Puerto Vallarta Honored as World’s No. 2 Small City for Second Consecutive Year

Puerto Vallarta has done it again, solidifying its place as Jalisco’s premier beach destination.

In the 39th annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, this iconic destination once again captured the hearts of global jet-setters, earning top honors across two major categories: securing the coveted No. 2 spot among The Best Small Cities in the World and ranking No. 15 for The Best Beaches in the World within the Americas region.

This double victory sends a resounding message to sun-seekers and cultural enthusiasts alike: Mexico's most authentic beach destination remains a reigning favorite on the international travel scene.

Key Highlights

• The Best Small Cities in the World 2026: Puerto Vallarta proudly claims the No. 2 global ranking for the second consecutive year.
• The Best Beaches in the Americas 2026: Puerto Vallarta hits the No. 15 mark with an outstanding reader score of 85.77.
• Massive Voter Participation: Nearly 800,000 (798,867) discerning travel enthusiasts cast their votes in this year's survey.

Standing Tall Alongside World-Famous Capitals

Holding fast to the No. 2 ranking for two years straight in the Best Small Cities in the World category—trailing only Victoria, B.C.—underscores Puerto Vallarta’s enduring appeal among the elite echelon of international vacation spots.

This distinction is all the more impressive considering Puerto Vallarta shares the spotlight with legendary global heavyweights like Florence, San Sebastián, Amalfi, and Porto—destinations celebrated worldwide for culinary excellence, rich history, breathtaking vistas, and vibrant coastal charm.

What sets Puerto Vallarta apart is its seamless combination of dramatic ocean-and-mountain landscapes, deep-rooted Mexican culture, a celebrated culinary scene, and a welcoming neighborhood feel that extends from the sleek Marina Vallarta to the lively Romantic Zone.

A Timeless Love Affair with Global Nomads

The special connection between Puerto Vallarta and Condé Nast Traveler readers spans over two decades. Way back in 2001, Jalisco’s premier beach destination earned the title of "The Friendliest City in the World," setting the stage for its reputation as a must-visit tropical getaway.

Since then, the destination has consistently hit the mark on major industry rankings: taking #4 among small cities in 2023, #9 in 2024, and rising to #2 in 2025 (with 757,109 votes). The 2026 results reaffirm that Puerto Vallarta continues to raise the bar for coastal travel in Mexico.

With 26 distinct nominations across best city, beach, restaurant, hotel, and luxury resort categories, Puerto Vallarta demonstrates why travelers consistently return year after year.

Pristine Pacific Beaches Take Center Stage

Adding to the accolades, Puerto Vallarta secured the No. 15 spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s regional rankings for The Best Beaches in the World (Americas), boasting an impressive reader score of 85.77.

This award spotlights one of the region's greatest natural treasures: golden Pacific shores nestled against the emerald Sierra Madre mountains, featuring calm, swimmable, and sargassum-free waters.

Visitors can effortlessly transition from soaking up the sun on idyllic beaches to strolling the iconic Malecón boardwalk, savoring authentic Jalisco cuisine, or discovering local art galleries—all in a single afternoon.

Driven by Authentic Traveler Votes

What makes the Readers' Choice Awards stand out is their authenticity: they reflect real-world travel experiences shared directly by passionate globetrotters, completely free of corporate sponsorship.

For this edition, 798,867 readers reviewed top destinations, boutique hotels, luxury resorts, airlines, cruise lines, and culinary spots around the globe.

The full list of winners is available online at cntraveler.com/rca and will hit newsstands in the November print issue of Condé Nast Traveler.

Plan Your Next Escape to Puerto Vallarta

Whether you're looking for gourmet dining, outdoor adventure, or relaxed sunset walks along the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta offers a rich mix of breathtaking scenery and authentic Mexican warmth.

Start planning your dream trip at visitpuertovallarta.com and find out why travelers worldwide keep choosing Jalisco’s premier beach destination.