Insider's Guide to Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita
Puerto Vallarta has something for everyone. You can take advantage of the city’s nightlife and culture, spend your days getting active in nature, relax on beautiful beaches, stay at world-class resorts, golf, surf, see whales and so much more.
Below, my curated guide provides an overview of places to stay, what to do and where to eat in Puerto Vallarta (and nearby Punta Mita). Consider it a mere starting point to spark a little wanderlust. When you’re ready, reach out to plan and book your dream Puerto Vallarta getaway.
Need to know
Puerto Vallarta is relatively easy to get to, especially from the United States’ west coast. Expect a mix of beach, culture, relaxation and adventure.
Where to stay
Puerto Vallarta is a lively city on Banderas Bay. About an hour north on a private peninsula is Punta Mita, the region’s primary resort area. The development comprises luxury resorts, golf courses, beach clubs, villas and condos. (Punta Mita is not to be confused with Punta de Mita, which is a coastal town located near the private Punta Mita development.)
Stay in Puerto Vallarta if you’re into nightlife, urban exploration, cultural immersion and hotels with more accessible price points. For a relaxing, luxurious resort vacation, opt for Punta Mita. The hotel options here are impressive. A fair warning: You may find it hard to leave.
One&Only Mandarina: A luxe getaway with treehouses, cliffside villas and an eco-conscious disposition. It’s blissfully private and remote. Expect personalized wellness treatments and amazing dining. Perks include $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection: A beachfront paradise with nature-focused activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, whale watching and surf safaris (surfing is big here). The food is sustainably and locally sourced, and the breezy aesthetic is laid-back luxury at its finest. Perks include $100 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita: This ultra-luxe oceanfront resort is a celebration of the region’s natural surroundings. Stay in breezy casitas, plunge-pool suites or sprawling residences. Paddleboard, golf, go boating, fish, surf…But whatever you do, don’t miss the hotel’s tequila-mixing class, where you’ll try different iterations of the spirit, see what you like and create your own concoction. When you book Four Seasons, you'll enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. I'll be pleased to give you more details.
Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico: For bucket-list-worthy wellness experience, Naviva should top your list. The exclusive jungle escape comprises 15 beautiful tents. You’ll be treated to hyper-personalized service and transformative wellness rituals. Even better, it’s all-inclusive. When you book Four Seasons, you'll enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. I'll be pleased to give you more details.
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort: The St. Regis’ signature luxury (which includes butler service, no less) on a 22-acre beachfront expanse. Expect two Jack Nicklaus golf courses, a spa and a Mexico-inspired design. Marriott STARS partner perks include $100 resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta: An all-inclusive resort on a secluded beach. There are four beachfront pools, each with their own vibe, plus several swim-up rooms. Hyatt Privé partner perks include $100 resort credit, a welcome amenity and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
W Punta de Mita: Fun, polished and eclectic, with colorful rooms and a lively vibe. Marriott Luminous partner perks include a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Conrad Punta de Mita: A stylish family-friendly option primed for relaxation — with a remarkable breakfast buffet to boot. Hilton for Luxury partner perks include $100 resort credit, breakfast daily & an upgrade whenever possible.
Image courtesy of The One&Only Mandarina
History and culture
Puerto Vallarta started out as a small fishing village called Las Peñas. (Banderas Bay’s calm waters make for great fishing conditions.) The prosperity of nearby banana plantations helped the population grow in the early 20th century, but tourism really took off after the 1964 film The Night of the Iguana, based on the Tennessee Williams play, was filmed there.
Hollywood luminaries like Ava Gardner, Richard Burton, Sue Lyon and Deborah Kerr starred in the John Huston film. Elizabeth Taylor even flew down to live with Burton, with whom she was having an affair, during filming. The scandal only added to Puerto Vallarta’s draw.
Today, it’s a vibrant region with incredible beaches, buzzing streets lined with local vendors, prime water sports, whale watching, active adventure and more. Charming towns up the coast are great for surfing and more of a bohemian vibe, while resort developments and hotels facilitate blissful relaxation (and access to the area’s natural playground, perfect for hikes, horseback riding and ATV rides).
Activities
Visit local markets (and go early to beat the crowds) for crafts and amazing street food. Top picks include Mercado Municipal, the Isla Cuale Flea Market, the family-owned Tacos El Cuñado and anywhere in the Zona Romántica. Even better, take a local food tour.
Stroll along the mile-long Malecón boardwalk (pro tip: Go at sunset), and visit the architecturally rich Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe nearby.
Learn about Mexico’s pre-Hispanic cultures at the small and mighty Museo del Cuale.
For another museum moment, head to Museo Histórico Naval for exhibits on naval warfare and Mexico’s maritime defense.
Get deep into Mexican history by visiting the historic town of San Sebastián del Oeste, which dates back to the early 17th century, when it was first settled by silver miners.
Admire the colorful buildings, art galleries, cobblestoned streets and bustling markets of Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town.
Hop on a boat to the Marietas Islands, often referred to as a mini Galápagos of sorts, thanks to its biodiversity and natural beauty. Spot over 100 species of fish and birds, including the blue-footed booby.
Zipline and hike in the Sierra Madre Mountains. For additional outdoor adventuring, consider an ATV or horseback ride.
Puerto Vallarta is especially well known for its whale watching during the migration season, which runs from about November through March.
Leave time to relax: There are lots of world-class golf courses to enjoy, and be sure to reserve ample hours for lounging by the beach or pool. Also, you’ll be in prime surfing territory.
