Getting the best out of your time in Puerto Vallarta will mean that you leave your hotel room and explore the city on your own. There are several ways to do this, including shopping, art galleries, and day hikes. In addition to exploring the city on your own, you should make sure to try the local foods.
Art galleries
If you’re a fan of fine art, you’ll love the art galleries in Puerto Vallarta. These galleries feature works by local and internationally famous artists. Some of the best ones include Galeria Uno, which has been open in downtown Puerto Vallarta for over 40 years. It features paintings by well-known artists like Francisco Curiel, Alberto Fregoso, Stefan Lokos, Manuel Martinez, and many more.
For a more contemporary view of art, check out the Contempo Art Gallery in Puerto Vallarta. Its space is massive and filled with original works by local and internationally renowned artists. You’ll enjoy the ambiance of this gallery, which is surrounded by fountains and plants.
Another fine art gallery in Puerto Vallarta is Hilda’s Art Store. It has a large selection of Huichol art. The owners are extremely knowledgeable about the culture and arte Huichol. They provide a personalized experience to visitors. Whether you’re looking for a piece of art for yourself or as a gift for someone else, Hilda’s is the place to go.
The Malecon is home to many art galleries. One of the best ways to view them is to walk the Malecon, which runs along the beach. This esplanade is packed with beautiful sculptures. The Malecon is a must-see when visiting Puerto Vallarta. You’ll find dozens of them here, including the famous “Boy on a Seahorse.”
Shopping
When it comes to Puerto Vallarta, there are a number of shopping opportunities available. From designer boutiques to traditional markets, there’s something for everyone. There are also a number of places to dine, and the Malecon boardwalk offers a variety of options.
The Plaza Caracol is a favorite shopping destination for locals and visitors alike. This outdoor market is the place to go if you want to buy souvenirs and artisan crafts. Besides the famous carved wood and colorful yarn paintings, you can also find jewelry, sculptures, and other items.
While you’re in town, make sure you spend at least a day looking at the local art galleries. This city is home to more galleries than any other coastal city in Mexico. On Wednesdays, many of these galleries open their doors to the public, so take advantage of these free events. You’ll be able to see works from local artists in all mediums, and there are often free wine and tequila offered.
Another place to visit is Malecon, a mile-long esplanade that overlooks the ocean. The Malecon also features several unique sculptures.
Day hikes
If you’re looking for outdoor adventures during your next trip to Puerto Vallarta, the area has plenty to offer. This Pacific coast city is surrounded by the Sierra Madra mountains and Bay of Banderas, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Though the city isn’t very large, there are a number of activities you can enjoy during your stay.
One popular day hike in the area is Yelapa. This hike starts from the western end of the beach at Los Ayala and leads to Mirador del Toro, a cliffside lookout. To get there, take the fork in the road to a lookout point where you can admire the coastline and the surrounding valley. The trailhead is not well-marked, so you’ll probably want to hire a guide.
Another hiking excursion is the Boca to Animas Beach hike. This half-day hike winds along the coast and passes beautiful beaches and picture-perfect resorts. At the end of the hike, you can take a water taxi back to your hotel. Another option is to visit the Nogalito waterfall on the way back.
Another excellent outdoor activity in Puerto Vallarta is a stroll through the lush greenery of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. You can book a guided tour from your Airbnb to learn about the plants and animals.
Sightseeing
While visiting Puerto Vallarta, it’s a good idea to do as much sight-seeing as possible. There are many activities to choose from, including a guided tour of the city and visiting local museums and art galleries. In addition, if you have time, you can also take a private tour or join an urban hike & local meal tour. Afterward, head to the outdoor market for some excellent shopping.
The Malecon is a great place for nighttime activities. Here, you can enjoy local food and beverages, or listen to live jazz music. You can even go on a horseback ride in the Sierra Madre mountains. Be sure to check out the Papantla Flyers, the local sports team.
The San Felipe Church is another place to see while you’re in town. This cathedral was built in 1903 and has long been a prominent religious center for the city. If you’re interested in learning about the city’s history, you can also take a tour of the church. The interior features beautiful carvings and images of saints.
While you’re in town, consider spending a day at the nearby botanical garden. The views here are spectacular! You can also take a water taxi or bus from Boca to reach Las Animas. The botanical gardens are also a good place to have lunch and take in some sights.
Cooking class
If you’d like to learn how to cook authentic Mexican food, a cooking class is the perfect activity. You’ll learn how to use local ingredients and techniques to prepare classic Mexican dishes. You’ll get to try your hand at several different dishes, including tequila-spiked seafood tacos. Each class costs $1700 MXN ($90 USD), and includes a visit to the local market.
You’ll start by meeting Helene at the Costco in Fluvial, then heading to the Cinco de Diciembre market to learn how to select fresh fruits and vegetables. After learning about the local produce, you’ll buy the ingredients you’ll use for the cooking class.
Helene is a native Canadian who moved to Puerto Vallarta 15 years ago. She has traveled extensively in Mexico, where she has become familiar with the flavors of Mexican food. She enjoys making tamales in large batches, and can prepare up to 150 of them at one time. Her home is a typical Mexican neighborhood, and she decorates it with Mexican antiques. Her home also features a swimming pool and a beautiful garden.
You can enjoy the city’s famous Malecon Boardwalk, a 1.5-km-long oceanfront promenade that’s packed with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. It’s the perfect place for a stroll with the family. You can find a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean and a number of great restaurants and bars. There are also art installations, street performances, and a great nightlife.
Pirate ship cruise
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Puerto Vallarta, consider taking a Pirate ship cruise. The wooden ships offer both day and night tours. The ships host activities like treasure hunts and shows. A night cruise can also include kayaking. These excursions can be an excellent way to spend the afternoon.
The Marigalante pirate ship is one of the most popular excursions in Puerto Vallarta. The ship is 400 tons and can carry up to 240 passengers. It features a VIP area for 70 people and a separate area for people with disabilities. The upper deck has seating and is a great place to watch the show.
Day tours are available Monday through Saturday. They feature a pirate show and a full day of sightseeing. Guests meet at the Pirate Boutique at 9:00 am and return at 4:45 pm. There is also a night tour, which lasts for about three and a half hours. For additional cost, guests can upgrade to premium tickets and enjoy priority boarding. Premium tickets also include priority dining and a special VIP menu.
The Marigalante pirate ship is the pride of Puerto Vallarta. It is the most popular tourist attraction in the Banderas Bay. Pirates can enjoy a day or night tour on board, which includes a treasure hunt and paddle boarding. The Marigalante also serves a three-course dinner.