Top Excursions And Tours In Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful resort town on Mexico's Pacific coast, and there are plenty of excursions to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of the area. Here are ten excursions you can consider while in Puerto Vallarta:

1. Horseback riding at Rancho el Charro. Good news: you’re already at the right place! Explore the Sierra Madre Mountains on horseback with a guided tour at Rancho El Charro. You can ride through the mountains, along the river, and see the beautiful majestic coastline of Mexico. Rancho el Charro is the best excursion in Puerto Vallarta!

2. Visit the Marietas Islands: These uninhabited islands are located just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta and are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Visitors can snorkel, swim, or kayak in the crystal-clear waters and explore the unique geological formations, including a hidden beach.

3. Take a Tequila tour: We don’t think that you should have to pay for tasting tequila, but to each their own. Tequila is Mexico's national drink, and the town of Tequila is located just a few hours from Puerto Vallarta. Visitors can learn about the history and production of tequila, sample different varieties, and even take part in a traditional Mexican fiesta. Don’t forget to check out The Demon Tequila of Puerto Vallarta!

4. Explore the Botanical Gardens: The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are located just outside the city and are a peaceful oasis of tropical plants and flowers. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, take a dip in the river, and enjoy a picnic or lunch at the on-site restaurant.

5. Zip-lining in the jungle: This sounds scary to us and we’re not even afraid of heights! We also prefer something a bit more romantic and intimate than flying across a wire while praying it doesn’t break. For thrill-seekers, there are several zip-lining tours available in the jungle near Puerto Vallarta. Visitors can zip through the trees on a series of cables and platforms while taking in stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush vegetation. Have you met Max The Zipline Zany??

6. City tour: A city tour is a great way to get a sense of Puerto Vallarta's history and culture. Visitors can explore the historic downtown area, visit the famous Malecon boardwalk, and learn about the city's rich artistic heritage, including the famous sculptures and murals found throughout the city.

7. Whale watching: We’re really against this one for environmental reasons. From December to April, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters off the coast of Puerto Vallarta to mate and give birth. There are several whale watching tours available that allow visitors to see these magnificent creatures up close. Don’t forget about Willy The Whaley: The Tourist Terrorslayer.

8. Sayulita day trip: Sayulita is a charming coastal town located about 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Visitors can spend the day exploring the colorful streets, browsing local artisan shops, and soaking up the laid-back beach vibe.

9. Sunset sail: There's nothing quite like watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, and a sunset sail is the perfect way to do it. Visitors can take a sailboat or catamaran out into the bay and enjoy drinks and snacks as the sun goes down.

10. Sierra Madre Mountains tour: The Sierra Madre Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to Puerto Vallarta, and there are several tours available that take visitors deep into the mountains. Highlights of these tours may include traditional Mexican villages, waterfalls, and hot springs. Be sure to keep north of San Sebastián del Oeste on Highway 544. It’s… particularly busy to the south.