How to Spend 2 Days in Puerto Vallarta
Warm days on the water and lively nights in old town are hallmarks of most Puerto Vallarta vacations. With two days, you can enjoy the beaches and water sports of the Bay of Banderas and still have time to venture inland for a jungle adventure. Here are our top tips for spending 48 hours in Puerto Vallarta.
Day 1: Bay Breezes and Old Town Tacos
Morning: Mingle with locals, tourists, and street vendors on a stroll along El Malecón, Puerto Vallarta’s lively seaside promenade. Stop for photos by the famous Boy on the Seahorse statue, or join a bike tour to see more of the waterfront on two wheels.
Afternoon: After glimpsing the Bay of Banderas from land, get out and experience its warm waters on a snorkeling, sailing, or whale-watching tour. Cruise to white sandy beaches, hidden coves, or rocky reefs at Los Arcos National Marine Park or the Marietas Islands for an encounter with Pacific marine life.
Night: After working up an appetite, sample Puerto Vallarta’s food. Follow your nose or a guide to street vendors and spots dishing up regional specialties such as tacos dorados (fried tacos), pork quesadillas, and fresh corn tortillas. Wash it down with local tequila, found in tasting rooms, at distilleries, and eateries.
Day 2: Jungle to Beach
Morning: Head inland to Jalisco’s jungles, where the mountainous terrain of the Sierra Madre range provides a natural playground for adventure sports such as canopy ziplining and rappelling down waterfalls. If you prefer to stay grounded, explore forested trails on an ATV or horseback riding tour.
Afternoon: Wind down with beach time on one of the sandy stretches near downtown Puerto Vallarta. Urban Beach of the Dead (Playa de los Muertos) boasts plenty of amenities, while a short bus ride and hike down hidden stairs leads to uncrowded Playa las Gemelas—ideal to watch the sunset.
Night: Puerto Vallarta hums with energy after dark. Live shows featuring mariachi bands, fire dancers, or traditional Mexican folk music serve up a feast for the senses, often combined with dinner. Kick it up a notch at coastal nightclubs, where DJs spin and drinks flow well into the pre-dawn hours.
14 Tours and Activities | All Puerto Vallarta Tours
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Puerto Vallarta Cruise and Candlelight Dinner Show
490
Immerse yourself in the magical mysticism of Las Caletas by night with an enchanting evening excursion from Puerta Vallarta. Watch the sun sink into the shimmering sea as you sail to a secluded beach surrounded by rugged rock formations. Dine upon a gourmet 3-course meal by candlelight before watching the renowned Rhythms of the Night show, a stunning spectacle that promises to transport viewers to a spiritual land that time forgot.
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$139.00
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$139.00
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Puerto Vallarta Outdoor Adventure Zip Line and Speedboat Ride
762
Satisfy an appetite for adrenaline on a thrilling 6.5-hour outdoor adventure tour from Puerto Vallerta. Enjoy an exhilarating ecological experience packed with challenges and fun on this Puerta Vallerta Adventure; ride on a super-fast speedboat; rappel down rushing waterfalls; ride powerful 4x4 jeeps; soar over the tree tops on zip lines and cross suspended rope bridges hanging high above the jungle. This tour is the ideal way to spend an exciting day outdoors on your Puerta Valletra vacation.
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$119.00
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$119.00
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Sierra Madre ATV Adventure from Puerto Vallarta
325
Drive an ATV through the Sierra Madre Mountains on a half-day adventure from Puerto Vallarta. You’ll splash through jungle rivers, pass quaint villages, and get a glimpse of the real Jalisco, far from crowded resorts. Choose between a 3- and 4-hour trip by ATV, and spend the day exploring the Puerto Vallarta countryside, with both morning and afternoon departures available.
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$74.81
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$74.81
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Marietas Islands: Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta
707
Explore the magnificent marine life of the Mexican Pacific and the Bay of Banderas on an exciting full-day tour from Puerta Vallarta. Snorkel to observe an incredible underwater wonderland; kayak in the warm waters of the Marietas Islands; and watch for exotic birds flying in their natural habitat. Look out for dolphins, whales, giant manta rays, and sea turtles as an experienced guide directs your attention to the wonders of nature on this eco-adventure.
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$89.00
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$89.00
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Downtown Puerto Vallarta Food Tour
786
Get acquainted with Puerto Vallarta's delicious food scene on this 3.5-hour food and eating walking tour. With an expert foodie leading the way, sample the diverse array of the city's edible delights, from tacos to sweets on this culinary adventure. Stop at 10 different spots to sample the food. And while going from place to place, see some of the highlights of the town and learn about the history of Puerto Vallarta. This small-group tour is limited to just 10 people, ensuring plenty of personalized attention. Suitable for all age groups and fitness levels.
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$55.00
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$55.00
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Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta
98
Look for humpback whales off the coast of Mexico on a half-day whale-watching tour from Puerto Vallarta. Depending on the conditions, you might watch for whales in the Bahia de Banderas or out in the Pacific Ocean. Learn about the majestic animals from your marine biologist guide as you ride on a small boat that is equipped with a restroom. Your tour includes lunch served on board the boat and accompanied by non-alcoholic beverages.
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$98.00
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$98.00
Las Caletas Day Tour from Puerto Vallarta
317
Discover the secluded and sublime Las Caletas nature reserve on an enchanting full-day tour from Puerto Vallarta. Venture to Mexico’s answer to the Garden of Eden during your excursion to the coastal haven of Banderas Bay; stroll through the atmospheric jungle on the hunt for diverse wildlife; experience an authentic cooking class; or let the stress slip away on the golden sands of the beach. Enjoy a light breakfast, fulfilling and flavorsome buffet lunch in addition to an open bar on this family-friendly adventure.
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$149.00
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$149.00
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Puerto Vallarta Cooking Class: Market Tour, Lesson and Tastings
376
Feast upon the explosive flavors of Mexican cuisine during a cooking class in Puerto Vallarta. Shop in a vibrant market for colorful produce; visit a traditional tortilla factory; and learn of regional culinary customs with a knowledgeable guide. Gain insight into customary cooking techniques with a local master chef, discovering recipes like fish ceviche, and taste tantalizing samples of tequila on this insightful and interactive culinary tour.
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$90.10
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$90.10
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Taco Adventure Evening Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta
246
Eat your way through a portion of Puerto Vallarta on this decadent eating and walking tour. Stroll the streets of Emiliano Zapata and 5 de Deciembre neighborhoods stopping along the way to sample some local edible delights. Eat full-portion samples of tacos, quesadillas, churros, sopes, pozole and much more. Stop at 4 different tacos stands and carts to eat delicious al pastor, fresh seafood and other varieties. All the while, learn about the history of the neighborhoods from your trusty local guide.
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$49.99
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$49.99
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Extreme Adventure: Zip Line, Rappel, UTV, Indoor Skydiving, Waterslide and more!
751
Feel your pulse race during an exhilarating half-day of extreme activities in the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains from Puerto Vallarta. Venture deep into an atmospheric jungle park to soar down Mexico’s longest zip line. Keep adrenaline levels high by rappelling down treetop platforms to suspended bridges, then ride in a powerful jeep and cascade down a rushing waterslide to the rainforest floor below. A safe and unforgettable experience is guaranteed on this family-friendly, small-group tour, where numbers are limited to 14 people.
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$99.00
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$99.00
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Day Sailing on Banderas Bay
108
Explore the curvaceous coastline and iridescent waters of Banderas Bay on a half-day sailing tour from Puerto Vallarta. Sail upon the shimmering sea; swim in crystal clear blue water; and discover the incredible natural wonders of Banderas Bay. Snorkel in a secluded cove and enjoy included beverages and delicious lunch as you cruise on your luxurious vessel. Combine the unadulterated pleasure of sailing with pampering on this delightful excursion.
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$119.00
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$119.00
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VIP Nightclub Tour in Puerto Vallarta
66
Party like a professional in the cosmopolitan clubs of Puerto Vallarta on a VIP nightclub tour. Slink past the velvet ropes of three of the city’s most exclusive bars and clubs and immerse yourself in the vibrant and vivacious atmosphere with a lively local guide. Dance to prominent Mexican DJs; sip cocktails at reserved private tables; and unwind with an evening of completely unlimited drinks.
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$89.99
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$89.99
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Connoisseur Tequila Tasting
180
Learn all about tequila, Mexico's signature beverage, during your visit to Puerto Vallarta. Located in the state of Jalisco, the tequila capital of the world, Puerto Vallarta is the ideal place for the 1.5-hour guided tequila tasting. Sample premium tequilas made from 100 percent blue agave, and choose from three different tasting experiences—the introduction, connoisseur, or mezcal option—depending on your preference. Your tasting guide shares commentary about the cultivation of agave plants, the production of tequila, and more, customizing your tasting to your group's interests.
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$68.00
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$68.00
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Private Tour in El Malecon Boardwalk Bike Ride
40
Cycle along Puerto Vallarta's El Malecon boardwalk on this private 2.5-hour bike tour. With just your family and friends, soak up gorgeous views of Banderas Bay and check out landmarks along the way, including the Cathedral, lighthouse and the pier. Visit local-favorite eateries for lunch and ice cream (own expense), and learn about the city’s history and architecture from an informative guide.
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$40.17
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$40.17
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