
Grand Mayan, Nuevo Vallarta
Summary
- Nuevo Vallarta is a planned residential and resort community located 20 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta.
- It offers top-notch accommodation and service, close to Puerto Vallarta, but far enough to enjoy the lush jungle vegetation and relax on the wide clean beach.
- It is part of the Riviera Nayarit, a 200-mile stretch of coastline with diverse attractions and natural beauty.
- Nuevo Vallarta has a 5-mile long sandy beach, a marina, golf courses, luxury resorts, and a wildlife sanctuary.
Nuevo Vallarta, a planned residential and resort community, located some 20 minutes north of PV’s International Airport receives many tourists from USA and Canada and has become a sister resort of Puerto Vallarta, but keeping its own, very personal, charm.
Ultramodern all-Inclusive hotels and resorts line the more than 3 miles of beautiful sandy beaches, one of the best in the Banderas Bay area, and ideal for families, watersports, and leisure.
Offering top-notch accommodation and service, close to Puerto Vallarta, but far enough to enjoy the lush jungle vegetation and relax on the wide clean beach. (Read a bit more about the state of Nayarit).
Nuevo Vallarta is also a luxurious residential area with posh villas and elegant homes with their own piers all around the lagoon. The area is covered by lush vegetation providing beautiful scenery and the perfect atmosphere to spend comfortable moments of absolute relaxation.
This area features a few malls and shopping centers, two championship golf courses, tennis clubs, International cuisine restaurants, a zoo, a dolphin aquarium, and two fully equipped marinas, Marina Norte and Marina Paradise.

One of the many canals in Nuevo Vallarta
The latter features more than 300 spaces for boats in fully equipped piers with services such as drinking water, bathrooms, electricity, weather forecasts, and radio communication, among others.

Riu Resort in Nuevo Vallarta
Nuevo Vallarta also has 6 miles of navigable channels and huge development potential for investors who consider this one of the most promising and interesting tourist destinations in the country.

Nuevo Vallarta beach sunset
As you can see also see, Puerto Vallarta is expanding north towards Nuevo Vallarta where there is plenty of land to develop large projects.

Middle section of Nuevo Vallarta’s beach
Nowadays considered as a National Ecological Reserve, the peculiar archipelago of the Marietas Islands is one of the major attractions of Nuevo Vallarta Mexico, not only for its underwater caves that drive the divers wild but for the richness of its marine fauna especially of birds and for the timely visits of the Humpback Whales to the rocky areas of El Morro and Corbeteña.

Beach bar in Nuevo Vallarta
Every year, between December and March, these marine giants, coming from the Antarctic cold seas, swarm into the warm waters of the Marietas where they give birth to their calves, thus providing, without even being aware of it, one of the most impressive natural shows of the planet.
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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