Puerto Vallarta grew from a sleepy fishing village into a beloved Pacific escape after Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton filmed The Night of the Iguana here in the 1960s. Today, it balances old-Mexico charm—cobblestone lanes, red-tile roofs, and church bells—with a creative culinary scene and ocean adventures in Banderas Bay.

Wander the Malecón’s sculpture-studded boardwalk, swim at Playa de los Muertos and Conchas Chinas, and boat to the granite islets of Los Arcos or the wildlife-rich Marietas Islands. Between beach hours, stroll Zona Romántica’s galleries and cafés or head inland to zipline through jungle canyons and swim in cool rivers.

Practical notes: Dry season runs roughly November to April; summer brings lush hills and afternoon showers. Carry pesos for small purchases, use ride-hailing for easy transport, and book marquee tours (Marietas/Hidden Beach, Rhythms of the Night) in advance—especially in winter whale season (Dec–Mar).

Puerto Vallarta

Set on one of the world’s largest bays, Puerto Vallarta offers golden beaches, Sierra Madre jungle, and a vibrant arts-and-dining scene within a compact, walkable core. You’ll eat remarkably well—from taco stands sizzling with al pastor to contemporary tasting menus—and end most days with show-stopping sunsets.

• Top sights: Malecón sculptures, Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Isla Cuale market, Playa de los Muertos pier, Marina Vallarta lighthouse views.
• Nature & adventure: Marietas Islands snorkeling, Los Arcos sanctuary, jungle ziplines, Boca de Tomatlán to Las Ánimas coastal hike, seasonal whale watching.
• Food & drink highlights: Street tacos, birria, Pacific seafood (aguachile, tostadas), mezcal and raicilla tastings, beachside breakfasts.
• Fun fact: The “El Niño on a Seahorse” statue is an emblem of PV—you’ll spot it in multiple places along the bay.

Where to stay: Browse beachfront condos and boutique hotels in Zona Romántica, Centro, and Marina Vallarta. Compare stays on VRBO and Hotels.com.

How to get there: Fly into PVR (Lic. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz Intl.). Nonstops from LAX/DFW/IAH/PHX are ~3–4 hours; Mexico City connections run ~1–1.5 hours flight time plus transfer. Compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Airport to Zona Romántica is ~30–40 minutes by rideshare (about US$12–20, traffic dependent).

Day 1: Arrival, the Malecón, and Sunset by the Sea

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off the flight with a coastal stroll on the Malecón, pausing at “In Search of Reason” and “Millennium” for photos. Coffee and a sweet bite at Miscelánea (micro-roastery vibes) or A Page in the Sun (used books + excellent iced coffee). For a late lunch, try Mariscos Cisneros (marlin tacos and Baja-style fish) or El Campanario (home-style pozole and enchiladas).

Evening: Catch golden hour on the Playa de los Muertos pier—watch fishermen and pelicans silhouette against the bay. Dine beachfront at La Palapa (grilled octopus, coconut French toast by day; candlelit seafood by night) or go contemporary Mexican at Tintoque (inventive local catch and seasonal produce). Nightcap ideas: Bar La Playa for craft cocktails with local spirits, or Monzón Brewing for a crisp pale ale and people-watching.

Late night (optional): If you want to lean into nightlife, wander to Mr. Flamingo (open-air dance vibes) or sip raicilla (Jalisco’s wild agave spirit) at an intimate mezcal bar in Zona Romántica.

Day 2: Jungle Zipline Thrills and a Candlelit Show

Morning: Fuel up at Coco’s Kitchen (chilaquiles suizos, café de olla) or Fredy’s Tucán (fluffy hotcakes, huevos rancheros). Then head south into the Sierra Madre for one of PV’s most beloved adventures:

Featured tour: Puerto Vallarta Best Zipline Canopy + Tequila and Speed Boat Ride
Book on Viator

Soar above jungle canyons on a series of ziplines, cool off by the river, and sample tequila/raicilla tastings afterward. Expect ~4–5 hours door-to-door; bring closed-toe shoes and a swimsuit.

Afternoon: Ease back with a beach siesta at Conchas Chinas (small coves and tide pools) or Playa Las Gemelas (clear turquoise shallows). Casual lunch: Pepe’s Tacos (carne asada and grilled onions) or Pancho’s Takos after 4 pm for classic al pastor shaved off the trompo.

Evening: Tonight is pure magic—a boat across the bay to a torchlit amphitheater tucked in the jungle, dinner under the stars, and an acrobatic show:

Featured experience: Rhythms of the night, Sunset Cruise, Candlelit Dinner & Alma Show
Book on Viator

Departures are typically late afternoon/early evening; the cruise, buffet dinner, and performance run ~4–5 hours. It’s a signature Puerto Vallarta night out—bring a light wrap for the sea breeze.

Day 3: Full-Day Marietas Islands Adventure (All-Inclusive)

This is a full-day boat day—no need to split into morning/afternoon/evening. Check-in is usually at Marina Vallarta; you’ll cruise past coastal villages to a national park famed for birdlife, clear water, and playful currents.

Featured tour: Marietas Islands National Park: Full Day ALL INCLUSIVE Tour
Book on Viator

Expect a continental breakfast onboard, snorkeling over reefs, waterslides from the trimaran, and open bar after water activities. Return mid–late afternoon and freshen up.

Dinner & drinks: Keep it casual: Pancho’s Takos for al pastor + piña, or hit Los Muertos Brewing for pizza and a flight. For seafood tostadas and cold beer near the Marina, try 8 Tostadas. For sunset cocktails, the Marina’s lighthouse bar has wide-bay views.

Alternative for Hidden Beach seekers: Access to Playa Escondida is tightly limited; if that’s your dream shot, consider swapping to this small-group option with guaranteed permits:
Guaranteed Hidden Beach • Small Group Tour • Punta Mita (Viator)

Day 4: Easy Morning in Old Town, Last Bites, Departure

Morning: Start with a Malecón jog or a leisurely stroll to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, then browse handicrafts on Isla Cuale (look for handwoven textiles and clay alebrijes). Breakfast at Café de Olla (Mexican classics and thick hot chocolate) or chilaquiles at Fredy’s Tucán. Coffee to go from Miscelánea or De•servi•do for the airport ride.

Afternoon (flight day): Grab an early lunch—Gaby’s Restaurant for regional Jalisco dishes (try the mole poblano) or a last seaside bite at El Dorado on the beach. Aim to leave Old Town ~2.5–3 hours before departure in high season; rideshare to PVR is typically 30–40 minutes.

Optional culinary add-on (if you have a late flight): Shop a local market, then cook and feast in a home kitchen with a chef—an authentic goodbye to PV’s flavors:
Puerto Vallarta- Cooking Class Experience with Market Tour (Viator)

More food and drink favorites (save for any day):

• Seafood: Mariscos El Güero (shrimp cocktails, aguachile), La Tostadería (tostadas piled high when you’re up in La Cruz on Sunday).
• Tacos & street eats: Tacos Revolución (variety plate to sample it all), El Carboncito (late-night pastor).
• Upscale nights: Café des Artistes (iconic fine dining; request the garden courtyard), Tintoque (market-driven tasting menus).
• Sweet stops: Xocodiva for hand-crafted chocolate; churros near the Malecón in the evening.

Getting around & tips: Uber and authorized taxis are easy; local blue-and-white buses reach Mismaloya/Boca (carry small change). Bring reef-safe sunscreen for marine parks. If visiting July–December, ask about evening sea-turtle releases on select beaches.

Book your stay: Find ocean-view condos and boutique hotels on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com. Check flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Four days in Puerto Vallarta gives you the city’s greatest hits: sculpture-lined sunsets, tacos and mezcal, jungle thrills, and the Marietas’ teal waters. You’ll leave with sand in your shoes and a short list of places you’re already planning to revisit.