Puerto Vallarta travel guide
Everything you need to plan a trip to Puerto Vallarta — flights, hotels, neighborhoods, sights, and money tips in one place.
Skip the search — let a CheapoTrav expert do it for you.
Phone-only fares for Puerto Vallarta, 24/7.
Call 1 (815) 473-8090Key facts
- Primary airport: PVR
- Country/region: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Language: regional default — English is widely spoken at tourist sites
- Currency: local currency accepted everywhere; major US cards usually work
- Recommended trip length: 3–5 days for the highlights, 7+ days for deep exploration
This is the full Puerto Vallarta travel guide — what to know before you book, how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and how to do it on a budget. Pacific resort town with cobblestone old town and Banderas Bay.
Treat this page as the trip-planning hub: every other CheapoTrav guide for Puerto Vallarta (flights, hotels, things to do, when to visit, day trips, budget tips) is linked at the bottom. Or, if you'd rather skip the research, our travel desk can plan the whole trip on a single phone call.
In this guide
- Getting to Puerto Vallarta
- Where to stay
- Top things to do
- Getting around
- Budget and money
- Best time to visit
- Safety and practical tips
Frequently asked questions
- Is Puerto Vallarta expensive to visit?
- Cost depends on season and travel style. Puerto Vallarta can be done on a budget with hostels and street food, or as a luxury trip with 5-star hotels and fine dining.
- Do I need a visa to visit Puerto Vallarta?
- Visa requirements depend on your passport. US citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to most major travel destinations covered here; always double-check the official government source for your itinerary. Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
- What's the best way to get around Puerto Vallarta?
- Public transit, rideshare, and walking are usually the fastest ways to get around Puerto Vallarta. A rental car helps for day trips outside the city.
- What should I pack for Puerto Vallarta?
- Pack for the season — see the weather notes in our best-time-to-visit guide for Puerto Vallarta. Universally useful: a daypack, comfortable walking shoes, and a small umbrella. Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
- Is Puerto Vallarta safe for tourists?
- Puerto Vallarta is generally safe for visitors who follow normal big-city precautions — keep valuables out of sight, avoid empty streets at night, and use licensed taxis or rideshare.
- What's the tipping etiquette in Puerto Vallarta?
- Tip 15–20% at restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars, and $1–$2 per bag for hotel staff — standard for North American destinations. Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
More for travelers visiting Puerto Vallarta
- Flights: Puerto Vallarta
- Hotels: Puerto Vallarta
- Car rentals: Puerto Vallarta
- Things to do: Puerto Vallarta
- Best time to visit: Puerto Vallarta
- Day trips: Puerto Vallarta
- Cheap eats: Puerto Vallarta
- Where to stay: Puerto Vallarta
- Weekend in: Puerto Vallarta
- 3 days in: Puerto Vallarta
- Budget travel: Puerto Vallarta
Nearby destinations
- Travel guide: Mexico City
Massive food scene, art museums, and Aztec ruins downtown.
- Travel guide: Cabo San Lucas
Land's End arch, sportfishing, and Baja resort beaches.
- Travel guide: Guadalajara
Birthplace of mariachi and tequila — Mexico's second city.