Things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Islas Marietas National Park & Hidden Beach
Islas Marietas, or the Marieta Islands, is a National Park made up of several small islands and islets where you can explore the natural beauty and biodiversity that Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Explore the islands by booking a tour and spend the day out on a catamaran, kayaking, paddle boarding and even snorkeling. Home to the blue-footed booby, sea turtles and manta rays, you’ll encounter plenty of seabird species and marine life. You can also hike along the beautiful trails of this park to see other parts of the islands.
Hidden Beach, also known as Playa Del Amor or Lovers Beach, is harder to access due to tourist restrictions but is one of the best highlights of this tour. The crater-shaped, picturesque beach was formed as a combination of military testing and erosion and resulted in this very beautiful, secluded little beach. Depending on the tide, wind and waves, you’ll be able to swim to this beach so make sure your tour includes this!
El Malecón
The Malecón boardwalk stretches for over a mile along Banderas Bay and is a popular place to visit both during the day and at night. Here you’ll find the well-known Church of Our Lady Guadalupe, and the Los Arcos Amphitheater that organizes free performances from musicians to traditional Mexican dance troupes. With vendors lined up along the boardwalk, it’s easy to grab a bite to eat, stop for a drink, or shop and get some picture-perfect photos during sunset.
Puerto Vallarta Travel Tips
Time Zone: Central Standard Time
Passport Required: Yes
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish
Power: U.S. Standard Plug
Currency: Pesos, but the U.S. Dollar is also widely accepted in most important businesses in the city as long as purchases are not too big (under 100 dollars)
Transportation: The bus is a reliable and inexpensive mode of transportation, but you can also rent a car with your vacation package. After you’ve selected your flight, hotel and room type, simply click “Add a car” to see all the rental options that best suit you and/or your party