11. 01. 2020.
Oh I’ve fell in love with this gorgeous place at the moment I came. The cozy streets are so neat and cheerful, inviting you to walk around while discovering bugenvillas. Malecon or boardwalk is full of sculptures and street art is so vibrant with pretty little corners just everywhere.
River that melts with the sea creates the unique atmosphere. This town reminds me quite a lot to Playa del Carmen, but it’s even more beautiful. Its sculptures, shopping area and street art are charmingly similar. Can you believe that the center area holds the name Zona Romantica?
Puerto Vallarta is full of discovery, here’s what awaits you:
Malecon beaches in Puerto Vallarta
Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead) is the central beach, close to all the bars and restaurants. The pier with its boat shaped construction and fantastic view is an incredible attraction.
Unfortunately, I haven’t seen it at night upon the shining lights. Being constructed by the award-winning mexican architect José de Jesús Torres Vega, the pier is inaugurated in 2013. Taking place just across the bridge of the Rio Cuale it’s a fantastic place to visit.
Playa Olas Atlas is another central beach surrounded by the cute bars and restaurants. It’s where the colourful hotel Los Arcos in the street Basilio Badillo is located.
Street art and decorations in Puerto Vallarta
Every Mexican town bursts with the street art and Puerto Vallarta is particularly rich.
Planeta vegetariano is a buffet restaurant, completely painted with the cheerful yellow tones. Even when I didn’t expect to discover painted vases near the river market, it’s the fact that made me fell in love in town even more. Stairs through its streets hold the hidden murals and decorations.
River market in Puerto Vallarta
River that collides with the sea creates the picturesque views. It’s so fun to even see the hanging bridge at the central park. Lovely location for the market, isn’t it?
Botanical Garden near Puerto Vallarta
Botanical garden stretches on the hills outside of the town, 45 minutes on the south by bus. You can easily reach it by central bus with the direction of Tuito.
Charming decorations make it one of the most beautiful gardens I saw. What you can expect at Botanical gardens: vanilla garden, cactus garden, swinging bridge. Orchid conservatory is an incredible treasure, being home to more than 300 orchids. Dining in the on-site restaurant is just charming, though prices a bit high.
One speciality of the garden is the river, that gives you the swimming possibilities, though a bit cold.
Prettiest beaches outside of Puerto Vallarta
Playa las Gemelas
Playa las Gemelas is only a few bus stops from the center of Puerto Vallarta. Within 10 minutes of ride you’ll arive at the cozy, little beach.
It’s the sweet little hide-away where the sea is almost as turquoise as fabulous destinations in Quintana Roo. The waves are still a bit strong, but I suggest arriving early as beach to avoid the crowds.
Playa de las Torthugas- The Turtles’ beach
It’s about half an hour walking from the exit of the bus station Boca de Tomates. Following the route towards the airport in the direction of Walmar and Marina, you’ll arive at Playa de las Torthugas. Though we didn’t see the turtles, this beach offers fantastic views of Puerto Vallarta at night. It’s the place to learn about the protection of turtles and even buy some souvenirs.
El Nogalito, the rural charm near Puerto Vallarta
El Nogalito is only 5 minutes bus ride from the city. In this tranquil area locals gather near the river and I did my first volunteering abroad. Picturesque and full of flowers, the sounds of river here make the life easier.
Adventure Park El Nogalito
Adventure park offers various zip lines, to be precise 11 of them. Hiking in the lush forrest in El Nogalito is the favourite activity of the locals. Lovely watterfall intertwines gently with the river hike.
On Sundays you can experience Temazcal at the Nogalito park, it’ the ancient ceremony based on the sweat lodge. I didn’t like it particulary as you get very sweated, but it’s a lovely opportunity to meet people.
Park de los Azulejos in Puerto Vallarta
This beautiful mosaic park with more than 60 benches and the wall of 200 metres is an awesome testimony of creativity. Lifting up the artistic mood of the city, you can enjoy this hidden park in Barcelona style. The main founder is Natasha Moranga. I cannot believe that I almost missed this beautiful place if I didn’t discover it on instagram. Colourful Hotel de los Arcos takes place on the street across, popular Basilio Badillo.
Other beaches close to Puerto Vallarta
Concha Chinas
It’s the nearest beach to the town, towards the south. Natural pools that are shaped at Concha Chinas makes swimming so easy and without the waves. Mountains of Sierra Madre enjoy the perfect scenery at the beach with awesome sunset opportunities. It’s also the place with many romantic getaways and I also witnessed to the one fantastic decoration.
Palamares beach
Palmares, lovely beach surrounded by the restaurant can be proud of it enlightment and decorations.
Mismaloya beach
Mismaloya is one of the most stunning beaches, hidden bay surrounded by forrest. All the beaches are encircled by the high buildings, transformation that came through the years.This one I didn’t visit.
Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta
Zona Romantica-
Hacienda Del Vallarta Centro– affordable hotel with the beautiful garden;
Hostels-
Ten To Ten Hostel– incredibly comfortable and affordable place including its own restaurant with veggie offer;
Hotel zone-
Plaza Santa Maria– affordable hotel with the beautiful garden and pool;
Marina-
San Tropico Petit Hotel & Peaceful Escape
Boca de Tomatlan-
La Posada Pacifica– lovely and affordable peaceful place near the beach;
Final thoughts
Puerto Vallarta is a total surprise full of discovery. Every angle just enchants with its beauty and it’s very worth to explore the surroundings specially dive into the tranquility of El Nogalito and Botanical gardens. Bugenvillas make the town even more astonishing.
Don’t limit yourself to Puerto Vallarta, take a day trip to the stunning little town Sayulita. Its beaches are so lovely and few days would be ideal to stay.
Love all the colorful tile-work and beautiful beaches! Hope to visit someday. xo Nipa
Mexico has been on my bucket list, but this post made me even more excited to visit. Great post!
Mexico’s Day of the Dead has been a bucket list festival for years. Your photos are wonderful, the street art is just stunning. And those beaches, wow! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Beautiful account of the town and beaches Gabi! And your photos are stunning, so colourful, bright and quaint. Just wow! You’ve lit the flame that i hold in my heart for Mexico again thank you 🙂 xx
These photos are beautiful. The beach is awesome. I can’t wait to go back to Mexico.
The images are quiet a beauty.The colors show how vibrant it is and I like it.
Thanks so much, I’m glad you like it..
Now I am missing traveling even more! Very beautiful photos!
And also I need to say, that this town in some photos really reminded me of Barcelona! Amazing!
I love seeing all of the street art and beautiful pictures in this post! Thank you for sharing.
Wow — this looks amazing! I feel like I’ve been on my travels reading this and looking through the photos. Thanks so much for sharing!
I would love to travel to Mexico! These photos are beautiful and have made me want to go on holiday so badly! Great informative post x
Now you made crave for a sunny destination holiday, haha. Wishing things will get improve soon so travel becomes normal again.
Oh wow. This town looks amazing. Thanks so much for sharing all about it!
So many beautiful photos, it really makes me miss travelling! Great post.
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Wow! Looks fantastic. I had my honeymoon in Mexico but we just stayed in the resort. The next time I go, I definitely want to explore the towns. So beautiful! Thanks for sharing x
http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
This looks fab, I really miss being able to travel but hoping that things will get better soon!
Tash – A Girl with a View
You have amazing pictures and great information. PV was the first city we ever visited in Mexico and it was so charming and relaxing.
Wow sounds amazing, thanks for the feedback..
This is such an interesting post. Puerto Vallarta looks so beautiful and vibrant. Your photos look lovely and have me dreaming of visiting there.
Wow, it all looks and sounds so gorgeous! Thanks for sharing the photos, and all of the helpful advice!
Oh, what a beautiful place and beautiful pictures! Would love to visit Mexico at some point, so will have to add this place to that list.
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Definitely recommending..
This place is wonderful! The street art is cool! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Posts like this just make me miss travelling so much! But what an amazing place. It looks so beautiful and vibrant – I would love to visit one day 😀
I would feel the same way. Thanks for the feedback.
This looks like a really cool place to visit. Love the beaches, the flowers and trees around and the whole scenery is just beautiful.
I Want to go too
Always thought about going to this area of Mexico! Looks charming and warm. I’ve been to Riviera Maya and Cozumel but I need to go back!
Definitely, it’s an awesome idea.
This looks like paradise! I love the clean, spacious beaches and beautiful scenery, and the colourful mosaics you found in Park de los Azulejos! Thanks for sharing your pictures and experiences x
You’re welcome, o glad you like it. Indeed it’s a paradise.
This looks incredibly beautiful! All the photos and your descriptions of every place are amazing, I’ve always wanted to visit Mexico and this looks like the perfect place for a vacation someday for me! Thank you so much for sharing!
Definitely recommending, thanks for reading..
I love Mexico, but haven’t explored much of it. This little town looks so lovely! I’ll have to plan a trip to Mexico once the pandemic is over!
We adored PV as well. So much colour & activity. Ohhh and amazing food!
I’m not surprised you fell in love with this place it’s so beautiful and vibrant!
Thanks, it definitely is..
Hello from Madeira Island! Its nice to know you steel traveling!
Never thought visit Mexico until i saw your diary and beautifull fotos! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thanks so much, actually my first plan was South America but Mexico is awesome indeed..
This place seems amazing !!
I’m not surprised you loved it, it’s absolutely beautiful! I’ve never been to Mexico but it’s on the list for sure. I can’t wait to travel again.
This is such a perfect guide, with so much brilliant advice, making it look like a gorgeous town! Mexico seems like such a wonderful country, I can’t wait to visit one day