Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit stretch along Mexico’s Pacific coast. This region is known for its golden beaches, lush mountains, and charming towns. With warm weather year-round and plenty of things to do, it’s ideal for travelers of all kinds.

Why visit Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit?

This region offers a perfect mix of beach, nature, and culture. You can relax by the ocean, explore mountain villages, try tasty food, or join fun tours. With friendly locals and great weather, it’s easy to fall in love with this part of Mexico.

Where is Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco, facing the Pacific Ocean. It sits along Banderas Bay, one of the largest and most beautiful bays in the world. The city is surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains and tropical forests.

What is the Riviera Nayarit?

Riviera Nayarit is a coastal area north of Puerto Vallarta. It includes beach towns like Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, Sayulita, San Pancho, and Punta de Mita. These towns offer peaceful beaches, surf spots, and a laid-back vibe perfect for relaxation.

Best time to visit

The dry season, from November to April, is the best time to visit. The skies are sunny, and temperatures stay between 25 and 30°C. The rainy season (June to October) is more humid, but the landscapes turn green and lush.

Walk the Malecón boardwalk

The Malecón is a long oceanfront promenade in downtown Puerto Vallarta. It’s filled with sculptures, street performers, and local vendors. At sunset, it’s the perfect place to walk, enjoy music, and try snacks like grilled corn or coconut ice cream.

Explore the historic center

Puerto Vallarta’s old town is full of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and local art galleries. Don’t miss the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the main square. You’ll find local food, souvenirs, and cultural events here year-round.

Relax on the beaches

Popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta include Playa Los Muertos, Playa Conchas Chinas, and Playa Palmares. These beaches offer soft sand, calm waters, and plenty of space to relax or swim. You can rent umbrellas, chairs, and try fresh seafood nearby.

Take a boat trip

Boat tours leave daily from the marina or downtown pier. They visit places like Yelapa, Las Caletas, or the famous Marietas Islands. These boat trips often include snorkeling, drinks, and lunch. Some also offer whale watching during the winter season.

Enjoy Nuevo Vallarta

Nuevo Vallarta is a resort area just north of Puerto Vallarta. It has wide beaches, luxury hotels, and calm waters. It’s great for families and those looking for all-inclusive stays. Many hotels offer water sports and kid-friendly activities.

Visit Bucerías

Bucerías is a quiet town with a long beach and a friendly vibe. It has a charming central plaza and many small restaurants and bars. It’s a nice place to relax, walk on the beach, or enjoy seafood like grilled fish tacos or ceviche.

Surf in Sayulita

Sayulita is one of the most popular surf towns in Mexico. It has colorful streets, a lively beach scene, and a mix of locals and international travelers. Beginners can take surf lessons, while advanced surfers ride the bigger waves further out.

Explore San Pancho

San Pancho (San Francisco) is just north of Sayulita. It’s quieter, with a beautiful beach and a strong local culture. You’ll find art galleries, yoga retreats, and eco-friendly restaurants. It’s a great spot for peace and slow travel.

Relax in Punta de Mita

Punta de Mita is a high-end area known for luxury resorts and private beaches. It’s also a gateway to the Marietas Islands. Visitors can enjoy fine dining, golf, and spa treatments, or simply enjoy the calm, clear water and ocean views.

Whale watching tours

From December to March, humpback whales visit Banderas Bay. You can take a whale watching tour to see them up close. Tours are safe and guided by experts who protect the whales while letting you observe their amazing jumps and songs.

Snorkeling and diving

The Marietas Islands and Los Arcos are top spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. You’ll see colorful fish, coral, and sometimes sea turtles or rays. The waters are clear and calm, perfect for underwater adventures for all skill levels.

Zip-lining and hiking

The jungles and hills around Puerto Vallarta offer thrilling zip-line tours. You’ll soar over rivers and forests with views of the mountains. Hiking trails also let you explore nature, spot wildlife, and enjoy stunning views of the coastline.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is available in the mountains, beaches, or even along the rivers. It’s a fun and peaceful way to explore the natural areas around Puerto Vallarta or Sayulita. Tours usually include a guide and can last from 1 to 3 hours.

Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit offer delicious food. Try tacos al pastor, shrimp aguachile, grilled fish, and coconut desserts. Street food is safe and tasty. You can also find high-end restaurants with Mexican or international cuisine.

In Puerto Vallarta, check out food markets like Mercado del Mar or dine in the Romantic Zone. In Sayulita and San Pancho, many small cafes serve healthy, organic, and vegetarian meals. Beachfront restaurants are perfect for dinner at sunset.

Yelapa is a small fishing village only accessible by boat. It has a peaceful beach and a short hike to a waterfall. It’s a great escape from the city, with simple restaurants and quiet spots to relax.

San Sebastián del Oeste is a mountain town a few hours from Puerto Vallarta. It was once a silver mining town and still has colonial buildings and cool mountain air. You can walk around, visit coffee farms, and enjoy the slower pace of life.

Lo de Marcos is a peaceful town on the Riviera Nayarit coast. It’s less crowded than Sayulita or Bucerías, making it ideal for quiet beach days. Visitors come here to relax, take long walks, or enjoy simple beachside meals.

Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) receives direct flights from many U.S., Canadian, and Mexican cities. From the airport, you can reach the Riviera Nayarit by car or taxi in less than an hour. Most towns are connected by a coastal road.

Best areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta

If you want nightlife and shopping, stay in the Romantic Zone or near the Malecón. For more peace and comfort, check hotels in the Marina or Conchas Chinas. All areas are close to the beach and have good transport options.

Best areas to stay in Riviera Nayarit

Sayulita is perfect for young travelers and surfers. Bucerías is ideal for families and longer stays. Punta de Mita suits luxury travel, while San Pancho is great for nature lovers. Many hotels and rentals are available in each town.

  • Use sunscreen – The sun is strong year-round.
  • Bring cash – Small shops may not accept cards.
  • Learn basic Spanish – A few words go a long way.
  • Stay safe – The area is generally safe, but always watch your belongings.
  • Respect nature – Follow eco-tour rules and avoid littering.