Puerto Vallarta: How to spend 48 hours on Mexico’s Pacific coast

The stunning beaches, vibrant dining scene, and charming cobblestone roads make Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico’s must-experience destinations. 

Once a small fishing village, Puerto Vallarta has risen in popularity, becoming known for its gastronomy, local resorts, and cultural experiences. While two days may be a short amount of time, 48 hours in this bustling city is sufficient to get a taste of all that this resort town has to offer.  

A view of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Puerto Vallarta

Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for your next meal or are looking to relax poolside, here’s how to spend a weekend in Mexico’s Pacific coast…

Bustling in some parts, calming in others, the Malecón Boardwalk is a sight to see and is full of culture, restaurants, and architecture. The boardwalk spans around 11 blocks, starting at the north end at Hotel Rosita, an easy going hotel with bay views, and ending near Aquiles Serdán Plaza that’s situated right next to Plaza de Armas, also known as the main city square.  

Once you walk down the boardwalk, you’ll be engulfed in a sea of eateries. Next to Hotel Rosita, you’ll find Café La Flor De Cordoba, a coffee shop offering everything from hazelnut Frappuccino’s to hot chocolate to tuna sandwiches.  

Enjoy a margarita at La Bodeguita del Medio

Further down the boardwalk, stop by La Bodeguita del Medio. This Cuban eatery is engulfed in live music with sounds of the drums and trumpets radiating off the walls. While you’re there or learning how to salsa, order the customer-favorite Cuban sandwich, shrimp ceviche, and a margarita.  

After lunch, stroll down to Malecón beach for seaside views and beach waves for a relaxing and calm afternoon.  

If shopping is more of your cup of tea, there is a myriad of shops and museums along the Malecón, including the ChocoMuseo, a chocolate artisan shop offering free tours about the history of cacao and chocolate. You’ll also get to learn about the whole chocolate process from harvest to production to food. What’s more, you’ll get to feel real cacao beans. You also have the option of taking a paid class to learn how to make flavoured ganache and fill truffles.  

Still have energy? Climb up to the Matamoros lookout point to enjoy a panoramic view of downtown and the bay. It’s quite a trek up several flights of stairs, but we promise the views are worth each step.  

Located on the north side of the banks of the Cuale River, Isla Cuale is a small island with restaurants, art galleries, and the Isla Cuale Flea Market, also known as the Mercado Municipal Río Cuale.  

The suspension bridge to Isla Cuale

Along the storefronts, you’ll find vendors selling beaded jewelry, embroidered clothing, artwork, and hand painted pottery, making it an ideal place to complete your gift shopping for family or loved ones.  

Travellers have noted that it is a bit difficult to find. To get there, you’ll want to walk south from El Malecón until you reach a pedestrian bridge. Halfway across, you’ll see some stairs leaning down to the left, which will take you down to the island.  

Journey your way through Mexico with an agave tasting class at the Conrad Punta de Mita. A mixologist and agave expert will walk you through Mexico’s rich agave and tequila history and regions.  

During the class, you’ll learn about the unique flavour profiles, learn how the succulent-like plant is cultivated, and get to taste six different spirits. The tastings are paired with Mexican antojitos prepared by the resort’s executive chef.   

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, the class is available for parties of one to eight. Don’t forget to book your reservations 24 hours in advance. Classes are also available at Vallarta Tequila Tasting and Vallarta Local Food Tours and Tequila Tasting.  

Visit Los Muertos Beach

No trip is complete without visiting one of Puerto Vallarta’s stunning beaches. One of the city’s more popular beaches, Los Muertos Beach, is an easy trek from Malecón.

If you’re looking for something a bit more romantic, hit up Conchas Chinas Beach. It features gorgeous natural pools towered with rock formations, turquoise waters, and white sand as soft as powdered sugar.

It’s located 10 minutes by car from downtown, so you’ll want to bring your towel and a camera to snap some Insta-worthy picks.

If drinks and a night of dancing sounds more like your jam, head to Bar Morelos Mezcaleria.  

Enjoy a shot of mezcal

Located on Morelos 589 Centro, the place strikes the perfect balance between a cocktail bar and a nightclub. It doesn’t hurt that the DJ plays great tunes and the bar offers mezcal.  

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