Puerto Vallarta Frequently Asked Questions
What part of Puerto Vallarta has the best nightlife?
The best part of Puerto Vallarta for nightlife is the Romantic Zone, also known as Old Town or Colonia Emiliano Zapata. This area is situated just south of downtown Puerto Vallarta and has the highest concentration of cafes, shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots. It is also LGBTQ+ friendly. The Malecon, Los Muertos Beach, and ... Read more
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 ... Read more
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 ... Read more
Where do celebs stay in Puerto Vallarta?
Celebrities often stay at luxury beachfront resorts and private villas when visiting Puerto Vallarta. Some top celebrity favorites include the Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa with its lavish suites and amenities. Celebs also love the Four Seasons Punta Mita for its secluded location and five-star pampering. Elegant villas at Costa Careyes and Villa Del ... Read more
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 ... Read more
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 ... Read more
How much damage did Hurricane Nora do to Puerto Vallarta?
When Hurricane Nora passed offshore Puerto Vallarta as a Category 1 storm in August 2021, it caused significant flooding damage but minimal wind damage. The heavy rains caused rivers to overflow, with the Cuale River flooding reaching over 8 feet deep in places. The flooding damaged bridges, collapsed buildings including the iconic arched La Surtidora ... Read more
Has Puerto Vallarta ever had an earthquake?
Yes, Puerto Vallarta has experienced several damaging earthquakes due to its location along Mexico’s seismically active Pacific coast. The strongest earthquake recorded near Puerto Vallarta was a magnitude 8.1 which occurred in 1932. More recently, in 1995 a 7.6 magnitude quake struck offshore, causing minor shaking but no damage in Puerto Vallarta. In 2003, a ... Read more
When was the last time Puerto Vallarta was hit by a hurricane?
The last time Puerto Vallarta was directly hit by a hurricane was in October 2002, when Hurricane Kenna made landfall just south of the city as a strong Category 4 storm. Kenna brought damaging winds, storm surge flooding up to 16 feet, and over a foot of rain. In Puerto Vallarta, the flooding and surge ... Read more
Has Puerto Vallarta been hit by a hurricane?
The most recent hurricane to directly strike Puerto Vallarta was Hurricane Kenna in 2002. Kenna made landfall as a strong Category 4 hurricane just south of Puerto Vallarta, bringing a 16 foot storm surge and winds over 150 mph. Prior to Kenna, the last damaging hurricane strike on Puerto Vallarta was Hurricane Lily in 1971. ... Read more
Does Puerto Vallarta get hit by hurricanes?
Puerto Vallarta is located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, so it is susceptible to hurricanes during hurricane season from May to November. However, its location in Banderas Bay and protection by the Sierra Madre mountains means direct hurricane strikes are rare. The last major hurricane to directly impact Puerto Vallarta was Hurricane Kenna in 2002. Overall, ... Read more
Is the water warm enough to swim in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, the water in Puerto Vallarta is warm enough to swim in throughout the year. With an average annual water temperature of 80°F (27°C), the ocean is comfortable for swimming and other water activities. The swimming season in Puerto Vallarta lasts all year round, making it a popular destination for beachgoers and water enthusiasts.
