Top Day Trips from Puerto Vallarta with iBestTravel
Venturing out beyond Puerto Vallarta’s tourist center pays big rewards. In fact, some of the most worthwhile outdoor experiences await in the city’s surrounding areas. After all, we’re talking about snorkeling in sublime jungle-backed coves, unwinding in green getaways nestled in the Sierra Madre mountains, and exploring uninhabited islands teeming with wildlife. Here are five of the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta.
Islas Marietas
Designated as a national marine park and Unesco biosphere reserve, these uninhabited islands, located 22 miles (36km) west of Puerto Vallarta, provide some of the best wildlife-watching opportunities on Banderas Bay. Here, snorkelers and divers can marvel at giant mantas and sea turtles as they glide through clear waters. While on land, you can spot the blue-footed booby and some 90 other bird species.
Moreover, Playa del Amor, an astonishing underground crater beach, is not to be missed. Access to Playa del Amor is limited to only 116 daily visitors to protect Marietas from overtourism. All excursions to the islands must be arranged with a certified tour outfit, so planning ahead is essential.
How to get to Islas Marietas: Ecotours de México is a reputable company with guided outings led by naturalists. Tour operators specify on their websites that they cannot guarantee access to Playa del Amor until the day of the visit, but you can still enjoy a memorable day of snorkeling and wildlife watching.
San Sebastián del Oeste
For a dramatic change of scenery from the coast, head inland to the cool climes of San Sebastián del Oeste, a centuries-old mining town perched 4855ft (1480m) above sea level. Half the fun is getting there as you make stops along a winding mountain road at Panadería Carmen, an artisan bakery with highly addictive pastries; Hacienda Jalisco, a fascinating former silver hacienda; and Hacienda Don Lalín, a family-run distillery that produces organic raicilla, a mezcal-like agave drink.
San Sebastián’s population of about 5600 makes it an ideal spot to socialize. If you enjoy hiking, bird watching, and the underrated art of doing nothing, it’s definitely calling your name. For an overnight stay, the colonial-style hotel Mansion Real provides comfortable rooms in the heart of the small historic center.
How to get to San Sebastián del Oeste: By private car, it’s about one hour and 50 minutes east of Vallarta. Alternatively, you can leave the driving to Vallarta Adventures on an informative and fun-filled guided excursion.
Jardín Botánico de Vallarta
Set in the verdant Sierra Madre mountains, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens boast beautifully curated grounds housing a wide array of native plant species, including one of Mexico’s top orchid collections. After taking a leisurely stroll along the manicured paths lined with bromeliads, agaves, and wild palms, make your way down a jungle trail to the tranquil shores of Río Horcones for a refreshing swim in a river that flows past large boulders.
On your way back to Puerto Vallarta, consider stopping in the fishing village of Boca de Tomatlán to access a coastal trail leading to secluded coves and stunning beaches. The scenic Colomitos cove is just half a mile (1km) away from the trailhead, and the path continues as far west as Playa Quimixto if you’re up for more exploring along this inviting emerald coastline.
How to get to Jardín Botánico de Vallarta: By car, the gardens are a 40-minute ride south of downtown. Alternatively, take an ‘El Tuito’ bus departing from the corner of Carranza and Aguacate (in Zona Romántica) to reach both Boca de Tomatlán (30 minutes) and the botanical gardens.
Sayulita & San Pancho
Offering a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown Vallarta, the neighboring beach towns of Sayulita and San Francisco (aka San Pancho) provide ample activities to keep everyone entertained. The rideable breaks in Sayulita, located about 25 miles (40km) north of Vallarta, make it a perfect spot for learning to surf, while kayaking, horseback riding, and turtle releases are always family favorites.
Traveling up the coast about four miles (7km), San Pancho draws smaller crowds, giving it a more low-key surf town vibe. On the return to Vallarta, consider making a detour in Punta de Mita, a scenic peninsula where you can indulge in delicious seafood at the oceanfront restaurant Tuna Blanca.
How to reach Sayulita and San Pancho: Buses operate frequently from a stop in front of Puerto Vallarta’s Walmart (opposite the cruise ship port). Some buses may leave you at the highway turnoff, requiring a short walk or cab ride into the towns. If driving, you can reach Sayulita and San Pancho in about one hour and 30 minutes.
Playa Majahuitas & Playa El Caballo
A trip to Vallarta wouldn’t be complete without visiting the exquisite southern beaches that hug a glorious coastline backed by jungle-covered mountains. For the ultimate in carefree beach relaxation, head for the golden sands of Playa El Caballo where you can unwind under a rustling palm tree.
If you’re inclined toward snorkeling, make your way to the clear jade-green waters of Playa Majahuitas, a serene cove where you can explore small caves while swimming among vibrant parrotfish and angelfish. Both Majahuitas and Playa El Caballo stand out as two of the most restful spots along this coast compared to the busier beaches of Yelapa, Quimixto, and Playa Las Ánimas.
How to get to Playa Majahuitas and Playa El Caballo: Both beaches can be reached in 30 to 40 minutes by water taxis departing from the Zona Romántica’s Playa de los Muertos pier. Playa El Caballo is a short walk east from Playa Las Ánimas. You can also access Playa El Caballo by hiking west along a coastal trail from Boca de Tomatlán (a fishing village located about 30 minutes south of Vallarta).
