Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting in 2025?
If you’re dreaming of a 2025 getaway filled with warm beaches, vibrant culture, and breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific, Puerto Vallarta might already be on your radar!
But with rising travel costs, shifting global trends, and growing concerns about overtourism, you might be wondering: Is Puerto Vallarta still worth visiting in 2025?
In Puerto Vallarta, you can spend your days wandering historic streets, sampling everything from street tacos to high-end restaurants, and taking day trips into the jungle or other nearby beach towns.
Vallarta truly has something for every kind of traveler.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — so you can decide if this beloved Mexican destination deserves a spot on your travel list.
Quick Travel Resources
🛫 WISE – Multi-Currency Debit Card
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Highlights of Visiting Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most visited destinations — for good reason! It’s golden beaches, jungle-covered mountains, vibrant art and food scene, and famously welcoming vibes make it hard to resist!
Why People Love Puerto Vallarta:
1. Beautiful Beaches
From Los Muertos to Playa Conchas Chinas and nearby Yelapa, the beaches are breathtaking.
2. Safe for Tourists
Consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Mexico for travelers, especially in well-trafficked areas.
3. Friendly Local Community
People are welcoming, helpful, and used to hosting visitors from around the world.
4. LGBTQ+ Friendly
PV is the gay capital of Mexico! It is a queer-friendly destination with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and inclusive spaces!
5. Amazing Food Scene
From street tacos to gourmet seafood, Puerto Vallarta is a food lover’s paradise.
6. Walkable City
Especially in the Romantic Zone and El Centro — you can explore on foot and enjoy the ocean breeze.
7. Accessible Flights
Lots of direct flights from Canada, the U.S., and other parts of Mexico make it easy to get here.
8. Stunning Sunsets
Golden-hour skies over the Pacific never get old. Bring your camera!
The Realities of Puerto Vallarta Tourism
1. Gentrification & Overdevelopment
Foreign investment and short-term rentals (airbnbs! I said it!) are displacing locals and raising the cost of living. Some beaches are now lined with condos and resorts, limiting access and impacting the environment.
2. Tourist Pricing
Popular areas have higher prices — especially for food, accommodation, and taxis.
3. Crowds in High Season
It’s no longer a hidden gem. Expect big crowds in high season and rising prices in popular areas. From December to April, PV can get packed — book early and expect busy beaches and restaurants.
4. Party Scene isn’t for Everyone
If you’re looking for quiet nights, parts of the city (like Zona Romántica) can be loud and rowdy.
5. Not All, “All-Inclusives” are Authentic
If you stay in big resorts, you might miss the real Puerto Vallarta and its rich culture. If you’re craving off-the-beaten-path vibes, you may need to explore outside the city center.
Bottom line? Puerto Vallarta is absolutely worth visiting in 2025 — and the best experiences come when you travel with intention, respect, and a guest mindset.
How to Avoid Contributing to Overtourism in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is magical — and like many beautiful places, that magic can be overwhelmed by crowds and unchecked development.
As travelers, we have a responsibility to move through this city gently, with awareness of how our presence shapes the lives of local people and families. It’s home to many; let’s treat it that way!
Here are a few heart-centered ways to avoid contributing to overtourism in PV:
- Stay outside the hotspots
Skip the mega-resorts and look for family-run guesthouses or boutique hotels in lesser-known neighbourhoods like Versalles or Pitillal. Your stay will be more personal, and your money will support the local economy directly. - Visit in the shoulder season
Travel in May–June or September–October, when crowds are thinner, and your presence won’t strain the infrastructure or raise prices during peak season. The shoulder seasons are the hardest for locals so be sure to prioritize supporting the community! - Support local businesses
Choose to eat at family-owned restaurants, buy from artisan markets, and hire local guides who can share their stories and knowledge with you. It’s about building relationships, not just collecting souvenirs. - Avoid cruise-ship-style consumption
If you’re visiting for a day, resist the urge to rush from one Instagram spot to the next. Slow down. Sit at a café. Talk to someone. Let the city unfold in its own rhythm. - Be mindful of your digital footprint
Sharing hidden beaches or secret spots on social media can bring unexpected crowds to fragile places. Before posting, ask yourself: Is this helping the community – or just creating more pressure on it?
When to Visit Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta or simply “Vallarta” as locals say, has a way of pulling you in. Between the beaches, the green mountains that wrap around the city, and the laid-back coastal vibe, it’s easy to see why so many people love Vallarta!
Through my experience living in a nearby pueblo, when planning your trip, it’s worth keeping in mind the difference between the low and high seasons.
Low season (May – November) means fewer crowds, lower hotel prices, and lush green land. It is hotter and more humid with daytime temperatures reaching 30–34°C (86–93°F).
July is the hottest month, with high humidity from July to September. September and October bring the highest risk of hurricanes.
High season (December – April) brings cooler, more mild weather, with daytime temperatures averaging around 24–29°C (75–85°F). This time of year means more visitors and higher prices.
Is Puerto Vallara Safe for Tourists?
The short answer is: Yes! Puerto Vallarta is widely considered one of the safest cities in Mexico for tourists, and that remains true in 2025.
Most visitors enjoy their stay without any issues, especially in well-traveled areas like the Malecón, Zona Romántica, and Marina Vallarta. Walking around during the day —and even at night in tourist zones — feels safe and welcoming.
But it’s also important to be real: while Puerto Vallarta is safe for tourists, safety in Mexico is not experienced equally.
Many of the risks in Mexico — such as organized crime or systemic violence —disproportionately impact local people, not tourists.
This includes issues like extortion, political corruption, gender-based violence, and the disappearance of Indigenous and rural community members.
These are deep, structural issues rooted in inequality and state neglect — not random crime targeting visitors.
As guests in Mexico, it’s essential to stay informed, travel with humility and respect, and recognize the privileges we carry.
Safety for us doesn’t always mean safety for everyone.
That said, petty theft can happen anywhere. Use common sense — don’t leave valuables unattended, avoid isolated areas late at night, and always follow your intuition. Locals are your best resource — ask questions, listen, and follow their guidance.
Best Places to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta offers much more than resorts and well-known hotels — there are plenty of charming stays tucked along cobblestone streets that truly feel like Mexico.
Like many heavily touristed areas in Mexico — it can be surprisingly hard to find truly Mexican-owned accommodations.
Many hotels, Airbnbs, and resorts are owned by foreign investors or large corporations, even if they appear local at first glance.
To support the local economy more directly, look for places that clearly state Mexican ownership, mention the founders or family in their story, or are registered as small businesses.
You can also ask locals for recommendations, avoid international booking platforms when possible, and search terms like “hotel familiar” or “hospedaje local” for more community-rooted options.
Whether you’re on a budget, looking for something mid-range, or want to splurge on luxury, these three Mexican-owned spots offer comfort and character, while being in easy reach some of the best Vallarta has to offer.
1. Hotel Boutique Ixaya (Budget)
This charming 3-star hotel is located just a 6-minute walk from Playa Camarones. It offers a seasonal outdoor pool, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace. Some rooms include a balcony.
It’s a great budget-friendly option just 6 km from the airport and close to local attractions!
- Low season: 890 – 927 pesos/night
- High season: 1,000 – 1,700 pesos/night
📍Olímpica: Sierra Pirineos 181, 48310 Puerto Vallarta, México
2. Hotel Posada de Roger (Budget & Mid-Range)
This family-owned hotel is located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica, just a short walk from Los Muertos Beach and the Malecón.
It offers warm, traditional Mexican architecture, a rooftop pool and terrace, and a communal kitchen. Rooms range from simple, budget-friendly options to spacious suites with kitchenettes.
It’s a great option for travelers who want an authentic Mexican stay in a prime walkable location without resort prices.
- Low season: 800 – 3,200 pesos/night
- High season: 1,300 – 4,500 pesos/night
📍Zona Romántica: Basilio Badillo 237, Colonia Emiliano Zapata
3. Villa Lala Boutique Hotel (Luxury)
This adults-only boutique hotel is located in Boca de Tomatlán, about 25 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta.
With only 12 suites, it’s a unique retreat designed by local architect Cachi Pérez in honour of his mother “Lala.”
The property blends with the jungle and oceanfront, featuring infinity pools, private terraces, and personalized service.
It’s a great choice for couples seeking a Mexican-owned, nature-inspired luxury stay away from the crowds.
- Low season: 4,800 – 21,500 pesos/night
- High season: 5,900 – 29,000 pesos/night
📍Boca de Tomatlán: Carretera a Barra de Navidad Km 11, Boca de Tomatlán
My Top Picks — Places Eat in Puerto Vallarta
One of the best parts of traveling is discovering new foods. Sometimes your favourite is a classic, traditional meal in an unassuming spot, and other times it’s something completely unexpected — like fluffy pancakes (Stay tuned for more below!).
While Puerto Vallarta has no shortage of great dining options, here are my three local favourites whose flavours will stay in your memory long after your trip ends.
1. Raíces Chocolatería – A Nourishing Oasis
Raíces Chocolatería feels like a secret garden. You can enjoy a nourishing meal and Mexican chocolate right in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Founded by one of the sweetest couples you’ll ever meet — Eduardo from Puebla and his partner Laura from Florida — Raíces was born from a shared love of chocolate, community, and conscious living.
At Raices, you can enjoy a curated menu of healthy, flavourful dishes — including a vegetarian burger that rivals the best — along with drinks like their rich, spicy Maya hot chocolate with fermented cacao (I highly recommend!).
The minimal processing of the chocolate ensures each product maintains the full spectrum of cacao’s natural flavours and nutrients. Their approach emphasizes the use of pure ingredients from small-scale, family-run farms.
This sustainable practice supports local farmers and maintains cultural heritage.
When you choose to support a place like Raíces Chocolatería, you not only enjoy a delicious meal – you also support ethical, sustainable practices that make a real difference for local farmers and the community.
A Must Try: Raíces also offers guided ice bath experiences twice a week. It goes beyond a physical challenge — it becomes a reminder of your inner strength.
Afterwards, you can rest on mats in the rooftop garden, sip chocolate or simply lie under the tree canopy.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9am- 4pm | Wednesdays until 7pm
Ice Baths: Sundays 8am–4pm & Wednesdays 2pm–7pm; Cost: 200 pesos for first-time visitors
📍Prol. Brasil 1826, Lázaro Cárdenas, 48330 Puerto Vallarta
2. Fluffy’s — Where Your Breakfast Dreams Come True
Fluffy’s may not sound traditionally Mexican, but this beloved local spot in Vallarta has quickly earned a reputation for serving one of the most memorable breakfasts in town!
Guests from across Mexico call it their “favourite go-to breakfast spot”!
Their signature dish? Soufflé style pancakes so light and airy they melt in your mouth.
Some say they’re the best they’ve ever had — even surpassing versions found in Japan. Topped with mascarpone and fresh berries, they strike the perfect balance of indulgent and refined.
But Fluffy’s isn’t just about pancakes.
For a savoury option, try their chilaquiles! You can choose between the green tomatillo salsa for a tangy kick or the classic red salsa for a tomato-forward flavour — or opt for half-and-half for the best of all the worlds.
Local Favourite: The Mexican Fluffy is a popular hearty dish that includes two eggs (with your choice of meat or veggies), flavourful chilaquiles, refried beans, and two of their fluffy pancakes!
All this for just 179 pesos (About $13.30 CAD/$9.60 USD). It’s a generous, satisfying meal that blends Mexican tradition with a pancake twist.
📍Versalles: Niza 198, Versalles, 48310 Puerto Vallarta | Hours: Monday, Wednesday- Sunday from 8:30 am – 2:15 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Zona Romántica: Manuel M. Dieguez 276, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta | Hours: Monday, Wednesday- Sunday from 8 am – 2 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
3. Tacón de Marlin: A 27-Year Local Gem
No list of Puerto Vallarta’s top eats would be complete without a spot like Tacón de Marlin — a simple, humble eatery perfect for satisfying your coastal cravings!
Tacón de Marlin serves up satisfying shrimp and marlin burritos that reflect the region’s deep connection to the sea. Marlin is a regional delicacy.
Tacón de Marlin is so loved that it has expanded beyond Puerto Vallarta, with a location now in Guadalajara!
Whether you’re just arriving from the airport (there’s a location nearby) or exploring the city, they serve an experience grounded in tradition and the kind of cooking that stands all on its own!
Insider tip: Eat in! The sit-down experience comes with a few small side dishes that might not look like much at first – but they’re unexpectedly delicious and the perfect complement to the burrito.
Hours: Everyday from 10:30 am – 6 pm – CASH ONLY
📍 Centro: Calle Honduras 145, Col. 5 de Diciembre, 48350 Puerto Vallarta
Emiliano Zapata: Lázaro Cárdenas 553, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta
Airport area: Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 8106, Villa Las Flores, 48335 Puerto Vallarta
4. Bicho Marisqueria
Bicho Marisqueria is a family-run taco stand in the 5 de Diciembre neighbourhood of Puerto Vallarta that feels like discovering a local gem (because it is!). This family has lived in the neighbourhood for over 40 years!
It has it all: fresh ingredients and filling portions for a great price around 60 pesos ($3.25 USD/$4.45 CAD) a taco.
What makes these seafood tacos stand out from the rest is the fresh seafood, fish, shrimp, calamari, and oyster are fried in a light sourdough batter and served on tortillas freshly pressed in front of you.
For a twist, you can also choose tortillas made with turmeric or beet for extra flavour and colour.
Insider tip: The shrimp and fish are classic favourites, but the oyster taco is a must try. Top it with the fresh salsas that take the taco to another level.
Hours: Monday-Saturday from 12:30 pm – 5 pm; Closed on Sundays
📍Centro: Calle Colombia y Argentina, 5 de Diciembre, 48350 Puerto Vallarta
Your Puerto Vallarta Bucketlist
1. Stroll the Malecón
The Malecón is a famous oceanfront boardwalk lined with sculptures, art galleries, shops, and plenty of restaurants.
Along the way, you can see the Voladores de Papantla.
This is a sacred Indigenous ceremony where four men descend gracefully from a 30-meter pole while a fifth plays flute and drum at the top.
It’s a powerful ritual rooted in Totonac culture, symbolizing harmony with the natural world.
What many don’t realize is that every Volador performance across Mexico comes from the same community in Papantla, Veracruz. The Voladores start their training as children.
These are not random acts or tourist shows — they are cultural offerings from one group of people who carry this ancient tradition with pride and care.
Local Tip: Toward the end of the Malecón closer to Los Arcos, you can try a delicious refreshing drink called tuba. It’s served from white containers and made from coconut palm sap, topped with diced apple and pecans!
2. Explore Local Markets
Mercado Municipal Río Cuale is a popular local market where you’ll find a wide selection of souvenirs, textiles, leather goods, and jewelry.
The market also has a food area where you can sit down and enjoy a local meal.
3. Relax at Playa Las Gemelas
For a quieter beach experience, check out Playa Las Gemelas. With soft sand and clear turquoise waters, it’s a favourite for swimming and escaping the busier city beaches.
Pro Travel Tip: Make sure to pack some snacks and drinks, since amenities are limited! Arrive early because while it is smaller beach, it can get busy during peak hours!
4. Check out Elizabeth Taylor’s Former Home (Casa Kimberly)
Today, Elizabeth Taylor’s former home is a boutique hotel with an upscale restaurant and a small museum. You can still see the Hollywood glamour and romance in the details throughout the property. Visiting gives you a glimpse and makes you wonder what life was like in Puerto Vallarta during those years.
5. Climb to the Mirador de la Cruz Viewpoint
If you’re looking for some extra activity and a workout, the Mirador de la Cruz offers panoramic views of the city and Banderas Bay. The walk has an incline and many stairs, but the view from the top is a relaxing payoff.
5 Best Day Trips from Puerto Vallarta
With lush jungle, peaceful beaches, and charming coastal communities all around, no trip would be complete without exploring beyond Vallarta.
Here are 5 day trips that will take your trip to the next level, connecting you with nature and the region’s rich culture.
1. Boca de Tomatlán & the Coastal Hike to Playa Las Ánimas
Photo © Daena Crosby
Boca de Tomatlán is a small fishing village about 30 minutes south of Vallarta. It’s backed by green mountains and has a river that flows into the ocean.
The colour of the river changes by season. Sometimes it’s blue (dry season), but during the rainy season it is brown.
Things to do in Boca de Tomatlán:
- Explore the village
- Take a water taxi to neighbouring beaches like – Majahuitas and Yelapa
- Or do the scenic coastal hike to Playa Las Ánimas
Getting to Boca:
Catch the local bus from Zona Romántica (by the OXXO on Basilio Badillo) heading south toward Boca. It’s 10 pesos and can take 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can also take a Taxi or Uber.
Pro Travel Tip: Catching the boat from Boca de Tomatlán to Yelapa is cheaper than if you take the boat directly from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa.
The Scenic Coastal Hike from Boca to Playa Las Ánimas:
To begin the hike you want to walk down to the river in Boca and turn left (going away from the ocean).
Keep walking until you see a wooden plank bridge, then walk across to the other side of the river.
Turn to the right going towards the ocean.
The path will start off being cobblestone, have some steps and eventually it will turn into a dirt path in the jungle.
If you get lost there are people along the way that can point you in the direction.
The hike takes about 1.5 hours. Along your hike you will pass several beautiful beaches including Colomitos and Playa Caballo which are some of the prettiest around!
Pro Travel Tips:
- There are occasional food vendors along the hike, but you will find most food options and restaurants at Playa Las Ánimas.
- Water taxis also stop at the beaches along the way in case you want to stop at any point and return to Boca or go to any of the other beaches by boat instead.
- Wear proper footwear – I wore Teva hiking sandals (highly recommend!)
- Bring water, and start early to avoid the midday heat (during any season!)
- If you prefer not to hike, you can also take a water taxi from Boca to other beaches such as Playa Caballo.
- Casitas Maraika on Playa Caballo is a great beach club and also a tranquil boutique hotel. It features an on-site restaurant and bar, Ritual Fuego, which serves tacos, fresh local seafood and unique cocktails. There are hammocks, gorgeous views and a private beach where you can relax and enjoy the day. The cost for a day pass is 400 pesos ($30 CAD/$21.70 USD).
2. Yelapa
Tucked away on the southern edge of Banderas Bay, Yelapa is a small fishing village with deep roots in Jalisco’s coastal history.
For generations, it has been home to Indigenous Nahua families who lived in harmony with the jungle and ocean long before roads or electricity.
Accessible only by boat (45-minutes from Boca de Tomatlán), Yelapa remained relatively isolated until the mid-20th century.
It then began attracting artists and backpackers drawn to its untouched beauty and laid-back rhythm.
Today, Yelapa maintains its off-the-grid charm, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a quieter, slower way of life – one shaped by tradition, nature, and resilience.
Plan to spend a full day, or even a few nights in Yelapa, it is definitely worth it!
How to Get to Yelapa:
The best option is to go to Boca de Tomatlán and take a 45-minute boat ride from the dock. It’s approximately 260 pesos return ($19.50 CAD/$14.15 USD).
Things to do in Yelapa:
- Bask in the beauty of the falls:
- The first waterfall is a short 15 minute walk from the town center. When you go up to town from the beach, go right on the main road.
- The second waterfall is farther, with fewer visitors (approximately 45 minute walk through the jungle). You can reach it by following the river in the direction away from the ocean.
- You can find both waterfalls on Google Maps. Although the path on Maps is not fully marked, it will give you a general sense of direction.
- Take a scenic walk through town and along the coast, you can walk from the town center to Playa Isabel which is a smaller, more private beach.
- Yelapa is famous for their pies. My favourite is the Pay de Queso (cheese pie similar to cheesecake)!
- You can sometimes buy them from a vendor on the beach or walking in town. Or you can do what I did and buy it at a convenience store.
- Eat dinner at Tacos Los Abuelos (Open 5–10 pm) is the best for its low prices and delicious chimichangas, tacos, and quesadillas.
3. Sayulita
Photo © Daena Crosby
Sayulita is a lively surf town about 1–2 hours (depending on your mode of transportation) north of Puerto Vallarta.
It’s known for its colourful streets, laid-back vibe, and mix of locals, surfers, and travelers from around the world.
While the main beach can get very busy, you’ll find quieter beaches nearby and even a jungle trail that leads you all the way to San Pancho.
Getting to Sayulita:
Take the Compostela bus – it’s green and white with Compostela on the side. The front of the bus will say “Sayulita.” It leaves from Vallarta near the OXXO Hamburgo in Las Glorias neighbourhood or in front of Walmart Pitillal for about 60 pesos ($4.50 CASD/$3.30 USD). Travel time is around 2 hours with traffic.
Ubers or taxis can cost closer to 1,000 pesos ($75 CAD/$54.50 USD) and take about 1 hour without traffic.
Pro Travel Tip: It is challenging getting an Uber or Taxi out of Sayulita (It is hit or miss and can be more expensive!). If you take this mode of transportation there, talk to your driver and arrange for them to pick you up as well! Always agree on a price before you get into a taxi.
Best Beaches in Sayulita:
- Playa Sayulita: The main beach is where you’ll find the most party-vibes, surfers, and vendors. If that’s your style, this beach is definitely for you!
- Playa Carricitos: You can find this more secluded beach with stunning rock formations marked on Google Maps.
- For a scenic route to this beach, you want to walk down the road Pescadores which is near the south side of the Main Beach. This road will wrap around the coast and has incredible views of Sayulita along the way.
- You will pass a cemetery on your left. Continue to follow the dirt road that turns left, passing a horse stable. From here it’s a 16 minute walk to Playa Carricitos. Continue following Ninos Heroes dirt road, eventually go up a semi-steep cement road and then pass some walls with graffiti art.
- You will see an entrance at the end of the wall and go down another dirt path and then turn left to finally arrive at the beach.
- Playa Los Muertos: Just passed the cemetary, on your right, you’ll see access to Playa Los Muertos, it is a beautiful beach that’s best for swimming with kids.
- North Beach: Just down the road on C. Miramar, you’ll find the North Beach. You can also walk from the main beach North to this beach. It is a quieter, more chill vibe were you can also watch surfers (or surf yourself!). Be sure to stop by Papu’s Food Truck for the best food in Sayulita! Tell them: Daena sent you!
4. San Pancho
Photo © Daena Crosby
Quieter than Sayulita, San Pancho (officially named “San Francisco”) is another laid-back coastal town with a strong artistic spirit.
Murals and artisan shops line the main street, which is dotted with shops and open-air eateries. The road eventually leads to the wide, golden-sand beach – calm during the day, and with some of the best sunsets by evening.
Pro Tip: From June–November, you can join a public baby sea turtle release on the beach with Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde.
Getting to San Pancho:
Take the Compostela bus (green and white bus with “Compostela” on the side). It will also say “Sayulita” on the front. You can catch the bus from Vallarta near the OXXO Hamburgo in Las Glorias neighbourhood or in front of Walmart Pitillal headed towards Nayarit.
The bus stops at the Sayulita bus station. You may need to switch buses there to get to San Pancho. Make sure to ask! Travel time is around 2.5 hours with traffic. Ubers cost closer to 1,200 pesos and take about 1.5 hours without traffic.
5. Playa La Lancha
Near Punta de Mita, Playa La Lancha is a calm, clear water beach reached by a 10-minute walk through the woods and jungle. The calm waves make it a good spot for surfing and swimming.
Along the trail, you might see crocodiles in the nearby mangroves. They are far from the trail, but make sure to keep your distance.
Once you arrive at the beach, on the south end, you will find red rock formations that line the coast worth checking out.
Pro Tip: Since there are no food options on the shore, make sure to grab snacks and drinks at the OXXO before the trail or check out the restaurant Makai next door which offers delicious seafood and some non-seafood options as well.
Getting to Playa La Lancha:
The trail entrance is across from WildMex Surf School & Adventure Center, La Lancha, Punta Mita. You can take an Uber to get here, but may need to wait to catch an Uber on the way back to Puerto Vallarta.
If taking public transportation, which I have done many times, you can take the Compostela bus in Vallarta toward Sayulita (catch it near the OXXO Hamburgo in Las Glorias or at Walmart El Pitillal).
You must get off at La Guardia Nacional which is 8 minutes after Bucerías. It is recommended to tell your bus driver so he knows to stop.
You then walk across the highway to Highway 200. Cross over to the right side of Highway 200 headed towards Punta Mita. Flag down a bus and ask to be dropped at Playa La Lancha.
It is a 20 minute bus ride to arrive where you will see a larger parking lot, an OXXO, and the WildMex Surf School & Adventure Center.
You can view Playa La Lancha Path on Google Maps for a general sense of direction.
Is Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting in 2025?
Absolutely – if you’re open to seeing it for all that it is!
Puerto Vallarta is more than its postcard sunsets and beach resorts. It’s a vibrant city rooted in Mexican culture, layered with beauty, complexity, and change.
Whether you’re sipping raicilla at a local cantina, wandering the cobblestone streets of El Centro, or escaping to a jungle-shaded beach in Yelapa, Vallarta has a rhythm of its own – and it’s waiting for you to listen.
But like any popular destination, it’s important to arrive with awareness.
Puerto Vallarta is home to generations of families, artists, fishermen, and workers who make the city what it is. Respecting their stories, supporting locally, and choosing how you travel with intention makes all the difference.
In 2025, Puerto Vallarta will continue to draw travelers from around the world – and if you approach it as a guest, not just a tourist, you’ll leave with something even more meaningful than a beach tan.
¡Buen viaje!
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