What to do and see in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: The Best Nature & Parks

February 16, 2022 Deane Carmody

Strolling, shopping, and sipping tequila along the Malecon boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta is the best way to kick off your vacation. Then hit the cobblestone streets of Old Vallarta to browse the flea market for handmade crafts. The calm, warm waters of the Bay of Banderas make for excellent diving, or you can just watch artists sculpt spectacular creations in the sand. The cluster of fine art galleries in El Centro are perfect spots to hit on a self-guided art tour.
Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

1. Gemelas

Puerto Vallarta Mexico
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Gemelas

This "Twin" beach is actually two small beaches at the bottom of the Sierra Madre Mountains.

2. Hike to Mirador Cerro de La Cruz

Puerto Vallarta Mexico
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Hike to Mirador Cerro de La Cruz

3. Vamonos Hike Pv

Las Animas 509, Jardines Del Puerto, Puerto Vallarta 48315 Mexico +52 322 175 8201
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Vamonos Hike Pv

4. Mariposario Jardin Magico

Calle Golondrina, Col. Campo Verde Rancho Madre Tierra, Puerto Vallarta 48328 Mexico +52 322 182 6678 [email protected] http://jardinmagico.mx
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 43 reviews

Mariposario Jardin Magico

Welcome to our Butterfly Sanctuary! Come, and you will leave in awe at the breathtaking, almost translucent way a butterfly looks, the changes in color that take place when the sun is shining on its velvety wings in such a manner that makes them radiate exquisiteness and grace. We dare you to accurately describe such a wonderful experience! Our mission is to educate about these elusive fragile creatures and their significance, recover threatened butterflies, increase numbers of widespread species, and inspire people to understand them, deliver butterfly conservation, as well as promote awareness and protection actions in our diverse ecosystem. Unfortunately some species of butterflies are threatened by the loss of their natural habitat. Get ready to experience the beauty of nature close hand and let your imagination run wild in this extraordinary place, which was created with lots of love and passion. Let the adventure begin - discover, learn, protect, marvel…

Reviewed By RonnieLeeB249 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

What a fascinating experience visiting Magico Jardín. Fabio was a wonderful knowledgeable guide and his passion was palpable This is a worthwhile cause to support and get involved in!!!

5. Reserva Ecologica Xihutla

Camino a Playa Grande Ejido Playa Grande Km 6.5, Puerto Vallarta 48315 Mexico +52 322 294 9397 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/xihutla/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Reserva Ecologica Xihutla

Come to the most beautiful eco-park in Puerto Vallarta where you can find lots of wild life enjoy zip line, hiking and tons of activities beside the river. Enjoy our best bbq restaurante while you deleite with mountins and vast jungle in front of you.

6. Isla Cuale

Puerto Vallarta Mexico http://www.facebook.com/CentroCulturalCuale
Excellent
47%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 486 reviews

Isla Cuale

Island on the River Cuale overlooked by Gringo Gulch.

Reviewed By 147autumnb - Covington, United States

The Isla Cuale is an island in the mouth of a river that is basically a flea market with a lot of different vendors and restaurants. There is a tequila distillery at the mouth of the river and at the back of the island is a cultural museum. When we went the museum was closed but it looked like it would have been interesting. I had read about this place ahead of time and so I was expecting the vendors to be a little more pushy and they definitely were. When you start looking at something in any of the shops the vendor will immediately get up and follow you around. You can haggle anything as well. Some of them aren’t as aggressive, but it’s kind of expected when you have that many people selling basically all the same things right next to each other. I didn’t really like haggling because for the most part the items are cheaper then they would be if I were buying it at home. I haggled with a guy for a ladle holder for my kitchen because he was like 400 pesos which is $20 USD and I could have bought it cheaper at home. It was fun though and something I really wanted to go see. I would recommend to go and see the shops and eat lunch by the river. The river cafe was really good and enjoy this area, just know what to expect.

7. Playa de los Muertos

El Centro (Off Calle Olas Atlas), Puerto Vallarta 48380 Mexico
Excellent
52%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,167 reviews

Playa de los Muertos

"Deadmen's Beach," named for legendary pirate raids on the nearby village, is one of the most-frequented beaches in Puerto Vallarta.

Reviewed By lorriebrooks3

The Playa Los Muertos extends to either side of the downtown pier and extends towards the Rui Cuale. This very sandy beach boasts moderately high waves to play in, beach chairs to sit and sip at, and a variety of activities including paddle boarding, kayaking, para-sailing, and, of course shopping from the beach vendors. A perfect space to spend a relaxing day before heading out for the local night life:)

8. Punta De Mita

Puerto Vallarta Mexico
Excellent
52%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 351 reviews

Punta De Mita

Reviewed By 180mariao - Oakland, United States

We have stayed at the St. Regis in Punta De Mita several times and just loved this little area. The beach area is stunning and especially beautiful. The little town has a few restaurants and our favorite is the Blue Shrimp. It is about a 45 minute car ride to get there from the airport.

9. Los Arcos de Mismaloya

Puerto Vallarta 48300 Mexico
Excellent
59%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 936 reviews

Los Arcos de Mismaloya

Reviewed By S1monett4

Beautiful clear water, good for snorkeling, lots of nice beaches around the area, spent a lovely day!

10. Playa Las Gemelas

Puerto Vallarta Mexico
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 239 reviews

Playa Las Gemelas

Reviewed By Skrijabin - Bratislava, Slovakia

our friend has a condominium here, its a private beach i think, beautiful water, sandy beach, very clean water. just loved Playa las Gemelas

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