Click  to email GW TRAVEL with questions or to book your travel to PUERTO VALLARTA!

For all travel to Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Nayarit, and the surrounding area that you book through us, including lodgings and activities, we donate a portion of our commissions to a Puerto Vallarta non-profit charity, in YOUR name and at NO extra cost to you.  Travel for a cause and help make a difference to one of Puerto Vallarta's non-profit charities!

The Bay of Banderas is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, with some of the finest beaches and the best resorts.  It is located on the west coast of Mexico between Mazatlan and Manzanillo and is one of Mexico’s most captivating coastal destinations.  This area is divided into two main areas (with Puerto Vallarta in the center) based on the location of Puerto Vallarta International Airport, which is located in the State of Jalisco. 

North of the airport, you enter the state of Nayarit, offering a perfect blend of luxury, natural beauty, and family-friendly charm.  In this area, the pristine golden-sand beaches, warm swimmable waters, lush jungle-covered mountains and unforgettable sunsets create an unforgettable setting for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.  Charming towns like Nuevo Nayarit (formerly Nuevo Vallarta), Bucerías, and Punta Mita (north shore) offer a welcoming atmosphere with delicious local cuisine, artisan markets, and a blend of modern comforts and traditional Mexican charm.  World-class resorts and private beachfront retreats in this area provide upscale comfort, gourmet dining, and exceptional service for those looking to indulge, while the area’s safe, welcoming communities and wide range of activities—such as whale watching, snorkeling, ziplining, and cultural excursions—make it ideal for families.

South of the airport, you'll travel through the different "zones" of Puerto Vallarta, including Marina Vallarta, the Hotel Zone, Downtown, and Old Vallarta (Emiliano Zapata or Romantic Zone) before leaving Puerto Vallarta behind and traveling through Conchas Chinas, Mismaloya, and Boca de Tomatlan.  Each of these areas offer warm hospitality, unforgettable sunsets, and experiences tailored to every age and interest, ensuring a perfect blend of sophistication and family-friendly fun.

This area on the west coast of Mexico offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences.  With its calm, warm waters and golden beaches, it’s ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and world-class whale watching.

The surrounding towns — including those listed above in addition to Sayulita, San Sebastian del Oeste and El Tuito bring together charming cobblestone streets, delicious local cuisine, lively arts, and welcoming hospitality. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or authentic Mexican charm, the Bay of Banderas delivers it all in one stunning setting.

Couples, families and friends have been coming to the Puerto Vallarta area for decades to let loose and relax. From activities tailored to everyone in your travel party, or food from multiple cuisines ranging from tacos to steak and seafood, or hotels and resorts ranging from basic accommodations up to all-inclusive luxury resorts, Puerto Vallarta is a great option for travelers of all budgets and travel styles.

Puerto Vallarta celebrates several major holidays every year.  In addition to the traditional New Year's, Easter, and Christmas holidays, visit in September or November to celebrate Independence Day or Dia De Muertos.  September 16th is Mexico's Independance Day, where they celebrate their independance from Spain.  Visit Plaza de Armas on the evening of September 15th and listen to the Mayor shout the traditional El Grito de Dolores, or Independance Cry "Viva Mexico". On November 1st and 2nd, celebrate Dia de Muertos where  family and friends gather to pay tribute to and remember loved ones who have passed away.  Visit the Malecon to see the wide array of Catrinas and Catrins, or the spirit animals (alebrijes), or the many ofrendas (alters). Visit Puerto Vallarta's famous cemetary, Panteon 5 de Diciembre, where you can visit the many memorials, with guided tours available during certain times of the year.

If you're looking for activities or excursions, you can choose from a wide range from more sedate to extremely active.  Choose from a selection of land-based excursions either in Puerto Vallarta or within driving distance from Puerto Vallarta. If it is water activities you are interested in, you can choose from a wide selection, including boat tours or visiting one of the beaches only assessible by water. See some examples of activities/excursions below.  If you are interested in booking an excursion in Puerto Vallarta, check out our Viator link.  If you don't see an excursion you like,  and let us help you find the excursion you're looking for.

If you're looking for great food, Puerto Vallarta is known for its wonderful dining options, including authentic Mexican cuisine, French, Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean just to name a few.  You can visit here for weeks and never eat in the same restaurant twice.  See a selection of dining options below.

Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding area has a large selection of accommodation options for every budget.  Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel or an all-inclusive luxury resort, whether you're looking to stay a few days or a few months (or more), we can help you find your perfect accommodation.  See a selection of accommodations based on Categories below.

ACTIVITIES:

As mentioned above, there are many fun activities one can do in the Puerto Vallarta area.  Choose from a wide range of activities; from more sedate to extremely active, either land-based or water-based and within Puerto Vallarta, or slightly outside.  

See some examples of activities/excursions below.  When you are ready to book your trip to Puerto Vallarta, send us an email and let us know what activities you are interested in and we can schedule them for you.

For every excursion you book through us, we donate a portion of our commissions to a Puerto Vallarta non-profit charity.  Travel for a cause and help make a difference to one of Puerto Vallarta's non-profit charities!

Below are just a few examples of the different activities you can experience in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area:

1. Walk the Malecon Boardwalk - Starting on the north-side at  Hotel Rosita, which is the oldest hotel in Puerto Vallarta, you can walk south along the water all the way to the Los Muertos Pier. Click on the link to learn more about the activities along the Malecon.
2. Learn about the history of chocolate and make your own at the Choco-Museo.
3. Explore the area by taking the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour.
4. Take one of the Pangas (water taxis) to one of the beaches you can only reach by boat, such as Yelapa, Colomitas, or Las Animas.  To learn more about these locations, click here.
5. For a more adventurous time, spend a day at Canopy River Park, where you can enjoy multiple activities such as ziplining or riding ATVs. To learn more about Canopy River Park, click here.
6. Take a boat trip on a whale-watching, fishing, snorkling, or diving excursion.  To learn more about the multiple water-based activities, click here.
7. Enjoy the amazing Rhythms of the Night show:  For more information about Rhythms of the Night, click here.
8. Attend the Mayahuel show at Teatro Vallarta.  For more information about this theatrical performance, click here.
9. Take an authentic Mexican Cooking Class and learn how you can make your own Mexican cuisine.  For more information, click here. 

PLACES OF INTEREST:

Here are just a few examples of the many places of interest you may find in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area.

See some examples of activities/excursions below.  If you are interested in visiting any of these places, check out the link where available, or send us an email at info@gwtravelandcruise.com and let us help you find the excursion you're looking for.

1. See the beautiful vista by walking to the top of the Mirador El Cerro de la Cruz.
2. Visit Los Muertos Pier, one of Puerto Vallarta's most iconic landmarks and located on the south end of the Malecon in Emiliano Zapata neighborhood.  Los Muertos Pier is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic landmarks, located at the heart of the Romantic Zone on the popular Playa Los Muertos.
3. Take a day trip to one of our Pueblo Magicos, such as Sayulita, San Sebastian del Oeste, or El Tuito.  To learn more about these wonderful towns, click here.
4. Spend a relaxing day exploring nature at the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens, and enjoy lunch at their wonderful restaurant, Hacienda de Oro.  To learn more about the VBG, click here.
5. If you are here for a longer stay and like Tequila, take a trip to the town of Tequila located between Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.   us to book your trip to Tequila, whether for one day or longer.

PLACES TO EAT:

Whether you are looking for authentic Mexican cuisine or cuisine from other cultures, the food options in Puerto Vallarta will never disappoint.

If you want to experience a selection of traditional Mexican tacos, try a tour with Vallarta Food Tours. You will not go away hungry.  us for options.

If you are in Puerto Vallarta between the end of May and beginning of June, you can participate in Puerto Vallarta's annual Restaurant Week, which is an annual culinary celebration that takes place every spring, showcasing the city’s vibrant and diverse dining scene. For two weeks, many of Puerto Vallarta’s top restaurants offer special fixed-price, multi-course menus at discounted rates, giving visitors and locals a chance to experience high-quality cuisine at exceptional value. From gourmet fine dining to creative local favorites, the event highlights the best of the region’s flavors and culinary talent.

It’s a must-do for food lovers, offering an easy and affordable way to explore new restaurants, enjoy chef-inspired creations, and savor the delicious tastes that make Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico’s most exciting dining destinations.  Visit some of the more expensive restaurants and enjoy a tasting of their menu at a special set price.

Visit our Restaurant page for a look at many of the different restaurants to explore during your stay in Puerto Vallarta.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area, has a wide range of accommodation options for every budget.  Below is only a small number of options to choose from, based on category, with locations as far south as Mismoloya and as far north as Punta de Mita, Nayarit.  Click on the links for each option to see more details.  Send us an when you are ready to book your accommodations.

Budget Hotels:  A budget hotel gives you the basics done well: cleanliness, convenience, and value — without the frills. It’s a great choice if you want to keep costs low and don’t need resort-style features.

Deluxe Hotels/Resorts:  A deluxe hotel or resort provides luxury, comfort, and top-tier service with premium amenities, refined design, and a focus on creating a memorable, high-quality stay. It’s the opposite of “basic”—everything feels elevated, smoother, and more enjoyable.

Luxury Hotels/Resorts:  A luxury hotel or resort delivers the highest level of comfort, personalized service, stunning design, and exceptional amenities. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s an experience designed to make you feel cared for, indulged, and truly relaxed.  

Budget Hotel Accommodations:

City Express Plus by Marriott - Puerto Vallarta

Fiesta Inn - Puerto Vallarta

Hampton Inn By Hilton - Nuevo Nayarit

Holiday Inn Express - Puerto Vallarta

Krystal Hotel - Puerto Vallarta

Deluxe Hotel Accommodations:

Grand Matlali Suites & Villas Riviera Nayarit - La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit

Hotel Mio Vallarta (Adults Only)

Hotel Mio Nuevo (Adults Only)

Marriott Vallarta Resort and Spa - Puerto Vallarta

The Paramar Boutique Beachfront Hotel - Puerto Vallarta

Westin Resort and Spa - Puerto Vallarta

Luxury Hotel Accommodations:

Four Seasons Resort - Punta Mita

Garza Blanca Preserve Resort and Spa - Mismaloya

Hotel Grand Miramar - Conchas Chinas

The St. Regis - Punta Mita

All-Inclusive Accommodations:

All Inclusive accommodations can range from deluxe to luxury and from family-oriented to  adults-only.  For those who would just sit back and let the resort take care of everything, from accommodation to food and drink, an all-inclusive resort would be the best option.

Barcelo Hotel Group:

• Barcelo Puerto Vallarta
• Occidental Nuevo Vallarta - Nuevo Nayarit

Buenaventura Grand Hotel and Great Moments - Puerto Vallarta

Fiesta Americana - Puerto Vallarta

Hilton Vallarta Riviera - Puerto Vallarta

Hyatt Ziva - Puerto Vallarta

Krystal Grand:

• Puerto Vallarta
• Nuevo Nayarit-Vallarta

Riu Hotels and Resorts - Nuevo Nayarit-Vallarta

• Hotel Riu Jalisco
• Hotel Riu Vallarta
• Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico - Adults Only

Vidanta Resorts - Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit-Vallarta:

We have great deals at the Vidanta resorts in either Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta.  Click here for more information and for our special rates.

1. Mayan Palace at Vidanta - Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit-Vallarta

2. Sea Garden - Nuevo Nayarit-Vallarta

3. Grand Mayan - Nuevo Nayarit-Vallarta

4. Grand Bliss - Nuevo Nayarit-Vallarta

5. Grand Luxxe - Nuevo Nayarit-Vallarta

6. The Residence at Grand Luxxe - Nuevo Nayarit-Vallarta

Longer Term Rental Accommodations:

1. PRVPV Vacation Rentals:

PVRPV has been a part of Puerto Vallarta's vacation service industry since 2005 and has the widest range of vacation rental properties in Puerto Vallarta, working together with owners to bring you solutions for your vacation needs.. They have the knowledge and experience to ensure the very best in customer service.

us for information on booking your longer-term stay in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding area.