Puerto Vallarta tours

Things to do in Puerto Vallarta

In Puerto Vallarta, each sunset resembles a symphony painted across the sky, resonating with the vibrant pulse of its streets. This Pacific jewel combines sunlit beaches with cobblestone lanes, where each corner unveils a new melody of life. With your local guide, Puerto Vallarta tours become personal adventures that go beyond typical sightseeing. Discover hidden art galleries and savour authentic tastes on a food and wine tour that lets you skip the line at the city's top eateries. Whether you're wandering the Malecón on a private walking tour or exploring lush, tropical landscapes, your guide ensures an intimate journey into the soul of this captivating city. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Explore Puerto Vallarta your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Puerto Vallarta tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Puerto Vallarta for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Head out on the bay for seasonal humpback whale watching, then snorkel the clear coves of Los Arcos Marine Park. In the right season, your guide can include an evening sea-turtle release at Boca de Tomates on these tours. History tours: Stroll the Malecón to learn the stories behind its sculptures, visit the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and see Casa Kimberly and the Cuale Island museum. These walking tours bring the city’s early days and Hollywood era to life. Adventure tours: Zip across the Sierra Madre with Canopy River, ride ATVs or mules up to El Edén’s jungle pools, or hike the stairs to Mirador de la Cruz for big views. Your guide can tailor these private tours to match your comfort level. The Centro and Romantic Zone are very walkable and buses run often; for jungle trailheads, hidden beaches, and snorkeling spots, your guide can arrange boat charters or tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Puerto Vallarta inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discovering Puerto Vallarta becomes an adventure with a local guide, especially when exploring its distinct neighborhoods on foot. - Zona Romántica: Ideal for those seeking vibrant nightlife and charming streets, this area is alive with local art galleries and bustling beach clubs. It's a lively spot for multi-generational groups. - Marina Vallarta: Families will appreciate the laid-back vibe here, with its picturesque marina and family-friendly restaurants. It's a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. - Gringo Gulch: Cultural tourists will find this historic neighborhood intriguing, with its cobblestone streets and iconic architecture. The views of the bay are an added bonus. Day trip ideas from Puerto Vallarta Between the bay and the mountains, you can mix boat rides and cobblestone towns with short day trips from Puerto Vallarta that match your pace and interests. Sayulita: A surf town with colour, street art, and a palm-lined beach where you can watch the breaks, try a lesson, or explore side streets for tacos and simple craft shops. If you want a beach vibe with variety, your tour can balance time in the water and time in town. Yelapa: Reachable by boat along the coast, this small village offers a sandy beach, a short walk to a waterfall in season, and seafood spots by the shore. It suits a slower day with light hiking and swimming, and the route along the bay keeps the scenery front and centre. San Sebastián del Oeste: High in the Sierra Madre, this former mining town brings cool air, stone lanes, and views from nearby lookouts, with coffee farms close by. History and nature fans can pair a town stroll with a scenic mountain drive and leave space for a café stop. Mismaloya and Los Arcos: South of the city, the coves and rock islets offer clear water for snorkelling and calm sand to settle in after the boat ride. Good for first-time snorkellers and families, with plenty of tours that focus on easy swimming and reef life. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Puerto Vallarta most travellers miss.