Puerto Vallarta Bay & Mountain Town
Based in the Romantic Zone, connect the Old Town, Los Arcos, a silver mining mountain town, and Yelapa.
Stay in the same area for the entire trip to avoid moving luggage, making this perfect for first-time visitors. Go snorkeling on the second day, head into the mountains to see an old silver mining town on the third day, and take a water taxi to the boat-access-only Yelapa on the fourth day. Whale watching is also possible in winter. The Marietas Islands are not included but can replace Day 5 if you have extra time.
Humpback whales can be spotted in the bay from December to March; mountain roads are not recommended during the rainy season.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival and Sunset on the Malecón
Puerto Vallarta（Malecón of Puerto Vallarta、Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe、Mirador Cerro de la Cruz）
Take a taxi from the airport to the Romantic Zone (about half an hour), then explore the Old Town entirely on foot.
The Mirador Cerro de la Cruz is perfect for sunset; expect many steps along the path.
Stay: Zona Romántica
Day 2 · Los Arcos and Cuale River
Puerto Vallarta（Los Arcos National Marine Park、Isla Cuale、Mercado Municipal Río Cuale、Zona Romántica）
Join a boat tour to snorkel at Los Arcos in the morning (about half a day), then return to the city for a walk in the afternoon.
Booking popular boat tours in advance is recommended; early morning boats are less crowded.
Stay: Zona Romántica
Day 3 · Mountain Trip to San Sebastián
Puerto Vallarta（San Sebastián del Oeste）
Join a tour or hire a private driver to take Highway 544, taking about 1.5 hours each way, and return the same day.
Avoid driving on mountain roads at night. It can be cool in the mountains, so bring a jacket.
Stay: Zona Romántica
Day 4 · Water Taxi to Yelapa
Puerto Vallarta（Playa Los Muertos、Yelapa）
Take a water taxi from Los Muertos Pier, taking about an hour each way, and return in the afternoon.
Bring plenty of cash and confirm the time of the last return boat when boarding.
Stay: Zona Romántica
Day 5 · Half Day at the Bay and Departure
Puerto Vallarta（Playa Conchas Chinas）
Take a taxi to Conchas Chinas in the morning (about 15 minutes), then head to the airport in the afternoon (about 40 minutes).