Puerto Vallarta offers a multitude of things to do and places to see, but there are also some great two-day or weekend trips nearby available. These getaways are for those who frequent Vallarta or perhaps live here full-time and are looking for something new. You can travel by car, bus, boat or airplane, and the accommodations can range from small countryside inns to luxurious villas along the coast: something for all budgets!
If you are looking for something very special, try out one of the boutique hotels that can be found up and down the coast from Puerto Vallarta. Check out the Boutique Vacations section of our Lodging page. All these hotels are part of the prestigious Mexico Boutique Hotels collection, where membership cannot be purchased, only earned.
Guayabitos and La Peñita, A Study in Contrast: These two neighboring oceanfront towns in Riviera Nayarit, 70 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, couldn’t be more dissimilar.
Casa de Mita: The short drive north from Puerto Vallarta transports you from urban jungle to a unique property exuding innovative design features and secluded luxury.
San Pancho: A Little Slice of Paradise: Deserted powdery white beaches and a traditional small-town feel await you at San Francisco, affectionately known as San Pancho. Located in the state of Nayarit, about an hour north of Vallarta along Highway 200 — away from the high-energy experience of nearby Puerto Vallarta — this beautiful town invites rest and relaxation. Swim, surf, shop or simply do nothing, while getting relaxed and recharged. The average annual temperature is a pleasant 27°C (81°F). Rainy season stretches from June to October and is the hottest and most humid time of the year. From November to May, the air is a perfect temperature to enjoy being outdoors.
Mascota: A Treasure in the Sierra Madre: Driving on the upgraded Highway 90 from Vallarta toward Talpa and Guadalajara, Mascota might be viewed by some as a town to pass through on the way to somewhere else. However, this pueblo is a jewel waiting to be discovered by those who enjoy a traditional laidback Mexican experience.
San Sebastian del Oeste, A Mountain Renaissance: For decades, visitors braved hours of perilous travel along rutted dirt roads to reach the largely unspoiled paradise we call San Sebastián del Oeste, a former silver mining town. A landing strip suitable for small aircraft moderately increased exploration possibilities, but it wasn’t until the completion of a paved road connecting Puerto Vallarta with Talpa de Allende.
Escape to Yelapa: It’s easy to take Yelapa for granted, at least for those who live in Puerto Vallarta year round. After all, seeking refuge at this laid-back village by the sea is as simple as hopping on one of the water taxis that aim for it on a daily basis and enjoying the picturesque 45-minute coastal ride.
Bucerias Art Walk: An amazing array of arts set out along a charming cobblestone street is what made the Bucerias Art Walk a triumph in its inaugural 2006-2007 year. This season the art walk in this Nayarit pueblo on the beach is back, with more artists, more events and more special plans designed to entice visitors to come enjoy the abundance of excellent talent and fine crafts.
Dreaming Downtown into a New Existence: It takes a visionary to conceive a new reality for a space long taken for granted. We’ve all appreciated an evening or morning stroll on the Malecon, bumping into friends or acquaintances and exchanging a few pleasantries, if not salacious gossip.
Best Business with Least Open Hours: Taqueria in La Cruz: At six o’ clock sharp, the smell of delicious roasting meat becomes noticeable and people are anxiously waiting in line for Tacos on the Street to open. This singular La Cruz de Huanacaxtle restaurant has been operated for the past 12 years by the husband and wife team of Jorge Armando Díaz and Raquel Gómez.
Best Reason to Explore the Bay: New Docks: Let’s face it: Getting on or off a small motorboat (or panga, as we call them) without the use of a dock is not for the faint hearted, particularly on a windy day. And yet, we’ve seen people using them regularly to explore Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore.
Best New Ultimate Tour: Tequila Tour: Tequila is more than just a liquor – it’s a destination! And now you can discover the soul of Mexico and its national drink with a trip to this classic town, designated a “Pueblo Mágico,” or “Magical Town,” nationally.
Best New Road to Explore: Puerto Vallarta - Talpa Highway: Cutting through the Sierra Madre Mountains is no easy task, and driving through the new highway that connects Puerto Vallarta with Talpa is a true testament to the enormous engineering challenges that had to be overcome.
Best New Artistic Getaway: San Sebastian: The completion of the road to San Sebastian del Oeste immediately brought that picturesque mining town into view for local artists. Small planes bring daily visitors who tramp the cobblestone streets of the historic town, while others choose horses to explore the wooded hills, scene of those very silver mines and oh-so-many stories.
Head to the Mountains!: If you are new to Banderas Bay or on a short-term vacation, chances are that you will want to remain fairly close to your home or hotel, as you will find a plethora of things to do in Puerto Vallarta and its immediate surroundings.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: It may be a hard name to pronounce, but it’s a joy to visit! La Cruz de Huanacaxtle (“La Cruz”), a mere half hour north of the bustle of Puerto Vallarta, offers a restful alternative to the glitz of Vallarta and a glimpse of a typical fishing village, along with good restaurants, fun shopping and a vibrant music scene.
