Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most beloved destinations, offering a mix of golden beaches, lush jungle, vibrant nightlife, rich culture, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to explore more, this complete guide covers the must-see attractions in Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding areas.
Beaches
Playa de los Muertos
The city’s most famous beach, located in the Romantic Zone, features golden sand, a lively boardwalk, and the modern Los Muertos Pier. It’s perfect for swimming, people-watching, and dining at beachfront restaurants. Sunset is the best time to visit.
Playa Las Gemelas
Two small hidden coves with soft white sand and turquoise waters, located about 10 km south of downtown. They are quieter than city beaches and perfect for swimming. Bring your own supplies, as there are no vendors.
Playa Camarones
A Blue Flag-certified beach in the Hotel Zone. Safe for swimming, family-friendly, and lined with water sports vendors, palapas, and beach clubs.
Playa Olas Altas
Located near the Malecón, this urban beach has darker sand, higher waves, and a bustling vibe. Popular at sunset and within walking distance of bars and restaurants.
Playa Mismaloya
This iconic beach south of Puerto Vallarta is where the movie The Night of the Iguana was filmed in 1963. Calm waters make it ideal for snorkeling, swimming, or catching a panga boat to Los Arcos Marine Park. Lined with rustic seafood restaurants, this beach is considered the birthplace of Puerto Vallarta’s tourism.
Cultural & Historical Landmarks
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Downtown’s most iconic building, crowned with a wrought-iron tiara. Open daily, it’s both a place of worship and a cultural landmark, especially vibrant during the annual Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December.
Isla del Río Cuale
A peaceful, pedestrian-only island between downtown and the Romantic Zone. With artisan markets, shady walkways, and a cultural center, it’s a perfect escape from the city buzz.
Naval Historic Museum
Located on Isla Cuale, this museum showcases Mexico’s maritime history with ship models, uniforms, and artifacts. Free admission and rooftop views of Banderas Bay make it worth a visit.
Los Arcos Amphitheater
An open-air stage on the Malecón framed by four stone arches. It frequently hosts free concerts, cultural performances, and community events at night.
The Night of the Iguana Film Set (Mismaloya)
The ruins of the 1963 movie set where Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor’s presence put Puerto Vallarta on the world map. Accessible by hike or boat, the site offers history and breathtaking bay views.
Outdoor & Adventure Activities
Snorkeling Adventures: Los Arcos, Majahuitas & Marietas
Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by some of the best snorkeling in the Mexican Pacific:
- Los Arcos Marine Park – Just off Mismaloya Beach, this cluster of granite islands is a natural aquarium. Swim through arches, caves, and tunnels filled with schools of tropical fish, rays, and even sea turtles. It’s the most accessible snorkeling spot, only minutes from town. Book Here!
- Majahuitas Cove – South of Puerto Vallarta, this hidden beach is only accessible by boat. Calm, crystal-clear waters make it ideal for snorkeling with colorful reef fish. Majahuitas is less crowded than Los Arcos, offering a more tranquil experience surrounded by jungle.
- Marietas Islands – A protected national park near Punta Mita, famous for the “Hidden Beach.” The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, making it one of the top snorkeling and diving destinations in Mexico. Expect to see angelfish, pufferfish, eels, and sometimes manta rays or dolphins.
Snorkeling tours vary in length, from 2-hour excursions at Los Arcos to full-day adventures combining Marietas or Majahuitas with beach stops and lunch.
Canopy River
An adventure park offering zip lines across jungle canyons, ATV and RZR tours, horseback riding, river tubing, and crossing the world’s longest vehicle suspension bridge. Perfect for thrill-seekers.
Waterfalls & Jungle Hikes
Puerto Vallarta’s jungles hide some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Mexico:
- Palo María Waterfall – A challenging jungle hike leading to natural pools.
- El Nogalito Waterfall – Easy access, family-friendly, and surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Quimixto Waterfall – Reached by boat, then a short hike or horseback ride.
- Yelapa Waterfall – Right in the fishing village, perfect for a refreshing swim.
- Mismaloya Waterfalls – A hidden jungle gem reached by following the river upstream.
Chico’s Paradise
A riverside restaurant and natural attraction, famous for cliff-diving locals, swimming holes, and authentic Mexican food.
Botanical Gardens
Located south of Mismaloya, the Vallarta Botanical Garden is a must-visit. Explore orchid conservatories, jungle trails, and a crystal-clear river. The on-site restaurant serves delicious Mexican cuisine with scenic views.
El Edén (Predator Movie Set)
A jungle eco-park where Predator was filmed. Visitors can swim in waterfalls, zip line, and slide down natural rock chutes.
Boca de Tomatlán to Las Ánimas Hike – A scenic jungle and coastal trail (about 2 hours one way) passing hidden beaches like Colomitos, Madagascar, and Caballo before reaching Las Ánimas. A must for nature lovers.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Vallarta Zoo
Located in Mismaloya, this zoo lets visitors feed animals like giraffes, monkeys, and tigers. Open daily and set in a lush jungle environment.
Aquaventuras Park
A water park with slides, a lazy river, and dolphin and sea lion shows. Perfect for families with children.
Malecón Sculptures Walk
Downtown’s boardwalk doubles as an outdoor art gallery, featuring interactive sculptures kids can climb and explore.
Marina Vallarta
A modern marina where families can stroll, dine, shop, and spot iguanas and pelicans. Safe and lively both day and night.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Zona Romántica
Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife hub, full of restaurants, bars, clubs, and LGBTQ+ venues. Streets like Basilio Badillo and Olas Altas come alive at night with live music and street performances.
Malecón & Beach Clubs
Puerto Vallarta’s famous boardwalk offers open-air bars, nightclubs, and free cultural shows. Beachfront clubs like Mantamar host DJs and themed parties right on the sand.
Day Trips & Excursions
Marietas Islands & Hidden Beach
A national park with snorkeling, diving, and birdwatching. Hidden Beach, a crater-enclosed beach, is accessible only by permit and low tide.
Yelapa
A boat-access-only village at the southern end of the bay. Known for its laid-back charm, sandy beach, and jungle waterfall.
San Sebastián del Oeste
A Pueblo Mágico in the Sierra Madre Mountains. Explore colonial architecture, coffee haciendas, and panoramic views from La Bufa.
Sayulita
A surf town in Nayarit with colorful streets, yoga studios, and a bohemian vibe.
Sunset & Bioluminescence Tour – One of Puerto Vallarta’s most magical experiences. Departing in the evening, this adventure begins with a boat ride to Los Arcos Marine Sanctuary to watch the sun set over the Pacific. As night falls, you snorkel in the dark caves of Los Arcos surrounded by glowing bioluminescent plankton, which light up with every movement in the water. The combination of fiery sunset views and swimming through “living stars” makes this a must-do for adventurous travelers. CHECK IT OUT!
Ocean & Jungle Combo Tours
Full-day excursions that combine snorkeling at Los Arcos, a jungle hike or horseback ride to Quimixto Waterfall, and relaxing at Las Ánimas Beach. See Details!
South Bay Villages
For a true off-the-beaten-path experience:
- Chimo – A quiet fishing community with untouched beaches.
- Maito – A remote beach with a sea turtle sanctuary.
- Tehuamixtle – Famous for serving the freshest oysters in the bay.
Final Thoughts
Puerto Vallarta isn’t just a beach town—it’s a blend of history, culture, nature, and adventure. From iconic beaches like Mismaloya and Playa de los Muertos to hidden villages like Tehuamixtle, every corner of Banderas Bay offers something unique. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline, relaxation, or authentic Mexican culture, Puerto Vallarta has it all.