2-Day Family Journey: Local Experiences in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

2 days

Aerial view of the city at sunset
Los Muertos beach
Boy on a seahorse sculpture
Conchas Chinas beach
The Malecon arches

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 1

Exploring the Downtown and Zona Romantica

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the El Malecon boardwalk. This oceanfront promenade is lined with bronze sculptures, street performers, and vendors selling local crafts. It's a great place to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the local culture.

Lunch

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at a local seafood restaurant. Puerto Vallarta is known for its fresh seafood, so don't miss out on trying some local specialties.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Zona Romantica, a charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets, red-tiled roofs, and lush greenery. Explore the local shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs.

Dinner

Have dinner at a traditional Mexican restaurant. Try local dishes like enchiladas, tacos, and chiles en nogada.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Los Muertos Pier, a modern and artistic pier that lights up beautifully at night. It's a great spot for a family photo.

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)

El Malecon

1
El 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.

Attractions
Landmarks
Cultural Experiences
Zona Romantica

2
Zona Romantica

A charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.

Neighborhoods
Food and Drink
Shopping
Los Muertos Pier

3
Los 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.

Attractions
Landmarks
Beaches
Vallarta Botanical Gardens

4
Vallarta Botanical Gardens

A beautiful garden with a variety of plants and flowers, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Parks
Gardens
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe

5
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe

A stunning church with beautiful architecture, located in the heart of the city.

Religious Sites
Architecture
Mirador de La Cruz

6
Mirador de La Cruz

A viewpoint offering panoramic views of the city and the bay, accessible by a short hike.

Attractions
Landmarks
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Ceviche

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guacamole

A traditional Mexican dip made from ripe avocados, cilantro, lime, onion, and tomatoes. It's often served with tortilla chips.

Tamales

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

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

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.

DateDayHoliday 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

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency$ MXN

Time zoneUTC-6

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 065; Fire: 068; Police: 060

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type B

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

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!

MonthHi / 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?

Did you know that Puerto Vallarta is located on the Pacific Ocean's Bahía de Banderas, making it one of the largest bays in the world?

1 of 10

Places near by Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Sayulita

Sayulita

A charming fishing village known for its surfing, beautiful beaches, and vibrant arts scene.

1h
40 km / 24.9 mi
How to get there
San Pancho

San Pancho

A tranquil beach town with a rich cultural scene, known for its art galleries and music festivals.

1.2h
45 km / 28.0 mi
How to get there
Bucerias

Bucerias

A small beach resort town with a beautiful long sandy beach, perfect for swimming and windsurfing.

30m
26 km / 16.2 mi
How to get there
Punta Mita

Punta Mita

A luxury resort town known for its high-end hotels, golf courses, and beautiful beaches.

1h
42 km / 26.1 mi
How to get there
Guayabitos

Guayabitos

A popular beach resort town with calm, warm waters, perfect for families.

1.3h
68 km / 42.3 mi
How to get there
Mascota

Mascota

A picturesque town nestled in the mountains, known for its colonial architecture and cool climate.

2.5h
118 km / 73.3 mi
How to get there
Tequila

Tequila

The birthplace of the famous Mexican spirit, offering distillery tours and tastings.

3h
210 km / 130.5 mi
How to get there
Guadalajara

Guadalajara

Mexico's second-largest city, known for its rich history, architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

1.5h
322 km / 200.1 mi
How to get there

Other Destinations in Mexico