Puerto Vallarta is the city of Banderas Bay, about 30–45 minutes south of Bucerías across the Ameca River in the state of Jalisco. Its heart is the malecón, a seafront promenade lined with bronze sculptures, restaurants and bars, and the old town behind it, with cobbled streets climbing the hill.
Above the old town rises the crowned tower of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the city’s landmark. South of the Cuale River, the Zona Romántica is full of restaurants, cafés and nightlife.
Puerto Vallarta: the top things to do
Walk the malecón
Stroll the seafront from the arches to the sculptures, best in the late afternoon and at sunset when the promenade fills with people.
Explore the old town
Climb the streets around the church for views, and cross to the island in the Cuale River for crafts and shade.
Spend the evening
The Zona Romántica has the bay’s widest choice of restaurants and bars. Take a taxi back to Bucerías at night.
Take a boat south
Boats leave for Yelapa and the beaches of the southern shore, reachable only by sea.
Getting there: Puerto Vallarta
- By bus: local buses run along the coastal highway from Bucerías to Puerto Vallarta; cheap but slow in traffic.
- By taxi or ride-hailing: roughly 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic.
- By car: parking near the malecón can be difficult; use a car park.
Insider tips
- Bucerías and Puerto Vallarta keep the same time, even though they are in different states.
- Traffic is heavy at rush hour and in high season — allow extra time.
- Bring a hat and water; the malecón has little shade at midday.
- Agree on taxi fares before you set off if there is no meter.
Bookable experiences to pair with Puerto Vallarta
These are the real, bookable experiences that fit best around a visit to Puerto Vallarta:
City tour from US$31 Puerto Vallarta: City Tour, Tequila and Coffee Factory Tour
A low-priced overview of Puerto Vallarta with tequila and coffee tastings. Fine as an introduction, though expect shopping stops along the way.
- Puerto Vallarta highlights
- Tequila and coffee tastings
- Hundreds of reviews
Boat tour from US$133 Yelapa & Secluded Private Beach ALL INCLUSIVE Adventure
An all-inclusive day across Banderas Bay to Yelapa and a secluded beach on the southern shore, reachable only by boat. A long but popular day.
- Cross the bay to Yelapa
- Secluded beach time
- All-inclusive, nearly 200 reviews
Whales from US$93 Catamaran Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar & Meals
A relaxed catamaran cruise into Banderas Bay during the humpback season, with food and drinks on board. A comfortable choice for families and first-timers. Seasonal — check dates on the listing.
- Humpback whale season, roughly December – March
- Stable catamaran with meals and open bar
- Well reviewed
