Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit holidays
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit holidays at a glance
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit occupy one of Mexico’s most scenic stretches of Pacific coastline, backed by jungle-clad mountains and flanked by dozens of golden beaches.
Beyond the main hotel and entertainment zones, Puerto Vallarta’s atmospheric cobbled streets hide a historic centre full of gourmet restaurants, while the palm-lined malecón buzzes with bars, boutiques and a marina full of luxury yachts.
In high season there’s usually something happening: a parade, food festival, musical performance or exhibition. Riviera Nayarit beaches spread out from here too, with boats heading out to nature reserves and dolphin-spotting trips right from the bay.
You don’t have to go far to find quieter surroundings. A scattering of discreet luxury hotels occupies Punta Mita and the beautiful stretch of coast now known as the Riviera Nayarit, while the beach town of Sayulita, long popular with surfers, holds on to its laid-back, hippy-chic vibe.
The dramatic Sierra Madre mountains rise behind it all, providing a spectacular backdrop to bays, coves and seaside communities, giving the whole region an appealing connection with nature that’s rare for a beach destination this well set up for visitors.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
The combination of Pacific beaches, mountain scenery and authentic Mexican character makes Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit one of Mexico’s most rewarding coastal destinations.
When to visit Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are warm year-round, but the two main seasons look quite different.
These months are some of the driest, and you can expect hot temperatures and plenty of sunshine. December – January are particularly busy with visitors. There are extravagant Day of the Dead processions on 1-2 November, food festivals in the same month and a folklore festival in April. Between December – March, spot the humpback whales that breed and calve in the sheltered tropical waters of Banderas Bay.
While the weather remains hot and humid with plenty of sunshine, most rain falls between June and September, which leaves the landscapes lush and verdant. July – August constitute high season with plenty of visitors and there are exciting Independence Day celebrations on 16 September with parades and fireworks shows.
Top Things to do in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit offer plenty beyond the beach, from whale-watching in Bahía de Banderas to exploring the cultural side of the city away from the hotel zones. This is a region that rewards a little curiosity as much as it does time spent by the pool.
Tour the colonial heart of Puerto Vallarta, the marina, beachside promenade and travel down the picturesque coast.
Accommodation in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
Accommodation in the region ranges from luxury beachfront resorts to smaller coastal hotels with views across the Pacific Ocean.
Many properties take advantage of the stunning coastal setting, offering easy access to beaches and ocean views while remaining close to local attractions.
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s former love-nest transformed into a romantic luxury boutique hotel on Mexico’s golden Pacific coast.
A luxury contemporary hotel in an exclusive development at Punta de Mita, on Mexico’s pacific coast.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
FAQs about visiting Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit?
This is an excellent beach destination, with sunshine reputedly on 360 days of the year. It is hot and humid all the year round. Most rain falls Jun-Sep when the vegetation wakes up in a carpet of lush verdure. The high season for tourism is mid-Dec to mid-Jan and Jul-Aug.
- What language is spoken in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit?
The main language spoken in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit?
The Mexican peso is the main currency used in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. Notes can be withdrawn from the ATMs in the major resorts using a UK credit or debit card. You may have ask your bank to authorise withdrawals before you leave the UK, and amounts may be lower than in the UK.
- What is the time difference between Puerto Vallarta and the UK?
The time difference between Puerto Vallarta and the UK is GMT -6 hrs.
- What does a visit to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit combine well with?
Puerto Vallarta is within easy reach of the colonial cities of Guadalajara, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende.
- How do I get to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit?
There are short flights from Mexico City or from Oaxaca (40mins) to Puerto Vallarta
- What key events are there in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit?
It seems that Puerto Vallarta has a fiesta, show or parade most weeks of the year. Costumed extravaganzas are particularly popular. Events include a folklore festival in April, Day of the Dead processions on 1-2 November, Independence Day celebrations 13-16 September, food festivals in November, many sports events such as golf championships and road races.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.