Visit Nuevo Vallarta: The Ultimate Travel Guide [UPDATED 2024]

If you are planning a visit to Nuevo Vallarta, our extensive travel guide will help guide you through a perfect vacation in the Riviera Nayarit. Be sure to follow @BeachPleaseMexico on Facebook since we regularly post updates, secret spots, and local events for our guests. Also, please leave us a review to let us know how we could have improved your stay, and let us know what your favorite part of the trip was!

Table Of Contents

About Nuevo Vallarta
Your Arrival
Activities and Attractions
More Information

About Nuevo Vallarta

With 5 kilometers (3 mi) of golden beaches, luxurious resorts & condominiums, multiple golf courses, and first-class infrastructure, Nuevo Vallarta is considered one of the best beach destinations in Mexico. It actually has the 2nd highest number of hotels and resorts in the country (after Cancun, of course). In addition to all of that, it has very exclusive restaurants and two of the country’s most important marinas.

Nestled between Puerto Vallarta and Bucerias, this master-planned resort & condominium community features some of the most luxurious vacation home rentals and hotels such as the Mayan Palace, Dreams Villamagna, and Paradise Village. The newest addition to the area is the Grand Luxxe at Vidanta which received the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award. Beachside, all-inclusive, short-term, or long-term stays, there is something for everyone in this town. There is even a U.S. Consulate located within the community at the Paradise Plaza Mall.

In town, enjoy a great selection of restaurants ranging from upscale to simple & quaint. Don’t forget to try some of the local seafood dishes such as zarandeado-style fish, ceviches, and aguachile. In this Nuevo Vallarta travel guide, we have put all our favorite restaurants, activities, and attractions in the area. We hope you enjoy your stay and fall in love with this little piece of paradise!

Your Arrival

Airport Transportation Options

From the Airport, there are two options: Uber (~ $225 MXN) or Taxi (~ $420 MXN). Ubers aren’t allowed to get passengers at the airport pick-up area, but a quick walk over to the other side of the road via the pedestrian bridge solves this. Once you exit the building, just walk left towards the road and you’ll see the bridge. The Uber app will also help you find the pick-up zone. Otherwise, grab a taxi for a little less of a hassle, but make sure you agree to the price before jumping in (they sometimes try to overcharge).

For more information regarding Puerto Vallarta Airport transportation options:

Puerto Vallarta Airport Transportation Options

How to Get Cash in Mexico

Also, if you need to pull out cash or exchange pesos, check out our tips to help guarantee you’re getting the best exchange rate with ATMs, credit cards, and money exchanges:

Money Exchange Rates: How to Get Pesos in Mexico

Activities and Attractions

Check out all our favorite things to do in Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit:

Fun & Free Nuevo Vallarta Activities

See our curated list of all the best restaurants and bars in Nuevo Vallarta, such as Barracuda, El Coleguita, Mr. Cream, La Dolce Vita, Organik, and other local favorites!

The Best Restaurants & Bars in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico You Shouldn’t Miss

Below is the map to do your own self-guided Puerto Vallarta free walking tour! This walk is intended to take up a full day, or maybe divide it up into two days.

FREE Puerto Vallarta Walking Tour Map & Itinerary

Renting a bicycle is the best way to get around Nuevo Vallarta and to explore this exciting little beach town in the heart of the Riviera Nayarit. Cruise through the palm-lined bike pathway of Nuevo Vallarta or explore the cobblestone streets of Bucerias. There is even a nice back road that connects the two areas together.

Bicycle Rentals in Bucerias & Nuevo Vallarta

Nuevo Vallarta whale watching season is from Mid-November to March each year. These gentle giants can be seen breaching out of the water as parents instruct their baby calves in the ways of the watery world. Each year, between 300 and 500 Humpback Whales are registered in the area. In other words, if you go during the right season you are almost guaranteed to see them! These are the whale watching tour companies we recommend:

Vallarta Whale Watching Season: Tours, Reviews & Prices

Attending a baby sea turtle release in Nuevo Vallarta at a local sanctuary is definitely on the top of our list of things to do as a family in the area. Sea turtle liberation ceremonies in Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, and Sayulita are held almost daily at the different camps and sanctuaries around Banderas Bay. Below we’ll cover Nuevo Vallarta turtle release dates, hatching season, and the best places to see them.

Puerto Vallarta Sea Turtle Release Camps: Dates & Times

If you are interested in going sport fishing or deep sea fishing in Nuevo Vallarta, Mahi Mahi and Marlin season is best from September to February, but Red Snapper and Jack Crevalle fishing are great all year! There are also many opportunities to catch Sailfish and giant Yellowfin Tuna. We highly recommend reaching out to one of the following Nuevo Vallarta fishing charters:

Best Puerto Vallarta Fishing Charters & Deep Sea Trips

Hiking has become more and more popular since it offers excellent health benefits and presents an opportunity to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Below are the best nearby hikes that you shouldn’t miss!