Puerto Vallarta visitor information

The Puerto Vallarta airport is located close to the north end of town near the Marina Vallarta. It is about 10 km (6 mi) from downtown.

Puerto Vallarta general information:

City Layout

In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the seaside promenade (malecón) is a common reference point for giving directions. The promenade is next to Paseo Díaz Ordaz. It runs north-south through the central downtown area of Puerto Vallarta.
The town stretches back from the waterfront into the hills half a dozen blocks.
The areas bordering the Río Cuale are the oldest parts of Puerto Vallarta, the original town. The area just south of the river is named Olas Altas after its main street. Sometimes it is called Los Muertos after the beach of the same name. It is home to a growing variety of:

• Sidewalk cafés
• Fine restaurants
• Espresso bars
• Hip nightclubs

In the center of Puerto Vallarta, one can walk to nearly everything both north and south of the river. The two sections of downtown are linked by bridges on Insurgentes (northbound traffic) and Ignacio Vallarta (southbound traffic).

Area Layout

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has grown beyond downtown. It has spread along the beach to the north and south. Avenida Francisco Medina Ascencio links downtown to the airport.  

There are many luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta along this main thoroughfare. The hotels are in an area called the Zona Hotelera, or Hotel Zone. There are also several shopping centers with casual restaurants.

Here are some other interesting areas beyond Puerto Vallarta’s downtown.

Marina Vallarta

Marina Vallarta, Mexico is a resort city within a city.

The Marina Vallarta peninsula faces the bay and looks south toward the town of Puerto Vallarta.

Location - at the northern edge of the Hotel Zone, not far from the airport Marina Vallarta boasts:

• Modern luxury hotels
• Condominiums
• Homes
• A huge marina with 450 yacht slips
• A golf course
• Restaurants
• Bars
• Several shopping plazas

Marina Vallarta was originally a swamp. So, the Vallarta beaches are the least desirable in the area.

They have darker sand and seasonal inflows of cobblestones.

Nuevo Vallarta

Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico is a planned resort.

Location - north of the airport, across the Ameca River in the state of Nayarit (about 13 km (8 mi) north of downtown)

Nuevo Vallarta has:

• Hotels
• Condominiums
• A yacht marina
• A limited selection of restaurants and shopping

The new Paradise Plaza mall in Nuevo Vallarta, however, is introducing new dining and shopping options.

Most hotels in Nuevo Vallarta are all-inclusive. These hotels are on some of the finest beaches in the bay. But guests usually travel into Puerto Vallarta (about $13/cab ride) for activities other than poolside or at the beach. There is regularly-scheduled public bus service in Puerto Vallarta. It costs about $1.50 and runs until 10 pm.

Bucerías

Bucerías is a small beachside village of cobblestone streets, villas, and small hotels.

Location - farther north along Banderas Bay, 30 km (19 mi) beyond the airport

Punta Mita

Punta Mita was once a rustic fishing village. It is also the site of an ancient celestial observatory. Punta Mita’s exquisite setting features white-sand beaches and clear waters. It is currently being developed as a luxury destination.

Location - past Bucerías, following the curved coastline of Banderas Bay to the end of the road

Punta Mita is currently building:

• Five exclusive luxury boutique resorts
• Private villas
• Three golf courses

The northern shore of Banderas Bay is emerging as Punta Mita’s most exclusive address for luxury villas and hotels.

Southern Coastal Highway

The Southern Coastal Highway is in the opposite direction from downtown Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It is home to more luxury hotels, as well as other delightful spots:

Conchas Chinas

Just south of Puerto Vallarta is this exclusive residential and rental district.

 The Jolla de Mismaloya Resort

This resort, where Night of the Iguana was filmed, is ten km (6 mi) south of Puerto Vallarta.

There is no road on the southern shoreline of Banderas Bay. But its three small coastal villages are popular with visitors to Puerto Vallarta:

• Las Animas
• Quimixto
• Yelapa

These villages are only accessible by boat.

Finally, there is the tiny, pristine cove of Caletas. It is the site of John Huston's former home. Caletas is also a popular for day- or nighttime excursions.

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board (in the U.S.)

After arriving in Puerto Vallarta, visitors can contact:

- The Municipal Tourism Office
Location: at Juárez and Independencia; a corner of the white Presidencia Municipal building (city hall) on the northwest end of the main square

Telephone: 322/223-2500, ext. 230

The Municipal Tourism Office offers:

• A listing of current events
• Promotional brochures for local activities and services
• Assistance with specific questions (there's usually an English speaker on staff)

The Municipal Tourism Office is also the office of:
- The Tourist Police

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. (During low season it may close for lunch between 2 and 4 pm.)