We have spent a lot of time exploring every corner of this beautiful city. Most people come here and stay right on the Malecon. They see the statues and eat at the big restaurants. That is fun, but we think the real magic is hidden just a little bit further away.
Puerto Vallarta has so many secrets. We want to share our favorite spots with you so your next trip feels extra special. If you are looking for more than just a standard tourist experience, this list is for you.
When we plan our own days off, these are the places we go. They are quiet, beautiful, and full of local charm.
1. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens
We cannot say enough good things about this place. It is about 30 minutes south of the city, but it feels like another world. It is a 79-acre sanctuary filled with native plants and hundreds of types of orchids.
We love walking through the jungle trails. You can hear the birds everywhere. There are even resident peacocks walking around like they own the place! Best of all, there is a butterfly sanctuary called Mariposario Jardin Magico right there. It is so peaceful to watch them fly around the flowers.
If you get hot from walking, you can go down to the river. The water is shallow and perfect for a quick dip to cool off. We highly recommend spending at least half a day here.
2. Faro de Matamoros (The Lighthouse)
Most tourists walk the Malecon at sunset. It is pretty, but it gets very crowded. If you want the best view in the whole city, you have to head uphill.
We always take our friends to the Faro de Matamoros. It is an old lighthouse that doesn’t work anymore, but it sits high above the streets. You can find it by walking up C. Mina street from the Malecon.
The climb will make your legs burn a little, but the view is SOOO worth it. You can see the entire bay and the red tile roofs of the city. We love watching the fireworks from here around 8:30 pm. It is much quieter than the beach and very romantic.
If you are planning your stay, we highly recommend browsing rent apartments in puerto vallarta so you can stay close to the action but still feel tucked away.
If you want a comfy home base in Amapas (our favorite), Opportunity is one we keep coming back to. We LOVE it for how easy it feels to settle in after a long beach day.
3. Cuale River Island
This is a tiny island right in the middle of the city. It sits between two branches of the Cuale River. It is right between the main downtown area and the Zona Romantica (which people also call Old Town).
We love the vibe here. It is shaded by huge trees, so it stays cool even on hot afternoons. There are local shops with handmade crafts and plenty of street art to look at.
There is a very cool staircase there with steps that are super close together. It is a famous spot for photos! We also just like watching the iguanas in the trees. It feels like a secret garden in the heart of the city.
4. Yelapa
If you want to feel like you left the modern world behind, you have to go to Yelapa. It is a small fishing village south of the city. You can only get there by boat!
We usually take a water taxi from Los Muertos Pier. The ride is about 45 minutes and the views of the coastline are amazing. When you arrive, you will notice there are no cars. Everyone walks or uses ATVs.
The beach is beautiful, but the real gem is the waterfall. It is a short hike from the beach through the village. We LOVE the "pie lady" who walks the beach selling fresh slices of pie. You have to try the coconut one!
Getting away from the crowds is easy when you choose the right rent apartments puerto vallarta. We always suggest staying in Amapas because it is close to the action but feels much more private and quiet.
If you want another great option in the same vibe, Hummingbird is also a solid pick when you want that “quiet hillside” feel but still be a quick walk from Zona Romantica.
5. Los Arcos de Mismaloya
You have probably seen these big rock formations from the shore. They look like giant arches sticking out of the water. But you have to get close to really see why they are special.
We think the best way to see them is by renting a small panga boat. The snorkeling here is incredible. You can see so many colorful fish and even sea turtles if you are lucky.
Best of all, this is one of the only places in the world where you can see blue-footed boobies. They are rare birds with bright blue feet that usually only live in the Galapagos. Seeing them sitting on the rocks is such a cool experience!
Where Should You Stay?
When people ask us where to book their trip, we have a very clear answer. Amapas is the best place to rent. It is tucked into the hillside just south of the Zona Romantica.
You get the best views of the ocean and the jungle, but you can still walk down to the beach or the restaurants in Old Town in just a few minutes. (Remember, Old Town and Zona Romantica are the same place, so don't get confused if people use both names!)
Staying in Amapas gives you that "hidden gem" feeling every single morning. You wake up to the sound of the ocean and the birds, far away from the noisy hotel zones. We have found that our guests are much happier when they have their own space and a kitchen to make breakfast.
If you are looking for the perfect spot, we suggest browsing the vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta on our main site. We only list places that we would stay in ourselves.
For more tips and updates before you land, take a look at Puerto Vallarta vacation rentals so you feel totally prepared for your visit.
Why We Love These Spots
Puerto Vallarta is a very popular place, and it can get busy. But if you take the time to look for these smaller spots, you will fall in love with the city just like we did.
The Botanical Gardens give you peace. The Lighthouse gives you the view. The Cuale River Island gives you culture. Yelapa gives you adventure. And Los Arcos gives you a look at the amazing nature under the water.
We are so grateful to live here and share these tips with you. If you are a solo traveler or coming with a big group, these spots will make your vacation unforgettable.
Before you head out, I also keep a couple other guides bookmarked for quick ideas, especially when friends ask what to do next: Secret Spots in Old Town PV and Best Street Tacos.
We highly recommended stepping away from the main tourist paths. Go explore! Eat the street tacos, climb the stairs, and take the boat rides. Puerto Vallarta is waiting for you.
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