Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico

UPSCALE November-April PVR - Puerto Vallarta International Airport Mexican Peso
Trip Profile
Budget Category UPSCALE $250-450 per person
Perfect For
All Inclusive Beach Family Romantic Luxury Golf
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
9.0/10
Romance
8.0/10
Adventure
6.0/10
Relaxation
9.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
Loading weather...
Best Months to Visit
November-April
Hurricane Season
June-November
Peak: December-March | Shoulder: April-May, November
Airport
PVR - Puerto Vallarta International Airport
Passport Required | No Visa Required
Mexican Peso
Spanish

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When to visit Nuevo Vallarta

Best months
November-April
Peak season
December-March
Shoulder season
April-May, November
Off season
June-October
Hurricane season
June-November

Nuevo Vallarta quick facts

Main airport
PVR - Puerto Vallarta International Airport
Language
Spanish
Currency
Mexican Peso
Typical daily cost
$250-450 per person
Budget category
Upscale

Getting around Nuevo Vallarta

Most visitors stay at all-inclusive resorts and rely on resort shuttles, taxis, or ride-sharing for excursions. The resort area is walkable, but distances between hotels can be significant along the beachfront.

Rental car

A rental car isn't necessary if staying at a resort, but can be useful for exploring the broader Riviera Nayarit region and getting better prices on dining and activities outside the resort zone.

Public transit

Public bus service is limited in the immediate resort area, though local buses do connect to Puerto Vallarta for budget-conscious travelers.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber operates in the area along with local taxi services, making it easy to reach Puerto Vallarta's downtown, restaurants, and attractions.

Local tips for Nuevo Vallarta

Insider tips

  • Book golf tee times early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and get better rates.
  • Many resorts offer shuttle service to Puerto Vallarta's downtown, which is much cheaper than taking a taxi.
  • The northern end of the beach near the Grand Velas is less crowded and perfect for long walks.
  • Exchange money at banks rather than resort currency exchanges for better rates.
  • Tipping is expected and appreciated - bring small bills for housekeeping and restaurant staff.
  • Resort restaurants often require reservations for specialty dining, so book upon arrival.
  • The marina area has excellent restaurants and is a great spot for sunset dinner away from your resort.
  • Pharmacy chains like Farmacias Guadalajara are reliable for medications and toiletries if needed.
  • Many activities can be booked through your resort concierge, but comparing prices with local tour operators can save money.

What to pack

  • High SPF reef-safe sunscreen
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing in natural fabrics
  • Comfortable walking sandals and water shoes
  • Light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned spaces
  • Wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses
  • Swimwear and cover-ups
  • Insect repellent for evening outdoor activities
  • Waterproof phone case for beach and water activities
  • Comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces
  • Light rain jacket or umbrella during rainy season

Sample itinerary: 4 days in Nuevo Vallarta

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1 — Arrival and Beach Relaxation
Morning: Check into your resort and take a tour of the facilities, including pools, restaurants, and beach area. Get oriented with the property layout and make dinner reservations.
Afternoon: Settle into beach time with your first taste of the wide, golden sand beaches. Enjoy lunch at a beachfront restaurant and try water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding.
Evening: Watch the sunset from the beach, then enjoy dinner at one of your resort's specialty restaurants to sample local Mexican cuisine.
Day 2 — Golf and Spa Day
Morning: Play a round of golf at one of the championship courses like El Tigre or Vidanta Golf. The courses offer stunning ocean and mountain views.
Afternoon: Treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment featuring traditional Mexican therapies. Many resorts offer world-class spa facilities with ocean views.
Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner and perhaps some live music or entertainment at your resort's main restaurant or bar area.
Day 3 — Puerto Vallarta Exploration
Morning: Take a taxi or resort shuttle to Puerto Vallarta's historic downtown. Explore the iconic church, malecón boardwalk, and local markets.
Afternoon: Have lunch at a traditional Mexican restaurant downtown, then browse the art galleries and shops in the Zona Romántica neighborhood.
Evening: Experience Puerto Vallarta's nightlife with dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Banderas Bay, then return to your resort.
Day 4 — Water Adventures
Morning: Join a boat tour to the Marietas Islands for snorkeling, bird watching, or whale watching (seasonal). The hidden beach at Playa del Amor is a popular destination.
Afternoon: Continue your water adventure with more snorkeling or simply relax on the boat with lunch included in most tours.
Evening: Return to resort for a farewell dinner, perhaps trying a beachfront restaurant you haven't experienced yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Nuevo Vallarta

The best time to visit Nuevo Vallarta is November-April. Peak season runs December-March, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (April-May, November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Nuevo Vallarta is $250-450 per person per person. Nuevo Vallarta is generally considered a upscale destination.

Yes, US citizens need a valid passport to visit Nuevo Vallarta. No visa is required for US citizens for short stays.

The main airport serving Nuevo Vallarta is PVR - Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The primary language spoken is Spanish. The currency used is Mexican Peso.

Essential items to pack for Nuevo Vallarta include: High SPF reef-safe sunscreen, Lightweight, breathable clothing in natural fabrics, Comfortable walking sandals and water shoes, Light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned spaces, Wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses, Swimwear and cover-ups, Insect repellent for evening outdoor activities, Waterproof phone case for beach and water activities. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Nuevo Vallarta: Book golf tee times early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and get better rates.. Many resorts offer shuttle service to Puerto Vallarta's downtown, which is much cheaper than taking a taxi.. The northern end of the beach near the Grand Velas is less crowded and perfect for long walks.. Exchange money at banks rather than resort currency exchanges for better rates.. Tipping is expected and appreciated - bring small bills for housekeeping and restaurant staff..