Puerto Vallarta Mexico Malecon boardwalk and church tower on Banderas Bay

Jalisco

Puerto Vallarta vacation rentals

A real Mexican town wrapped around a spectacular bay — cobblestones, the Malecon, and jungle-covered mountains.

Best time to visit

November through May for dry, sunny days; December–March brings humpback whales into the bay.

Rental types

Romantic Zone condos · Hillside villas with views · Beachfront apartments · Old Town casitas

Getting there

Fly into Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR), 15 minutes from the Hotel Zone, with direct flights from across North America. The town itself is walkable; buses and Uber cover the rest.

About Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta was a fishing village until 'The Night of the Iguana' put it on the map in 1964 — and unlike purpose-built resorts, it kept its soul. The Malecon boardwalk runs a mile along the bay past sculptures and sand artists, the crown-topped Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe anchors the skyline, and the Zona Romantica's cobblestone lanes hold one of Mexico's best dining scenes.

Banderas Bay is one of the largest bays in the Americas, ringed by the Sierra Madre's jungle. Humpback whales calve here in winter, hidden beaches like Yelapa are reachable only by boat, and the Los Arcos marine park offers snorkeling minutes offshore. The bay's southern coves — Conchas Chinas, Mismaloya — stack villas up the jungle hillsides.

Vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta vacation rentals shine in the Zona Romantica — condos and casitas walking distance to Los Muertos Beach and the restaurant rows — and in the hillside villas of Conchas Chinas and Amapas, where infinity pools overlook the bay. The Hotel Zone and Marina offer resort-style convenience.

Winter high season books early, especially the holidays and whale season. Summer brings afternoon rains, lush jungle, and the year's lowest rates. PV is famously welcoming — one of Mexico's most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations — and the Romantic Zone is its vibrant heart. For a longer Mexico itinerary, pair with Cancun or Cabo San Lucas on the coasts.

Things to do in Puerto Vallarta

Stroll the Malecon at sunset, then dine in the Zona Romantica
Boat to Yelapa or the hidden south-shore beaches
Snorkel the Los Arcos marine park's rock islands
Watch humpback whales in the bay December through March
Zip-line through the Sierra Madre jungle canopy
Take a taco tour through Old Town's street stands

Couples, foodies, and repeat visitors

PV inspires unusual loyalty — many visitors return every winter for decades. The formula: a walkable, authentic town; a beautiful bay; excellent food at every price; and warm welcomes. Couples claim the hillside villas; foodies work through the taco stands and tasting menus; everyone watches the sunset from the Malecon.

Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta

Zona Romantica (Old Town)

Cobblestones, Los Muertos Beach, and PV's best restaurant and nightlife scene.

El Centro & the Malecon

The mile-long seaside boardwalk — sculptures, street performers, and the parish church.

Conchas Chinas & Amapas

The 'Beverly Hills of PV' — hillside villas and coved beaches south of town.

Marina Vallarta & Hotel Zone

Resort strip, golf, and the marina's restaurants north of downtown.

Puerto Vallarta FAQs

Is Puerto Vallarta safe for tourists?

Puerto Vallarta is consistently ranked among Mexico's safest tourist cities, with a walkable, well-patrolled center. Use normal precautions and licensed taxis or Uber, especially at night.

What is the best area to stay in Puerto Vallarta?

The Zona Romantica for walkable dining and Los Muertos Beach, Conchas Chinas for hillside villas with views, and the Hotel Zone for resort convenience near the airport.

When is whale season in Puerto Vallarta?

Humpback whales visit Banderas Bay from December through March, with boat tours departing daily from the marina and Los Muertos pier.