Hotels in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant beach resort city located along Mexico's fabulous Pacific coast. Offering a full slate of leisure activities, from parasailing to gallery-hopping, this friendly vacation destination supplies visitors with all the modern amenities of urban culture blended perfectly with an intimate, small-town vibe. Rich with biodiversity, the areas surrounding Puerto Vallarta boast green vistas, secluded coves and historic sites rich with intrigue and mystery. Famous for its eclectic restaurants and luxurious resorts, Puerto Vallarta is a destination visitors will want to return to time and again.

Must-see sites in and around Puerto Vallarta

Stroll the Malecon past Los Arcos

Puerto Vallarta's Malecon is a pleasant seaside path that passes by picturesque Banderas Bay, PV's busy harbor. Los Arcos, an arched oceanfront structure in the southern part of the city, is a historic site that doubles as a backdrop for open-air concerts.

Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe

This iconic church defines the skyline of Puerto Vallarta. Open daily for mass, this soaring red brick building with its distinctive, minaret-style bell towers offers a distinctive photo opportunity for visitors.

Botanical Gardens of Vallarta

Escape the hubbub of the busy city on a day trip to the Botanical Gardens of Vallarta, just a 30-minute ride from downtown. You can also travel there aboard the El Tuito bus, which boards at Carranza and Aguacate streets. Exceptional plants and a popular restaurant welcome you to a peaceful departure from shopping and the beach.

Bucerias

Consider a sojourn by bus to the sleepy fishing village of Bucerias. An easy eight miles from downtown Puerto Vallarta, Bucerias boasts remarkably uncrowded strands, art galleries, dining and fishing. If you time your visit right, you can watch the local fisherman draw in their nets along the beach.

Playa Los Muertos

Arguably the most frequented beach in Puerto Vallarta, Playa Los Muertos brings the entire vacation experience together with water sport rentals, fine dining and distinctive thatched -roof bars that serve your favorite cerveza in the open air.

Annual festivals and celebrations

Attending yearly celebrations while on vacation gives you a great insider's view of the culture and the people. Coordinate your trip to Puerto Vallarta with one of its popular events to enrich your experiences. Each November, for example, the Sailfish and Marlin International Tournament takes place, drawing anglers from around the world, and the Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival attracts foodies from far and wide.

Where to stay

If you live to shop, eat out and dance the night away, downtown is the place to stay. The east side of town is home to area residents while luxurious Marina Vallarta, located in the south section of town and only five minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), offers upscale guest accommodations, a golf course and a water park. The city's Hotel Zone lies to the south of Marina Vallarta and hosts an abundance of hotels, shops, restaurants and public transportation stops. Zona Romantica, still further south, encompasses the Malecon, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Playa Los Muertos.

Prices for Puerto Vallarta hotels vary according to the location, amenities and services the facility offers. Many basic lodging options are available for under $100, while more luxurious Puerto Vallarta hotels cost up to several hundred dollars per night.

Climate

June through November is the warmest time of year with temperatures typically hovering in the low 90s. December through May is cooler, with average high temperatures in the mid-80s.

Best time to stay

April through June is the best time of year to go to Puerto Vallarta. Hotel rates and airfares are relatively low, much like the temperature. January through March is high season, and you will find yourself paying more for a vacation during this period. Typically, July, August and September feature very hot days and occasional rain, so they are not as popular months for travelers. October is a temperate, quiet time of year preferred by visitors who are looking for a low-key getaway.