Puerto Vallarta Route: Beaches, Boardwalk and Old Town
This 34.6 km route covers Puerto Vallarta's main coastal attractions, spanning from the hotel zone northward to the downtown area and extending south toward Boca de Tomatlán. The journey showcases the city's diverse landscapes including its famous boardwalk, colonial neighborhoods, and southern beaches accessible by car or local transport.
- Distance
- 34.6 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Centro & Zona Romantica
- End
- Los Arcos de Mismaloya
- Stops
- 2
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Centro & Zona Romantica
- Los Arcos de Mismaloya — Distinctive rock formations rising from the Pacific Ocean, creating natural archways that serve as an iconic diving and snorkeling destination with abundant marine life.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Bus to southern beaches and Boca de Tomatlan departs from corner of Hwy 200 (Basilio Badillo) and C. Construcción in Zona Romántica.
- Save money
- Public water taxi (panga) from Boca de Tomatlan to southern beaches costs 50 pesos per person one way, vs 380 pesos for direct boat from Zona Romántica.
- Save money
- Hike free from Boca de Tomatlan to Colomitos (40 min) and continue to Las Animas (1 hour more). Eat at beach restaurants and get free return boat ride.
- Tip
- Palo Maria waterfall hike takes 45 minutes to first waterfall. Entrance is across from Hotel Garza Blanca; accessible by same bus to Boca de Tomatlan.
- Timing
- Visit Mirador de la Cruz viewpoint in early morning or evening to avoid intense midday heat during steep climb.
- Tip
- Los Arcos de Mismaloya is a protected wildlife and marine refuge. Paddlezone offers sunrise paddle boarding tours with guide, snorkel gear, and equipment provided.
- Food
- Try local street food: fish tacos at Marisma (run by local women), quesadillas at Tacos El Cunado (corner of Olas Altas), and burritos from vendor near there.
- Where to stay
- For working remotely, Big Apple and Code Deli (New York-themed cafe) has the best Wi-Fi. The Green Place and Salud Superfood are also popular work spots.
- Tip
- Join Puerto Vallarta Facebook groups (e.g., Puerto Vallarta Digital Nomads) before arrival to find local events, meet people, and discover community initiatives.
- Tip
- Saturday farmer's market 'Holas Altas' in Zona Romántica features handmade and homegrown products including jewelry and fresh food.
- Transport
- Use InDriver app for cheaper taxi rides than Uber; more drivers available. Buses also run throughout the city from Zona Romántica.
- Tip
- Sayulita and San Pancho beach towns are 1 hour north; accessible by car or bus departing from Berlin and Avenida Francia. Popular for surfing and quieter than main city.
Video on this route
Puerto Vallarta 🇲🇽 Top Things To Do for Travelers Beyond The Resorts