down to a river where you can swim. The restaurant has lovely views. Reach it by bus or taxi and plan half a day; mornings are best for birdwatching.
Every winter, humpback whales come to Banderas Bay to mate and give birth, and boat tours from Puerto Vallarta take visitors to watch them breach and play. Season runs roughly December to March. Choose a licensed operator that keeps a respectful distance from the whales.
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