Exploring the Best Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta: Your Perfect Itinerary Guide
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  • Writer's pictureJacqlyne
    • Sep 28, 2021
    • 10 min read

Exploring the Best Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta: Your Perfect Itinerary Guide

Updated: Oct 16, 2023

Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful beach city on the Pacific coast of Mexico, known for its charming colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. It is a popular destination for travelers of all ages and interests, and offers a variety of activities to enjoy. Detailed below is a lot of what this beautiful city has to offer.


Disclaimer

Part of the job of a travel agent is to save clients time and money. I looked through hundreds of tours and picked out the best tours to book in various categories that are both the best in quality and price.


Prices listed below are subject to change. Rates are typically discounted for larger groups and children, so use the links provided to see the exact cost for your specific scenario and book what is of interest to you.

Full-Day Puerto Vallarta City Highlights Tour

Explore Puerto Vallarta’s top historic and cultural attractions in this guided sightseeing excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, learn about the city from a professional guide while visiting sites like the Malecón, the Municipal Palace, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, the flea market, and a tequila factory. Capture memorable photos while heading south through Costa de Oro, Mirador de los Arcos, and other areas.


Duration

8 hours

Availability

Everyday at 8:30am

Price

Starting from $20 per person

Alternative


Full-Day San Sebastian del Oeste Tour

Visit the historic mining town of San Sebastian del Oeste on a full-day, small-group tour from Puerto Vallarta that explores local food, architecture, and culture. Taste tequila at a distillery and sample coffee in an organic coffee factory, stroll through the cobblestone streets of the center, then enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch at a local restaurant. This 6-hour tour includes pickup and drop-off at hotels in Puerto Vallarta, as well as a buffet lunch and guided walking tour, and it’s limited to 15 people for more personal service.


Duration

7 hours

Availability

Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10am

Price

$66 per person

Alternative


Vacation Photo Shoot Tour

An Instagram-worthy photo shoot is the best way to commemorate your travel to Puerto Vallarta. A professional photographer with years of experience will capture the best moments of your vacation with photographs of the highest quality to immortalize the beauty of Puerto Vallarta.


Duration

1 hour

Availability

Monday – Friday at 5pm

Price

$190 per group of 15

Mayahuel

Embark on a journey through time while witnessing a captivating pre-Hispanic spectacle. Discover the never-before-told story of the Maguey goddess Mayahuel, along with her beloved Quetzalcóatl, and accompany them to meet the gods of the 4 elements. After immersing yourself in the history of Mayahuel, it's time to explore one of Mexico's most emblematic treasures: tequila. After absorbing the culture and flavor of Mexico, relax at a lush seaside Mangos Beach Club. This experience will give you a complete view of Mexico, from its rich history to its exquisite tequila tradition and the beauty of Puerto Vallarta.


Duration

1.5 hours

Availability

Tuesday at 1pm

Price

$71 per person

Alternative


VIP Nightclub Tour

Party like a professional in the cosmopolitan clubs of Puerto Vallarta on a VIP nightclub tour. Slink past the velvet ropes of three of the city’s most exclusive bars and clubs and immerse yourself in the vibrant and vivacious atmosphere with a lively local guide. Dance to prominent Mexican DJs; sip cocktails at reserved private tables; and unwind with an evening of completely unlimited drinks.


Duration

4 hours

Availability

Everyday at 10pm

Price

$99 per person


Tequila Tour

Come have a great day with certified guides. Visit the best artisan distilleries so that they can experience the process of making tequila in a spectacular way. We have unlimited tastings during the guided tours. Round trip transportation is also included.


Duration

5 hours

Availability

Everyday, pickup between 7am – 10am depending on resort location

Price

$42 per person

Alterative

Chocolate Tour

Learn all about chocolate production, from pod to pastry, and get the chance to sample some artisanal chocolate yourself with this visit to Planeta Cacao, a cacao garden near Puerto Vallarta. You'll learn all about the importance of chocolate in pre-Columbian times, see how it's cultivated, and learn all about the process of preparing it for consumption.


Duration

2 hours

Availability

Monday – Saturday at 10am, 10:30am and 11am

Price

$28 per person

Alternative


All Inclusive Taco Walk

Get a full introduction to the tastiest tacos! Unforgettable tacos, unforgettable people, unforgettable places. A foodie experience like no other. So much flavor, so much color, so much food! Beverages are also included. Choose between Taco 101 – a day-time tour, or Taco 102 – a night-time tour.


Duration

2.5 hours

Availability

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

9:30am and 12:30pm for the day-time tour and 6pm for the night-time tour.

Price

$45 per person

Alternative


Cooking Class with a Local in a Traditional Hacienda

Learn how to prepare an authentic Jaliscan meal during a private cooking class at Helene’s home kitchen in Puerto Vallarta. Discover the traditional flavors used in Jaliscan cuisine and enjoy a hands-on culinary experience preparing recipes that she has perfected over the years. Get an insider's peek into the local culture and lifestyle and spend about an hour and a half cooking before sitting down to enjoy your meal.


Duration

4 hours

Availability

Everyday at 10:30am

Price

$136 per person

Alternative

Cruise and Candlelight Dinner Show

Immerse yourself in the magical mysticism of Las Caletas by night with an enchanting evening excursion from Puerta Vallarta. Watch the sun sink into the shimmering sea as you sail to a secluded beach surrounded by rugged rock formations. Dine upon a gourmet 3-course meal by candlelight before watching the renowned Rhythms of the Night show, a stunning spectacle that promises to transport viewers to a spiritual land that time forgot.


Duration

5 hours

Availability

Monday - Saturday at 5pm

Price

$139 per person

Alternative


Shaded Hot Spring, Massage and Mex Grill

Relax during a peaceful tour at this shaded hot spring. At Nuevo Ixtlan, our guide provides a personalized spa day experience, surrounded by nature. After pickup from your accommodation, you will arrive at the medicinal waters that are a comfortable temperature. Unwind with a traditional Mexican grill of locally sourced food before heading back to Puerto Vallarta.


Duration

8 hours

Availability

Monday – Saturday at 8am

Price

$145 per person


Marietas Islands Snorkel & Hidden Beach

Only 116 people a day are permitted to get into the hidden beach, so come experience this treasure while you can. On your way to the beach, the Ameca river provides great views and is the perfect spot to find some dolphins having breakfast. The ocean provides great wildlife life dolphins, turtles, mantarays and whales. When you arrive on the island, you'll get to snorkel and swim on the beach.


Duration

4 - 6 hours

Availability

Wednesday - Sunday at 9am

Price

$99 per person plus a dock fee and hidden beach entrance fee of $28 paid on arrival

Alternative

Beginners Scuba Course

Explore the ocean with this all-inclusive scuba diving tour available to all levels of diving experience, with a chance to visit a world-famous hidden beach. Enjoy a comfortable, safe and fast boat ride to your dive site. Learn how to scuba dive if you're a beginner, and find out where to find the most stunning views from our guides.


Duration

4 - 6 hours

Availability

Everyday at 9am

Price

Starting from $100 per person



Dolphin World

Come have a vacation of a lifetime at Dolphin World! Choose between:

  • Sea Lion Discovery: Learn all about sea lions and watch them show off amazing tricks.

  • Dolphin Encounter: Perfect for those who can’t swim, you will have an amazing interactive encounter with dolphins.

  • Dolphin Swim: Interact, swim and have a ride with one dolphin.

  • Royal Dolphin Swim: Interact, swim and have a ride with two dolphins.

Other than interacting with dolphins there are several other activities to choose from with complementary admission to Aquaventuras Park. Swim tickets include lunch and a soft drink, Zip lining, Wall Climb Challenge, and Sea Lion Show.


Duration

At your leisure

Availability

Tuesday – Sunday at 11am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm

Price

  • Sea Lion Discovery: $59 per person

  • Dolphin Encounter: $99 per person

  • Dolphin Swim: $129 per person

  • Royal Dolphin Swim: $159 per person

Alternative

Dolphins in the Wild - $87 per person


All Inclusive Whale Watching

This specialized excursion is designed to capture the magical moment when you have an encounter with the beautiful dolphins and the majestic humpback whales in Banderas Bay. The essence of this Tour is to observe marine life and enjoy beautiful moments when you can calmly contemplate whales and dolphins while playing, jumping and enjoying their natural habitat. Food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages provided.


Duration

4.5 hours

Availability

Everyday at 8:30am and 12:30pm

Price

$73 per person

Alternative

Parasailing

See Puerto Vallarta from a different perspective—the air—during this exciting parasailing tour. Start your flight from the beach, rather than on the water, which means that you can fly much higher and see more of the surrounding area. Feel the wind in your hair as you soar above the beach and city and enjoy unparalleled views of the region.


Duration

10 mins

Availability

Tuesday – Sunday at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm

Price

$65 per person


River Expedition and Guided Adventure Tour

Experience Puerto Vallarta on this guided river expedition and adventure tour. Fly across the Sierra Madre Mountains on zip lines, ride a mule, and take an inflatable raft down the river.


Duration

10 mins

Availability

Tuesday – Sunday at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm

Price

$119 per person

Alternative


Jet Ski Safari

Adventure-seeking travelers will love this jet skiing safari in Puerto Vallarta. Ride your own jet ski but benefit from the assistance of a guide. You'll be shown how to use the vehicle properly before you jet off. Look out for dolphins, manta rays, and turtles and admire the beautiful views along the way. Even go snorkeling if you like.


Duration

2 hours

Availability

Everyday at 9am and 11:15am

Price

$127 per person plus a dock fee of $1.50 paid at check-in

Alternative

Surf Lessons Experience - $90 per person

Sierra Madre ATV Adventure

Drive an ATV through the Sierra Madre Mountains on a half-day adventure from Puerto Vallarta. You’ll splash through jungle rivers, pass quaint villages, and get a glimpse of the real Jalisco, far from crowded resorts. Spend the day exploring the Puerto Vallarta countryside, with both morning and afternoon departures available.


Duration

3.5 hours

Availability

Monday - Saturday at 9am and 2pm

Price

Starting from $75 per person

Alternative


Hiking Jorullo Bridge

Parrots, macaws, and orchids are among the flora and fauna you're likely to see on this morning or afternoon hiking adventure in the Sierra Madre Occidental. Explore the natural wonders of this region with a guide, then cool off in the Cuale River.


Duration

3 hours

Availability

Everyday from 8am

Price

$75 per person

Alternative


Canopy Zipline

Soar over the treetop canopy during a zipline tour in Puerto Vallarta. Designed with adventure seekers in mind, this tour guides you through 11 different ziplines that vary in length, speed, and scenery, to give you the best birds-eye views of the sprawling rainforest. You’ll also get to enjoy tequila tasting. Roundtrip transportation included.


Duration

4 hours

Availability

Everyday at 8:30am, 11:30am and 1:30pm

Price

$35 per person

Alternative

Horseback Riding Tour in Sierra Madre

Experience the natural beauty of the Sierra Madre on a horseback riding tour from Puerto Vallarta—a great choice for nature lovers and first-time visitors. Enjoy the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation as you travel through the countryside with ease and go on horseback to a cascading waterfall in the jungle. Your tour includes lunch, domestic open bar, and round-trip transportation.


Duration

5 hours

Availability

Everyday at 8:50am

Price

$103 per person

Alternative


Tandem Jump Skydive + Photos and Video

Jump in a tandem jump! A harness will connect you to a professional tandem teacher, who is highly qualified to take you to this incredible experience in the beautiful Puerto Vallarta. To prepare, you will take a class where you will learn the jump sequence, safety measures and the process to follow during the jump. Once you are ready, board a plane, take off and fly over the beautiful Puerto Vallarta and jump off the plane from approximately 10,000 feet!


Duration

4 hours

Availability

Everyday at 8:30am, 11:30am and 1:30pm

Price

$600 per person

Alternative

Tandem Skydive with Photos - $396 per person



Vallarta Botanical Garden and Tequila Tasting

Designed to delight lovers of horticulture, this 6-hour tour combines a visit to Vallarta Botanical Garden with tequila tasting at Rancho Los Veranos. Alongside your guide, you’ll explore 20 acres of lush tropical gardens, home to 3,000 different plant species. Then, head to Rancho Los Veranos for a Mexican lunch accompanied by samples of tequila, the country’s national beverage. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.


Duration

6 hours

Availability

Tuesday and Thursday at 10am

Price

$85 per person

Alternative

Watercolor Class

This watercolor class for beginner and advanced students of watercolor taught. All supplies will be provided for you. During each class, a featured technique will be demonstrated for you to incorporate. You can join one or many classes and continue to work on your artwork from one lesson to another.


Duration

2.5 hours

Availability

Thursday at 10am

Price

$36 per person

Alternative


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Hi there! I'm Jacqlyne. Welcome to my Blog!

 

I'm a Certified Travel Agent, who can save you all the time and stress of planning travel on your own. I can also save you hundreds to thousands of dollars on a trip! I have planned everything from solo, birthday, bachelor, bachelorette, honeymoon and destination wedding trips. I have helped clients with family trips to Disney, cruises, month long trips across Europe and much more. I have a perfect 5 star rating from past clients. I would love to help you see the world, so reach out to me for your next trip to learn how I could assist you. You'll never go back to planning travel how you use to again!

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