Mexico

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Puerto Vallarta

Pacific resort town with old-town charm

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Puerto Vallarta Plan a trip around Mexico

Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
Currency: MXN
Time zone: UTC-6
Country: Mexico

Photo: Another Believer, CC BY-SA 4.0

Puerto Vallarta is a Pacific coast resort city on Bahía de Banderas in Jalisco, known for its cobblestone Zona Romántica, beach promenade and surrounding jungle and mountains. People come for beaches, whale watching, snorkelling, dining and a welcoming, gay-friendly scene.

Largest cities

Mexico City
Guadalajara
Monterrey
Puebla
Tijuana

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Mexico
Capital: Mexico City
City population: 224,166
Population of Mexico: 132.3M
Country area: 1,972,550 km²
Official language: Spanish
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) · 1 USD ≈ 18.41 MXN
Time zone: UTC-6
Calling code: +52
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 12 m
Plugs: A / B · 127V
Emergency numbers: 911
Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	26°	26°	26°	27°	30°	30°	31°	31°	30°	30°	29°	28°
Low	17°	17°	16°	18°	20°	24°	25°	25°	25°	24°	21°	19°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$37
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$102
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$285

Plan a trip to Puerto Vallarta

Top things to do

Free
Malecón boardwalk
Stroll the oceanfront promenade past sculptures, shops and street performers, with plenty of bars and restaurants for sunset.
- Half day
- Centro (Downtown) and the Malecón
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Visit the landmark church crowned with its distinctive ironwork, in the oldest part of town near Hidalgo street; dress modestly inside.
- Half day
- Centro (Downtown) and the Malecón
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Playa de los Muertos
The main town beach south of the Cuale river, lined with beach bars and loungers; arrive early for a good spot on busy weekends.
- Half day
- Zona Romántica (Olas Altas / Emiliano Zapata)
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Isla Cuale
A green island in the Cuale river with craft stalls, small museums and shaded paths linking Centro and the Zona Romántica.
- Half day
- Centro (Downtown) and the Malecón
- Good for kids
Free
Marina Vallarta and golf course
Walk the marina boardwalk past yachts and waterfront restaurants, or book a round on the adjacent golf course.
- Half day
- Marina Vallarta
- Good for kids
Free
Conchas Chinas beaches
Rocky coves south of town with clear water for swimming and snorkelling; access is via steps and paths, so wear sturdy sandals.
- Half day
- Conchas Chinas and the south coast
- Good for kids
≈ $70
Marietas Islands day trip
Boat out to the protected islands for snorkelling and birdlife, with a stop at a hidden beach; book a licensed operator and bring reef-safe sunscreen.
- Full day
- Marina Vallarta
- Good for kids
≈ $45
Mismaloya and south coast
Head south by bus or boat to Mismaloya, the bay where The Night of the Iguana was filmed, for beach time and jungle views.
- Full day
- Conchas Chinas and the south coast
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

British citizens and many other nationalities can visit Mexico as tourists without a visa, receiving a stamp on arrival that states the allowed length of stay. You may be asked to show a return ticket, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds. Entry rules depend on nationality; check the official Mexican immigration site or your nearest Mexican embassy before travel.

Official website

From the airport

Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) sits about 8 km north of the Zona Romántica, right beside the main highway. City buses, taxis and ride-hailing pick up near the airport pedestrian bridge; a taxi or Uber into the centre takes roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting around

City buses run frequently along the coast road, and taxis and ride-hailing are easy to find; the walkable Centro and Zona Romántica are best explored on foot.

Local tips

The high season runs from late November to March, when the weather is dry and whale watching is at its best; summer is hot, humid and rainy.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but prices are higher than in much of Mexico — carry small peso notes for buses and markets.
Ignore timeshare touts in the airport arrivals rooms and buy official taxi tickets only at the kiosk in the main hall.
Beach vendors and street food are common; drink bottled water and use reef-safe sunscreen at the beaches and islands.

Areas worth knowing

Centro (Downtown) and the Malecón
Hotel Zone
Conchas Chinas and the south coast
Zona Romántica (Olas Altas / Emiliano Zapata)
Marina Vallarta

Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on October 9, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK