It really depends on what you’re looking for! Both Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta have something unique to offer.
Puerto Vallarta is an older city and has been a tourist destination since the 1960s. This charming city is located on the Bay of Banderas, one of the largest and most beautiful bays in Mexico. Here you’ll find cobblestone streets flanked with a mix of traditional Mexican buildings and modern beach resorts, boutiques, apartment towers, and alluring nightlife places, ensuring no shortage of fun activities.
Puerto Vallarta also has world-class restaurants where you can sample traditional Mexican cuisine, as well as a variety of international fare.
Nuevo Vallarta, on the other hand, is a modern resort town that’s spread out along the spectacular Sea of Cortez. It’s part of the Riviera Nayarit, and is perfect for anyone who loves beaches and soaking up the sun.
Nuevo Vallarta has year-round warm temperatures, picturesque beaches, and plenty of restaurants, shops, and activities. If you’re an adventure seeker, you can enjoy plenty of other attractions in and around the area, including zip lining, rafting, ATV rides, surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling.
In the end, the choice comes down to what kind of experience you are looking for. Puerto Vallarta is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a unique mix of traditional Mexican culture, world-class restaurants and modern amenities, whereas Nuevo Vallarta is ideal for beachgoers looking for a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.
Is Nuevo Vallarta nicer than Puerto Vallarta?
The answer to this question really depends on the type of vacation experience you’re looking for. Nuevo Vallarta has a few advantages that make it appealing for certain types of travelers. It’s just north of Puerto Vallarta, so you still get a wonderful beach experience, but with fewer crowds.
Nuevo Vallarta is almost entirely a resort-style destination, so it offers lots of amenities and has great infrastructure. There are also some unique activities in Nuevo Vallarta such as ATV tours, luxurious spas, and a water park.
On the other hand, Puerto Vallarta has a few advantages of its own. It has a much more vibrant culture and plenty of lively street markets and restaurants. There’s also some great nightlife, as well as plenty of budget accommodation options.
Both destinations offer beautiful beaches, but Puerto Vallarta might have a slight edge as there are more public beaches available. Ultimately, what makes one place better than the other is purely subjective.
It depends on the type of experience that you’re looking for and what kind of holiday atmosphere you prefer.
Is Nuevo Vallarta worth visiting?
Yes, Nuevo Vallarta is definitely worth visiting! This destination is a great place to unwind and relax, located on Banderas Bay on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. The beaches here are some of the most beautiful in all of Riviera Nayarit and offer plenty of opportunity for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Many of the resorts in the area feature their own private areas of beach, as well as swimming pools and lazy rivers. Nuevo Vallarta also features excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
The marina at Paradise Village offers boat and jet ski rentals, so you can explore the bay. Plus, the nearby Sierra Madre Mountains provide amazing opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities.
No matter what type of vacation you’re looking for, you’ll be certain to find something to enjoy in Nuevo Vallarta.
Are Nuevo Vallarta beaches swimmable?
Yes, the beaches of Nuevo Vallarta are swimmable. The waters here are calm and clear and make for a great swimming experience. These beaches are typically considered some of the best in the area. Additionally, they are well maintained, with plenty of services available, including beach umbrellas, chairs, and food and drink vendors.
You will also find several beach clubs located along the coastline, which offer many amenities, such as direct access to the beach, swim-up bars, towel service, and more. Whether swimming in the ocean or enjoying a relaxing day by the pool, there are plenty of recreational opportunities at Nuevo Vallarta.
Where do celebrities stay in Puerto Vallarta?
In Puerto Vallarta, celebrities often stay in luxury hotels and resorts such as the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Hilton Puerto Vallarta, and Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta. These hotels are noted for their luxurious amenities, private villas, and attentive staff.
For those looking for more secluded accommodations, there are several beachfront villas and estates available for private rental. Puerto Vallarta is also home to a few celebrity-owned vacation homes, such as the exclusive Casa Kimberly (owned by actors Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux).
Additionally, several yachts can be rented for private parties, ideal for extra-special occasions.
What part of Puerto Vallarta has the beaches?
Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico. The beaches of Puerto Vallarta are spread out between three main areas, the Southside, Marina Vallarta, and Nuevo Vallarta. The Southside area consists of several different beaches, the most popular being Los Muertos, Olas Altas, Conchas Chinas, and Mismaloya.
Marina Vallarta is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the area, including Playa de Oro, Playa Las Glorias, and Playa Camarones. Further north, you will find Nuevo Vallarta, where you can find pristine sands that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.
Nuevo Vallarta offers visitors some of the best beaches in the area, such as Flamingos and El Develodero.
Is Puerto Vallarta safe from cartels?
Puerto Vallarta is a tourist destination along the coast of Mexico and is known for its beaches, tropical climate and vibrant nightlife. The area remains a safe and popular vacation spot for visitors from around the world.
However, due to the influence of cartels in Mexico, safety is always a concern for travelers. Fortunately, Puerto Vallarta is mainly sheltered from cartel violence and is generally considered safe.
Tourism is the main economic industry in Puerto Vallarta and the city is actively patrolled by police to protect tourists from any potential threats of violence. Additionally, Puerto Vallarta has thankfully been far from the drug trafficking hotspots in Mexico, so it has largely been unaffected by cartel activity.
The majority of criminal incidents reported in Puerto Vallarta are simply petty thefts such as pickpocketing or scams. As long as visitors take the usual precautions, they are unlikely to encounter any cartel-related violence in Puerto Vallarta.
How safe is Puerto Vallarta right now?
Puerto Vallarta is generally considered a safe destination to visit. As with most places, it will always benefit to use common sense and to be aware of your surroundings, as you would anywhere in the world.
The local authorities take crime prevention very seriously and generally, tourists, visitors and locals feel safe in the city, but of course, please use your usual caution when travelling.
The main impact of Covid-19 for Puerto Vallarta has been on travel, international transport and the tourism industry, though a recent spike in cases has put the city under closer monitoring. Puerto Vallarta requires a digital form to be filled before arrival and the current restrictions require that all non-essential activities remain closed.
For the most up to date information regarding the latest government regulations it is best to check the official website of Puerto Vallarta.
Overall, the citizens of Puerto Vallarta are welcoming and safety remains a priority, with crime rates staying low. Boasting a large international population and a thriving tourist industry, a variety of measures have been in place for some time to ensure security and personal safety.
To maintain a safe environment for all, it is essential that common sense and personal responsibility are all taken into account.
What not to say in Mexico?
Cultural faux pas can cause offense or embarrassment, so it is best to educate yourself on the local customs and language.
One should be mindful when talking about money or social class in Mexico. It can be considered tacky to ask personal questions about a person’s salary or possessions. Additionally, when discussing the general economy of Mexico, it is important to not stereotype or make generalizations.
Asking questions about illegal activities in the country is also highly frowned upon. This includes questioning people over drug trafficking, human trafficking, and corruption. These topics can be considered offensive and it is best to not bring them up in conversation.
Additionally, one should be mindful not to make negative comments about Mexican culture or traditions. It is wise to be respectful, open-minded, and courteous, as these customs are of great value to those in the community.
In general, it is best to educate yourself before traveling to a new country, and to always be mindful of the local culture and customs. This way, one can avoid any uncomfortable or potentially offensive conversations.
Can you brush your teeth with tap water in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to brush your teeth with the tap water in Puerto Vallarta. The water in Puerto Vallarta is safe for everyday use, including brushing your teeth and showering. Generally, the tap water in Mexico is considered to be reliable and safe, but of course you should always still be vigilant about drinking it and make sure to where possible boil or filter it first.
The water in Puerto Vallarta also often comes from private companies and not from public sources, meaning it can be of a more regulated and higher quality.
Can I drink ice in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, you can drink ice in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist destination in Mexico, and like most other tourist towns there are many places to enjoy a refreshing drink or snack. Many of these establishments take health and hygiene seriously and use filtered water to make drinks such as smoothies and juices, so you can enjoy them without worry.
Additionally, if you’re staying in a hotel or resort, it’s likely they will have filtered water systems. Some local health experts recommend drinking bottled or canned beverages instead of using the tap water, but many local restaurants, bars, and cafes will use filtered water to make their beverages.
Therefore, you can have peace of mind if you choose to drink ice in Puerto Vallarta.
Is coffee safe to drink in Mexico?
Yes, coffee is generally safe to drink in Mexico. You should be aware that the water used to make coffee is safe to drink, as it should be treated with chlorine or ozone treatments before being used.
Coffee in Mexico is generally brewed with filtered water, making it safe to drink. Additionally, many of the coffee beans used in Mexico are grown in very hygienic conditions and are often treated with organic pesticides, making them safe to consume.
Furthermore, coffee beans in Mexico are often sold packaged and come with expiration dates, so you can rest assured that the coffee is fresh and safe to drink. In conclusion, coffee is generally safe to drink in Mexico as long as filtered water and properly produced coffee beans are used.