Dream beaches, beautiful nature and impressive sights: If you want to spend your holiday on the Mexican Pacific coast, Puerta Vallarta is the right place for you. The former fishing village is one of the most popular beach resorts in Mexico, but is still considered an insider tip for many tourists from all over the world, along with the much more famous towns of Cancun and Acapulco. It is striking that hospitality is very important throughout the region.
Fantastic beaches with perfect water sports conditions
The port city in the middle of the beautiful Banderas Bay, the second largest natural bay in the world, has a lot to offer. Beach vacationers, water sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation will find the best conditions for an unforgettable vacation on the paradisiacal and kilometer-long beaches. Staying with families with children are, among others, the beaches Playa de los Muertos and Playa Olas Altas near the city center. In the north of the city Marina Vallarta is a long, dreamlike beach that leaves nothing to be desired. The crystal-clear water invites you to swim but also to enjoy water sports in a wide variety of facets. And the possibilities are manifold. After all, there are perfect conditions for surfing, parasailing, jet skiing or banana boating. Off the coast, divers and snorkelers are also guaranteed to get their money’s worth. With a bit of luck, you can also observe whales or dolphins in their natural habitat off the Pacific coast. Puerto Vallarta has become famous worldwide especially Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who settled in the bay in the 1960s.
Impressive beach promenade, botanical garden, lively nightlife
But Puerto Vallarta is also always worth a trip away from the beaches. Even a walk along the large beach promenade, the so-called Malecón, is a real experience. The large promenade, on the edge of which there are sculptures by well-known Mexican artists worth seeing, is lined with restaurants, bars, clubs and small shops. There is always a lot of activity here – both during the day and at night. From the promenade you also have a great view over the entire bay. A stroll through the historic old town with its many narrow streets is also worthwhile. And even if you are looking for souvenirs of an unforgettable holiday, you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for in the numerous small shops.
Among other things, traditional craftsmanship is very important here. The baroque church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, which is well worth seeing, is also a must-see in the city. Another attraction in Puerto Vallarta is the large natural harbor, where large cruise ships dock almost daily. The zoo also attracts numerous tourists and locals every year. The Botanical Garden offers an exciting insight into the flora and fauna of the bay that are worth seeing and experiencing. Golfers also get their money’s worth on numerous courses in the region. Because the city also has an international airport, Puerto Vallarta is also easily accessible by plane.
El Edén Ecopark or an exciting jungle tour
Puerto Vallarta is also a popular starting point for tours or excursions in the charming surroundings. In the middle of the lush rainforest, for example, the El Edén Ecopark with the Mismaloya River in the south of the town is always worth a visit. Around the river, numerous small waterfalls have been created in recent decades in the middle of the dense jungle of several hectares. The park is particularly popular with adventurers. Among other things, you can fly through the jungle with more than ten zip lines. Also extremely popular is a boat tour to Yelapa Beach near Puerto Vallarta. Here you can immerse yourself in the almost untouched nature. A trip to the nearby mountains with their very special flora and fauna is also a real must for holidaymakers. If you just want to enjoy the peace and quiet and take in the beautiful nature, you should take a boat trip to the uninhabited Marietas Islands. These are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and have a rich wildlife.
Best time to visit Puerto Vallarta
The region has a tropical climate with moderate temperatures all year round. In the summer months, temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius prevail, in winter temperatures of about 20 degrees Celsius are to be expected. The water temperatures are a pleasant 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Most of the rainfall occurs during the rainy season between June and September. These usually fall in the evening hours. The best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta is considered to be during the summer months. If you want to avoid the peak travel season, you should avoid Easter week and the Christmas season
