Planning a Puerto Vallarta trip isn’t complicated… but it is easy to get wrong in a way that quietly ruins the vibe. Here’s what I mean: when you go affects everything from ocean conditions to hotel prices, and where you stay determines whether Puerto Vallarta feels effortless (walk to tacos + the beach) or annoyingly logistical (taxis everywhere, always timing things). This guide helps you plan a Puerto Vallarta trip that feels effortless from day one.

👉 Next up: Don’t miss this guide to the things to do in Puerto Vallarta

How to Get to Puerto Vallarta

Most travelers arrive through Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), located just north of town near Marina Vallarta. It’s small, easy, and honestly one of the less stressful airports in Mexico.

By Air

Puerto Vallarta has direct flights from major cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, especially during high season (November–April).

Airport Transfer in Puerto Vallarta: From the airport to the city

Getting into town is simple, and you don’t need to rent a car for most trips.

• Taxi and Uber are widely available
• Prepaid airport taxis cost more but are straightforward
• Uber / ride-share pickup is outside the terminal — you’ll usually walk across the pedestrian bridge to reach the designated pickup area (it’s well marked and only takes a couple of minutes)

By Road

If you’re already in Mexico—or coming from nearby cities like Guadalajara—you can definitely reach Puerto Vallarta by road as well. It’s a popular route for locals and travelers and gives you more flexibility if you’re planning a longer Mexico itinerary.

By Cruise

Puerto Vallarta is also a popular stop on Mexican Riviera cruises, especially for travelers sailing from the U.S. and western Canada. Cruise ships dock at the Puerto Vallarta Cruise Terminal, located in the Hotel Zone near Marina Vallarta, making it easy to get into town for sightseeing, beach time, or a quick food tour.

Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is warm year-round, but don’t let that fool you — the city has very different “versions” depending on season. The best time for your Puerto Vallarta Trip depends on what you want: perfect weather, lower prices, or a calmer pace.

November to April: Best Weather & Peak Season

This is the “classic Puerto Vallarta Trip” season — blue skies, low humidity, and beach weather that doesn’t feel sticky.

• Sunny days + comfortable temps
• Best time for whale watching (Dec–Mar)
• Crowds are real + prices are higher
• Tours sell out faster than you think

✅ If this is your first time and you want PV at its most reliable, this is the best window — just book early.

May & October: Fewer Crowds, Better Value

If you like good weather but hate crowds, these shoulder months are the move. It still feels like PV — just calmer and better value.

• Great hotel deals compared to peak season
• Warm days, fewer tourists
• Occasional rain showers (usually quick, not trip-ruining)

✅ This is the best time to plan a Puerto Vallarta Trip if you want flexibility and don’t want to fight for restaurant reservations.

June to September: Rainy Season & Lush Scenery

Summer in PV is humid and tropical — with short dramatic rainstorms that usually hit late afternoon or evening.

• Lowest prices + fewer tourists
• Jungle looks insanely green
• Hotter temps + higher humidity

✅ Best for slow travelers, photographers, and anyone who wants PV to feel more local than touristy – and doesn’t mind the humidity.

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

Once you’ve picked your dates, your neighborhood choice decides the vibe of your Puerto Vallarta Trip — and how easy it is to actually enjoy it. There isn’t one “best” area. It’s about what you want your days to look like.

Zona Romantica: Walkable, Social & Lively

If you want PV’s most energetic neighborhood — this is it. Zona Romantica is the “let’s grab coffee, wander, beach, cocktails, tacos, repeat” zone.

👉 Want to explore this area like a local? Check out my best things to do in Zona Romantica guide.

• Close to restaurants, cafés + nightlife
• Easy beach access (Los Muertos)
• Best for couples, solo travelers, and food lovers
• Most LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta
• Most things are walkable

✅ If you want a Puerto Vallarta Trip where you can ditch logistics and just live, this is the easiest place to stay.

Hotel Recommendations in Zona Romantica

• Rivera del Rio Boutique Hotel
• ZonaZ Boutique Hotel

Centro (Downtown Puerto Vallarta): Authentic & Central

Centro is PV’s historic heart — charming, local, and perfect if you want to feel like you’re in a real city, not a resort town.

👉 Want to explore Centro like a local? Check out my best things to do in Centro Puerto Vallarta guide.

• Close to the Malecón, markets, plazas
• More traditional vibe (less party energy)
• Slight hills but great views + breezes

✅ Centro is ideal for first-timers who want “PV authenticity” while staying central.

Hotel Recommendations in Centro

• Luna Líquida Hotel Boutique
• BellView Hotel Boutique

💡 Experienced traveler note: If your accommodation is uphill in Centro, you’ll get views… but your calves will also get a workout. Worth it.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Puerto Vallarta (and Nearby)

If you want your Puerto Vallarta Trip to be 100% no-stress, an all-inclusive can make total sense — especially for shorter trips, family travel, or “I need a break from decision-making” vacations. Here are the ones actually worth considering:

• Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta (Conchas Chinas) – Quiet, upscale, stunning views, just south of Zona Romántica.
• Velas Vallarta Suites Resort (Marina Vallarta) – Polished, calm, close to airport — great for easy resort stays.
• Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (Riviera Nayarit) – Luxe all-inclusive in the newer resort zone north of PV.

✅ If your goal is a relaxing Puerto Vallarta Trip without logistics, these are the most reliable choices.

Getting Around in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is extremely easy to navigate — and this is one of the reasons it’s such a great first Mexico trip, especially if you stay in Centro or Zona Romantica.

Walking

• Best in Centro + Zona Romántica
• Many highlights are walkable

Uber + Taxis

• Uber is reliable and affordable — my preferred way to get around when I’m not walking.
• Taxis are everywhere
• If not metered, agree on price before riding

Local Buses

• Very budget-friendly
• Great for getting between Centro, Zona Romántica, Marina + Hotel Zone

Day trips + Tours

For places like Yelapa, Sayulita, Marietas Islands, guided tours are easiest — and save you the headache. Unless you plan to explore far outside the city on your own, renting a car is usually unnecessary.

👉 Want the best tour ideas? Check out my guide to best things to do near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for the top day trips, tours, and unforgettable experiences. 

Staying Connected: Using an eSIM in Puerto Vallarta

If you do one “smart travel thing” for your Puerto Vallarta Trip, make it this: set up an eSIM. It makes everything easier — Google Maps, Uber, restaurant searches, translations, and WhatsApp.

Before you buy an eSIM: if you’re traveling from the U.S. or Canada, first check whether your mobile plan includes Mexico roaming (some plans do). If your service isn’t roaming-free in Mexico (or the data rates are wild), then an eSIM is absolutely worth it.

Is Puerto Vallarta Safe?

Yes — Puerto Vallarta is widely considered one of the safest destinations in Mexico for travelers, including solo travelers, couples, and families. And more importantly: it feels safe in the areas visitors actually stay.

What you can expect

• Tourist neighborhoods are well-policed
• Evenings in Centro + Zona Romántica are lively and social

Common-sense safety tips

• Keep valuables secure, especially at crowded markets
• Don’t flash expensive items

Transportation & Tours

• Uber and taxis are reliable and safe
• Organized tours like whale watching, Marietas Islands, ATV tours are professionally run and follow safety standards

For most people, safety doesn’t limit their Puerto Vallarta Trip at all — it fades into the background once you settle into the city rhythm. Puerto Vallarta feels calm, social, and welcoming, especially compared to many large cities. With normal travel awareness, visitors can comfortably enjoy all the major things to do in Puerto Vallarta without concern.

Final Thoughts

When you visit Puerto Vallarta — and where you stay — shape your entire experience. Choose the season that matches your tolerance for crowds and weather, then pick the neighborhood that fits how you want to spend your days. Do that, and your Puerto Vallarta trip will feel effortless from start to finish.

Get those two decisions right, and the rest of the things to do in Puerto Vallarta fall naturally into place.

📌 Pin this guide for later so you can easily come back when planning your Puerto Vallarta Trip.