Free things to do · Puerto Vallarta · Mexico
10 free things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Another Believer, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
You can fill at least 3 days in Puerto Vallarta without paying an entry fee: The Malecón, Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Playa Los Muertos and the pier and Isla Río Cuale are all free. Use city buses for the Hotel Zone, Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán; they cost a fraction of a taxi.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 10
- Low-cost extras
- 2
- Cost level
- Moderately priced
- Lowest hotel prices
- September
Free sights and experiences
Waterfront · Centro
1.The Malecón
Walk it at sunset, then continue south over the river bridges to dinner in the Zona Romántica.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Couples
- After dark
- Art
- Kids
Religious site · Centro
2.Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Visit during the first twelve days of December to see processions arriving with music and dancers.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- Architecture
- History
Beach · Zona Romántica
3.Playa Los Muertos and the pier
Buy a drink or meal for a lounger rather than renting one, and catch a water taxi from the pier to Yelapa.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- After dark
- Couples
- Outdoors
Park · Zona Romántica
4.Isla Río Cuale
Cross the swinging suspension bridge at the eastern end and wander the craft market on the way to Los Muertos.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Kids
- Outdoors
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Viewpoint · Centro
5.Mirador de la Cruz
Go early in the morning or near sunset to avoid the heat, and bring water.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Views
- Free
- Active
- Photo spot
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Beach · Conchas Chinas and Amapas
6.Playa Conchas Chinas
Walk south along the shore from Los Muertos at low tide, then return by taxi.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
- Couples
Beach · Mismaloya
7.Mismaloya
Take the local bus marked 'Mismaloya' from the Zona Romántica for a cheap ride along the coast road.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Outdoors
Neighbourhood · Centro
8.Gringo Gulch
Walk up from the Isla Río Cuale stairs and take in the views over the river and the bay.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Views
- Off the beaten path
Gallery · Zona Romántica
9.Galleries of the Centro and Zona Romántica
Look for Huichol art from Wixárika communities in the Sierra, and ask galleries about the artists' cooperatives.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- Free
- After dark
- Rainy day
- Shopping
Waterfront · Marina Vallarta
10.Marina Vallarta boardwalk
Stroll it in the evening and pick a waterside restaurant for dinner as the boats come in.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Couples
- Food
- Views
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Centro | The Malecón, Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Mirador de la Cruz and Gringo Gulch | 1–2 hours + 30 minutes + 1 hour + 1 hour |
| Zona Romántica | Playa Los Muertos and the pier, Isla Río Cuale and Galleries of the Centro and Zona Romántica | Half a day + 1 hour + 2 hours |
| Conchas Chinas and Amapas | Playa Conchas Chinas | 2–3 hours |
| Mismaloya | Mismaloya | Half a day |
| Marina Vallarta | Marina Vallarta boardwalk | 1–2 hours |
Worth a small ticket
Beach · Boca de Tomatlán
Boca de Tomatlán and Playa Colomitos
Wear proper shoes for the rocky trail and take a water taxi back from Las Ánimas.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Active
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Off the beaten path
Beach · South Bay
Playa Las Ánimas
Catch a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán, which is shorter and cheaper than from Los Muertos pier.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Food
- Outdoors
More ways to save
- Use city buses for the Hotel Zone, Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán; they cost a fraction of a taxi.
- Take water taxis to Yelapa and Las Ánimas instead of organised boat tours if you do not need extras.
- Pay in pesos and use bank ATMs inside branches or shopping centres.
- Visit in May or November for good weather at lower prices than the winter peak.
- Eat street tacos and set lunches (comida corrida) for local prices.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Puerto Vallarta expensive to visit?
Puerto Vallarta is moderately priced for most visitors, but 10 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Puerto Vallarta?
The Malecón: Walk it at sunset, then continue south over the river bridges to dinner in the Zona Romántica.