5 Local Influencers Share Their Favorite Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Experiencing Puerto Vallarta through a smartphone screen doesn't compare to walking along a trail to a stunning waterfall tucked deep in the Sierra Madre mountains, or feeling the sand between your toes at Los Muertos Beach.

To move beyond typical tourist guides and uncover what to do in Puerto Vallarta, we gathered the unique perspectives of five local content creators and micro-influencers who live in, explore, and document the destination from the inside: Cinthia Aguilar, Delia García, Gloria Candiani, Pao Marlene, and Sonia Cruz.

Delia considers the bay to be one of her absolute favorite places on Earth. Pao Marlene shares secret beach spots like Conchas Chinas and guides her community through mountain waterfalls. Meanwhile, multimedia creator Cinthia Aguilar captures Puerto Vallarta from an entirely fresh angle, with her stunning photos having been featured in National Geographic.

Five distinct perspectives from five local creators offer unique ways to experience Puerto Vallarta—a one-of-a-kind destination filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

Pao Marlene

@paomarlene

• Walk the scenic coastal path to various southern beaches, including Boca de Tomatlán, Colomitos, Madagascar, Playa Caballo, La Troza, and Las Ánimas.
• Witness a beautiful sunset from the Conchas Chinas viewpoint.
• Experience a bioluminescence excursion at Los Arcos de Mismaloya.
• Schedule a relaxing weekend escape to Yelapa.
• Enjoy breakfast or dinner accompanied by coastal views at La Traviata.

• Partake in a chocolate truffle-making workshop at Xocodiva.
• Attend the Ceviche and Aguachile Festival.
• Try out the carousel ride at TierraLuna Gardens.
• Watch an outdoor film under the night sky at Movie Picnic.
• Discover the local art scene along the mural route.

Gloria Candiani

@soycandiani

• Explore the charming “Pueblo Mágico” of Mascota.
• Kayak or snorkel around Los Arcos de Mismaloya.
• Experience the stunning Vallarta Botanical Gardens.
• Participate in releasing baby sea turtles during the summer months.
• Get a day pass to relax at Casitas Maraika.

• Take a sunset sailing trip across the bay.
• Find panoramic views from the city's best rooftops.
• Recharge your mind and body with a wellness experience.
• Admire the evening light display at Los Muertos Pier.
• Enjoy an entertaining drag show in the Romantic Zone.

Sonia Cruz

@soyancruz

• Discover the flavors of the region by trying a classic “comida corrida” fixed-price lunch at the vibrant Cuale River Market.
• Treat yourself to freshly squeezed juices and seasonal local fruits available at the Emiliano Zapata Market.
• Head to Balam Balam to enjoy delicious, locally caught grilled fish and a variety of fresh seafood.
• Take a scenic trek starting from Boca de Tomatlán that leads you out to the beautiful shores of Colomitos or Quimixto.

• Take a break from the crowds and plan a peaceful day trip to the relaxing coastal enclave of Yelapa.
• Stop by Puerto Café to sit back and savor a finely prepared cup of specialty coffee.
• Catch an unforgettable evening view by watching the sunset from the Los Arcos de Mismaloya lookout point.
• Stay active by cycling across the dedicated bike paths and scenic mountain trails of Puerto Vallarta.

Delia García

@soydeliagarcia

• Head out to the beach, naturally!
• Enjoy a whale-watching tour to see majestic humpbacks.

• Spend the day wandering through the mountains to find untouched rivers and hidden waterfalls.
• Indulge in an exquisite dining experience at one of the finest culinary spots in town.
• Take a sunset walk along the Malecón boardwalk and buy some traditional grilled corn, or elote, from a local vendor.

Cinthia Aguilar

@hello_cinthia

• Grab Breakfast and Head to Playa Esmeralda

  I love starting my day with crispy “tacos dorados de birria” at Taquería El Güero Vargas. Afterward, I take the bus toward Mismaloya, jump off at Esmeralda Beach, and spend the hours swimming and taking photos of the ocean.

• Take a Therapeutic Stroll from Playa Los Muertos to Conchas Chinas

  Walking along the shoreline while listening to the waves is pure therapy for me. I enjoy sitting on the beach for a bit before wrapping up the morning with ceviche tostadas at La Carreta de las 4 Esquinas.

• Refresh at the Nogalito River

  I love taking family trips to the Nogalito River. Nothing beats cooling off with a dip in its refreshing water.

• Capture the Sunset During a Stroll on the Malecón

  Heading down to the Malecón boardwalk to film is one of my favorite things to do; there is always a new sight to capture, from vibrant parades and folk dances to beautiful sunsets.

• Fly a Drone Over Playa de Oro at Sunset

  Sunsets in Vallarta are truly on another level, especially when viewed from El Holi or Playa de Oro Beach. I love launching my drone to capture the sky as the colors transform.

• Unwind with a Sunset View at 1000 Caguamas

  The simplest itineraries are often the best: watching the sunset while enjoying a cold “caguama” beer paired with some “ceviche en salsas negras.”

• Dance the Night Away with Pizza and Craft Beer

  You can never go wrong with an evening at Yambak: grab a pizza, enjoy some craft beer, and dance along as the DJ spins tracks.

• Join the Musical Gathering at the Main Square

  On Thursdays and Sundays, a DJ plays dance hits, cumbias, and salsa at the Main Square in El Centro. Sometimes I go simply to film or watch the crowd, and other times I jump right onto the dance floor.

• Savor Local Life at Traditional Markets

  I enjoy visiting local spots like the Aramara Market or the Cuale Market to pick up a delicious bite to eat and take in the local community atmosphere.

• Power Through a Morning Run on the Malecón

  Going for an early morning run down the Malecón boardwalk brings incredible energy to start the day. Afterward, I like to complete my morning routine with a freshly brewed cup of coffee at Puerto Café.

Enjoy Vallarta Like a Local

You now possess five unique itineraries to discover Puerto Vallarta through a local lens. From secret beaches nestled between towering cliffs and secluded waterfalls known only to residents, to breathtaking sunsets from panoramic viewpoints and the vibrant, ever-surprising energy of El Centro, there is immense value in exploring a destination guided by the people who walk its streets daily.

With every new trail discovered, social media update posted, and recommendation exchanged within digital communities, Puerto Vallarta constantly reinvents itself. When you prepare for your next journey to Jalisco’s premier beach destination, be sure to check these five local perspectives to craft the ultimate itinerary for your upcoming getaway.