Destination Guide: Puerto Vallarta
Where to eat, drink, stay, and visit in PV.
Hola, Mexzine friends!
Like many of you, I hold a special place in my heart for Puerto Vallarta. It’s one of the first beach towns I visited as a kid, and I have blurry memories – but many cute photos – of myself and my cousins playing for hours on the beach. Ever since, I’ve been back for all sorts of reasons, including work, my first beach getaway with my now husband, and a bachelorette-turned-canceled-engagement trip. Needless to say, they were all a success in their own way. That’s the beauty of Vallarta. No matter what takes you there, the town embraces you with a warmth and ease that are unmatched. So without further ado, let’s explore Vallarta, Mexzine-style.
–Cristina Alonso, Managing Editor
You can view our Puerto Vallarta Google Map of all the places below here.
Where to Stay
Xinalani // Wellness is the name of the game at this serene hideaway, beloved for its yoga and emotional healing retreats. Accessible only by boat, Xinalani immerses you in nature at each of its 33 casitas – most of them palapa-style; a few enclosed and equipped with AC. Days here are spent connecting to yourself and your surroundings, with a roster of activities that range from meditation, yoga, and temazcal ceremonies to cooking classes and kayak tours. Rounding up the offerings is the healthy menu, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
Casa Kimberly // Few hotels can brag about a backstory like Casa Kimberly. The love nest of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, the property comprises two houses – one owned by each star-crossed lover – connected by el Puente del Amor. Its nine spacious suites, named after the stars and their most iconic films and roles, are uniquely decorated and feature details such as four-poster beds and claw-foot tubs. For the dreamiest sunsets, head to The Iguana and explore its extensive mezcal and tequila selection before settling down for dinner.
Casitas Maraikas // Casitas Maraikas may only be 40 minutes from Downtown Vallarta, but its no-frills vibes and rustic style make it feel like the most remote tropical hideaway. Each of its suites and casitas feels fully immersed in nature, with only curtains separating you from the lush jungle. The schedule here can go from chill – sound healing sessions, boat rides – to buzzing, with a roster of DJs playing live tunes on the beach every Saturday night.
Where to Eat
Tintoque // Set in a beautiful house by the Cuale River, Tintoque offers one of the loveliest dining experiences in town: a seasonal tasting menu that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. From the open kitchen, led by Puerto Vallarta native chef Joel Ornelas, the team doles out creations built with carefully selected ingredients, like fresh fish, all caught using the ikejime Japanese technique, crisp vegetables, and local mushrooms, which find their best mates in the thoughtful wine pairings.
Ita // There’s always a good reason to visit this warm Colonia Versalles restaurant, helmed by Chef Salvador Carrillo. Mornings bring laid-back vibes and beloved breakfast items like chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and quesabirrias. As the sun goes down, soft light bathes the dining room and the menu takes on a more elevated twist, with inventive dishes like lacquered pork chop and lamb in merlot reduction. The tasting menu is an excellent option if you want a deep dive into Chef Salvador’s creative mind.
El Puerco de Oro // Less is more at this fantastic taco spot in Versalles, run by Ana Martina García (Tintoque’s Joel Ornelas’ mom). With only five items on the menu, you can bet every bite will be packed with flavor, from bean-and-panela cheese tacos and quesadillas to the house stars: crispy pork belly tacos. Everything is served on homemade blue corn tortillas and enhanced with a spectacular salsa selection. A favorite for breakfast after a night out, El Puerco de Oro pours excellent coffee.
Icú // Named after the Huichol word for corn, this Zona Romántica eatery honors Mexico’s sacred ingredient and its many flavors and traditions with two inventive tasting menus, available in five or nine courses. Under Chef Mauricio Leal’s vision, seasonal creations include cheese-stuffed zucchini blossoms, seared tuna in recado negro, and pressed chicharrón tamal, elegantly presented and flawlessly paired with a strong selection of Mexican wines. The space is intimate yet relaxed, crowned by super knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Torio // Lovingly called a “Japanese taquería,” this temaki bar is the brainchild of Javier Antúnez and Agustín Chaz, who are bringing the freshness and flavor to Colonia Versalles, one hand roll at a time. Grab a seat at the beautiful bar and feast your eyes on the team as they prepare gorgeous nigiri, sashimi, and rolls with fresh ingredients, many of them locally sourced. Omakase fans: make sure you visit on Fridays and put your trust in the chefs’ hands.
Where to Drink (& Party)
El Colibrí // Steps away from Vallarta’s beloved Malecón, this speakeasy is set in a jungly patio that gets prettier and livelier as the night progresses, warmed by candlelight and a top-notch playlist (or live DJs on weekends). While the cocktail menu changes often, you can count on excellent cocktails crafted with artisanal Mexican spirits and liqueurs, homemade juices and syrups, and plenty of flair. Not into mixology? Opt for local beer on tap.
Majahuitas // A secluded beach just south of Vallarta, Majahuitas is the place to go for tropical bliss and clubby vibes. On Saturdays, hop on a boat, grab a table near the ocean, and get the afternoon started with a large spritz and a few shareable bites. As the day progresses, a roster of local and international DJs transforms the sand into a dance floor. You can choose between several packages –from the most basic, which includes transportation and access, to full table access with credit for food and drinks.
Chiro Taberna de Costa // One of the many gifts agave has granted us, raicilla is a mystical, delicious spirit that hails from Jalisco and Nayarit. Created by the team behind Atarraya raicilla, Chiro is an incredibly fun spot to explore this liquid, no matter your level of expertise. Sip it neat or in creative cocktails prepared with other regional treasures, like tejuino (a fermented corn-based beverage) and tuba (made with palm tree sap). Live music and laid-back cantina vibes make it hard to leave.
El Barracuda & El Solar (Downtown Location) // Few things are better than sitting in front of the waves and watching the day turn into night. Placed right by the ocean on Camarones Beach, this local favorite gives you a front-row seat to gorgeous sunsets and, with some luck, whale sightings during the winter. Fresh, no-frills seafood is at the heart of the menu, from ceviches to grilled fish, with ice-cold beer and agave-based cocktails for pairing. Weekend nights bring live music and plenty of energy, courtesy of local and international DJs.
Where to Visit
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