Puerto Vallarta Travel Information
Choosing where to stay in Puerto Vallarta
When you’re driving through Puerto Vallarta, you’ll see that the town is split into the Northern shore close to Punta de Mita, Nuevo Vallarta (New Vallarta), the Marina, El Centro and the southern side, which covers the Old Town and the Malecon.
Choose your Puerto Vallarta Vibe
Choosing your vacation rental will depend on what kind of neighborhood you are looking to stay in. Puerto Vallarta can offer bustling and touristy areas, in places like the Malecon, or quaint and secluded spots, such as Bucerias.
Yes, there are plenty of boat rides, water activities, and water sports to partake in. However, the real allure of Puerto Vallarta is simply the culture. Walk along the cobbled streets in the Old Town (Zona Romantica) to discover the shops and restaurants. The Romantic Zone is a popular neighborhood for tourists, and it’s fun to wander through the streets while picking out interesting snacks from the mini convenience stores.
Be sure to discover authentic Mexican cuisine! Puerto Vallarta has a great sampling of restaurants, and most aren’t very expensive.
El Centro
El Centro is the heart of the city where you’ll find brand-name stores, restaurants, theaters, and more. This is where you’ll get the commercial, big-city feel and where you’ll find spots such as Walmart or the Galerias Vallarta, which has more than 90 brand-name stores.
Bucerias
If you want to move away from the crowds and you’re looking for vacation rentals in a quaint neighborhood, the Casago vacation rentals in Bucerias are a good choice. Bucerias sits between Nuevo Vallarta and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. You’ll find cobblestone streets, vendors, a small church, and a nice variety of restaurants. There is also a small open-air market located in Bucerias Centro.
Other Travel Information
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Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular way to reach Puerto Vallarta from abroad is by plane. The Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) receives direct flights from 50 different airports from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, including 13 domestic flights. Officially known as the Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport, PVR is the 7th busiest airport in Mexico. It is centrally located with easy access to the city.
Puerto Vallarta’s warm, tropical climate provides ideal year-round temperatures, with dry winters and rainy summers. Average temps range from a high of mid-90s and high humidity in the summer rainy season (June - Oct) to evening lows of upper-60s in the mild winters. November through May tend to be drier months, with less humidity, offering 10 to 12 hours of sunshine.
The best time to visit PV is from December to April, which is also considered the high season, driven largely by international visitors, retirees, and snowbirds seeking warmer climates. This is also when you’ll find humidity hasn’t kicked in yet, so walking along or spending the whole day at the beach is very enjoyable. While May - November is considered to be a lower season, there is consistent weekend activity coming from all parts of Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta offers exciting local and international events throughout the entire year, with many of these revolving around culture, gastronomy, sports, and film.
- Puerto Vallarta Carnaval (usually late February)
- The Mexico Open at Vidanta (PGA tournament held in February)
- International Film Festival (March) Festival Internacional de Cine en Puerto Vallarta (FICPV)
- Festival Fiestas de Mayo: Month-long celebration in May encompassing Puerto Vallarta’s anniversary, featuring live music, carnival rides, culture, and tradition
- Vallarta Pride held mid to late May, attracting over 17,000 attendees
- Day of the Dead celebrations (Nov 1) and month-long International Gourmet Festival held in November
With plenty of spots to choose from, Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are pleasantly swimmable. Still, it is important to remain alert to tides, weather, and water conditions as the Pacific Ocean can present stronger waves at certain times of the year. Winter and Spring provide the calmest waters for swimming, while the warmest water temps are Summer and Fall.
Puerto Vallarta’s star quality was thrust onto the international stage in 1963 for the filming of “The Night of the Iguana.” At that time, Mismaloya Beach welcomed the likes of Richard Burton, Eva Gardner, and Elizabeth Taylor as the city further immersed as a quintessential sunkissed vacation destination.
The stunning beaches and warm climate create an inviting environment year round, while the local community offers rich traditions, excellent cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere. Living or visiting here means enjoying an active lifestyle outdoors and being part of a diverse and friendly community, which makes it truly special. For visitors traveling to Puerto Vallarta, taking part in vibrant community life and activities is a welcome addition to a beach getaway.
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