A cobbled old town on a huge bay, jungle-covered mountains running down to the beach and humpback whales out in the water in winter. Here's what Puerto Vallarta is like, when to go and how long to stay.
Jalisco doesn't change its clocks, so the time difference changes in summer. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.
Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
November to April is the dry season, warm and sunny with humpback whales in the bay from December to March. It's also the busiest and most expensive time. Summer is hot, humid and rainy, with hurricane risk from June to October, peaking in September, but prices drop and the jungle is lush.
The seafront promenade, lined with sculptures and street food, best at sunset.
Humpback whales calve in the bay from December to March.
Snorkel among rock arches in a marine park by boat.
A jungle beach village reached only by boat, with a waterfall walk.
The old town's cobbled lanes, restaurants and the Los Muertos pier.
A colourful surf town about an hour north.
Orchids and jungle trails in the hills, with river swimming nearby.
November to April, when it's dry and around 28 to 30°C. December to March is whale season.
The tourist areas are generally considered safe, and it's one of Mexico's most popular resorts. Check your government's travel advice before you book, as some other parts of Jalisco state carry warnings.
Fly into Puerto Vallarta airport, which has direct flights from many US and Canadian cities and some from Europe in winter. The old town is about 20 minutes away.
A week covers beaches, a boat trip, whale watching in season and a day in Sayulita. Add Guadalajara for a longer trip.
Yes. There are calm beaches, boat trips, a walkable old town and family-friendly resorts in Nuevo Vallarta.
Put Puerto Vallarta on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.