Perfect weekend in Puerto Vallarta

Perfect weekend in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Make Puerto Vallarta the golden, sun-drenched anchor of your journey, the kind of place where you can move between beach calm, mountain adventure, and old-town charm in the span of a single afternoon, without ever breaking the spell.

Begin your day with a slow walk along Los Muertos Beach, where the sand is warm beneath your feet and fishermen pull in the morning's catch while the sun climbs in soft shades of peach and coral. Grab breakfast somewhere simple and local, fresh tortillas, eggs with poblano and onion, fruit cut open moments before serving, and let the day unfold without hurry. When you're ready to explore, wander into Zona Romántica, where streets twist tightly between colorful buildings and the scent of bakeries mingles with ocean air; browse artisan stalls, stop for a cold drink on a shaded terrace, or get happily lost in side streets filled with hidden galleries and small cafés. In the afternoon, choose your rhythm: board a boat to discover secret beaches against jungle cliffs, ride into the mountains where cool air and waterfalls wait between thick canopies, or return to the shore for an unhurried swim in water that glows the color of jade. As golden hour approaches, find your way to the Malecón, sunset in Puerto Vallarta isn't just a moment, it's a ritual: musicians gathering, sculptures glowing, and the entire sky drenching the bay in fiery light that turns the ocean into molten gold. For dinner, choose a place that matches your mood, oceanfront seafood grilled over open flame, family-run restaurants with recipes older than the city's fame, rooftop dining rooms overlooking the water, or street stands serving tacos al pastor that taste like heaven in three bites. When night settles, stroll through the warm air as the city moves into its softer rhythm: lights flickering across the bay, live music drifting from open doorways, couples walking hand in hand, and the scent of salt and grilled spices carrying through the streets. End your night listening to the waves from a quiet terrace or joining the hum of nightlife that never feels rushed or forced. And when you return to your hotel, you'll feel exactly what makes Puerto Vallarta special, a sense of ease, warmth, and belonging woven into the air itself, a reminder that beauty here isn't something you observe; it's something you experience, absorb, and carry home with you long after the trip ends.

Three days you'll remember.

📍 livin' la vida

Day 1: Noroc Restaurant

Noroc delivers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with a refined, intimate atmosphere. The menu emphasizes clean flavors and thoughtful presentation, balancing comfort with polish. The setting feels calm and intentional. It's elegant, composed, and a relaxed introduction to Vallarta.

Day 2: Dolphin Swim Experience

Swimming with dolphins offers a guided, interactive encounter in open water. The experience feels controlled and educational rather than theatrical. Movement and proximity create a strong emotional connection. It's immersive, memorable, and distinctly coastal.

Day 2: Tuna Azul

Tuna Azul focuses on fresh seafood prepared with clarity and restraint. The dining room feels casual yet refined, allowing the ingredients to lead. Plates arrive vibrant and well-balanced. It's coastal, flavorful, and confidently executed.

Day 2: Kayaking Banderas Bay

Kayaking across Banderas Bay reveals the coastline from a quiet, water-level perspective. Paddling alongside rocky coves and open horizon shifts the pace instantly. The experience feels calm and immersive. It's scenic, grounding, and refreshingly direct.

Day 2: Blue Shrimp Puerto Vallarta

Blue Shrimp delivers polished seafood dining with harbor views. The atmosphere feels relaxed but upscale, anchored by attentive service. The menu emphasizes freshness and classic preparation. It's refined, coastal, and well-established.

Day 3: Café del Lago

Café del Lago offers casual dining in a serene lakeside setting. The atmosphere feels unhurried and locally grounded. Simple dishes arrive with steady execution. It's calm, approachable, and restorative.

Day 3: Jungle Zipline Adventure

Ziplining through the jungle carries you above dense canopy and rugged terrain. Speed and elevation sharpen the sensory experience. The environment feels wild yet controlled. It's exhilarating, immersive, and distinctly Vallarta.

Day 3: Tequila & Tacos Mixology Experience

A tequila and tacos mixology experience pairs guided tastings with regional flavors. The contrast between spirit complexity and casual cuisine creates balance. The atmosphere feels social and educational. It's playful, cultural, and deeply local.

Day 3: Trattoria Tarantella

Trattoria Tarantella delivers classic Italian cuisine in a warm, welcoming space. The menu leans traditional with steady execution. The experience feels familiar and comforting. It's grounded, relaxed, and a gentle close to Puerto Vallarta.

MAKE IT REAL