travel and stay in puerto vallarta
Unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Are you looking for unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta? There’s no shortage of fun and unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
Unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta – 2022
Puerto Vallarta is an amazing coastal city located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, which welcomes millions of visitors each year. Puerto Vallarta is among the most famous and visited beach towns in Mexico and a popular destination for LGBTQ+ community.
When you visit Puerto Vallarta, you will get a pleasant taste of fun, local culture, popular beaches, and more.
To help you plan your trip, here you will find a list of unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta, including free activities, budget activities, and some really cool ones.
Free unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Stroll the Puerto Vallarta Melecon
The two-mile-long Malecon, referred to as the Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta, is a paved walkway along Banderas Bay in the Viejo Vallarta neighborhood to the Playa de los Muertos Beach in the Zona Romantica.
Along the Malecon, you’ll find great shops, art galleries, statues, and bars and restaurants with a vintage feel. Don’t miss stopping to see the Boy on the Seahorse sculpture, located by the large, colorful Puerto Vallarta letters sign.
A walk along the Malecon during sunset is a must-do.
Free walking tour of Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica is a great place to wander around. However, if you want a more structured way to learn about Puerto Vallarta’s culture, history, and architecture, you can join a free guided walking tour.
This free tour takes about two hours, and you’ll be led by a certified guide. This is the perfect way to learn more about the culture and history, including some great insider secrets.
Visit Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Puerto Vallarta’s Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is a gorgeous cathedral that dominates the city’s skyline and is one of the most iconic buildings in Puerto Vallarta.
The Church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is located in the downtown historical area and is visible from anywhere in the city. And by its look, you may think the Church has stood for centuries; however, it was built 100 years ago.
If you are interested in churches, you are welcome to go inside and check it out or just enjoy looking at the beautiful architecture. You will be amazed by the beautiful facade of the Church, built in a mix of architectural styles.
The interior is stunning, filled with carved confessionals, a gorgeous marble altar with an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, hence the name, and images of various saints painted on wooden panels.
Hike to Mirador de la Cruz
Looking for the best views of Puerto Vallarta and the best place to see the sunset in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? Mirador de la Cruz is the best viewpoint in Puerto Vallarta. The hike starts at the foothills just outside of downtown. Then, head to the end of Abasolo Street, and you will see the stairs.
The hike will take about 15 minutes, but you’ll definitely want to take some time at the top. This observation tower offers 360° panoramic views of the Bay of Banderas and the Sierra Madre mountains. The most popular times to be at the top are during sunrise and sunset, though the views are amazing all day long.
Check out the Isla Rio Caule Market
One thing people love about Puerto Vallarta is its markets. On just about every street around the Malecon, you will find tons of vendors selling everything from jewelry to clothing; however, one of the best and most well-known places to shop is the Isla Rio Cuale Market.
This small market is filled with vendors and is located between the central part of Puerto Vallarta and the Romantic Zone. You can shop for souvenirs, gifts, and even items you’ll need on your trip, like beach blankets.
Great unique tours to take in Puerto Vallarta
Go to the Rhythms of the Night dinner show
The Rhythms of the Night dinner show is the most highly rated show in all of Puerto Vallarta and, therefore, one of the absolute best things to do.
But this experience is much more than just a show.
The Rhythms of the Night tour is a full-on evening experience. It starts with a sunset dinner cruise in the Bay of Banderas, where you can enjoy a drink onboard a catamaran while enjoying the famous Puerto Vallarta sunset.
Then, you arrive at a private beach called Las Caletas, where you’ll be seated in the amphitheater to watch the show.
The Rhythm of the Night show was conceived by the co-founder of Cirque de Soleil, so as you can imagine, this is an impressive combination of acrobatics, theatrics, and music and dance with a Mexican spin that will take you to a place full of historical legends and stories.
After the show, you’ll be taken to one of the many restaurants on the beach to enjoy a romantic candle-lit buffet dinner. The food and drinks are amazing.
This is truly a unique experience and one you shouldn’t miss out on. Unfortunately, tickets do often sell out, so be sure to book online in advance.
Visit Isla Marietas and Mexico’s hidden beach
If you haven’t heard, there’s a secret beach near Puerto Vallarta on the Isla Marietas.
This beach is called Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), and it’s considered one of the most unique places in Puerto Vallarta and Mexico.
You can access this unique Island by boat, and there are available tours you can check out.
Besides Playa del Amor, Islas Marietas are stunning. This is an area of several untouched and almost virgin pristine tiny islands; it’s the perfect place to relax and explore Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty.
You can only visit these islands by booking a tour to Isla Mariestas that includes a snorkel cruise, kayaking, lunch, and an open bar.
Take a tour to Yelapa and Majahuitas
If you are in Puerto Vallarta, you should take the popular boat tour to Yelapa and Majahuitas. Tours usually last the entire day, including an open bar on board and lunch. You don’t have to bring your own snorkeling equipment; everything will be provided.
During this tour, you will get to see the famous Yelapa Waterfall. Then the tour will take you to the Majahuitas beach and cove, where you can paddle boarding and snorkeling. If you’re one of the lucky ones, you might spot dolphins or whales in this area.
Enjoy the Flora and Fauna at the Botanical Gardens
Visiting the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is one of the best ways to enjoy the flora and fauna of Puerto Vallarta. The gardens are privately owned and were set up to showcase and protect the diversity of the region.
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are located around 30 minutes from the Zona Romantica and 45 minutes from central Puerto Vallarta.
Swim with wild dolphins
Swimming with wild dolphins is a magical experience for children and adults. On this tour, you will have the chance to swim with dolphins in their own natural habitat.
The company that runs the tour is committed to the research and conservation of the dolphins in this area, so their priority is the conservation of these amazing animals. So don’t feel bad; dolphins are not harmed in any way. Additionally, you will be guided by an expert biologist to learn more about dolphins.
The tour will provide snorkeling equipment and will take you out on a boat to visit a resident bottlenose dolphin group. On the way to see dolphins, you may also see whales, turtles, rays, and more.
Be amazed by whales
If you have never seen a whale in real life, you shouldn’t miss this experience. Whale watching is very popular in Puerto Vallarta. The whale watching season runs from December to April, with multiple tours in Banderas Bay running every day during this time. The tours last around 4 hours as it takes some time to search Humpback Whales. As you can expect, you may also see dolphins and seals too.
The essence of this tour is to observe marine life and enjoy beautiful moments when you can calmly contemplate whales and dolphins while playing, jumping, and enjoying their natural habitat.
Unique adventures in Puerto Vallarta
Ride and ATV in the jungle
You can ride ATVs almost anywhere; however, in Puerto Vallarta, it is more special as you ride through the jungle and remote villages.
You can ride your own ATV (no experience required as the experts will give you a lesson), or you can go in a pair. Regardless, riding an ATV in the jungle near Puerto Vallarta is a unique thing to do.
One of the most famous ATV rides is the Sierra Madre ATV adventure. This is a half-day adventure from Puerto Vallarta. You’ll splash through jungle rivers, pass quaint villages, and get a glimpse of the real Jalisco, far from crowded resorts.
Go scuba diving
Puerto Vallarta is full of pristine bays, reefs, and marine reserves where you can see marine life and colorful coral; therefore, if you are adventurous, you should go scuba diving.
You can choose from many excellent scuba diving companies in Puerto Vallarta that are PADI certified. If you are new to scuba diving, you can join a beginners class, but if you are an experienced one, you can try this company.
If scuba diving is not your thing, don’t worry, snorkeling is always a blast too and a great alternative.
Go ziplining in the jungle
Ziplining is a favorite of many and one of the most popular excursions in Puerto Vallarta. Ziplining in Puerto Vallarta adds an extra adrenaline rush as you soar high above the jungle canopy. It is exciting and also beautiful.
This tour guides you through 11 different zip lines that vary in length, speed, and scenery to give you the best birds-eye views of the sprawling rainforest.
Go snorkeling at Los Arcos National Park
There are a lot of great snorkeling areas in and around Puerto Vallarta, but Los Arcos National Park is one of the best. If you want to experience this gorgeous park, the best way is with a tour group that includes continental breakfast, National Open Bar on the Boat, Delicious Food, Snorkeling equipment, Kayaks, Music, and Karaoke.
Go horseback riding
Horseback riding is always a relaxing but fun and unique experience. If you have never ridden a horse, don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy this horseback tour; the tour will bring you through the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain range.
Unique shows and nightlife in Puerto Vallarta
Although Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife is not as big as in Mexico City, Acapulco, or Cancun, it is vibrant. Every day there are clubs and bars open for business, often packed with locals and tourists alike.
There are two main areas in Puerto Vallarta that are great for nightlife: the Zona Romantica and the Malecon.
The Zona Romantica is more inland from the Malecon and has fewer touristy restaurants and bars. This area is very LGBTQ+ friendly. Rainbows are painted outside of restaurants showing that they welcome all visitors.
The clubbing scene in this area is very diverse. You can find everything from Cabaret to karaoke to sports bars. One of the most popular spots is The Flamingo which always has a packed dancefloor, or The Margarita Grill, which is famous for live music and a busy bar. The people are friendly, and the cost of drinks here is reasonable.
The Malecon in Puerto Vallarta has larger nightclubs. Some of the most popular include La Vaquita and Zoo Bar. Here you can expect stages for dancing, free shots for the ladies, multiple levels, and bottle service. However, the drinks in these larger clubs are not cheap, so be prepared to pay 2-3 times more than you would at other bars in Puerto Vallarta.
If you want to party like a pro with VIP treatment, skip the entrance lines, and have a personal party guide, you can always book the VIP nightclub tour.
Watch a drag show
To enjoy a drag show, you don’t have to be part of the LGBTQ+ community. Drag shows are fun and entertaining and involve a male performer dressed in drag and lip singing to music. You will soon find out that the performers are very talented, making for a great show. So, if you want to enjoy a great show, the Zona Romantica is the perfect place to go to one.
Cruise in a Pirate Ship
One of the most popular shows in Puerto Vallarta is the Pirate Ship Cruise and Show.
This memorable show is for the whole family. It involves boarding a huge pirate ship where you will be treated with drinks, dinner, and a spectacular pirate show with canons, fireworks, and people jumping overboard.
Unique day trips from Puerto Vallarta
Visit Sayulita
A trip to Puerto Vallarta is not complete if you don’t visit Sayulita. Just over an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta is the beachside town of Sayulita. Sayulita is famous for its cobblestone streets, trendy cafes, shops, and beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming or surfing.
To visit Sayulita on a day trip from Puerto Vallarta, you can take a local bus, rent a car and drive yourself, or take a tour.
Renting a car allows you to spend as much time as you want or even a night. Some of the best things to do in Sayulita include surfing, hiking, and eating lots of delicious food.
If you don’t want to go to Sayulita on your own, you can also book a tour.
Head to colorful San Pancho
If you want to take a break from the water and visit a colorful town, a day trip to San Pancho is the perfect option.
San Pancho, like Sayulita, is located in Nayarit state. The two towns are right next to each other, so it’s possible to check them both out on a Puerto Vallarta day trip.
Go to the hometown of the famous Tequila
As you know, Tequila is a worldwide famous Mexican drink; however, you probably didn’t realize this renowned drink was actually named after the town where it was first created, which is Tequila.
The town of Tequila is located only about a 3.5-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta.
Visiting Tequila on a day trip isn’t popular in Puerto Vallarta due to the distance; therefore, your only option is to go on a private tour that includes a distillery tour and premium tequila sampling, as well as time to explore the town.
If the long drive to Tequila and back doesn’t sound fun to you, you can still enjoy a tequila tasting tour right in Puerto Vallarta.