Top things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is one of the most traditional and diverse beach destinations in Mexico, offering all kinds of land, air and sea adventures. Costa Sur Resort has created a list of things you must see in Puerto Vallarta.
The Malecon (Boardwalk)
The famous boardwalk, rebuilt in 2012, is now full pedestrian street. You can walk its beautiful cobble stone roads without having to worry about traffic. Walking the Malecon is fun, free and full of attractions!
Restaurants, bars, art galleries, shops along with local artists and performers are all along the boardwalk; you can purchase all kinds of arts and crafts to decorate your home with a little piece of paradise. If you don’t feel like walking the Malecon there are Segway tours available, they are guided and very safe!
Nightlife is a big hit also at the Malecon of Puerto Vallarta where there is always a party going.
Cuale River Island
Surrounded by nature, this little island in the Cuale River is what separates downtown Puerto Vallarta from the Romantic Zone. Beautiful and peaceful, it is only a few steps away from the Malecon area. You can find little cafes and restaurants along with a flea market and shops full of souvenirs and fun things to take back home to your friends and family. The Cuale Cultural Central is a museum located in the central walkway and it showcases pottery and diverse objects found in the Ixtapa Archeological Zone and Ameca River.
Snorkeling at Los Arcos Marine Park
If you want to experience great snorkeling this is a must do in Puerto Vallarta! Los Arcos is formed by 2 islands in the south of Puerto Vallarta, full of little caves and tunnels and of course marine life! Scuba diving is also available if you are certified. Tours are available all year around; please check with our hotel concierge for the tour that best fits you. At Los Arcos you may snorkel with a wide variety of colorful tropical fish, giant rays, turtles and dolphins! You can even see them from the boat! However diving with them is a totally different adventure!
Whale Watching
Did you know humpback whales are Mexican?
As it turns out, humpback whales visit Puerto Vallarta each year from December through March to give birth in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. There are of course tours available to go see them up close, don’t worry, it is all regulated to make sure boats don’t get to near them to avoid injuring the whales. However you can also see them from your private deck at Costa Sur Resort! Some times while having breakfast or lunch by the terrace, whales will put of a free show for our guests! It is an amazing experience for all!
Visiting The Church of Guadalupe
The Lady of Guadalupe as it is also known, is the Patron Saint of Mexico. Built in the 1920’s it is a tribute to the original Basilica of Guadalpupe located in Mexico City. The Church of Guadalupe is considered the main icon of Puerto Vallarta; it can be seen from every location in the downtown area. Colorful and beautiful, the area surrounding the Church is always full of activities. But if you happen to be in Puerto Vallarta from December 1 – 12th you will get to see and even experience the festivities in honor of our Lady of Guadalupe! There is a lot of singing, food, fireworks and Mariachi to celebrate her each and every year!
Art Walk
Organized every year from October through May, the Art Walk brings together 9 art galleries offering some of the best work by national and international artists. Participating galleries are all located in downtown Puerto Vallarta in the historic center. Among the offered art are paintings, ceramics, blown glass and sculptures. Everything from Mexican art evolution to contemporary art presented in both eclectic and urban settings.
Botanical Gardens (Recommended for a Day Trip in Puerto Vallarta)
The Botanical Gardens are a must see in Puerto Vallarta. Located in the Sierra Madre jungle, it is a fun adventure to follow the trails with labeled trees to the orchid garden or take a dip in the river that surrounds this lush, tropical area. There is also a really good restaurant to complete your day trip with a delicious meal and drinks! The Botanical Gardens are located 15 minutes south from Costa Sur Resort Puerto Vallarta.
Open Water Swimming with Dolphins/ Dolphins in the wild
This unique and once in a life time opportunity, is offered by Wild Life Connection and will be one of the most amazing memories from your Puerto Vallarta Vacation. A team of marine biologist will take you to visit these beautiful bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Remember these animals are not confined, they are out in the wild, swimming along the bay of Puerto Vallarta, but they are curious and will get near you giving you the opportunity to see them up close. This private and personalized tour has a capacity of up to 14 people. More information available with our concierge.
Estero El Salado (El Salado Estuary)
Located on one of the main roads of Puerto Vallarta, El Salado is known as an urban estuary. Connected to the Pacific Ocean, the estuary is 2 km long and it has both sweet and salt water making it ideal and full of nutrients for a wide variety of species to reproduce. A team of biologists work on keeping the estuary and its wild life protected, analyzing its conditions and accounting for all the different families of birds, reptiles and mammals that take shelter in it.
Tours through the estuary run from Tuesday to Friday at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Also available on Saturdays at 9:00 am , 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
Vallarta Adventures
Costa Sur Resort works hand in hand with the tour company Vallarta Adventures offering a wide variety of tours with the highest safety measures and certifications. If you are looking for adventure tours please visit our concierge located in the lobby level.
Among the most popular Vallarta Adventures tours are:
Rhythms of the Night: a beautiful Pre-Hispanic show with candle light dinner.
Caletas Beach Hideaway: a fun filled beach day with activities for adults and children
Outdoor Adventure: zip lines, rappelling and more!