UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO VALLARTA

Puerto Vallarta is more than its brightly lit beaches and busy promenade. Dig deeper, and this holiday destination offers a variety of unique activities that highlight the city's rich cultural heritage and stunning scenery. So if you think you’ve seen everything- think again. 

Take a detour to hidden beaches and waterfalls. Go on adventure tours. Immerse yourself in the local customs and cuisine. Discover a Mexican paradise that is well-loved by the locals. Puerto Vallarta has a lot to offer— for cultural vultures, thrill seekers, or just someone looking for something new.

1. Visit tranquil Yelapa

Yelapa is a tranquil off-the-beaten-path town on the southern shore of Banderas Bay, and can be reached only by boat from Puerto Vallarta.

How to get there: A direct boat leaves from Puerto Vallarta Los Muertos Pier. Services run every day, with departures scheduled every four hours. The trip takes approximately one hour. 

This is a great place to visit if you’re not a fan of crowded lively beaches. Playa Yelapa is the main beach, with golden sand and calm, clear waves ideal for swimming or simply just having fun under the sun. Its idyllic surroundings are great for anybody seeking a quiet escape from Puerto Vallarta's larger tourist areas. You can also head over to the nearby Cascada del Arroyo waterfall. The trek going there can be quite the workout, but it offers a cool reward as it passes through gorgeous scenery.

2. Indulge in local cuisine or cooking classes

Food is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in new cultures. You'll be happy to learn that Puerto Vallarta offers a wide variety of intriguing alternatives for foodies! 

Although you may have had modern takes on these dishes, nothing beats the real thing. Tacos, quesadillas, and grilled corn are popular street food here. Try authentic, normally family-owned recipes that have been refined over decades.

Eat like a local and sample fresh vegetables, cheeses, and other regional delicacies by visiting local markets like the Mercado Municipal Emiliano Zapata or Mercado de los Aztecas. 

For more sit-down dining, try out Tuna Azul for the fresh tuna dishes. Marisma Fish Taco and Balam Balam are also great fish taco places. Panchos Takos is loved for its tacos al pastor. Taqueria El Moreno and Tacos de Birria Chanfay serve delicious tacos and birria.

For fine dining, head over to Tintoque and try their marinated bluefin tuna. For international fare, La Cappella offers excellent Italian cuisine with views of Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

And if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, book yourself a cooking class. Learn traditional Mexican cooking techniques and take the knowledge home with you. 

3.Go whale watching

Whale viewing at Banderas Bay becomes especially attractive from December to March. It truly is amazing to see these magnificent animals breaching and having fun in the sea. You can get up close and personal with humpback whales and other marine animals on guided boat trips offered by a number of travel providers.

4.Explore the beautiful Sierra Madre Mountains up close

Since Sierra Madre is so beautiful, why not make a point of passing by it on your way somewhere? The Sierra Madre Mountains provide a range of outdoor activities for those adventure-seekers. There is something for everyone, including hiking paths, ATV rides, and zip-lining under the rainforest canopy. 

5.Take an Art Walk in Old Town

The Art Walk lights up Old Town's streets every Wednesday from October through May. Local galleries open and display the creations of gifted painters. You may purchase one-of-a-kind items to take home, enjoy live music, and even meet the artists yourself. py. 

6.Relax in a hidden hot spring

Visiting natural hot springs in the highlands surrounding Puerto Vallarta is a pleasant and calming experience that's ideal for de-stressing and reestablishing a connection with nature. The verdant Sierra Madre Mountains are home to several of Puerto Vallarta's hot springs. Los Horcones, San Sebastián del Oeste, and Talpa de Allende are popular hot spring attractions.

Puerto Vallarta is an all-in-one destination. Beaches, nightlife, art, and culture are all yours. You will undoubtedly make priceless memories whether you want to explore its natural beauty, indulge in luxury stays at Kempa Vallarta and Kempa Estancia, or fully immerse yourself in its lively culture.