Puerto Vallarta Holidays

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Beautiful Puerto Vallarta sits on the Western Pacific coast of Mexico, the white sandy beaches and the tropical climate began to attract tourists as long ago as the late 19th century. The amazing vista of mountains, jungle, quaint terracotta tiled roofs and the sea make Puerto Vallarta the most picturesque beach resort in all of Mexico.

With ample opportunities for activity, your adventurous side will never go unfulfilled, unless you want rest and relaxation. In that case, Puerto Vallarta is the ideal destination for lazing around in the sun.

Playa Los Muertos is the place for sunbathing and swimming, but it could get crowded with locals and travellers. For a treat you could head off on a boat to quieter and more serene destinations towards the South, these include Playa Las Animas, Majahuitas and Yelapa.

Many people visit Puerto Vallarta again and again, and it’s a big attraction for North American and European visitors, many even have invested in second homes. You may even spot a celebrity or two in the Costalegre south of Puerto Vallarta.

Weather

Puerto Vallarta has a mild, hot and sunny climate for most of the year, but things change in the Summer months when intense rain falls virtually every day throughout August and September.

This is also hurricane season so it’s probably best to avoid holidaying at this time. Although, the heavy rains can actually be quite refreshing after a hot and sunny day.

Arguably the best months to go are between November and May, with January to March being the coolest but still in the 70’s. The central pacific coast can also be humid throughout the year, but the coast provides a more comfortable climate.

Attractions

Kids are well catered for in the hotel resorts with kids clubs and water activities, but for a special adventure you could take them to Chico’s Paradise, which boasts a jungle zip-line above the river and restaurant. You can also swim in the river and explore the jungle treks.

Regardless of whether you enjoy shopping, we recommend a stroll up to the Vallarta Viejo plaza and the Zona Romantica. There are loads of things to do and see. You will find sculptors building sand castles on the beach and street artists entertaining the crowds. It's a beautiful walk along cobblestone streets where you'll find casual and fine clothing, art galleries, native handicrafts and art, glassware, pottery, fabrics, jewellery, and anything and everything you'd want to take back home with you. Souvenirs can also be sought out from the vendors south of the plaza.

Booze cruises are very popular. The one thing that these great boat tours have in common is that they all feature that all-important Open Bar. Puerto Vallarta has several excellent booze cruises to choose from. Most of the booze cruises in Puerto Vallarta are daytime cruises, where you visit a beach, do some snorkeling, and then have drinks, music, and fun on the way back. However, there are a few options for night-time booze cruise trips as well. You can even catch a booze cruise to Mismaloya (where they filmed Night of the Iguana).

Try to attend a Mexican fiesta in a hotel at least once during your stay. Kristal Vallarta hotel holds a particularly good fiesta. Expect an open bar, Mexican buffet, folk dancing, music and fireworks. Sometimes you can even get involved in a mini do-it-yourself bullfight with small bulls, great fun but be careful!