Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is world famous as a beach destination and as one of the great Pacific coast getaways in Mexico. Today, the town is a famous LGBT+ destination and as a mix of eco-adventure, luxe beach relaxation, and the kind of vacation culture for which Mexico is famous the world over. 

Vallarta is home to the famous Malecón—the lively pedestrian boardwalk—and the long stretch of sculptures that enliven the backdrops of the photos of countless visitors. Strolling the Romantic Zone still means cobblestone alleys and a charming bohemian atmosphere and the Las Gemelas and Conchas Chinas beaches are perfect for relaxing and swimming in the bay. The Vallarta Botanical Garden offers the perfect natural getaway when the beach gets to be too much. There's still so much to see and enjoy that a few paragraphs will never do it justice. 

People come for the art, the shops, and the restaurants. The town is famously lively for nightlife and the party scene, but visitors find and increasing eco-adventure scene that can include everything from the jungle to boat rides and snorkeling.

Vallarta is also attractive year-round, with visits peaking from November until May. The town hosts numerous shopping centers and smaller markets. For artisan goods these are the place to be, but check the Mercado Palmar De Aramara for authentic food, too. Past the airport and the newer communities of Nuevo Vallarta, you just might find the alternative and better food at better prices too.

The city airport is served by a whole variety of airlines coming from points all over North America. From Guadalajara, Volaris actually flies the one-hour route regularly. If you're on the bus, expect it to take a little more than three hours from Guadalajara. Primera Plus drives the route more than once a day although a number of other operators are keeping rates competitive.