
Summary
- Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for medical tourism, offering a wide range of highly competitive specialties and services.
- The city has world-class hospitals and medical facilities that provide quality medical care when compared to medical services in the US.
- The cost of medical care in Puerto Vallarta is significantly lower than in the United States and Canada, making it an excellent destination for travelers looking to save money on medical expenses.
Leisure, renewal and health
Nowadays with the boom in cosmetic surgery and advances in communications, getting the best treatment at the best price is just a matter of being well informed and demanding.
In Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is the tourist destination which is best positioned on a national level for medical tourism. The cornerstone is having at its disposal hospitals with advanced infrastructure for high-level procedures.
In this last decade, doctors specialized in various areas have focused on foreign patients, despite the fact that rates in the United States have been modified, making them more accessible. Despite intensive advertising campaigns against medical tourism from the US to other countries for surgeries, the trend continues to grow, mainly fueled by personal recommendations of one hundred percent satisfied patients.
If you are planning on, or are interested in surgery, we recommend you verify that you are considering a certified doctor. Most of the doctors in Puerto Vallarta are constantly improving their knowledge and are in constant training and specialization. The prestigious hospitals in Vallarta demand specialists that meet all the necessary requirements. Many of these doctors are continuously performing operations in the United States and are certified by the American College of Surgeons.
In many cases, the rates can be up to 50% cheaper in Mexico compared to the best rates in the USA. Other destinations besides Mexico which offer these services include Argentina, Brazil, and Vietnam, and they are in constant competition.
The benefit of this competition is more accessible prices, but you must analyze all the different possibilities, take the risks and benefits each place has to offer into account. Take a medical exam before the trip and consider postoperative care and the subsequent checkups after the operation and recovery.

Currently, more and more tourists decide to travel to Mexico in search of something more than just sun, beaches and Tequila.
One of Mexico’s main advantages is the quality of the local hospitals, the quality of the service, the presence of alternative treatments, the experience of all the qualified professionals, and of course the price difference in relation to the cost of these treatments in their home countries.
The most popular treatments for women are breast enlargement and liposculpture and for men facial enlargement and liposuction, including non-invasive surgery, dental services, and other services.And it is not just a matter of money. The treatment patients receive makes them feel much more like guests of these medical establishments. Treatments and operations are conducted with speed, efficiency, and professionalism, making special efforts so patients save as much time as possible. Waiting lists are almost nonexistent, hospital staff speaks English, services are accessible and the warm-hearted treatment really makes a difference.
Furthermore, for those who would like to combine medical procedures with alternative therapies, Puerto Vallarta is the ideal place, in the city, there’s a wide range nutrition, natural medicine, acupuncture specialists and rustic spas, some of which even carry the latest technological developments, etc. These treatments coupled with warm weather and the breeze of the ocean will foster a speedy recovery and provide a complete and healthy vacation.
Puerto Vallarta not only offers specialized medical care and a true humane recovery, the city also offers preventive tourism. Both national and foreign visitors turn up in our hospitals to get an annual checkup, combining their medical experience with their vacation in a relaxed atmosphere. Coming here for prevention, people can also enjoy many of the other activities and attractions Vallarta has to offer.
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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