How to Spend 1 Day in Puerto Vallarta
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How to Spend 1 Day in Puerto Vallarta

How to Spend 1 Day in Puerto Vallarta

Plentiful Pacific sunshine, easy-to-reach beaches, and a lively restaurant and nightlife scene make Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations. Visitors come to this lively enclave on the Bay of Banderas for a dose of paradise. Here’s how to maximize 24 hours in Puerto Vallarta.

Morning: Old Town Discovery

Get oriented on a stroll through Puerto Vallarta’s charming old town, from the spires of Our Lady of Guadalupe church (La Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe) to art galleries tucked away in quiet, flowered alleyways. Book a bike tour along bustling El Malecón boardwalk, where craft vendors and seaside views compete for attention, or opt for a city tour by coach to reach less walkable locales such as the Marina Vallarta port or Mismaloya Beach, made famous by the 1964 film The Night of the Iguana.

Afternoon: Sun, Swim, or Sail

No visit to Puerto Vallarta is complete without some time on the water, so take in the beauty of Banderas Bay on a sailing cruise that shows off secluded coves and sun-soaked beaches without the crowds. Get closer to Mexico’s Pacific wildlife with a whale-watching trip to spot the migrating giants of the sea or a snorkeling tour among the caves and reefs of nearby Los Arcos National Marine Park. If sunbathing is more your style, there are plenty of beaches right in town, including the Beach of the Dead (Playa de los Muertos) and kid-friendly Playa Las Animas.

Night: Tacos and Tequila

Puerto Vallarta boasts plenty to please food lovers, from street vendors to romantic upscale restaurants. Scout the best ceviche, carne asada tacos, handmade tortillas, and fresh coconut on a food tour through lively neighborhoods such as Emiliano Zapata and 5 de Diciembre. Or, kick off the night with a tasting of 100 percent pure agave tequilas. Jalisco state is considered the world’s tequila capital, so it’s the perfect place to learn the difference between tequila blancos and reposados and how mezcal production differs. With a few shots down the hatch, you’ll be primed to experience Puerto Vallarta’s famed nightlife scene. Club tours help ensure a safe night out and earn you VIP treatment behind the ropes of the city’s hottest spots for night owls.

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11 Tours and Activities

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Puerto Vallarta Cruise and Candlelight Dinner Show

Puerto Vallarta Cruise and Candlelight Dinner Show

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869
Immerse yourself in the magical mysticism of Las Caletas by night with an enchanting evening excursion from Puerta Vallarta. Watch the sun sink into the shimmering sea as you sail to a secluded beach surrounded by rugged rock formations. Dine upon a gourmet 3-course meal by candlelight before watching the renowned Rhythms of the Night show, a stunning spectacle that promises to transport viewers to a spiritual land that time forgot.
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  • 5 hours
  • Free Cancellation
From
$175.00
From
$175.00

Downtown Puerto Vallarta Food Tour

Downtown Puerto Vallarta Food Tour

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1859
Get acquainted with Puerto Vallarta's delicious food scene on this 3.5-hour food and eating walking tour. With an expert foodie leading the way, sample the diverse array of the city's edible delights, from tacos to sweets on this culinary adventure. Stop at 10 different spots to sample the food. And while going from place to place, see some of the highlights of the town and learn about the history of Puerto Vallarta. This small-group tour is limited to just 10 people, ensuring plenty of personalized attention. Suitable for all age groups and fitness levels.
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  • 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
From
$55.00
From
$55.00

Day Sailing in Banderas Bay

Day Sailing in Banderas Bay

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194
Explore the curvaceous coastline and iridescent waters of Banderas Bay on a half-day sailing tour from Puerto Vallarta. Sail upon the shimmering sea; swim in crystal clear blue water; and discover the incredible natural wonders of Banderas Bay. Snorkel in a secluded cove and enjoy included beverages and delicious lunch as you cruise on your luxurious vessel. Combine the unadulterated pleasure of sailing with pampering on this delightful excursion.
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  • 6 hours
  • Free Cancellation
From
$142.00
From
$142.00

Sunset Sailing on Banderas Bay
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Sunset Sailing on Banderas Bay

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Awaken your senses to the stunning sights and sounds of a Banderas Bay sunset on a tranquil 3-hour sunset cruise from Puerto Vallarta. Sip a cosmopolitan cocktail and nibble on premium cheese as your stylish Beneteau sailboat cruises on the calm waters of Banderas Bay; watch the setting sun sink into the crystal clear Pacific Ocean and absorb the impossibly romantic atmosphere of this enchanting excursion.
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  • 3 hours
  • Free Cancellation
From
$109.00
From
$109.00

Taco Adventure Evening Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta

Taco Adventure Evening Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta

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532
Eat your way through a portion of Puerto Vallarta on this decadent eating and walking tour. Stroll the streets of Emiliano Zapata and 5 de Deciembre neighborhoods stopping along the way to sample some local edible delights. Eat full-portion samples of tacos, quesadillas, churros, sopes, pozole and much more. Stop at 4 different tacos stands and carts to eat delicious al pastor, fresh seafood and other varieties. All the while, learn about the history of the neighborhoods from your trusty local guide.
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  • 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
From
$55.00
From
$55.00

VIP Nightclub Tour in Puerto Vallarta

VIP Nightclub Tour in Puerto Vallarta

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89
Party like a professional in the cosmopolitan clubs of Puerto Vallarta on a VIP nightclub tour. Slink past the velvet ropes of three of the city’s most exclusive bars and clubs and immerse yourself in the vibrant and vivacious atmosphere with a lively local guide. Dance to prominent Mexican DJs; sip cocktails at reserved private tables; and unwind with an evening of completely unlimited drinks.
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  • 4 hours
  • Free Cancellation
From
$89.99
From
$89.99

Signature Taco and Street Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta

Signature Taco and Street Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta

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470
Bite into mouthwatering tacos and more on this street food tour of Puerto Vallarta. Learn how the locals eat while an expert foodie guide leads you on foot to family-owned eateries and taco stands. You’ll sample regional specialties including carnitas and fish tacos on this walking tour. Numbers are limited to ensure a small-group experience.
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  • 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
From
$55.00
From
$55.00

Private Tour in El Malecon Boardwalk Bike Ride

Private Tour in El Malecon Boardwalk Bike Ride

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57
Cycle along Puerto Vallarta's El Malecon boardwalk on this private 2.5-hour bike tour. With just your family and friends, soak up gorgeous views of Banderas Bay and check out landmarks along the way, including the Cathedral, lighthouse and the pier. Visit local-favorite eateries for lunch and ice cream (own expense), and learn about the city’s history and architecture from an informative guide.
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  • 2 hours
  • Free Cancellation
From
$45.22
From
$45.22

Connoisseur Tequila Tasting

Connoisseur Tequila Tasting

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212
Learn all about tequila, Mexico's signature beverage, during your visit to Puerto Vallarta. Located in the state of Jalisco, the tequila capital of the world, Puerto Vallarta is the ideal place for the 1.5-hour guided tequila tasting. Sample premium tequilas made from 100 percent blue agave, and choose from three different tasting experiences—the introduction, connoisseur, or mezcal option—depending on your preference. Your tasting guide shares commentary about the cultivation of agave plants, the production of tequila, and more, customizing your tasting to your group's interests.
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  • 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Free Cancellation
From
$78.00
From
$78.00

Private Tour: Puerto Vallarta City Sightseeing

Private Tour: Puerto Vallarta City Sightseeing

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23
Experience Puerto Vallarta's history and authentic attractions on a sightseeing tour of the city. Set out in a private van to explore this resort town and its many offerings. Take a walk along the waterfront Malecón, visit the iconic Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic church and see beautiful Mismaloya Beach, which played a starting role in John Huston's 1963 film 'Night of the Iguana' and officially put Puerto Vallarta on the tourist map. Learn how tequila is made at an area factory and even visit a local market or two.
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  • 6 hours
From
$400.00
per group
From
$400.00
per group

Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

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Look for humpback whales off the coast of Mexico on a half-day whale-watching tour from Puerto Vallarta. Depending on the conditions, you might watch for whales in the Bahia de Banderas or out in the Pacific Ocean. Learn about the majestic animals from your marine biologist guide as you ride on a small boat that is equipped with a restroom. Your tour includes lunch served on board the boat and accompanied by non-alcoholic beverages.
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  • 4 hours
  • Free Cancellation
From
$105.00
From
$105.00