2-Day Family Journey: Local Experiences in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
2 days
About Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Experience the vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This charming coastal city offers a blend of traditional Mexican life and modern amenities. Explore the cobblestone streets of the old town, brimming with art galleries, local markets, and authentic cuisine. Relax on the golden beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or embark on a thrilling water sports adventure. Discover the lush jungles and diverse wildlife on eco-tours or visit the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. As the sun sets, enjoy the bustling nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and live performances. Puerto Vallarta promises a captivating and unforgettable travel experience.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Nature, History, and Stunning Views
Morning
Start your second day with a visit to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. This 20-acre garden is home to a vast variety of native plants and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local eatery in the botanical gardens. Enjoy the serene environment while savoring delicious Mexican cuisine.
Afternoon
After lunch, take a tour of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This iconic church is a must-visit for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Savor the fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Evening
End your trip with a visit to the Mirador de La Cruz, a lookout point that offers panoramic views of the city. It's the perfect spot to reflect on your trip and take some final photos.
Attractions in Itinerary (6)
1El Malecon
El Malecon, a bustling boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta, is a hub of activity with its array of shops, restaurants, and street performers. It's a perfect place to experience the local culture and enjoy the stunning ocean views.
2Zona Romantica
A charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.
3Los Muertos Pier
Los Muertos Pier, located on the popular Los Muertos Beach, is a modern architectural marvel. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding area.
4Vallarta Botanical Gardens
A beautiful garden with a variety of plants and flowers, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
5Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
A stunning church with beautiful architecture, located in the heart of the city.
6Mirador de La Cruz
A viewpoint offering panoramic views of the city and the bay, accessible by a short hike.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Ceviche
A popular dish in coastal areas of Mexico, ceviche is made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, and spiced with chili peppers, onions, and cilantro.
Tacos de Pescado
Fish tacos are a staple in Puerto Vallarta. They consist of grilled or fried fish, lettuce or cabbage, pico de gallo, and a sour cream or citrus/mayonnaise sauce, served on a corn or flour tortilla.
Chiles en Nogada
This is a patriotic dish that represents the Mexican flag's colors. It's made of poblano chiles filled with picadillo (a mixture usually containing shredded meat, aromatics, fruits, and spices) topped with a walnut-based cream sauce (nogada) and pomegranate seeds.
Pozole
A traditional soup made from hominy corn, with plenty of herbs and spices, cooked for hours with pork or chicken, and garnished with shredded lettuce, chili peppers, radish, onion, lime, and oregano.
Tequila
Tequila is a regional distilled beverage and type of alcoholic drink made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila and in the Jalisco state.
Churros
Churros are a popular sweet snack, a fried-dough pastry based snack, coated with sugar and often served with a cup of hot chocolate.
Enchiladas
Enchiladas are corn tortillas rolled around a filling and covered with a chili pepper sauce. Fillings can include various meats, cheese, beans, potatoes, vegetables, or combinations.
Guacamole
A traditional Mexican dip made from ripe avocados, cilantro, lime, onion, and tomatoes. It's often served with tortilla chips.
Tamales
Tamales are made of masa (a dough made from corn) that's filled with meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, or chilies, wrapped in a corn husk and then steamed or boiled.
Elote
Elote is a popular street food in Puerto Vallarta. It's a grilled corn on the cob, covered in creamy sauce, cheese, chili powder, and lime.
Michelada
A Michelada is a Mexican cerveza preparada made with beer, lime juice, assorted sauces, spices, and peppers. It is served in a chilled, salt-rimmed glass.
Chiles Rellenos
This dish consists of a large chili pepper stuffed with cheese or spicy meat (picadillo), battered with an egg (capeado) and fried. It is often served in a tomato sauce.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is during the dry season, from November to April. During these months, the weather is pleasant with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). This is also the peak tourist season, so you can expect a lively atmosphere with plenty of activities and events. However, if you prefer a quieter vacation, the months of May and June are less crowded but still offer good weather.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
February 5 | Mon | Constitution Day |
March 18 | Mon | Benito Juárez's Birthday Memorial |
May 1 | Wed | Labor Day / May Day |
July 7 | Sun | General Election Day |
September 16 | Mon | Independence Day |
October 1 | Tue | Inauguration day |
November 18 | Mon | Revolution Day Memorial |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
How to get around
Taxi
Taxis are a popular way to get around in Puerto Vallarta. They are plentiful and can be hailed from the street, or you can ask your hotel to call one for you. They are not metered, so it's best to agree on a price before you get in.
Bus
Buses in Puerto Vallarta are a cheap and efficient way to get around. They run frequently and cover most areas of the city. The buses are color-coded according to their route.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services such as Uber are available in Puerto Vallarta. This can be a convenient option as you can order a ride from your smartphone and the price is agreed upon before the ride begins.
Car Rental
Renting a car can give you the freedom to explore Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas at your own pace. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak tourist season, and parking can be challenging in the city center.
Bicycle
Puerto Vallarta has a number of bike rental shops and the city is quite bike-friendly with several dedicated bike lanes. It's a great way to get around and see the city, especially the Malecon boardwalk area.
Foot
Many of the attractions in Puerto Vallarta are within walking distance, especially in the downtown area. Walking can be a pleasant way to explore the city, but be prepared for the heat and always carry water with you.
Ferry
Ferries and water taxis can take you to some of the more remote beaches and coves around Puerto Vallarta that are not accessible by road. They leave from various points along the coast, including the main marina.
Airport Shuttle
Many hotels and resorts in Puerto Vallarta offer shuttle services to and from the airport. This can be a convenient option, especially if you have a lot of luggage.
Important information
Currency$ MXN
Time zoneUTC-6
Driving sideRight
Emergency phoneAmbulance: 065; Fire: 068; Police: 060
Drinking waterOpt for bottled water
Power sockets
Voltage120 V
Things to know about Puerto Vallarta, Mexico as a first time visitor
1
Puerto Vallarta is located in the Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7).
2
The official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
3
The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), but US dollars are often accepted in tourist areas.
4
Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for small vendors and tipping.
5
Tipping is customary in Puerto Vallarta. It's common to tip 10-15% in restaurants and a few pesos to service workers.
6
The climate is tropical with a wet season from June to October and a dry season from November to May.
7
Temperatures range from 61-90°F (16-32°C) in the dry season and 73-93°F (23-34°C) in the wet season.
8
Hurricane season runs from June to November, but severe storms are rare.
9
Tap water is not generally safe to drink. Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in drinks unless you know it's made from purified water.
10
Public transportation is reliable and inexpensive. Taxis are also readily available but make sure to agree on a price before getting in.
11
It's safe to walk around Puerto Vallarta, especially in the tourist areas, but like any city, use common sense and avoid isolated areas at night.
12
Local cuisine is a mix of traditional Mexican food and seafood. Try the local specialty, grilled red snapper.
13
There are several local markets where you can buy fresh produce, local crafts, and souvenirs.
14
Sunscreen is a must as the sun can be very strong, especially between 10am and 4pm.
15
It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses in case of illness or injury.
16
The voltage in Mexico is 127V with Type A and B power outlets. If your devices use a different type, you'll need a power adapter.
17
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and many public areas.
18
Puerto Vallarta is LGBT-friendly with a vibrant gay scene, especially in the Romantic Zone.
19
It's a good idea to learn a few basic Spanish phrases, even though English is widely spoken.
20
Remember to respect local customs and traditions. Mexicans are generally warm and friendly, and appreciate when visitors make an effort to understand their culture.
Basic Spanish to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Hola | Oh-la | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | Adiós | Ah-dee-ohs | Leaving or saying goodbye to someone |
Please | Por favor | Por fa-vor | When asking for something |
Thank you | Gracias | Grah-see-ahs | After receiving something or someone's help |
Yes | Sí | See | Agreeing with someone or something |
No | No | No | Disagreeing with someone or something |
Excuse me | Perdón | Per-don | Getting someone's attention or apologizing |
I'm sorry | Lo siento | Lo see-en-to | Apologizing |
Do you speak English? | ¿Hablas inglés? | Hab-las in-gles | When you need to communicate in English |
I don't understand | No entiendo | No en-tee-en-do | When you don't understand what's being said |
Where is the bathroom? | ¿Dónde está el baño? | Don-de es-ta el ban-yo | When you need to use the bathroom |
How much does this cost? | ¿Cuánto cuesta esto? | Cuan-to cues-ta es-to | When you want to know the price of something |
I would like... | Me gustaría... | Me gus-ta-ria | When you're ordering food or asking for something |
Help! | ¡Ayuda! | A-yu-da | In an emergency situation |
Call the police! | ¡Llama a la policía! | Ya-ma a la po-li-see-a | In an emergency situation |
I need a doctor | Necesito un médico | Ne-ce-si-to un me-di-co | When you're not feeling well |
Water | Agua | Ah-gua | When you're thirsty |
Food | Comida | Co-mi-da | When you're hungry |
Beer | Cerveza | Ser-ve-za | When you want to order a beer |
Wine | Vino | Vee-no | When you want to order wine |
Packing List
Clothing
Lightweight clothing
Underwear
Swimwear
Beach cover-up
Sandals
Walking shoes
Sunglasses
Hat for sun protection
Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Toiletries
Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Razor and shaving cream
Sunscreen
After-sun lotion or aloe vera
Insect repellent
Prescription medications
First-aid kit
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or other ID
Printed hotel and flight information
Travel insurance documents
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency
Emergency contact information
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Headphones
Camera
Charger for camera
Universal power adapter
Portable power bank
Miscellaneous items
Travel pillow
Earplugs and eye mask
Reusable water bottle
Snacks
Books or e-reader for the flight
Travel-sized laundry detergent
Beach bag
Beach towel
Weather Conditions
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. When planning your trip, it's important to consider the weather to ensure you make the most of your visit. The city experiences a tropical climate, with a wet and dry season. The dry season runs from November to May, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). This period is ideal for outdoor activities like sightseeing and beach visits, as rainfall is minimal and the weather is generally sunny. The wet season, from June to October, sees increased rainfall, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. Temperatures during this period can reach up to 95°F (35°C), so it's essential to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Despite the rain, mornings are often clear and sunny, making it still a good time for outdoor activities. Regardless of when you visit, it's advisable to pack lightweight, breathable clothing due to the city's high humidity levels. Don't forget your swimsuit, sunblock, and a hat for sun protection. During the wet season, an umbrella or raincoat might come in handy. Remember that weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and plan your activities accordingly. Enjoy your visit to Puerto Vallarta!
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 31° / 16° | January is a pleasant month in Puerto Vallarta, with mild temperatures and low rainfall. It's a great time to explore the city and enjoy outdoor activities. |
February | 32° / 16° | February is a great month to visit Puerto Vallarta, with warm temperatures and clear skies. It's perfect for beach activities and water sports. |
March | 33° / 17° | March sees a slight increase in temperature, making it a great time for swimming and sunbathing. The weather is warm and sunny, with little to no rainfall. |
April | 34° / 18° | April is one of the hottest months in Puerto Vallarta, with high temperatures and clear skies. It's a great time to enjoy the beach and explore the city's vibrant nightlife. |
May | 36° / 20° | May is the start of the hot season in Puerto Vallarta, with temperatures often reaching the mid-30s. It's a great time to visit if you love the heat and want to spend time on the beach. |
June | 37° / 23° | June is the start of the rainy season in Puerto Vallarta, but don't let that deter you. The rain usually comes in short, intense bursts, leaving plenty of time for sunbathing and exploring. |
July | 38° / 24° | July is a hot and humid month in Puerto Vallarta, with frequent rain showers. However, the rain often comes in the late afternoon or evening, leaving the daytime clear for outdoor activities. |
August | 38° / 24° | August is similar to July, with hot, humid weather and frequent rain showers. Despite this, there's still plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures for beach activities. |
September | 37° / 24° | September is the peak of the rainy season in Puerto Vallarta, with high humidity and frequent showers. However, there are still many sunny days, and the rain often comes in the late afternoon or evening. |
October | 36° / 22° | October sees a decrease in rainfall and a slight drop in temperature. It's a great time to visit if you prefer milder weather and less crowded beaches. |
November | 34° / 20° | November is a pleasant month in Puerto Vallarta, with mild temperatures and little rainfall. It's a great time to explore the city and enjoy outdoor activities. |
December | 32° / 18° | December is a great month to visit Puerto Vallarta, with warm temperatures and clear skies. It's perfect for beach activities and water sports. |
Did you know?
Places near by Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Sayulita
A charming fishing village known for its surfing, beautiful beaches, and vibrant arts scene.
San Pancho
A tranquil beach town with a rich cultural scene, known for its art galleries and music festivals.
Bucerias
A small beach resort town with a beautiful long sandy beach, perfect for swimming and windsurfing.
Punta Mita
A luxury resort town known for its high-end hotels, golf courses, and beautiful beaches.
Guayabitos
A popular beach resort town with calm, warm waters, perfect for families.
Mascota
A picturesque town nestled in the mountains, known for its colonial architecture and cool climate.
Tequila
The birthplace of the famous Mexican spirit, offering distillery tours and tastings.
Guadalajara
Mexico's second-largest city, known for its rich history, architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
