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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

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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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Comments

  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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Traveling solo in Nepal has awakened in me a confi Traveling solo in Nepal has awakened in me a confidence & sense of self (at the risk of sounding cliché), of “my essence” and inner Knowing, and where my compassion and passions mingle and thrive. I was reading some of your comments on my recent Reel about solo travel and how I put myself at great risk/in danger. But as I was telling my Tibetan friend, Sonam, tonight (yes, the new one I made last week!), I inform my decisions mostly by 1. Asking myself, “Would this make a good story?” and 2. Listening to my body and emotions. Yes, it’s risky to travel solo, to be a female in a male-dominated culture, to go out after hours with people you just met, etc. But doing that — and all the magic that followed by “allowing” — reminded me exactly of who I am at my core: Curious and open to the world, willing to get uncomfortable for the sake of finding magic and serendipity. Some of you said, “I’m too scared to do this, how do you overcome that fear of personal safety?” And to this I say, I don’t! Fear accompanies me along the journey. Living life is one big risk. It’s uncomfortable to be open, vulnerable, and unsure. But once you accept that and once you begin to let compassion and curiosity guide you rather than your fear, the real magic starts to happen in all areas of life, not just travel. I find these moments most in travel though, when I’m confronted with contrast and am left vulnerable to the world and the kindness of my fellow humans. My Reels are not meant to romanticize or gloss over very real risks/threats in life, but rather to share a real account of what’s possible (adventure, connections, love, etc) when you worry less about societal norms and what’s “safe not safe” “right not right” and allow your over-active fears to take a backseat. 
This is your reminder to trust your inner compass to guide you in writing your epic life story. ✨✨

To sum it up: 

1. Choose a life of adventure 
2. Stay curious
3. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable (otherwise said, seek discomfort)
4. Let love and light flow in and out 
5. Change is the only constant 

#solotravel #nepaltravel #solofemaletraveler #soloadventure #localtravel #trekkingnepal #adventurethatislife
The strength of women 💛 These ladies were lau The strength of women 💛 

These ladies were laughing so sweetly while filling up their water jugs at the Manga Hiti fountain in Patan. I watched them for a while and then plucked up the courage to ask if I could take their photos, which only made them giggle more. 

I've always felt that not being able to communicate in the same language makes for even more interesting encounters. Without words, we have to touch each other's humanity with eyes and gestures, and most of the time it leads to unspoken mutual understanding, acceptance, and love. We three walked away with the biggest smiles on our faces. I yelled out "Dhayabad!" (Thank you!) as they hoisted their jugs up the stairs, laughing all the way. I won't forget this shared moment between us 🙏 

Check stories for the landscape orientation for some of these photos ✨ 

#nepal #nepalnow #nepalphotography #nepaliculture #nepalisbeautiful #natgeoyourshot #patan #kathmanduvalley #lifetimeexperiences #photonepal #nepaltravel
Did you feel it? Nepal’s ancient wisdom, its swi Did you feel it? Nepal’s ancient wisdom, its swirling spirituality, its raw humanity? ✨🇳🇵❤️

#nepal #visitnepal #nepalnow #travelstories #localtravel #mindfultravel #slowtravel #natgeotravel
When you say “yes” as a solo traveler and stay When you say “yes” as a solo traveler and stay open to the randomness of life and the kindness of strangers, really wonderful memories can be made. Thank you Lama family and my new Tibetan friends for such a fun and insightful sequence of experiences 🙏 💛

#solotravel #localtravel #nepaltravel #nepaldiaries #nepali #solofemaletravel #kathmandunepal #thamel #tibetanfood #solotraveldiaries
My first week back in the chaos of Kathmandu, 💛 My first week back in the chaos of Kathmandu, 💛 

Being back after 7 long years away has jolted my body, brain, and spirit. At first, I felt overwhelmed with the recurring thought of, "I don't know what to do with myself." It was only when acceptance knocked on my door, and I finally decided to let it in, that things began to shift and flow.
 
In Nepal, particularly Kathmandu, everything around me swarms like a hive. I have nowhere else to go but inside myself. I've discovered through years of slow traveling (and solo travel) that peace awaits me there -- a sense of independence, power, and knowing that is still, comforting, and safe. And I can tap into it whenever I need to.

Chaos and peace reside in all of us, and Nepal has a cosmic, ancient way of reminding you of just that. 

📍 Patan Durbar Square, Lalitpur

#nepaltravel #patan #durbarsquare #nepalphotography #slowtravel #nepal #solotravel #lalitpur
They ask, “Why?” I was 29 when I embarked on They ask, “Why?” 

I was 29 when I embarked on the plane on the 21st, and 30 when I disembarked on the 23rd. How fitting. I spent all of my 20s abroad (except for my two final semesters in undergrad), and moved to Nepal when I was 21. 

What better way to say goodbye to my twenties than by returning to the start? I felt the desperate urge to start my 30s this way—alone on a one-way ticket with no concrete plans. I have both feared and longed to come back all these years. You see, I had made a promise to one of my closest Nepali friends that I’d see her again, but the reality is that I no longer can. 

She, along with another dear friend, passed away from cancer a couple of years back. The thought of returning to my old life here without my friends made me, well, incredibly sad. I had thought that, upon landing in Kathmandu—or taking a bite of my first momo—after so long, I’d find myself bursting into tears of both grief and gratitude. But I didn’t. Instead, I found familiarity in the chaos and chaos in the strangeness. 

Just being here—and the decisions and actions it took to get here—has reminded me of the preciousness of this one very short life. And that, by choosing to celebrate mine—at the exciting turn of a decade no less—by coming back to Nepal on a solo trip that would force me into daring discomfort when I could instead retreat to the comforts of family or my partner, is how I want to live it.

Truth is, a couple of months ago the thought of Nepal felt out of reach. It felt risky, unattainable. But the idea itself pushed open, just a crack at first, a door that had been otherwise closed. I could have more easily ignored my “what if?” daydreams—calling them off as too hard, too uncomfortable, or too far-fetched to actually pursue—and kept it shut.
But sometime in mid-July, I decided to look at flights. And I found one (truly, just one) option that could work. And it just so happened that it would fall on my birthday, or rather bridge my birthday. The idea of getting on a plane at 29 and getting off it at 30—back in Nepal—sold me. I fell in love with the story, the adventure, the unknowingness of it all. 

So, yeah. That’s why. Or as I prefer, “Why not?”
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