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2-Day Thrilling Adventure with Friends in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

2 days

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

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

Adventure in the Sierra Madre Mountains and South Shore

Morning

Start your day with an adventurous hike in the Sierra Madre Mountains. This off-the-beaten-path experience will take you through lush jungle landscapes and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the jungle. Pack local delicacies from a nearby market for an authentic Mexican meal.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the hidden beaches of the South Shore. These secluded spots offer a peaceful retreat away from the tourist crowds.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Puerto Vallarta is known for its fresh seafood, so this is a must-try experience.

Evening

End your day with a moonlit kayak tour. This unique experience allows you to see Puerto Vallarta from a different perspective.

Morning

Start your second day with a bike tour of Puerto Vallarta's Old Town. This is a great way to see the city's historic architecture and vibrant street art.

Lunch

Have lunch at a traditional Mexican restaurant in the Old Town. Try local specialties like ceviche and chiles en nogada.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Botanical Gardens. This beautiful location offers a variety of flora and fauna, as well as stunning views of the city.

Dinner

Enjoy a beachfront dinner. Choose a restaurant that offers traditional Mexican cuisine and stunning views of the sunset.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to a local Tequila Distillery. Learn about the process of making tequila and sample some of the best in the region.

Attractions in Itinerary (5)

Sierra Madre Mountains

1
Sierra Madre Mountains

A stunning mountain range offering breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and horseback riding.

Attractions
Tours
Landmarks
Botanical Gardens

2
Botanical Gardens

A beautiful garden showcasing a wide variety of tropical plants, flowers, and wildlife. It also offers educational programs and a restaurant with stunning views.

Gardens
Cultural Experiences
Tequila Distillery

3
Tequila Distillery

A tour of a traditional tequila distillery, offering insights into the tequila-making process and tastings of different tequilas.

Tours
Food and Drink
Old Town Bike Tour

4
Old Town Bike Tour

A guided bike tour through the charming old town of Puerto Vallarta, offering a unique way to explore the city's history, architecture, and local culture.

Tours
South Shore Beaches

5
South Shore Beaches

A collection of beautiful, pristine beaches along the southern shore of Puerto Vallarta, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beaches

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

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!

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

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