What to Expect
Ships dock at the Pier 1 or Pier 2 terminal in the hotel zone (Zona Hotelera), north of Puerto Vallarta's historic center. Local buses (Romántica or Centro routes, MXN 10) or taxis ($4–6) connect the pier to the Malecón. The Malecón is a 1-km boardwalk along the bay with restaurants, sculptures, and views — it ends at the Río Cuale, and the Zona Romántica begins on the south bank. Old Town south of the river is cobblestone streets, the Guadalupe Church (1921, the city's landmark steeple visible from the bay), and Los Muertos Beach. Río Cuale Island between the two branches of the river has a small market and museum.
Getting Around
Local buses run frequently along the main road between the terminal and Zona Romántica ($0.50). Taxis from the pier to Los Muertos Beach: $5–8. Boat tour to Yelapa (remote village accessible only by boat, 1.5 hours south): departures from the Los Muertos pier, $25–35 round trip, 4-hour tours. Water taxi to Mismaloya (the beach below the cliffs where John Huston filmed The Night of the Iguana in 1963): $20 round trip. Timeshare touts near the pier will approach passengers — walk past without engaging.
Tipping and Currency
Mexican pesos; USD accepted near tourist areas. 15% at restaurants. Boat tour operators: $5–10 per person. ATMs on the Malecón and throughout Zona Romántica.
What to Eat
Zona Romántica has the best food scene in Puerto Vallarta. For something accessible and local, the Mercado Municipal above the Río Cuale island has prepared food stalls that serve the city's workforce. Fish tacos and ceviche are the right meal for a port day. The taco stands on Calle Basilio Badillo (colloquially called "Rib Street" for the several restaurants serving ribs, though also numerous authentic taco spots) are good value. Avoid the tourist-priced restaurants on the Malecón itself — walk one block and prices drop significantly.
Beaches
Los Muertos Beach (Playa Los Muertos) in the Zona Romántica is the most accessible from Old Town: a 1-km crescent with beach bars and chair rentals. The north end is busiest; the south end quieter. Mismaloya (south, 20 min by water taxi) is the beach below the cliffs of the 1963 film location — smaller, rocky at the edges. Yelapa (south, 90 min by boat) has a river-fed waterfall behind the village that's a 20-minute walk from the beach. The boat trip to Yelapa is the most rewarding excursion from Puerto Vallarta for those with 5+ hours in port.