48 Hours in PV: The “No-Fluff” Itinerary
Puerto Vallarta is one of those rare places that manages to feel like a high-end resort destination and a gritty, soul-filled Mexican town all at once.
If you only have 48 hours in Puerto Vallarta, you have to move fast, but you also have to leave room for a few spontaneous margaritas.
Here is how to maximize two days in the “Friendliest City in the World.”
Day 1: Cobblestones, Art, and Agave
Start your first morning in the Zona Romántica (Old Town). Skip the hotel buffet and head to one of the many delicious local spot for some chilaquiles. Once you’re fueled up, walk the Malecón. This mile-long boardwalk is the city’s pulse, lined with incredible bronze sculptures and the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
By mid-afternoon, escape the heat by crossing the bridge to Isla Cuale. This little island sits in the middle of the river that divides downtown from the South Side. It’s shaded, quiet, and filled with local artisans. As you wander toward the tip of the island where the river meets the ocean, stop by Oscar’s Restaurant. Even if you aren’t ready for dinner, they have a family-owned tequila distillery right there that offers a much more authentic vibe than the vendors on the main drag. You can do a quick, complimentary tasting of their small-batch Blanco or Reposado and learn about Raicilla—the local “moonshine” of Jalisco—before heading back to the beach for sunset.
Finish your night with a late-night taco crawl. Skip the fancy sit-down spots and look for the carts with the longest lines. Pancho’s Takos is the legend for al pastor tacos, but any stall in the Zona Romántica with a spinning trompo and a crowd of locals is a safe bet.
Day 2: Jungle Coves and Beach Clubs
On your second day, get out of the city center to see the “wild” side of the bay. Head south to the tiny fishing village of Boca de Tomatlan. From here, you can take a water taxi or embark on a stunning jungle hike to Colomitos Beach. It’s a tiny cove with crystal-clear water that feels like a private paradise hidden in the palms.
If you’d rather stay local and keep it chill, spend the afternoon at Los Muertos Beach. It’s the best place for people-watching and catching the vibe of the city. Grab a chair at a beach club, order some shrimp aguachile, and watch the “Sail Pier” light up as the sun goes down.
Puerto Vallarta is a place that stays with you. You’ll come for the beach, but you’ll come back for the people, the spirits, and those Pacific sunsets.
