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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

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12+ Best Day Trips From Puerto Vallarta

Last Updated: February 10, 2022 · Mexico, Riviera Nayarit

Don’t get me wrong—Puerto Vallarta is amazing, charming, and full of things to do and see. But, sometimes, a day trip adventure is just what you need to explore a bit deeper, a bit farther.

Luckily, there are amazing day trips from Puerto Vallarta that will whisk you away to hidden coves, traditional Mexican beach towns, protected national parks, and more.

Trust me—I’ve lived for over two years in one of these “day trip” destinations! While Puerto Vallarta has it all, there’s even more magic that awaits you in the Riviera Nayarit.

Read more below to discover the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta including how to visit, what to do there, and unmissable local treasures. Ready to get away for the day? ¡Vámonos!

Table of Contents show
12 Fun Day Trips From Puerto Vallarta
1. Yelapa
2. Sayulita
3. San Pancho
4. Lo De Marcos
5. Bucerias & La Cruz
6. Punta de Mita & La Lancha
7. Islas Marietas National Park (Hidden Beach)
8. Vallarta Botanical Gardens
9. Las Caletas Beach
10. Los Arcos Marine Park
11. Whale Watching Day Trip
12. San Sebastien del Oeste
Bonus! ATV Adventure

12 Fun Day Trips From Puerto Vallarta

1. Yelapa

Tourists walking on trail beside the bay of Yelapa, Mexico
Bay of Yelapa, Mexico with palm trees, colorful houses, and anchored boats
Couple standing on rock beside Big Waterfall of Yelapa, Mexico

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Yelapa is one of those underrated destinations that you can’t pass up if you hear about it. While it makes for a fun day trip from Vallarta, it’s better to stay overnight at least one night, so you can make the most of your time there.

That’s because there are plenty of things to do in Yelapa like hiking to waterfalls, visiting the local history museum, and scouring the beach to find the famous “pie lady.”

2. Sayulita

Miscelanea Cafe in Sayulita Mexico with organic elote hotcakes #breakfast | Bucketlist Bri
Girl at Atico swing bar in Sayulita on a day trip from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Digital nomad couple dancing in front of red church decorated with colorful flags in Sayulita, Mexico

A trip to Sayulita—Nayarit’s famous Magic Town—is perhaps the most popular day trip from Puerto Vallarta. It’s no surprise, really, because not only is Sayulita easy to get to from PV via rental car or cheap bus, it’s just a town that oozes cute Mexican surf town vibes.

I’ve written an entire bucket list for things to do in Sayulita, but let me just give you a teaser here:

  • 🏄‍♀️ Surf on Sayulita beach! Take a surf lesson if you’re a beginner
  • 🇲🇽 Waltz around the cute flag-decorated streets
  • 💜 Visit the indigenous Tierra Huichol museum and art gallery
  • 💀 Celebrate Día de Los Muertos
  • 🐳 Go on a whale watching tour
  • 🍹 Sip on cocktails at Atico Swing Bar
  • 💃 Go salsa dancing
  • 🍳 Relax in one Sayulita’s adorable brunch cafés

And loads more!

Sayulita is only 40-minutes away from Puerto Vallarta which is another reason why so many tourists flock here on a day trip. But, chances are, you’re going to get swept away by its magic and want to stick around for a few days. In that case, make sure to check out my guide on where to stay in Sayulita.

3. San Pancho

san pancho outdoor market with musicians
palm trees and beach with open-air market
san pancho beach at dusk
san pancho beach at sunset

San Pancho is the cultural capital of the state of Nayarit and the crown jewel of Riviera Nayarit’s beach towns.

After living there on and off for two years, I can say that this is the town that will stand out from all the other Puerto Vallarta day trips.

It’s located only ten minutes past Sayulita, so if you have a rental car you can get there easily. By bus takes a little longer as you’re dependent on bus times, etc., and it only drops you off at the highway (not inside the town—it’s a 20-minute walk from the drop-off point to the beach).

Once you get there, though, you’ll want to stay for a while. Maybe forever. Yep—if you’re the type of person whose day trip adventures could influence you to pack up your life and move to said somewhere, then be careful when you go on your day trip to San Pancho from Puerto Vallarta. ✨

Why? Just read my guides to find out. But most of all, it’s thanks to its eco-warrior community that welcomes you with open arms. You’ll go for the fiery sunsets but stay for the friendships.

Be sure to bookmark:

  • Best Places to Stay in San Pancho (Tested & Approved)
  • 20+ Best Restaurants & Cafes in San Pancho

If you don’t want to make the day trip to Sayulita and San Pancho on your own, you can book a guided tour and knock out both in one day!

4. Lo De Marcos

lo de marcos beach in nayarit, mexico
Lo de Marcos beach

Lo de Marcos is another place you have to visit on a day trip (or two or three…) from Puerto Vallarta.

Again, it’s the next town to visit on the coast of Nayarit; twenty minutes past Sayulita and ten-ish past San Pancho.

What’s different about Lo de Marcos?

Mostly, it’s the crowds that disappear. Without them, Lo de Marcos remains a sleepy fishing village (what Sayulita looked like maybe 20+ years ago and San Pancho 10+ years ago).

The Lo de Marcos beach is one of the longest and most suitable for swimming and surfing, as well. It’s sprinkled with up-and-coming restaurants and bars owned by locals and expats alike.

The sense of community is strong here, too, and so is their sense of activism.

There is an animal sanctuary, organic markets, a local artisanal market, and plenty of hikes, trails, and outdoor activities to discover. It’s here where we first experienced a Mexican Temazcal ceremony, too.

5. Bucerias & La Cruz

Source: Canva

For more markets, and more traditional-style towns, head to Bucerias and La Cruz Sunday market. Bucerias is a sprawling little resort town just north of Puerto Vallarta (and Nuevo Vallarta, for that matter).

  • Stroll around the down plaza
  • Visti the El Buzo dive statue
  • Eat your way through all the beachfront restaurants
  • Go on the Bucerias Art Walk
  • Visit La Cruz market
  • Lounge on the beach

6. Punta de Mita & La Lancha

playa la lancha with people and umbrellas
guy surfing waves in la lancha nayarit mexico

Who’s in the mood for a surf & turf day trip?!

While newbie surfers will find Sayulita ideal for starting out, the real mecca for surfing in Nayarit is the hidden beach at La Lancha, just outside the luxurious resort town of Punta de Mita.

You could easily combine a visit to both on a day trip from Puerto Vallarta; surf at La Lancha in the morning and then hit the beach at Punta Mita in the afternoon to golf or stroll around the marina.

Don’t forget to head to NAEF for an icy treat!

7. Islas Marietas National Park (Hidden Beach)

Credit: Gabriel Ortiz

The Marietas Islands are an incredible set of uninhabited, protected islands in the Bahía de Banderas. Since it’s a protected national park, going on a day trip requires booking with a licensed boat operator (which is pricey — around $100). Book here for an eco catamaran snorkeling experience.

Nevertheless, it’ll all be worth it once you plunge into the clear waters to snorkel and swim to the hidden cove beach — Playa Escondida — the only beach around with a natural “sunroof!”

8. Vallarta Botanical Gardens

Vallarta Botanical Gardens via GetYourGuide

If you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip idea from Puerto Vallarta, then look no further than the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

While they’re not too far away, it’s still a 30-minute drive so if you’re packing up the kids, it’s better to rent a car and go.

The gardens are simply a tropical paradise. Entry costs around $200 MX pesos per person. You can also purchase a round-trip transportation ticket that includes your entrance fee as well.

Want the full experience? Book here to tour the gardens and get the culinary experience and transport included!

9. Las Caletas Beach

Las Caletas Beach via GetYourGuide

If you’ve ever strolled around Puerto Vallarta, then it’s more than likely that you’ve seen pictures of Las Caletas Beach.

It’s the picturesque beach with hammock swings on the sand that the Riviera Nayarit and the state of Jalisco love to promote. It’s become so famous because of its title as “one of the top private beaches in the world.”

But, for good reason!

Las Caletas is one of the highlights of the famous Rhythms of the Night Cruise & Dinner Show.

You could easily visit Las Caletas on a day trip from Puerto Vallarta and stay—quite literally—all day. You can lounge in a hammock, snorkel in its clear waters, do a mezcal tasting, and more!

10. Los Arcos Marine Park

Credit: Hospedaje Mexico on Viator

Love snorkeling, diving, and sailing trips?

If so, then the perfect day trip from Puerto Vallarta awaits just out in Bandera’s Bay at the Los Arcos Marine Park.

Head there via boat from PV, or hop in your car and drive to Mismaloya where “Night of the Iguana” was filmed.

Credit: Luxury Yacht & Snorkel tour via Vallarta Adventures (Viator)

Click here to book an all-day snorkeling and sailing tour 🤿

Tip: If you go by car, don’t miss out on the Palo Maria waterfall! Yet another awesome Puerto Vallarta day trip to add to the bucket list.

11. Whale Watching Day Trip

Credit: grandriver via Getty Images

From mid-December through March, you can witness some of the bay’s most majestic animals — whales!

It’s important to go in-season for the best chances of spotting wildlife at work. Pregnant whales migrate south to Bandera’s Bay to give birth in the warm waters, before heading north again.

A whale-watching excursion with a marine biologist would be an unforgettable day trip adventure from Puerto Vallarta.

12. San Sebastien del Oeste

Source: Puerto Vallarta Discovery via GetYourGuide

San Sebastien del Oeste is an up-and-coming Magic Town in the Sierra Madre mountains surrounding Puerto Vallarta. It’s becoming more and more popular while preserving its old mining town charm.

On a guided day trip from Puerto Vallarta, you can:

  • Tour the village on a history walk
  • Visit an organic coffee farm
  • Taste tradtional-baked bread
  • Visit and tour an organic tequila distillery
  • Stroll the cobbled streets, main square, and church
  • Book this guided day trip here!

Bonus! ATV Adventure

Source: Estigo Tours via GetYourGuide

Last but not least, if you are wanting to escape the busy streets of Puerto Vallarta in exchange for dirt and mud trails in the jungle, then go on a thrilling ATV tour.

This 4-hour day trip first takes you through the heart of Puerto Vallarta before taking you off the beaten path through the mountains, river, and beyond quaint Mexican villages.

Are there any other types of day trips you’d like to see?! I am mostly an adventurous traveler, so you’ll mostly find that style of travel from me! I wouldn’t mind a day trip to a spa or an eco jungle retreat either now that I think of it… 🌿

Do you have any more Puerto Vallarta day trips to check off your list? Or did I just add more to it? Let me know in the comments below!

📍 PIN IT FOR LATER

By: Bri · In: Mexico, Riviera Nayarit

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  1. Jasmyn says

    July 9, 2022 at 9:42 pm

    Loved this article. You included so many unique locations that I have not come across in my hours of research. Thank you!

    Reply

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
• Social Media Management
• YouTube or Podcasting
• Graphic / Web Design
• Coding / Development
• Photography / Videography
• Freelance Writing (How I started)
• Marketing / Amazon FBA / Ecommerce

📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will f PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will follow you around the world until you face them no matter how much you travel or move countries 🙃 

I know I’m not the only one that feels restless at times and idolizes moving to a new region/country/continent to shake my feelings of anxiety or self-doubt or fear! (Also, I tend to think about moving to another country even when I just moved to a new one 😅)

I know because I have lived abroad for 8+ years. I used to try to drown out my icky feelings and past traumas with lots of alcohol but now I carry them with me like I do my mismatched socks — they add to the quirkiness and remind me I don’t have to be, and am not, perfect. 

And that life is more interesting that way, anyway. 

Anddd that most importantly, whenever I get lost, I can and will be found again — I just may look and think differently after new adventures but I am still loved and never lost forever 🧦 ✨💛 

In sum, whether you travel full-time or not, take care of yourself ✨💛

#nomadness #nomadlife #lifeofadventure #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #offbeattravel #remoteworklife #homeawayfromhome #slowtravelstories #mentalhealthawarness
The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri: 💛 P The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri:

💛 Paul
😻 Yoda
🌍 Traveling & adventuring
👩🏼‍💻 Blogging & writing

Among other things like nature, photography, reading, animals, journaling, art, playing Zelda/games, dancing/music, culture/languages, enjoying rly good food and drinks! 😋 

What about you? What recharges you?? 

#rechargemysoul #blogging #adventures #writing #soulfulliving #mindfulliving #mindfultravel #nomadcouple #creativeliving
1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨ 🌋 ARENA 1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨

🌋 ARENAL // LA FORTUNA (2 days)
- Hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Indulge in a local chocolate/coffee tour (s/o to @northfieldscafe)
- Go on a wildlife safari float (s/o to Raúl for pura vida vibes!)
- Lounge in natural hot springs (highly recommend the budget-friendly Relax Termalitas in Fortuna)
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall
- Check out the Butterfly Conservatory

🦥 QUEPOS // MANUEL ANTONIO (2-3 days)
- Take a guided or DIY tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Chill out on the Espadilla beach
- Explore the cute towns
- Watch for wildlife in the trees!

🌿 MONTEVERDE // SANTA ELENA (2 days)
- Visit/hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Go ziplining
- Birdwatching on a canopy tour
- Monteverde coffee tour
- Do a nature night walk

My sister and I surprised our mom with this bucket list trip on her birthday, and we had a blast! 🥹

Send this itinerary to someone you know who has always wanted to go to Costa Rica 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

#costarica #bucketlisttrip #puravida #costaricaitinerary #lafortuna #manuelantonio #monteverde #ecotourism
Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a q Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a quite a humbling experience, and one that’s been at the top of my bucket list for ages! 🥺

Right now is prime whale shark season in La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, so Paul and I made sure to go before we jetted off to see family for the holidays! I’m still in awe of these gentle giants and the fact that we got to swim alongside them!

Read all about the best whale shake tours in La Paz + ethical whale shark tourism in my latest blog post! Link in bio 💛

Send this to a friend who loves whale sharks! 🐳🦈

#whalesharks #lapaz #bajacaliforniasur #ethicaltravel #responsibletravel #ecotourism #golapaz #mexicotravel #bucketlist #seaofcortez
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