How many days · Puerto Vallarta · Mexico
How many days do you need in Puerto Vallarta?
A straight answer, then what each trip length really gets you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Another Believer, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
6 days is the sweet spot for Puerto Vallarta, and 3 days is the minimum to see the main sights. Three days covers the Malecón, old town, Los Muertos beach and a boat trip to Los Arcos or Yelapa. Six days adds the botanical garden, Sayulita, a whale-watching or Marietas trip and slow beach days.
Key facts
- Ideal
- 6 days
- Minimum
- 3 days
- Day trips available
- 6
- Daylight
- 10.9 h (Dec) to 13.4 h (Jun)
What each trip length gets you
| Trip | Pace | What you can see |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | Rushed | The Malecón, Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Playa Los Muertos and the pier and Whale watching in the bay |
| 2 days | Rushed | Whale watching in the bay, Isla Río Cuale and Mirador de la Cruz |
| 3 days | Good | Los Arcos, Vallarta Botanical Garden and Playa Conchas Chinas |
| 5 days | Good | The highlights plus a day trip to Yelapa |
| 7 days | Relaxed | A slow trip with day trips such as Yelapa and Marietas Islands |
How long the top sights take
The 12 best-known sights in Puerto Vallarta add up to roughly 27–36 hours of visiting time — about 4–5 days at seven sightseeing hours a day, before travel between them and meals. The biggest time commitments are Playa Los Muertos and the pier (Half a day), Whale watching in the bay (3–4 hours) and Los Arcos (Half a day).
| Sight | Time needed | Area |
|---|---|---|
| The Malecón | 1–2 hours | Centro |
| Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe | 30 minutes | Centro |
| Playa Los Muertos and the pier | Half a day | Zona Romántica |
| Whale watching in the bay | 3–4 hours | Marina Vallarta |
| Isla Río Cuale | 1 hour | Zona Romántica |
| Mirador de la Cruz | 1 hour | Centro |
| Los Arcos | Half a day | Mismaloya |
| Vallarta Botanical Garden | Half a day | Cabo Corrientes road |
| Playa Conchas Chinas | 2–3 hours | Conchas Chinas and Amapas |
| Mismaloya | Half a day | Mismaloya |
| Boca de Tomatlán and Playa Colomitos | Half a day | Boca de Tomatlán |
| Playa Las Ánimas | Half a day | South Bay |
By type of trip
| Trip | Days | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First visit | 6 days | The main sights at a comfortable pace |
| Short break / repeat visit | 3 days | Focus on The Malecón and Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe |
| With children | 7 days | Slower days and time for The Malecón |
| With day trips | 8 days | Add Yelapa and Marietas Islands |
Daylight changes the maths
Sightseeing days are much shorter in December (about 10.9 hours of daylight) than in June (about 13.4 hours). Daylight varies little through the year, so plan by weather instead.
Ready-made itineraries
Combining Puerto Vallarta with other destinations
| Destination | Distance | Suggested stay |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico City | About 651 km | 5 days |
| Playa del Carmen | About 1,888 km | 6 days |
| Cancún | About 1,908 km | 7 days |
Questions travellers ask
+Is 3 days enough in Puerto Vallarta?
It covers the main sights at a brisk pace; 6 days is more comfortable. Three days covers the Malecón, old town, Los Muertos beach and a boat trip to Los Arcos or Yelapa. Six days adds the botanical garden, Sayulita, a whale-watching or Marietas trip and slow beach days.
+Is a week too long in Puerto Vallarta?
No — a week leaves time for day trips such as Yelapa and Marietas Islands.