Itinerary Puerto Vallarta

December is an excellent month to visit Puerto Vallarta: it's the dry season, with warm days, little rain, and pleasant evenings—perfect for enjoying the beaches, culinary scene, and festive atmosphere.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	1,500 USD
🏨 Accommodations	900 USD
🧳 Gear	100 USD
🗺️ On-site	400 USD
Total	2,900 USD

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta - 5 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏖️ Playa Los Muertos ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)
  • Iconic city beach and pier, lively atmosphere, sunbeds, safe swimming, vibrant beachfront—arrive early for the best spots.
• [ ] 🌴 Malecón Boardwalk ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Stroll along the oceanfront promenade with sculptures, local art, and performers—excellent for people-watching.
• [ ] 🏙️ Zona Romántica ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Bohemian neighborhood, cobblestone streets, boutique shops, lively cafés—great for charming strolls.
• [ ] 🏝️ Day trip: Yelapa Beach ⭐⭐⭐ (~6h)
  • Remote beach village, accessible by water taxi—swim, hike to waterfall, beachside lunch; tranquil escape from town.
• [ ] 🦜 Vallarta Botanical Gardens ⭐⭐ (~3h)
  • Lush gardens, river swimming, birdwatching; gorgeous local flora—a lunch here is recommended.
• [ ] 🕍 Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)
  • Landmark church in the center, beautiful bell tower—lovely for photos and local culture.
• [ ] ⛵ Marietas Islands Excursion ⭐⭐ (~6h)
  • National park, hidden beach "Playa del Amor" (permit needed), snorkeling, wild bird spotting. Book in advance.
• [ ] 🏄 Surf lesson at Sayulita (half-day trip) ⭐⭐ (~5h)
  • Vibrant surfer town—lessons for all levels, explore galleries and cafes after.
• [ ] 🧗 El Salado Estuary Mangrove tour ⭐ (~2h)
  • Boat tour through mangroves, wildlife observation—great for nature lovers.
• [ ] 👨‍🍳 Puerto Vallarta Cooking Class ⭐⭐ (~3h)
  • Market visit, hands-on local cuisine—great introduction to Jalisco flavors.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🌅 Sunset sail on Banderas Bay ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Romantic catamaran sunset cruise—drinks and music on board, spectacular ocean and mountain views.
• [ ] 🍹 La Palapa Beach Club ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Beachfront cocktails with live local music, chic and relaxed vibe.
• [ ] 🎭 Act2PV Show Cabaret ⭐ (~2h)
  • Local cabaret and live theater—eclectic shows, check schedule.
• [ ] 🎉 Dancing at Mandala Vallarta ⭐⭐ (~3h)
  • Trendy club on the Malecon, upscale crowd; arrive after 11pm.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍽️ Mariscos El Coleguita ⭐⭐⭐
  • Legendary spot for fresh seafood and ceviche—large portions, around 20 USD per person.
• [ ] 🌮 Tacos Revolución ⭐⭐
  • Family-run with a varied taco menu—excellent local flavors, ~5-10 USD.
• [ ] 🦐 La Langosta Feliz ⭐⭐
  • Exceptional grilled lobster and seafood platters, lively casual atmosphere—~25 USD per person.
• [ ] 🥑 Noah's Cafe Bar ⭐
  • Popular brunch, fresh juices, friendly service—budget-friendly, ~10 USD.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🚲 Bike tour through Marina Vallarta (~2h)
  • Modern marina with yachts, shops, and sculptures; explore at your own pace.
• [ ] 🏜️ Hiking Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas (~4h)
  • Easy coastal hiking route to a secluded beach—pack water and snacks.

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta

• [ ] 🎬 The Night of the Iguana (1964) — ⭐ 7.0 — Classic filmed in PV, sparked the town’s tourism boom — Amazon Prime
• [ ] 🎬 Limitless (2011) — ⭐ 7.4 — Some scenes shot along PV’s Malecon and beaches — VOD
• [ ] 📺 Chef's Table: Gabriel Luna (Mexico episode) (2019) — ⭐ 8.2 — Showcases Jalisco region’s food culture — Netflix

🍜 Local specialties

🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta

• [ ] Pescado zarandeado (grilled marinated fish)
• [ ] Aguachile (spicy shrimp ceviche)
• [ ] Birria (slow-cooked spicy beef stew)
• [ ] Tacos de camarón (shrimp tacos)
• [ ] Raicilla (local spirit, like tequila)
• [ ] Ceviche Vallarta

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta

1. 🌤️ Playa Los Muertos
2. 🌙 La Palapa Beach Club
3. 🛍️ Isla Cuale Flea Market
4. 🏨 Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel
5. 🍽️ Mariscos El Coleguita

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Puerto Vallarta
• [ ] ✈️ Puerto Vallarta → London

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Puerto Vallarta	5	Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel	900 USD
Total	5		900 USD