Top Puerto Vallarta Day Trips

We all know that Puerto Vallarta is a favorite beach destination that offers both visitors and locals the opportunity unique things to do and enjoy. When we visit, there are days we just want to relax by our hotel pool and sip our favorite cocktail. But, for all those other days when we feel like venturing and exploring the outdoors, we have gathered a list of the top day trips to discover with your couple, family, or friends. 

1. Los Arcos Marine Park, Las Animas, and Quimixto Beach

Take a boat and spend the day at sea and secluded beaches. The trip starts at Los Arcos Marine Park, the perfect spot for snorkeling, and a natural paradise to admire beautiful tropical fish. The boat then heads to Quimixto, a remote beach where you can horseback ride or walk to visit its amazing waterfall. The last stop on your trip will be Las Animas, a beautiful beach filled with restaurants offering local delights. 

2. Vallarta Botanical Gardens

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are a must if you’d like to explore beyond the beaches of Puerto Vallarta. You’ll find this amazing garden, ranked as one of the best in North America, just 30 minutes away from town. The gardens include different sections, such as The Cactus Garden, The Tropical Fruit Orchard, and The Conservatory of Orchids and Native Plants. Once you’ve finished, you can explore its hiking trails into the forest, cross the hanging bridge, and swim in the tropical river nearby.  End your trip with an amazing lunch at its renowned restaurant with amazing views of the mountains. And make sure to visit the garden gift shop and plant nursery to take a souvenir from your visit. 

3. Yelapa

Yelapa is a remote tropical paradise, only accessible by boat, making it the perfect place for a day trip. You can take a 45-minute boat ride from Los Muertos Pier, or a 20-minute ride from Boca de Tomatlan. Once you get there, there are many things to do. You can wander around the exotic fisherman’s town and mingle with the locals; you can hike to its amazing waterfall, a 30-minute hike with great scenarios along the trek. Or, you can just spend the day by the beach and enjoy the day sunbathing and admiring the view. 

4. San Sebastian del Oeste

Leave the tropical setting for a day and head to San Sebastian, a magical town filled with history at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountain range, just an hour and ten minutes away from Puerto Vallarta. A former mining town that’ll transport you back in time. Once you’re there, you can spend the day walking around its colorful streets, enjoying local delights. But if you’re up for more adventure, take a coffee tour, go horseback riding, or rent an ATV and visit Cerro La Bufa and admire gorgeous views. If you have enough time make sure to visit The Haravéri Botanical Garden, the second national garden that protects cloud rainforest. 

5. Adrenaline to the max

Go on an off-road adventure day trip and explore amazing natural territories riding an ATV or RZR; descend from the mountain tops on a zipline along the tropical forest; or if you’re in for not-so-extreme but yet adventurous day, go horseback riding along the mountains and enjoy the beautiful natural scenarios. 

6. A day at sea

Rent a boat or private yacht and spend the day at sea. Make sure to admire the view and you’ll most likely come across amazing sea creatures such as turtles and tropical fish. If you’re in for some adventure, make sure that your tour includes swimming with wild dolphins! Marine biologists guide these kinds of tours, and share their knowledge to make this a unique experience. 

Or simply set sail, enjoy the day at sea and admire the stunning sunsets that Puerto Vallarta has for you every day. 

Hope you enjoy our list, as we know that some may already be on your bucket list when visiting Puerto Vallarta. Make sure to take lots of pictures and share them with us on our social media. Tag us with: #Puerto Vallarta and #RevivePuertoVallarta

See you soon!