Why Puerto Vallarta Is Set To Shatter All Tourism Records This Year

Last Updated 2 months ago

Showcasing a delightful combination of awe-inspiring natural landscapes and a rich culture, Puerto Vallarta has long been a favorite Mexican destination for travelers.

However, this Pacific coastal gem is currently attracting more visitors than ever, with hotel occupancy surpassing a whopping 90% in the first weekend of November alone.

Moreover, Puerto Vallarta’s international airport has experienced a notable 10.7% increase in passenger numbers from January to October.

According to Christian Preciado Cázares, Director of Tourism and Economic Development, this success can be attributed to extensive promotional efforts and events such as the international marathon UTMB and the Day of the Dead Festival 2023.

If these trends continue – and it’s expected they will – this sun-kissed retreat will break the 2022 record of 6.2 million arrivals by the end of the year.

While promotional efforts and events certainly have played a significant role in Puerto Vallarta’s skyrocketing popularity, there are a few more reasons behind it that are worth exploring.

@k8loweth #puertovallarta #mexico #travel #traveltiktok #vallartafoodtour #familytravel @vallartafoodtours ♬ La Mushasha Shula – Espinoza Paz

So, let’s take a closer look at Puerto Vallarta’s tourism boom and find out why travelers can’t get enough of this coastal gem.

Stunning Pacific Beaches

The Pacific Coast of Mexico is full of beautiful shores, and Puerto Vallarta is a prime example.

Beaches such as Playas Conchas Chinas and Playa Camarones offer visitors a secluded ambiance, expansive shores, and refreshing turquoise waters.

@rachelo.mellow Los Muertos Beach, Puerto Vallarta 🇲🇽 the sunsets here are breathtaking #puertovallarta #jalisco #mexico #losmuertosbeach #playalosmuertos ♬ original sound – Diego R

However, no Puerto Vallarta getaway is complete without a visit to Playa Los Muertos (which translates to ‘The Dead’ Beach).

Despite its rather ominous name, Playa Los Muertos stands as Puerto Vallarta’s most popular beach, known for its iconic pier and extensive tourist infrastructure that provides all the amenities for an ideal beach day.

Don’t miss out on visiting the Marieta Islands, a small archipelago in Banderas Bay, which is a protected area that was once used as military bombing testing sites.

@envynature Playa del Amor, commonly known as the Hidden Beach can be found on the Marieta Islands in Mexico. #mexico #beach #hidden #playadelamor #marieta #island #nature #beautiful #envynature ♬ Sea Song – Ocean Sounds

Here, you’ll find Hidden Beach (A.K.A. The Beach of Love), renowned as one of Mexico’s most spectacular beaches. 

Located in the middle of an open crater and only accessible at low tide, its unique topography is believed to have happened as a result of military activity.

As this is a protected area, the only way to reach Hidden Beach is on a catamaran or boat tour from Puerto Vallarta or Punta Mita, which typically also provide breakfast, lunch and snorkeling gear.

A Cornucopia Of Tourist Attractions

Puerto Vallarta has much more to offer beyond its breathtaking beaches and secluded paradisiacal islands.

Whether you’re looking for cultural exploration, luxurious boutiques, or a fun night out, Puerto Vallarta has you covered.

Explore the iconic Parroquia de Guadalupe, the city’s most important landmark, with its stunning architecture showcasing neoclassic, baroque, and Renaissance influences.

Just a few blocks south of the parish, you’ll find the famous Casa Kimberly. Now a luxurious boutique hotel, back in the day it used to be the home of film stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.  

Besides exploring the lavish property, you can enjoy a gourmet meal at its elegant restaurant or even book a room overnight, of course, if you’re in the mood to let your budget stretch its legs a bit.

And for a night filled with excitement, venture to one (or more) of the numerous bars and clubs lining the renowned Puerto Vallarta Malecón, Playa Los Muertos, and the Marina.

Here, you’ll encounter an abundance of live music, DJ sets, and more, all within a cosmopolitan atmosphere that ensures an unforgettable night.

Authentic Cultural Experiences

For a truly romantic and bohemian escapade, La Zona Romántica, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, is an absolute must-visit. 

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along its colorful streets, particularly at night, and immerse yourself in the rich local atmosphere and traditions of this charming zone.

Indulge in exceptional local dishes like pozole (pork, corn, and chicken soup), delightful tacos, and, of course, top-notch tequilas, as, fun fact, Jalisco State is the birthplace of this renowned spirit.

But if you’re in the mood for something more refined, you can head to the Vallarta Marina, where you’ll find fine-dining restaurants such as El Coleguita and La Cevichería, also serving local delicacies and seafood.

Believe it or not, this list of tourist attractions and experiences is only a fraction of what Puerto Vallarta has to offer – a clear testament to its skyrocketing popularity among travelers.