Puerto Vallarta A Hidden Gem Among Exotic Travel Destinations

Sep 26, 2020

Last Updated on: Sep 1, 2025

Mexico

When you first visit the beautiful region of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, you will ask yourself a simple question- Why didn’t I come here before?

The tropical paradise boasts of some of the world’s most exotic and undiscovered beaches. Its clear white shorelines and the tranquil blue waters make it straight out some Hollywood A-List movie. However, places like Puerto Vallarta have never marketed themselves as other overrated places in the Mediterranean have.

In this article, we are going to extensively review that paradise situated in the Bahia de Banderas- Puerto Vallarta. We are going to shed some light on its major attractions. In addition, we will layout some reasons as to why you should consider traveling to Puerto Vallarta on your next vacation.

Puerto Vallarta: What you need to know

The region of Puerto Vallarta is located on the Pacific Ocean and has at its boundary the Sierra Madre Mountain. Puerto Vallarta has been consistently rated as one of Mexico’s top family vacation destinations. You can say that this is a Resort City and has numerous tourist attractions.

Puerto Vallarta lies bang on the Banderas Bay and is closely situated from Nueva Vallarta, another promising and fun resort city. The world-famous Aquaventuras Park is also situated in Puerto Vallarta. The Park is also located in close proximity to Nueva Vallarta.

Many people think that Puerto Vallarta is all about the beach. Yes, there is no doubt that the beach is one of the major attractions. However, there is more to the city than the beach. For example, you can choose to spend time in the amazing water park, Aquaventuras. You can also go hiking and explore the rich mountains and forest areas.

Puerto Vallarta is a highly colorful Bohemian town having a strong colonial heritage. You will find colorful walls, friendly people, and great local cuisine wherever you go.

List of Main Attractions at Puerto Vallarta

Activities in Puerto Vallarta are endless. In this section, we are going to discuss some of the major ones, which you should definitely try if you visit.

1. Swimming with the Dolphins-

One of the major reasons, thousands of tourists visit this gem of a place is because if offers swimming with the dolphins. You can interact with them, pet them, catch their tricks, and even swim with them in the open waters. This is a truly magical experience, especially for kids who fall in love with these magical beings every single time.

2. Hiking in the Sierra Madre Mountains-

If you really want to explore nature and work out, you should definitely try hiking on the Sierra Madre Mountains. You can even do mountain biking if you are so interested or enjoy a leisurely horse ride to the top of the mountains. There are also many eco-tours conducted by locals, which showcase the rich flora and fauna of the region on a hiking tour.

3. Shopping Paradise-

We are all guilty of indulging in some shopping whenever we travel. If you are like one of us, Puerto Vallarta has you covered. The bohemian paradise boasts of a number of shops selling everything from clothes to artifacts. However, you need to be careful and be willing to bargain if you want to strike a good deal with locals.

4. Marine Shows-

Being located on the Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean means that Puerto Vallarta sees a lot of marine action and wildlife. From whales migrating to wild dolphins swimming along the coastlines, you can catch them all from the safety of your boat. You can also go scuba diving and explore the underwater reefs and aquatic life.

5. Golfing Activity-

If you are someone who wants to go golfing on your next vacation. Puerto Vallarta has you covered. The region boasts some of the most exotic golf parks nestled between mountains and the coastline. You can surely take some time out and go golfing with your buddies if you are traveling with friends or colleagues.

What precautions you should take when traveling to Puerto Vallarta?

Whenever we travel to any new destination, it is important that we take certain precautions. Travel experts suggest that tourists should take the following ones when traveling to Puerto Vallarta-

  • Always consumer bottled or mineral water in packaged form even if you are eating at local restaurants.
  • Do not carry a lot of cash on you at any point in It is always better to carry a separate debit or a credit card with limited finances.
  • Try to book your stay from authentic and credible travel platforms. You can also directly contact the hotels and book from them.
  • Never try to book a local tour guide for your own safety. Ask the hotel or the resort to appoint one for you who is listed and registered.
  • Do not go off your itinerary even if you are suggested of the same by a local. Visiting off-beat places should be something, you should look to avoid.
  • You do not need to exchange your currency from USD into Pesos as most major hotels and restaurants accept dollars.
  • You should always carry a copy of your official documents at all times. This can also include a photocopy of your Passport.

As long as you are taking these precautions, you will be able to enjoy your vacation in Puerto Vallarta without any troubles. This list of precautions is something, which should be followed at all places, no matter where you visit.

The Final Word

Swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta can be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. However, Puerto Vallarta offers something for everyone. From great golf estates to a shopper’s paradise, you can soak up the different sights and sounds of Puerto Vallarta.

In terms of the expenses, Puerto Vallarta is definitely much more affordable than any European city. Even if you compare the same to Hawaii, you will find that almost all the expenses are way cheaper. This is why in the last few years, many families are abandoning vacations in the Caribbean islands and heading out to this scenic paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

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Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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12 Things That Everyone Should Try In Mexico

BY  Mashum Sep 3, 2019

“Mexico is a mosaic of different realities and beauties” - Enrique Pena Nieto Mexico is a beautiful country filled with a rich bounty of natural, historical and cultural treasures. While Mexico is mostly famous for its breathtaking beaches dotted across the extensive shoreline, Mexico is so much more than just its beaches. It is one of the lesser-explored hidden gems of the world, which makes it even more affordable. There are so many things to do in Mexico that one trip would surely not feel enough! 12 Things That Everyone Should Try In Mexico: 1. Visit the Mexican Pyramids: If you thought that Egypt was the only place you could find pyramids, think again! Mexico has a huge array of stunning pyramids, which date back to the Mayan Civilization, as old as 300 BC. Some of the most striking among them is located in Cholula, Chichen Itza, Coba, etc. There are a number of pyramids from the Aztec civilization spread across sites, such as Teotihuacán, Tenayuca, and Tenochtitlan as well as those erected by several other civilizations. There are also a number of unexplored pyramids and it is yet to be determined which civilization constructed them. Some of these have been more recently discovered and it is only expected that there are more to be yet discovered. 2. Mayan Ruins in Tulum: Located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the town of Tulum is a beautiful blend of the ancient and the modern. Its proximity to Cancun, beautiful beach and Cenoteshas gained it the moniker of being a popular resort town. It ‘s also known for hosting some of the best Yoga Retreats in Mexico, which are an exciting archaeological site with incredible Mayan ruins, such as Temple of the Frescoes, Temple of the Descending God, El Castillo and the famous Tulum's wall. 3. Puebla and Cholula: Take a day trip to Puebla and Cholula and witness the creations of one of the most advanced ancient civilizations. Cholula is where you can feast your eyes in the glory of the largest pyramid in the world. A part of it hidden by the mountain, this majestic pyramid is way bigger, although not taller, than the pyramid of Giza. Visit other archeological sites like Convent of Santa Monica, Chapel of the Rosary, and Church of Our Lady of the Remedies. In Puebla, you can witness magnificent colonial architecture, which will leave you spellbound. 4. Explore Aztec history in Mexico City: Right outside the capital of Mexico City lies the archaeological sites of Teotihucán with its majestic pyramids, the Pyramid of the Sun being the largest. Other sites worth exploring are Tenochtitlán, Templo Mayor, Cuicuilco, Calixtlahuaca, Santa Cecilia Acatitlán, Plaza de las tres Culturas, etc. Take a trip to the museums in the city for an informative and comprehensive educational tour. 5. Appreciate art and architecture: Mexico is a throbbing canter of art, culture, and architecture. When in Mexico make sure you check out the mesmerizing and moving works of Frida Kahlo at the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House. Take a trip to the Museo Mural Diego Rivera to witness the famous mural along with Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo where the works of both artists are exhibited. The culture of art in Mexico is so widespread that you will find gorgeous street art pieces made by contemporary local artists, which are worth stopping by and photographing. 6. Iztaccihuatl: A hike up to the extinct volcano of Iztaccihuatl, popularly known as the sleeping lady, is a must-do for all nature lovers. 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BY  Sibashree Sep 15, 2025

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There were some incidents a few years back of dead bodies washing up on beaches with tourists taking pictures (cartel killings). The city is awash in crime and the economy is really bad. In the 1970s-1980s, most of the family-tourism traffic and nightlife moved to Cancun and the Riviera Maya (which is a purpose-built region) and then most of the upscale tourism shifted to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. Acapulco is a dump these days.” Once a dominant global destination, Acapulco is now a forgotten or lesser-celebrated name among travelers. In this Tour and Travel Blog, we will discuss the serious safety concern impacting the life and tourism in Acapulco and how it is planning to make a comeback.  Is Acapulco Safe Now? The Resilience And The Concerns Acapulco is the first international tourist destination in Mexico. With a beach area of 50 kilometers, verdant mountains, and lagoons, it is an ideal beach tourism retreat in the heart of Mexico.  Furthermore, Acapulco was prompt in response to the COVID-19 debacle and adhered to the safety and hygiene standards. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) even awarded Acapulco the “Safe Travels” stamp.  Even after Hurricane Otis in October 2023, the city showed its resilience, with international travel airlines such as United Airlines resuming their services by May 2024. Since then, the city has also hosted major events such as the Mexican Open and Tianguis Turistico, or the annual tourism conference of Mexico.  In addition, there have been announcements of major inaugurations such as The Pierre & Diamonds, a luxury real estate project by the Mundo Imperial slated to open in 2026.  Moreover, Visit Acapulco, the official tourism organization of the city, has assured that hundreds of families enjoy trips to Acapulco because of the peace and tranquility.  While the grit and the character of the city to bounce back are not to be questioned, there are some areas of serious concern. The Increasing Crime Rate In Acapulco This increasing crime rate is one of the reasons why Acapulco is losing its charm as a spring break destination in 2025. However, places such as Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas are generally considered safer travel destinations in Mexico.  Nevertheless, here are the details of crime rates in Mexico. (Source: Numbeo).  Crime Rates in MexicoRatingCommentCrime Level80.56 Very HighCrime Increase Rate for the Last Five Years67.39HighViolent Crime77.52HighCrime due to Drug Dealing and Using67.44High From A Celebrity Hotspot To A Struggling Beach Location: The Transformation Of Acapulco Acapulco, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, has been a popular celebrity tourism destination throughout the 20th century. It had earned the reputation of being the Riviera of Mexico, with celebrities such as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor flocking to this Mexican beach vacation frequently.  However, the high rates of drug cartel crimes and violent crimes have made this beach retreat less popular among international tourists. Today, tourists are looking for safer alternatives such as Los Cabos or Cancun.  What’s So Special About Acapulco? Know Things You Cannot Miss In Acapulco The beaches and the unique gastronomic experience are the things you cannot miss in Acapulco. Here are the details.  1. 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Best Neighborhoods to Discover in Mexico City

BY  Priya Mar 30, 2022

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