2 Days in Puerto Vallarta: Best Things to Do + Where to Stay

You’re planning to spend just 2 days in Puerto Vallarta and looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

To help you make the most of your short visit, I’ve put together this detailed 2-day itinerary for Puerto Vallarta. You’ll explore the city’s top attractions, from hidden gems to must-see landmarks!

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta in 2 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

Day 1: Exploring the Vibrant Heart of Puerto Vallarta

A. Morning Stroll Along the Malecon

Begin your 2-day visit to Puerto Vallarta with a morning walk along the Malecon. This iconic promenade is more than a scenic pathway with ocean views; it’s a cultural hub adorned with public art.

Notable sculptures dot the malecon, each telling a story of the city’s rich heritage. Don’t miss the famous “Boy on a Seahorse” statue by Rafael Zamarripa, a beloved symbol of Vallarta since 1976.

B. Visit the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe

A short walk from the Malecon leads you to the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This beautiful church is designed in the neo-baroque style and is decorated inside with colorful paintings and gold-covered altars.

The church is especially vibrant during the Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December, drawing visitors and locals alike in celebration.

C. Ascend to Casa Kimberly

After visiting the church, take the stairs on Calle Zaragoza to explore Casa Kimberly.

Purchased in 1962 by Richard Burton for his lover Elizabeth Taylor during the filming of “The Night of the Iguana,” this residence symbolizes the Hollywood glamour that once swept through Puerto Vallarta.

Now transformed into a luxury boutique hotel calle Casa Kimberly, its lovingly preserved décor offers a peek into the lavish lifestyle of its former owners.

Be sure to capture a photo with the statue of the iconic couple at the entrance!

D. Explore Gringo Gulch

Wander through the charming Gringo Gulch neighborhood, known for its red-tiled roofs and narrow winding streets.

This area became popular in the 1960s when American expatriates and celebrities settled here, drawn by its picturesque vistas over the Bay of Banderas.

The unique blend of traditional Mexican styles with a touch of American architectural influences makes it a fascinating area for a leisurely exploration.

E. Capture Memories at the Iguana Bridge

Next, head to the Iguana Bridge, which offers panoramic views of the lush mountains and the Isla Cuale.

It’s a great place to take pictures, between the green mountains and the old town.

F. Handicraft Market on Isla Cuale

Cross the bridge to Isla Cuale, a small island in the middle of the river, bustling with artisanal markets.

Here, local craftsmen sell everything from handmade jewelry to traditional Mexican textiles.

The island is also home to a cultural center, offering insight into the artistic traditions of the region.

G. Wander Through the Romantic Zone

Turn left on Avenida Constitución to enter the Zona Romántica, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most vibrant neighborhoods, with an array of cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops.

H. Refresh at Cervecería Los Muertos

After exploring the Romantic Zone, take a refreshing break at Cervecería Los Muertos, a popular local brewery.

For example, try the Anillo de Fuego, a unique brew infused with chile, which offers a fascinating and spicy twist on traditional beer.

• Alternatively, you can visit Monzón Brewing Co

I. Taste the best ice cream in town

If beer isn’t your choice, just a few steps away is Sabores Helados, another great way to refresh yourself.

This charming ice cream shop is my favorite in Puerto Vallarta and is known for its wide selection of flavors, many made from local ingredients.

For a unique taste of Mexico, try the mango chili or raicilla (similar to tequila) flavored ice cream. For a more guilty pleasure, indulge in the turtle cheesecake flavor, which combines goat cheese with walnut and cajeta for a truly decadent experience.

J. Evening and Sunset at the Beach

Head to Olas Altas Beach by turning right on Venustiano Carranza. This beach is perfect for those looking to relax with its less crowded, more laid-back vibe compared to other city beaches. The soft golden sands and gentle waves create a serene setting for an afternoon sunbathing or swimming.

Continue left from Olas Altas to find yourself at the iconic Playa Los Muertos pier, a modern sail-shaped structure that stretches out over the Pacific and offers breathtaking views, especially at sunset.

The pier, rebuilt in 2013, is not only a departure point for water taxis but also a popular spot for evening strolls.

Adjacent to the pier is Playa Los Muertos, the most famous beach in Puerto Vallarta, where the mix of local families and tourists creates a lively atmosphere.

With numerous beach clubs, restaurants, and vendors offering everything from grilled seafood to handmade crafts, it’s the perfect place to experience the local culture.

With some of the most beautiful sunsets in the region, it’s an ideal place to end the first part of your two days in Puerto Vallarta!

Day 2: Sun, Sand, and Lush Gardens

A. Morning: Discovering Puerto Vallarta’s Hidden Southern Beaches

In the morning, explore the exclusive beaches south of Puerto Vallarta.

These clean and secluded beaches offer a serene escape from the crowded tourist spots.

Your journey starts with a visit to Playa Colomitos, a small cove with crystal-clear turquoise waters that make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Next, you’ll discover Playa Las Animas known for its soft sand and friendly local restaurants right on the shore.

Continue to Quimixto, where you can hike to a breathtaking waterfall or relax on its untouched beach.

Playa Majahuitas is next on the itinerary, offering excellent snorkeling opportunities in its vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

The morning exploration ends in Yelapa, a picturesque beach village where the pace slows and the natural beauty shines, allowing you to enjoy its famous homemade pies.

To visit these stunning locations, you have two great options:

1. The Most Comfortable and My Favorite: Arrange for a private boat that sails along the coast up to Yelapa.

This flexible option lets you bring your own provisions—food, drinks, and even your favorite tunes.

The boat can accommodate up to 10 people, which is ideal if you’re traveling with friends or family to Puerto Vallarta.

The captain will cater to your preferences for stops, and you’ll have ample free time to enjoy Yelapa’s charming environment before returning.

Book the boat tour here, that includes the pick-up at your hotel:

2. For the Fit and Outdoor Enthusiasts: If you prefer a more active approach, start your adventure with a hike from Boca de Tomatlán.

This trail leads you through lush jungle to Playa Colomitos and onwards to other secluded beaches, ending at Las Animas. Here, you can enjoy a meal of fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant before catching a boat back, making for a rewarding round trip.

You can book the guided hike to the hidden beaches here:

Whichever option you choose, spending your morning exploring these beautiful beaches will be an unforgettable part of your two-day Puerto Vallarta itinerary.

B. Afternoon: Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens

As you return to Puerto Vallarta around 2:30-3:00 PM from the southern beaches, a visit to the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens is an excellent choice for nature lovers or those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Established in 2005, these gardens are nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountains and cover an expansive area dedicated to the conservation and display of Mexico’s rich biodiversity.

The gardens boast a remarkable collection of orchids housed in a specially designed conservatory, over 3000 different plant species, and numerous trails that meander through native tropical forest.

You can enjoy themed gardens such as the ‘Tree Fern Grotto’, ‘Palm Garden’, and the ‘Agave Gardens’ which display an impressive variety of plants from these groups.

Birdwatching is another popular activity here, with the gardens being home to over 100 different bird species, making it a fantastic spot for spotting rare birds such as the military macaw.

For those interested in learning more about the local flora, the garden offers guided tours that provide insights into the ecological and medicinal uses of plants.

Additionally, the on-site restaurant serves dishes prepared with ingredients sourced from the garden itself, offering not only delicious meals but also breathtaking views over the lush greenery, perfect for a peaceful break before you continue your day.

C. Enjoy the Night

To perfectly conclude your two days in Puerto Vallarta, choose between two distinctly different evening experiences:

1. Romantic Night at Alma by Rhythms of the Night: Ideal for a romantic evening, embark on a sunset cruise to the private beach of Las Caletas.

Enjoy a candlelit dinner with traditional Mexican music in the background, setting a serene ambiance. Following dinner, the Alma by Rhythms of the Night show awaits at the amphitheater.

Co-created by Gilles Ste-Croix of Cirque du Soleil, this stunning performance features acrobats, dancers, and special effects in a mesmerizing spectacle sure to make your evening unforgettable.

2. Lively Adventure on a Pirate Ship Dinner-Show: For a more lively and fun-filled evening, the Pirate Ship Dinner-Show is your go-to choice.

This energetic cruise includes a diverse dinner selection, an open bar with unlimited drinks, and an engaging show by the pirate crew, filled with humor and action.

The night caps off with spectacular fireworks, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for those looking for excitement and entertainment.

Book the pirate cruise here:

Where to Stay for a Two-Day Visit to Puerto Vallarta?

• Hostal Vallarta: this is a colorful hostel with a great atmosphere, a rooftop terrace, good wifi, pancakes for breakfast. You can stay in a shared dorm from only 19 usd or in a private room from 39 usd per night!

• Amapas Apartment – Adults Only: spacious apartments in the Zona Romantica, walking distance to Playa Los Muertos, with a kitchen, air-conditioned, and a roof terrace with small pool. They are very clean and comfortable, from 60 usd per night!

• Hotel Boutique BellView: This is a romantic hotel in Puerto Vallarta, with a famous restaurant called La Cappella. It offers a great view of the surroundings, and a violinist in the evening. It’s a cozy and elegant place to stay, from 192 usd per night!

• Maxwell Residences at Indah: Rooms and apartments for up to 10 people, with gym, sauna, good wifi, indoor parking. Perfectly located on Conchas Chinas Beach. The best view of Puerto Vallarta is from the rooftop terrace, with infinity pool, bar and restaurant. From 275 usd per night

• Hilton Vallarta Riviera All Inclusive Resort: This is an all-inclusive hotel ideal for families in Puerto Vallarta. It has a modern decor, several good restaurants and bars, lots of activities and entertainment and several oceanfront pools. It’s very quiet and relaxing, from 400 usd per night.

• Casa Velas – Adults Only: This is the most beautiful all-inclusive hotel in Puerto Vallarta, ideal for a couple. An intimate and elegant hotel, located in the Marina Vallarta Golf Club, with a large tropical garden, swimming pool and beach club. Excellent meals and cocktails. From 745 usd per night

Is Spending Just 2 Days in Puerto Vallarta Enough?

Two days in Puerto Vallarta give you a glimpse of the city’s culture, beauty, and activities, but it’s just the beginning.

If you’re looking to relax and hit a few highlights, two days might be enough. You can visit famous sites, try local dishes, and enjoy a beach day. However, if you want to dive deep into local culture, take on outdoor adventures, or explore more remote areas, you’ll need more time.

For a fuller experience, consider staying longer. This way, you can check out art galleries, join in festivals, and venture out on a day trip to Sayulita!

Make sure to check out my other recommended tours to fully experience Puerto Vallarta (click on the name to book):

• Day Trip to Sayulita🏄 – Discover the hippie-chic surf town of Sayulita, and the village of San Pancho. Includes roundtrip transportation and 1-hour bodyboard rental.
• Street Food Tour 🌮 –  A local guide will take you to the best spots in town! (tacos, churros, etc.)
• Las Caletas Private Beach 🌴 – Access to Las Caletas, with lunch, open bar and activities (snorkeling, kayaking, etc.),  Adventure Park and Adventure Cove fors kids and teens.
• Los Arcos Islands 🐠 – Guided boat cruise to the Los Arcos National Marine Park with snorkeling

My Best Tips for Visiting Puerto Vallarta in Two Days

To make the most of your two-day trip in Puerto Vallarta, here are some essential tips:

• Plan your itinerary in advance: While spontaneity is always fun, having a clear plan will help you maximize your time in Puerto Vallarta. Prioritize the activities and sights that interest you the most, and make sure to book any necessary tickets or reservations ahead of time, especially for popular attractions like boat tours or guided tours at the botanical gardens.

• Stay centrally located: Choose accommodations that are centrally located, preferably near the Romantic Zone or the Downtown area. This will give you easy access to beaches, restaurants, and cultural sites, reducing transit time and allowing you more time to enjoy the city.

• Embrace local transport: since it can be complicated to find parking spots in downtown Vallarta, consider using local transportation options like buses and taxis. They are affordable and offer a more authentic glimpse into the daily life of locals. For areas close by, walking is a pleasant way to explore the streets!

• Try local cuisine: Don’t miss Vallarta’s vibrant culinary scene. From street food vendors offering tacos and ceviche to upscale restaurants serving gourmet Mexican cuisine, there’s a flavor for every palate. Try some local specialties like grilled marlin, birria, and raicilla, a type of mezcal that is popular in the region. – Book the Street Food Tour now!

• Keep hydrated and protected from the sun: The weather in Puerto Vallarta can be quite hot, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.

• Enjoy the nightlife: Puerto Vallarta has a vibrant nightlife scene. Whether you prefer a quiet night sipping cocktails at a beachfront bar or dancing till dawn at a club, make sure to experience some of the local night activities. It’s a perfect way to cap off your busy days of exploration.

Rent a car in Puerto Vallarta

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Puesto Vallarta and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Booking.com Cars, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

Find the Best Deals on Flights to Puerto Vallarta

The Puerto Vallarta International Airport receives many domestic and international flights.

You can fly directly to Puerto Vallarta from cities like Montreal, Toronto, London, Madrid and all over the United States. You can also look for flights that have a layover in Mexico City, which might be cheaper.

To find the best prices on flights to Puerto Vallarta, as well as the best domestic flights in Mexico, I suggest you to use our flight comparator in collaboration with Skyscanner. It is the best way to save time and money!

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• TOP 35 Things to Do and Must See Attractions in Mexico – All the best places to discover

• Puerto Vallarta: Top 35 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• 1 Day in Puerto Vallarta – A Complete Day’s Adventure
• 3 Days in Puerto Vallarta – The Essential Travel Itinerary
• The 17 Best hotels in Puerto Vallarta: My Selection for Every Budget!
• Staying in Puerto Vallarta: my experience at Maxwell Residences at Indah

• Sayulita: the 15 Best things to discover
• The 6 best hotels in Sayulita (Nayarit): Where to Stay?
• The 7 Best Hotels in Punta Mita
• Guadalajara (Jalisco): Top 40 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Ajijic (Lake Chapala): Best Things to Do + Tips
• Tlaquepaque (Guadalajara): 16 things to do and must-see attractions

• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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