Last Updated on July 29, 2025
Puerto Vallarta is a small city on Mexico’s Pacific coast. It’s known for its old town, beaches, and hilly surroundings. With an international airport that connects to many domestic and international places, Puerto Vallarta is a popular city to visit whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family.
You can spend a day relaxing on Playa de los Muertos, Puerto Vallarta’s most popular beach. Or, go on a coastal hike to Las Animas. If beaches aren’t your thing, you can stroll through the neighbourhood Centro to pop into art galleries, or go on a whale watching tour.
This 4 days in Puerto Vallarta itinerary covers a range of activities that will give you a well-rounded experience of the city.
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Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta: The Basics
Puerto Vallarta truly has something for everyone. The city has gorgeous, easily accessible beaches, a range of restaurants and cuisine, exciting nightlife, and plenty of museums and activities. Let’s cover some of the basics to know before planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta:
What month is best for Puerto Vallarta?
Between late January and mid April is the most popular time to visit Puerto Vallarta. At this time of year, you can go whale watching but the city is very busy with tourists. For pleasant weather and less crowds, head to Puerto Vallarta between April and June.
Is 4 days in Puerto Vallarta enough time?
With 4 days in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll have a well-rounded experience of the city, its beaches, food, and surrounding region. You’ll be able to see Puerto Vallarta’s various neighborhoods, and see beyond the city, like Las Animas.
How to Get to Puerto Vallarta
The most common way to get to Puerto Vallarta is via flight, in which case you’ll land at Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR).
This airport welcomes flights from major cities in the USA, Canada, and some European countries. There are also domestic flights to PVR from various cities around Mexico.
If you’re already in Mexico, another option for getting to Puerto Vallarta is driving, or by bus. Buses are an economical choice, with reliable services from nearby cities like Guadalajara.
The streets of Puerto Vallarta
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
Ready to book your 4 days in Puerto Vallarta? Here are some well-rated hotels to choose from, for every budget.
Budget Stay: Casa María Malecón
For a budget stay right on the beach, book yourself into Casa María Malecón. This hotel is right on Puerto Vallarta’s iconic Malecón boardwalk, and it’s just a 300 meter walk to Camarones Beach.
Casa María Malecón has comfy, air-conditioned modern rooms, many of which come with terraces and views of the ocean. The hotel has free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace, too!
Mid-Range: Hotel Posada de Roger
For a mid-range option in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, stay in Hotel Posada de Roger. This hotel is a perfect balance of budget and location.
The hotel is near the famous Malecón and Los Muertos Beach, making it convenient for getting around Puerto Vallarta.
Hotel Posada de Roger features a courtyard pool, cozy rooms, and a restaurant. It isn’t a fancy hotel, but it will provide a comfortable stay right in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.
Mid-Range: Hotel Porto Allegro
For a mid-range hotel in Puerto Vallarta’s neighbourhood Centro, go to Hotel Porto Allegro. This hotel is centrally located, so you’re able to walk to most of the city’s attractions, restaurants, and shops.
Hotel Porto Allegro provides comfortable and spacious rooms that come with modern amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Plus, it has a rooftop pool where you’ll have panoramic views of the city and bay.
Luxury Stay: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Situated just outside Puerto Vallarta, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is the place to go for a luxury, all-inclusive stay. It’s just a 5 minute drive south of the Romantic Zone, and right on the beach. This resort has multiple pools, gourmet dining venues, a spa, and activities for all ages.
While I know some people prefer all-inclusive, luxurious stays, the drawback of Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is that you’ll be tempted to spend most of your time on the resort property. You may want to skip some of the activities on this 5-day itinerary if you book in here. This way, you have time to enjoy the facilities.
Puerto Vallarta
4 Days in Puerto Vallarta: Your Itinerary
This 4 days in Puerto Vallarta itinerary gives you a nice balance of experiences in Puerto Vallarta, from beach days, to wandering neighbourhoods, and going on excursions.
This itinerary isn’t jam packed, and it includes many Puerto Vallarta tips. You can use this itinerary as a general guide, and fit in down time or other activities that I may have missed.
Day 1: Wander Zona Romantica and The Malecon
Day 1 in Puerto Vallarta is your arrival day! Depending on what time you arrive in the city, this day will likely be a bit short. So, your itinerary for day 1 isn’t packed at all.
You’ll spend day 1 in Puerto Vallarta wandering Zona Romantica, a central neighbourhood known for its quaint streets which are lined with lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes. This touristy neighbourhood is also known as Viejo or Old Vallarta.
Start your wander by walking through Parque Lazaro Cardenas y Estacionamiento, a beautiful little park for people watching. If it happens to be a Saturday morning, the park will be hosting Olas Altas Saturday Market.
You might be getting hungry, so after the park, walk 3 minutes to Pancho’s Takos. This is probably the most famous street taco stand in Puerto Vallarta. You may need to wait in a line, but it’s worth the wait! Try the tacos el pastor.
Once you’ve refueled, head to the beachfront to walk out onto Los Muertos Beach Pier. It’s a modern pier that has a large metal sculpture at the end of it, which is shaped like giant sails. From the pier, you have beautiful views of the ocean, coastline, city, and beach.
Your next stop will be The Malecon. This is a sculpture-lined pedestrian walkway that leads you along the waterfront of Puerto Vallarta’s neighbourhood, Centro.
Start your walk along The Malecon at Los Arcos. It’s a monument on the south end of the promenade that’s made up of four stone arches. After admiring Los Arcos, you can stroll north along the Malecon, popping into shops and watching street performers.
Ready for dinner? When the sun starts to set, stop into a Malecon restaurant to watch the sun go down over dinner. I recommend going to La Dolce Vita Malecon – be sure to get seafood!
Day 2: Spend a Day on the Beach
You can’t visit Puerto Vallarta without enjoying some beach time! The city has several beaches, some central, and others north and south of the center.
For your Puerto Vallarta beach day, be sure to pack the essentials: Lots of water, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a cover-up, and snacks.
Playa de los Muertos
Playa de Los Muertos is the most well-known beach in Puerto Vallarta. This beach is located within walking distance of the Romantic Zone, the Malecón Boardwalk, and other popular areas and landmarks of Puerto Vallarta.
This beach is over a mile long, and very wide. During the day, it becomes lively with locals and visitors, umbrellas, and vendors. Out in the water, it’s common to see windsurfers, jet skis, and people snorkeling. It has lifeguards on duty.
Hotels and restaurants line the edge of Playa de los Muertos, and so there’s plenty of options for dining and drinking. Some of the hotels offer beach chairs and umbrellas for a fee (or for those who are having a meal or beverages).
The lively energy on this beach, and the swimming at Playa de Los Muertos is some of the best in Puerto Vallarta. That said, this beach is one of the most popular in Puerto Vallarta, which means it gets very busy. It’s best to go early in the day to secure a nice spot on the sand.
Some people enjoy the busy energy of Playa de los Muertos, but if you’re like me, and prefer a quieter beach experience, head to Playa Conchas Chinas.
Playa Conchas Chinas
Playa Conchas Chinas is a small, sandy beach within a natural cove. It’s located at the southern end of Playa de Los Muertos. This beach is a Blue Flag Beach, which means that the city of Puerto Vallarta takes extra care to maintain the cleanliness of the beach in a sustainable way.
Playa Conchas Chinas is about a 30 minute walk from the Romantic Zone. Alternatively, you can take a quick 5 minute taxi ride to the beach. Because this beach is a little further from the Romantic Zone, it tends to be quieter.
Surrounding the beach are interesting rock formations that create small pools all along the shore. You can wander around, observing the sea life within the pools. Playa Conchas Chinas has calm water, which is perfect for swimming, and for snorkeling.
This beach has fewer amenities available compared to the central beaches in Puerto Vallarta, so it’s a good idea to bring water and snacks with you for the day. Or, keep an eye out for vendors who walk along the beach selling drinks and food.
Playa Las Animas
If you’d like a more active beach day, consider venturing outside the city to hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas.
It’s a beautiful coastal hike that takes you from Boca de Tomatlan, a picturesque fishing village, along the ocean, to various beautiful beaches. The hike ends at Playa Las Animas, where you can have lunch, some drinks, and go for a swim!
To do this hike independently, you’ll start the day by taking a taxi from Puerto Vallarta to the town of Boca de Tomatlan. The trail from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and takes about 2 hours to walk, each direction.
There are many beautiful stops you can make along the way, so it may take closer to 4 hours to walk the trail (each direction). When I did this hike, I took my time, stopping at beautiful quiet beaches along the way to swim.
If you prefer to do the hike as a guided day tour, you can book this Full Day Hike to 6 Hidden Beaches & Snorkel. On this guided hike, you’ll learn about local fauna and flora as you hike along the coast. The tour ends with a meal (not included in the price) at Playa Las Animas, and a boat ride back to Puerto Vallarta.
Regardless of if you go with a guide or independently, do your best to pack in and pack out while enjoying this coastal trail. Follow sustainable tourism practices, and keep responsible wildlife practices in mind in case you come across some creatures!
Ready for dinner after a day in the sun? Head to El Palomar De Los Gonzalez for dinner. Go right at sunset time to enjoy the views from their patio as the sun goes down, and be sure to ask for a taste of their in-house tequila!
Day 3: Centro and Sunset From a Viewpoint
Centro, also known as El Centro, was my favorite neighbourhood in Puerto Vallarta. As you can probably deduce from its name, this neighbourhood is central in the city, making it easy to get to if you’re staying in the Romantic Zone.
Centro is known for being home to many of Puerto Vallarta’s famous landmarks, including district has many landmarks, including the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Los Arcos, the Malecón and its many sculptures, Plaza de Armas, and Presidencia Municipal de Puerto Vallarta.
Spend day 3 of your week in Puerto Vallarta wandering around Centro. Aside from checking out all its landmarks, pop into Taqueria De Birria El Banquito for a delicious plate of tacos, and go to Galeria Indigena to browse (and buy!) art and artisan goods. While you’re in the area, you can check out Rosita Beach.
After a relaxing day in Centro, head up to an epic viewpoint to watch the sunset. Mirador el Cerro de la Cruz (The Cross on the Hill Lookout) is the best lookout point in Puerto Vallarta. From this lookout you have a great 360° panoramic view of the city and the bay.
The lookout is easy to find and has a well laid out route, but the climb up can be tiring – be prepared for 15 to 20 minutes of walking up a steep hill and stairs.
The easiest route to Mirador La Cruz del Cerro is to follow Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez Street in Centro, a straight uphill route with a gradual slope that increases as you approach the top. The climb up is absolutely worth it for the incredible views of the city, hills, and ocean as the sun sets.
Ready for dinner? Head to Restaurant & Bar El Panorama, which is a 10 minute walk from Mirador La Cruz del Cerro. Here you can enjoy traditional dishes and cocktails, with a beautiful evening view of the city. Be sure to try the mushroom soup and escargot.
Day 4: Go On a Puerto Vallarta Boat Tour and Visit a Museum
Getting out onto the ocean for a boat tour is how you’ll spend the 4th day of your 4 days in Puerto Vallarta. A boat tour gives you beautiful views of the city and coast, and a different perspective of the region.
There are several types of boat trips to choose from, but your main options are snorkeling tours, and whale watching tours. Note that the best months for whale watching in Puerto Vallarta are January and February.
Here are three well-rated tours that you can choose from based on your personal preference:
Puerto Vallarta: Humpback Whale Research Adventure Tour. Official whale watching season in Puerto Vallarta is from early December to late March. The most common whales in Puerto Vallarta are humpback whales, and it’s estimated that two thousand of them visit the Bay of Banderas each year. On this 3 hour long Humpback Whale Research Adventure Tour, you’ll see and learn about humpback whales from a team of biologists on board the boat.
Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Day Sailing Tour of Bay of Banderas. Head out on this tour for a day of sailing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. This 6 hour long Luxury Day Sailing Tour of Bay of Banderas includes lunch, and several stops for enjoying local coastal sites and going for a swim.
Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour & Snorkeling. This 3 hour boat tour brings you to the five islands of Los Arcos National Marine Park on a guided trip from Puerto Vallarta. On the Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour & Snorkeling tour you’ll get to explore the national park by boat, snorkel in the best spot in the bay, explore caves, and spot fish.
After whale watching, it’s time to learn about chocolate! Head to The Chocolate Museum, a museum that runs classes where you make and eat chocolate. Even if you don’t take a class, the Chocolate Museum is worth a stop just to browse around the shop, and try some free samples.
There’s several different classes you can choose from, including a Bean to Bar Workshop, Chocolate Truffle Workshop, Mole Poblano Workshop, and Total Chocolate Experience. In each class, you’ll be walked through the museum and given a briefing about the history of chocolate and how it is currently farmed and processed.
Ready for dinner? Head to River Cafe on Isla Cuale. This chill, quiet restaurant is in a beautiful setting and often has live music. Try the pear salad and Sonora Beef Tenderloin.
Final Thoughts: 5-Day Puerto Vallarta Itinerary
With 4 days in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll have enough time to get to know the city’s beaches, food culture, do some shopping, and see some of the surrounding region – whether it’s out on the ocean or a coastal hike.
While in Puerto Vallarta, be sure to practice responsible tourism. For example, do your best to ensure your tourism dollars support local businesses (versus foreign-owned, corporate businesses) – this helps to avoid economic leakage. And, be respectful of local culture. Don’t participate in cultural appropriation, and take the time to learn some local language.
While 4 days in Puerto Vallarta is enough time to get a solid taste of the city, I recommend spending longer if you can. With 1 week in Puerto Vallarta, you can visit more of the city’s neighbourhoods, and see more of the sights in the surrounding area.
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