Puerto Vallarta Travel Information
Pet Friendly
Most travelers come to Puerto Vallarta for the scenery and then discover much more. Beyond the palm-lined Sierra Madre Mountains and the sparkling blue waters of the Banderas Bay, you’ll find a charming small town atmosphere despite the town’s status as a top resort destination. Discover stylish restaurants with signature food and drinks, quirky shops, and a Havana-style nightlife in Puerto Vallarta. You’ll also find plenty of activities to let you soak in the culture and beauty here. Stroll along the malecón (boardwalk), go horseback riding, and take boat rides to secluded beaches.
Accommodations
Puerto Vallarta has a plethora of vacation rentals to suit every traveling need from large groups to families and couples. You’ll find luxurious accommodations along with plenty of amenities. Families or couples will find Puerto Vallarta pet friendly vacation rentals with all the conveniences of home. Have your own fully-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, and a private place for the kids to play. Wedding parties and large groups traveling together will experience the vacation of a lifetime in a multi-roomed mansion where everyone will have their own wing or bedroom. Puerto Vallarta pet friendly hotels and resorts often specialize in beach activities and golf.
Leave the Pet at Doggie Daycare in Puerto Vallarta
While traveling with your pet may be a fun experience, at times you may want to ditch fido and head out someplace on your own. Leaving your pet in a vacation rental isn’t always the best in getting a return on your deposit. There are a few choice doggie daycares in Puerto Vallarta including Beach Dog Boarding & Salon and the Dogfather. Be sure to check the latest reviews before using any of the daycares we recommend, or otherwise on Bringfido.com, or ask our concierge to help you find a place.
Once you’ve dropped your pooch off for a day of socializing, shopping in Puerto Vallarta is a good way to find good deals while experiencing the local culture. Suggested products to look for include silver jewelry, local pottery, sarapes, clothing, blown glass and other artisan products. You will also find art galleries here.
For a true vacation experience, you’ll want to eat like a local. You’ll find several unique restaurants around the town and beaches. Traditional dishes include concoctions of rice, beans, plantains, and salad. Simple ingredients are given unique elegance with spices and fresh vegetables, and main entrées are cooked to order.
If you’re looking for a fun nightlife scene, you’ll have a variety to choose from. There are lively bars and quiet cliffside terraces. Twilight sailboat cruises around the bay serve cocktails. Enjoy live music ranging from jazz to reggae. For an unforgettable evening, try a traditional Mexican Fiesta complete with colorful folk dances, local food, and fireworks.
Beaches
The area’s best beaches are unspoiled and secluded. Take a water taxi from the village of Boca de Tomatlar out to the beaches of Las Animas, Majahuitas, Quimixto, and Yelapa and you will see paradise.
Although the beaches are secluded they aren’t remote areas, and you will find food, drink, and activities. Las Animas has several beach style palapa restaurants. Kids will love the floatable fun area. Kayaking is popular with travelers to Las Animas.
The coves in Yelapa and Majahuitas are breathtaking and serene. You’ll be among sandy beaches, tropical wildlife and calm water in this cove paradise. Go for a hike and discover a Yelapa waterfall or relax your cares away on a stunning beach surrounded by beauty. Try snorkeling and paddleboarding. You are sure to spot a dolphin, and if you go in the winter, you’ll see humpback whales.
Other Travel Information
Explore more travel information
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.
More questions?
Feel free to send us an email with any and all questions you might have regarding the start of a Casago Franchise!
We'd love to help answer your questions!