Puerto Vallarta Para Todos // México
For our first official pandemic vacation, we picked Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México. We wanted a trip that felt ‘easy’—just one destination, walkable, with all-inclusive options, outdoor dining, and some major relaxation. PV delivered all of that and then some, for sure.
Playa Los Arcos Hotel in Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta, México.
Covid-19 protocols were in place throughout the city. We visited in June 2021, and from speaking with locals I learned that Mexico is about 2-3 months behind the U.S. in an overall timeline for vaccinations: all essential workers and elderly persons had been vaccinated, but 40+-year-olds were still waiting their turn, expecting their shots in the next 1-2 months. Due to that, masks were still required in stores, taxis, and while walking through restaurants. Otherwise, masks were not necessary for walking outside, hanging at the pool, or eating. Almost every restaurant and store we visited asked to take your temperature and provided hand sanitizer upon entry. We really did feel that the city was taking the threat of the virus seriously and doing its best with preventative measures.
Ocean view from the patio at Gaby’s restaurant.
We were a group of six friends and we opted to stay at a new(er) condo on the south end of the bay, Indah by Sayan, on the edge of the Zona Romantica, via Airbnb. A 12-minute walk into town (or a 5-minute taxi ride for ~$5), the condo was a great option for both enjoying a quieter neighborhood and being close to amenities.
What I love most about Puerto Vallarta is that it has something for everyone—beach time, shopping, great food, adventure (scuba, fishing, sailing, zip-lining), nightlife, all-inclusive luxury, or quiet boutique hotels. If you have around 3-5 days, I would highly recommend something as follows…
Street art in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
// Proposed Itinerary //
To Stay: Find an Airbnb or hotel in the Zona Romántica (quieter than the downtown area but with lots of great restaurants, beaches, and local stores). Ideally one with a good rooftop pool!
Day One: Start your trip by having dinner at La Palapa on the beach and watch what’s pretty much guaranteed to be an incredible sunset. Grab an evening cocktail at One Six One.
Day Two: Have breakfast in a beautiful outdoor courtyard at Coco’s Kitchen in Zona Romántica. Then, taxi to the marina for a 4-hour boat trip with Wildlife Connection (~$65 per person) to support a local marine nonprofit and have the chance to swim with some wild dolphins in the bay! Back in the downtown area, be sure to stroll around the amazing local art gallery district, grab a cocktail on the tiny rooftop of Yambak, and follow it up with dinner at Gaby’s Restaurant Bar.
Day Three: Have breakfast at Coco’s in Zona Romántica. Maybe rent some beach chairs in front of El Dorado. Don’t be afraid to get a foot massage from any one of the beach vendors (it was the best decision we made!). Do book an evening food tour with Star and she’ll take you to a barrio on the edge of Vallarta called Pittillal. Her tour was informative and fun—we tasted over 10 different dishes and drinks but the best part was experiencing where the locals live!
Day Four: Get a Covid test in the morning (your hotel can set it up or Hotel Mercurio is offering them to walk-ins, or check out this local clinic. Be prepared to spend $30-70). Take a 30-minute water taxi from the small marina at Muelle de Playa Los Muertos to the gorgeous Playa Las Ánimas which can only be reached by boat! Negotiate ~$100 for a roundtrip with your boat and you can arrange a time to be picked up (or simply call/text the boat driver when you’re ready to depart). Be sure to bring plenty of cash, as there are no ATMs nearby. Ánimales is a sandy, quiet beach with calm waves and decidedly fewer vendors than in town. Here you can relax, swim, try parasailing, or even have a massage. Our favorite restaurant was El Coral Restaurante & Bar—they have truly kind people working there and very tasty AquaChile and Camarones de Coco. If you’re feeling adventurous, the zip-lining adventure also starts at this beach (but definitely allow more hours for this). You’ll be pretty tired after a full day at the beach, so just enjoy the sunset at your pool and maybe some room service.
Day Five: If you know me, you know that I make it all about the food! So, don’t waste your last chance to try everything on your final day! I suggest breakfast at Fredy’s Tucan. Maybe take the afternoon to shop around for some souvenirs (we liked all the little shops in this area of town). Finish your trip with dinner at either No Sé Nada (reasonably priced and casual—order the grilled zucchini boat with octopus), or Los Molcajetes for some of the very best tacos in town, or Café Des Artistes if you’re feeling fancy. If you have any energy left, there’s J&B Dancing Club for traditional cumbia dancing!
One of many amazing art galleries in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Dinner at No Sé Nada.
Rooftop infinity pool at Indah by Sayan.