How to Plan a Relaxing Weekend in Puerto Vallarta

With the intense blue of  Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Flags) in the background, the sculptures gracing the Puerto Vallarta malecón make you wonder if they emerged from the ocean or landed from outer space on the long and beautiful seaside promenade.

It’s the perfect place to soak up the sun in this slice of paradise.

Surrounding the bay, the Sierra Madre mountains house enchanting gardens bursting with flowers and birds.

And the sunsets…Watching the concert of colours while sipping a tequila añejo…hmmm, I’m so tempted to book a flight to go back right now …

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Use this guide to plan a relaxing getaway in Puerto Vallarta and find the best things to do during your weekend escape to Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

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See the Sculptures in Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon Boardwalk

One of my favourite walks ever, with tons of amazing outdoor art.

Dolphins, mermaids, and fantastic characters that belong in a Tim Burton’s movie will complement the sea views of the Malecon, a long and wide promenade along the coast with the bay on one side and bars, restaurants, hotels, and stores on the other.

I loved La Rotonda del Mar (The Roundabout of the Sea, by Alejandro Colunga), a group of sculptures arranged in a circle. They’re unique and fun and crazy, and as an added bonus they also function as seating.

Check out the Vallarta Dancers!

Don’t miss the Puerto Vallarta sign. Being Mexico, it’s colourful, with a terrific design, and with an unbeatable background. The sculpture in the middle is considered the symbol of the city.

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Relax at the Beach

Puerto Vallarta has many amazing beaches, you won’t run out of options. Some are only accessible by boat so you must book a tour, and some are away from downtown and you must either drive or take an Uber. 

The good news is you don’t have to go far as you’ll find nice beaches walking along the Malecon with umbrellas and chairs for rent.

Some of the most famous are Camarones Beach, on the north side, and Los Muertos Beach, on the south.

Los Muertos has a scenic pier where you can relax after a walk along the Malecon.

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For something different to do in Vallarta, check out this Bean to Bar Chocolate workshop where you’ll learn about this history of chocolate, how it’s made, and make your own chocolate goodies. Rating: 4.9/5 based on more than 290 reviews.

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Walk around the Centro (downtown) and the Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone)

Venture into the cobblestone streets, off the Malecon, to check out the churches nearby and the colourful buildings.

On the north side, you’ll see the Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Refugio (Parish of Our Lady of Refuge), a cute church with gothic elements.

Further south you’ll find the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe). It has been a landmark of Puerto Vallarta since it was established in 1921, with ongoing construction work finishing in 1987.

The most significant element of this church is the crown on top of the main tower, held by eight angels. You’re looking at the second crown installation as the original was destroyed by an earthquake in 1995.

Mexico exudes colour, with oranges, yellows and blues splashing the buildings and the parks.

You can’t help but feel happy just by walking around this visual feast.

For birders: keep your eyes peeled when you walk near the Cuale River as you’ll spot many birds.

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Wander Around the Marina Vallarta

For a slightly less crowded walk head towards the Marina, an upscale area located on the north side of town.

Yachts come and go as you stroll along the wide paseo filled with cafes, restaurants, and stores.

In the background, beyond the low-rise condo buildings, you’ll see the silhouette of the mountains. 

It’s another great area to watch the gorgeous sunsets of Puerto Vallarta.

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Food and Mixology Tour: this 4-hour tour stops at eateries and bars where you can try tacos, desserts, and toast with cocktails, tequila and mezcal.
Get into Vallarta’s local food scene, with a rating of 5/5 based on more than 1,595 reviews.

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Visit the Jardín Botánico Vallarta (Vallarta Botanical Gardens)

The allure of this 64-acre garden goes beyond displaying the beauty of the plants of Mexico. 

What could compete with the colourful flowers brightening the massive greenery as the main attraction?

Remember, you’re in Mexico.

There’s artistry, colour, joy, and design in everything. In the little planters (and the big ones), the tiled benches, the signs,  the ponds and fountains adorned with sculptures and ornate vases.

The objects used to showcase nature are a work of art in themselves, and it’s one of the things I enjoyed the most.

You’ll find them as you walk through the orchid conservatory that hosts a large orchid collection, through the International Peace Garden, the bridges, and through the desert garden.

The icing on the cake is the many birds you’ll see in the garden and its trails.

You’ll find one of the best views of the forest preserve and the Sierra Madre mountains from the restaurant’s second floor.

Set aside some time to enjoy the landscape and, of course, the decorative details, while you have a drink in the terrace lounge

You can also explore the trails and take a plunge in the Los Horcones River. 

The garden is approximately 30 minutes south of Old Town. You can take a bus or a taxi from town (for details and fares check the link to their site, included below).

You can also check their guided tours.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Carretera Barra de Navidad (Highway 200), Km. 24 Las Juntas y Los Veranos, Puerto Vallarta; +52.322.688.6206 ; Open daily: 9AM-6PM (seasonal schedule varies); General admission: MXN 200 per person (they accept USD and CDN)

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Getting to Puerto Vallarta

Most of the main airlines offer direct flights (some seasonal) to Puerto Vallarta’s Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) from main cities around the United States, Canada, Spain, Panama, and the UK.

You can also fly here (or take a bus) from other cities within Mexico. As I mention in the Mexico Travel Guide, you’ll find several bus lines that have comfortable seats and offer safe rides.

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Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

The best place to stay in Puerto Vallarta if you want relaxation while being conveniently close to restaurants and other amenities without needing a car is the Marina. This is where we stayed during our visit.

You’ll find many hotels and accommodations south of the Marina and along the Malecon, but you’ll also find noisy bars and nightclubs. Not the best bet if you’re looking forward to catching up on your sleep at night.

The Conchas Chinas area, south of the Zona Romantica, is another quieter option. However, it’s more isolated (and more upscale), and you may need an Uber if you want to go out for dinner.

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Do I Need to Rent a Car in Puerto Vallarta?

Puerto Vallarta is a walkable, small city with good public transit. Unless you’re planning to travel outside the city you won’t need a car.

For less than one dollar you can take the frequent public buses that go back and forth along the main street (avoid peak hours as buses are more crowded than a Beyonce concert), and you can also take an Uber at very reasonable prices.

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Whether you’re looking forward to sipping margaritas at the beach, birdwatching in the gardens, or taking a scenic walk, (or having it all!) Puerto Vallarta is a terrific destination for the perfect weekend escape. What would you do if you could fly there this weekend?

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