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Things to do in Puerto Vallarta

Far from being a sleepy coastal town, you'll find plenty of boat trips, diving, and horseback riding here.

Our most recommended things to do in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta: Horse Riding Tour w/ Optional ATV & Zipline

1. Puerto Vallarta: Horse Riding Tour w/ Optional ATV & Zipline

Enjoy an action-packed day in the beautiful Mexican countryside with this horseback riding tour. Ride alongside the river, then dismount to walk up to a waterfall, crossing rope bridges and climbing steep steps. Stop by the tranquil waterfall and cool off with a dip in the river. Get back on your horse and head to a sloping hill where you can jog a little before riding home. A delicious meal will be waiting for you back at the ranch. Learn how to make traditional Mexican dishes. Enjoy fajitas or chicken with rich guacamole, salsa, handmade tortillas, beans, and rice.  If you want even more adventure, choose to ride an ATV through the jungle of Puerto Vallarta. Feel the power beneath you as you race along paths through the beautiful rainforest of the Sierra Madre. Or get up close to nature with a zip line tour through the jungle at an ecological park in Puerto Vallarta. Rancho Capomo is a unique place where you'll enjoy unparalleled adventure, flying between trees and over rivers on 13 zip lines.

Puerto Vallarta: Rhythms of the Night Cruise & Dinner Show

2. Puerto Vallarta: Rhythms of the Night Cruise & Dinner Show

Spend your evening in Puerto Vallarta with a scenic sunset cruise and an exciting acrobatic dinner show. Float through the Bay of Banderas and witness Puerto Vallarta's most acclaimed dinner show, Rhythms of the Night, written and directed by Gilles Ste-Croix, the co-creator of Cirque du Soleil. Your evening begins with a scenic cruise through the Bay of Banderas at sunset. Be welcomed by dancers, drummers, and jungle creatures who guide you onto the beach for a sumptuous dinner. Enjoy the feast as the palm trees sway overhead, with sounds of the ocean against the nearby shore. Watch the Rhythms of the Night, a performance inspired by the Aztec legend of prior civilizations and the human race’s evolution and decline. The show interprets this creation myth through pulsating rhythms, vibrant dances, intricate costumes, but perhaps above all, spectacular acrobatic skill. 

Puerto Vallarta: Pirate Cruise with Dinner and Show

3. Puerto Vallarta: Pirate Cruise with Dinner and Show

Embark on a pirate cruise in Puerto Vallarta for an exciting night of eating, drinking, and being very merry at sea. Board a stunning replica galleon and be welcomed by your crew of pirates. They are your hosts for a Puerto Vallarta night cruise like no other and will ensure that a good time is had by all. After boarding your mighty and sea-worthy 700-ton galleon, your nautical and culinary experience begins. Enjoy dinner under the sea, tasting delicious meals with seven delicious options for dinner. This Vallarta night cruise is all-inclusive, the open bar welcomes you to enjoy delicious cocktails or wine to accompany your dinner. As you set sail through Puerto Vallarta's bay, the pirates, fireworks, and a pirate tavern with special effects will bring an unbelievable show to delight all on board. Your evening has some surprise activities and of course, all-round excellent service to help create what is sure to be the most dynamic night of your vacation.

Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure

4. Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure

Depart from Puerto Vallarta and set off on a boat cruise towards the tropical paradise coves of Yelapa and Majahuitas. Admire the picturesque coastal scenery, where dolphin encounters and humpback whale sightings (in winter) are common occurrences.  Make your first stop at the breathtaking shores of Majahuitas Cove. With its untouched sandy beach and crystal clear water, it's the perfect hideaway for a day of snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking with an expert guide. Accessible only by boat, Majahuitas Cove features spectacular marine wildlife protected from the human hustle and bustle of nearby Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy the opportunity to snorkel here with all equipment included by the crew. Then, head over to Yelapa, which offers another incredible option for a scenic beach retreat. Nestled in a stunning natural cove, this tiny community is free of any roads and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. This tour gives you the opportunity to relax on Yelapa beach and explore the surrounding area, where stunning tropical wildlife and a hidden Yelapa waterfall lay just minutes from the shore. Stroll through the charming fishing village to the cascading, Cola de Caballo waterfalls and jump into the refreshing water, or simply sit and enjoy the natural beauty. Browse through the native artisan handicrafts along the way, then kick back in the sun at Yelapa's expansive beach where the river streams into the ocean, surrounded by an incomparable green mountains landscape. Whether you hike to the waterfalls, snorkel, or bury your toes in the sand, you’ll be struck by the idyllic beauty of these tropical retreats. As you cruise back to Puerto Vallarta with an open bar and onboard fiesta, wrap up a perfect day with some great music, dancing, and unforgettable entertainment provided onboard.

Puerto Vallarta: Hop-On-Hop-Off City Bus Tour

5. Puerto Vallarta: Hop-On-Hop-Off City Bus Tour

Explore Puerto Vallarta and its downtown, beautiful streets, beaches, and key landmarks from an open-top bus. Hop on the bus at any of the 20 official stops, and discover the highlights of the city such as the Malecon, Mismaloya Beach, and Marina Vallarta. Discover the city at your own pace and hop on and off the bus at the landmarks of most interest to you. Benefit from the commentary from an audio guide, and learn more about the history of the city and the sights you will see.

From Puerto Vallarta: San Pancho and Sayulita

6. From Puerto Vallarta: San Pancho and Sayulita

Get picked up at your hotel in Puerto Vallarta, and set off on the 1-hour drive to San Pancho, your first stop. When you arrive, have the opportunity to admire the Huichol crafts by the streets, see the beautiful beaches, and walk around the little beach town at your own pace. Next, head a few minutes along the coast to Sayulita,  a little picturesque surfer town loved by travelers and locals. Here, enjoy your favorite drink at the beach while you look at the surfers and soak up the sun. Use a buggy board to unlock your adventurous side and take on the waves. Also, have some free time to walk around the place and shop for handicraft souvenirs made by local artisans.  Before heading back to Puerto Vallarta, enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. At checkout, you will have the option to include lunch in your ticket price.

Puerto Vallarta: Mega Yacht Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling

7. Puerto Vallarta: Mega Yacht Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling

Admire the picturesque coastal scenery, where dolphin encounters and humpback whale sightings (in winter) are common occurrences. Head over to Yelapa, which offers another incredible option for a scenic beach retreat. Nestled in a stunning natural cove, this tiny community is free of any roads and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. This tour gives you the opportunity to relax on Yelapa beach and explore the surrounding area, where stunning tropical wildlife and a hidden Yelapa waterfall lay just minutes from the shore. Yelapa is a charming coastal village south of Puerto Vallarta only accessible by boat. Yelapa Beach is famous for its white sand beach and sapphire water, ideal for snorkeling and playing. On this tour you’ll explore the charming village of Yalapa, swimming in the waterfalls, play on the white sand beaches, go snorkeling and enjoy the open bar and food onboard. Join us for an unforgettable experience and an amazing day out on the water.

Surfing on the north of the bay

8. Surfing on the north of the bay

We will pick you up to take you to the surf spot that best meets the conditions for your surfing level. If your level is beginner, receive a lesson on the necessary technique to surf your first wave. If your level is intermediate to expert, we can take you to the south spot that best suits your level of experience. the beginner spot is located in Nuevo Nayarit and for intermediate and advanced surfers we have the option of various surf spots in the northern part of the bay in Punta de Mita, a town 1 hour from Puerto Vallarta known for been the best surf sports on the area.

Puerto Vallarta: City Tour, Tequila and Coffee Factory Tour

9. Puerto Vallarta: City Tour, Tequila and Coffee Factory Tour

Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your hotel in either Puerto Vallarta, Bucerías, Nuevo Vallarta, Conchas Chinas. Ride in a comfortable air-conditioned van through the city. Take a short walk on the Malecon. Learn about the area from your knowledgable guide. See the iconic locales within the city. Visit the Church of the Lady Guadalupe leaving plenty of time to take pictures. Travel to the mountain and tour a Tequila Distillery. Learn the process of making tequila. At the end of the tour, enjoy a tequila. Continue on and visit a local organic coffee factory. Learn about the coffee-making process and enjoy a coffee tasting. Choose the option with lunch and enjoy a local meal.

Puerto Vallarta: Evening Taco Adventure Tour

10. Puerto Vallarta: Evening Taco Adventure Tour

Introducing you to more than just street tacos, your guides are foodies and understand your cravings. For a truly authentic experience, they have added a few other regional dishes to your list of tasting locations, and promise that you won’t be disappointed. Your guides will also share the story behind each dish you taste, as well as a little bit about each street food stand. They will point out the landmarks you pass along the way, whilst also sharing a bit about Vallarta’s rich history and culture. Vallarta comes alive at night. At this hour you can enjoy the sights, sounds, and undeniable energy of Puerto Vallarta’s culinary scene. This tour is the perfect way to start your trip, learn your way around, and find a few restaurants to frequent during your stay.

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Frequently asked questions about Puerto Vallarta

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Puerto Vallarta?

The best day trips and excursions from Puerto Vallarta are:

Sayulita

What are the best indoor activities in Puerto Vallarta for rainy days?

Other Sightseeing Options in Puerto Vallarta

Want to discover all there is to do in Puerto Vallarta? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Puerto Vallarta

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 617 reviews

We had an amazing experience from start to finish. The private tour was fun, educational, and most of all, safely run. I had never driven an ATV before and the guide made me feel very taken care of and comforted. It was one of my favorite vacation activities ever! Highly recommend. Thank you!

The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and always looking out for us. The food and drink (at your cost) was good. Wear padded bike shorts, as it’s a bumpy ride! We had a great time!

good, reliable, friendly, the driver dropped us off and made sure our air bnb host let us in before leaving us for the day! i appreciated that very much!

Sylvia is an excellent tour guide. Highly recommend! Knowledgeable, entertaining and a great value. Super fun too.

Tour guide & driver were very nice & knowledgeable.