The Travel Agent’s Ultimate Guide to Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit

Puerto Vallarta and its sister city Riviera Nayarit are Mexico’s hidden hot spots where visitors can leave the rest of the world behind to relax in luxury. Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit are artistic, natural paradises in fully developed resort destinations, devoted to preserving nature and social harmony.

Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit Basics

• Getting there – Puerto Vallarta is a 25-mile coastal town split into four zones: Marina Vallarta, the Hotel Zone, Downtown (El Centro) and the South Shore. Travelers can simply fly into Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), just 3 miles from downtown Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit. Riviera Nayarit’s Pacific coastline stretches for nearly 200 miles, so naturally it’s one of Mexico’s favorite destinations.
• Location – Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco and Riviera Nayarit is in the state of Nayarit, both are along Mexico’s western Pacific Coast. Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit is in the horseshoe-shaped Banderas Bay, one of the world’s largest and deepest bays.
• Climate – Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit sits on the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands , so visitors will discover a consistent sub-tropical climate year-round. Steady rain showers occur from June to September, mostly in the afternoon or evening, leaving plenty of time for activities during clear hours of the day.
• Currency – When it comes to dinero, travelers have a variety of options. The peso is the official currency of Mexico, however, all major hotels offer currency exchange services and most major credit cards.
• Language – Nosotros hablamos español, Spanish is the official language of Mexico and Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit. English is also widely spoken if you forgot to brush up on your Spanish speaking skills.

Food

Mexico’s Pacific west coast is highly influenced by European cuisine and caters to travelers from all over the world, so visitors discover more than just Mexican cuisine, taco shops and local bistros. Most areas in Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit feature fresh produce from local delicacies and traditional Mexican cuisine and so much more. From oyster bars and authentic Italian to Irish pubs and fresh mango on a stick, there are plenty of flavors to indulge in. A few worth mentioning are Barracuda, La Condesa, La Cevicheria, Tuna Blanca and The Blue Shrimp. If that’s not enough, participate in a three-hour food and walking tour to experience Puerto Vallarta’s eateries in an authentic and firsthand approach.

Fun

Whether it’s your first or hundredth trip to vibrant Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit, there’s always something new to see. Here are a few must-dos:

• Adventure – Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit is home to deep waters and over 350 species of birds and wildlife. What better way to take it all in than adventuring through its terrain? Visitors can go horseback riding in the jungle along rivers, waterfalls and picturesque villages or go on ATV tours through the back roads in the rural countryside. Plus, tour operators and local hotels can organize family fun with bike outings, canopy tours, swimming with dolphins in the wild and even participating in a sea turtle release program. Fun in the sun in Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit is truly endless.
• Beaches – The beaches to visit are Las Caletas, Yelapa Beach (which is only reachable by boat) and Los Muertos Beach since it’s the heart of Puerto Vallarta with great nightlife and frequent al fresco gastronomy and outdoor concerts. Bucerias is one of the longest beaches in Riviera Nayarit, great for peaceful walks and exploring without worrying about high waves. Other prominent beaches in Riviera Nayarit are Punta de Mita for luxury and wellness lovers, Sayulita for shopaholics and surfers and Playa Escondida for those romance travelers looking for an exclusive hideaway.
• Unique Attractions – Bird watching, watersports and ecotourism near the Sierra Madre Mountains are why Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit is an iconic destination. Then there’s one of the most popular diving and snorkeling locations, Los Arcos National Marine Park near the small village of Mismaloya. A few other attractions worth checking out include the botanical gardens, remote beaches and coves only accessible by boat (like Majahuitas) and zip-lining through the Canopy River in El Jorullo, an eco-park. In Riviera Nayarit specifically, bird watching in the national marshes and mangroves is a must-do. Plus there are numerous colonies of coral reefs to experience on authentic fishing trips to land a tuna, sailfish or marlin.
• Shopping – There is no shortage of variety when it comes to shopping in Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit. From traditional crafts and unique souvenirs to tasteful jewelry, high-end Huichol art and tequila galore, there is something for every shopper to find. Downtown (El Centro) is where most shops are along the malecon (boardwalk), but boutique shops and galleries are all over Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit, waiting to be discovered.

History and Culture

Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit is a favorite hideaway for Hollywood movie stars and film makers as much as it is for vacation-goers. It’s also relatively high on the LGBTQ spotlight with a variety of gay bars and nightclubs established around the area. The seahorse is an iconic symbol of the city ever since 1976, when the first nine-foot seahorse sculpture was installed in the city by the boardwalk. Art aficionados flock to the destination’s 30+art galleries that display local, national and international artists from native indigenous art, traditional Mexican silverware, glasswork, pottery, folk art and contemporary paintings and sculptures. Every Wednesday from October to May, Old Town hosts self-guided art walks featuring participating local galleries.

Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit is a multicultural place that honors traditions from its four indigenous tribes, the Huicholes, Coras, Tepehuanos and Mexicaneros. The Huicholes, aka the Children of the Sun, are the most popular group for visitors to encounter. They’re a mystical and spiritual group that has been spotted at traditional festivals in coastal villages in Riviera Nayarit and in the state capital. Huichol art is a form of colorful writing used to tell their stories and ancient legends. So beyond the tropical heat, luxury resorts and sandy beaches, Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit extends its history and culture in a natural, vibrant way, unlike anywhere else in the world.