Last updated:: 10:00 PM ET, Mon October 5, 2026
Puerto Vallarta doesn't ask you to choose between colonial charm and tropical adventure, it delivers both without compromise. Nestled where the Sierra Madre mountains tumble into Banderas Bay, one of the largest natural bays in the world, this Pacific gem offers cobblestone streets, untamed jungle canopy, world-class beaches and a food scene that earns its reputation at every table. From humpback whale season to evenings glowing beneath the cathedral spire, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's most popular destinations for a reason.
Find your stretch of the Pacific
Banderas Bay unfolds across 42 kilometres of Pacific coastline, offering beaches in every mood. Playa de los Muertos, Puerto Vallarta's most beloved urban beach, hums with easy energy, beach clubs, cold cervezas and warm blue-green water that makes afternoons disappear effortlessly. For something more secluded, Playa Conchas Chinas winds along the southern shore where rocky outcrops frame calm swimming coves ideal for snorkelling. The real discovery, however, lies further afield. The Marietas Islands, a protected national park accessible only by guided boat tour, harbour the famous Playa del Amor, a hidden beach tucked inside a collapsed volcanic crater that simply has to be seen to be believed.
Adventures in the jungle (Photo Credit: WestJet Vacations)
Go deep into jungle and sea
Puerto Vallarta sits at the edge of one of Mexico's most biodiverse jungles and the adventures here are genuinely unforgettable. Zip-line platforms soar above the Sierra Madre canopy with sweeping views of the bay stretching far below, while ATV trails push deeper into terrain most visitors never reach. Beneath the surface, the Los Arcos marine sanctuary delivers exceptional snorkelling among sea arches teeming with tropical fish, rays and the occasional sea turtle drifting through the shallows. From November through to March, humpback whales migrate into Banderas Bay in extraordinary numbers, making whale-watching tours from the marina one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences anywhere along Mexico's Pacific coast.
Eat well on the Malecón
As the sun drops behind the mountains, Puerto Vallarta's famous Malecón comes alive. This celebrated seafront promenade pulses with open-air restaurants, rooftop terraces and mezcal bars where the Pacific breeze handles the rest. Order fresh shrimp aguachile alongside a cold Pacífico, follow it with birria tacos from a street-side taqueria and finish with a mezcal sour overlooking the glittering lights of the bay. Just steps south, the cobblestone lanes of the Zona Romántica add an even more intimate dining scene, where local chefs are producing some of the most exciting food in the country right now. The character here is entirely its own, no resort restaurant can replicate it.
Downtown Puerto Vallarta (Photo Credit: WestJet Vacations)
Their Pacific escape, perfectly planned
With direct flights from gateways across Canada, Puerto Vallarta is the ideal destination regardless the season. Ancient jungles, Pacific beaches and one of Mexico's most vibrant food and culture scenes are all waiting. Book their Puerto Vallarta escape with WestJet Vacations.
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