Puerto Vallarta walking route: Arrival to Zona Romántica
A 6.4 km walking route through Puerto Vallarta, Mexico's famous west coast beach destination, connecting local neighborhoods with the main beach and Zona Romántica. The route passes through the charming old town center with colonial architecture and artistic mosaics before reaching the oceanfront.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Puerto Vallarta Arrival
- End
- Zona Romántica
- Stops
- 2
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Puerto Vallarta Arrival
- Zona Romántica
Useful for your trip
- Where to stay
- Modern apartments in local areas can be found for around $30 per night, though they may be in less touristy neighborhoods with higher security gates.
- Avoid
- Some local residential areas have visible drug use and suspicious activity; consider staying in more established tourist zones like Zona Romántica.
- Transport
- Local buses to the center cost 10 pesos. Taxis and Uber are also available for getting between different beach areas.
- Food
- Grilled fish tacos cost around 26 pesos for 4 at local seafood restaurants like Mariscos El Guerrero. Quesadillas cost around 33 pesos.
- Food
- Expect higher prices in beach areas; coconut drinks cost around 50 pesos each. English is widely spoken in restaurants in the tourist areas.
- Save money
- Beach umbrella rentals cost around $10-180 pesos. In Riviera Maya, similar services at beach clubs were cheaper at approximately 10 pesos per person.
- Timing
- Beaches have a 5 PM curfew due to COVID restrictions. Sunset occurs around 8 PM (later than the east coast where it's around 6:30-7 PM).
- Tip
- The main beach sand is more grayish-brown rather than white, and water is murky green rather than clear. Pebbles are common on the ground.
- Tip
- Zona Romántica (near the hills) has nicer sand color and better water clarity than the main beach area; it's more packed with tourists.
- Tip
- Crocodiles have been spotted in streams and canal areas near the city, so be cautious around waterways.
Video on this route
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF PUERTO VALLARTA & TRAVEL COST 🇲🇽 MEXICO'S FAMOUS BEACH DESTINATION