Los Muertos Beach, Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta
Safety & crime
It’d be foolish and false to say that there is no crime In Puerto Vallarta, there is, as there is in any other city of its size, but violent crime is rare and involving tourists it’s even rarer. The scary news you hear from Mexico is related to drug gangs and is centered mostly in border states with USA and cities like Ciudad Juárez, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, more than a thousand miles away from Puerto Vallarta. Read our specific article on the subject.
If we are to give you any recommendations while you are in the city, it’d be the normal, common sense ones you use in your own country:
- don’t wave money around
- don’t wear all your gold and diamonds
- don’t act the ugly American
- keep your eyes open, be aware of your surroundings, and
- try not to behave like a fool, for example getting drunk passing out on the street (easy victim).
Others would be:
- don’t do drugs
- don’t get involved with drugs and
- follow the law, this includes while driving and on the street
… that’s the best way to be sure nothing will happen anywhere in the world.
Most visitors and regulars state they feel safer in the streets of PV than in their own hometowns, even at night.
So, despite what you may have read or seen on the TV and the warnings you may receive from well-meaning but ill-informed friends and family, the odds are that Puerto Vallarta is actually safer than the place you are traveling from, so just relax and enjoy your stay in the city!
Read more on safety and crime.
Hurricanes
Even though Puerto Vallarta is mostly free from hurricanes, it does not mean it’s completely free from them, but they are rare events, something like once every 30 years or more. For details read more in our hurricane-specific article.
Sharks
During the 1930s and ’40s sharks were part of an economic boom in the bay area, it was good for the pockets of the local businessmen that sold shark fins to Chinese restaurants around the world, not so good for the sharks that were all but extinguished. Furthermore, the area is not known for dangerous species. There are no records of attacks in many decades, no one remembers any either.
Read more in our sharks and Vallarta article.
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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