Puerto Vallarta experienced a record number of visitors in 2022 with international arrivals exceeding 2019 levels by 10.6%, and the destination ultimately welcomed over 6 million arrivals to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), according to Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico. With no signs of slowing down, the coastal city is now one of the most popular getaways in the country with Travel Weekly recently calling the destination, “Mexico’s next big thing.” To meet the growing demand Puerto Vallarta continues to carefully develop its tourism infrastructure, which includes a new zero-energy airport terminal – the first in Latin America – set to increase passenger capacity by 50% while conserving energy via solar panels and a water management system.
Photo via @vallarta_adventures
While Puerto Vallarta’s boom is evident, travelers are still drawn to its weathered terracotta rooftops, charming cobblestone streets, and Spanish colonial architecture nestled between pristine coastline and mountainous jungle. The diverse natural landscapes and bustling downtown areas boast unlimited outdoor adventure, authentic culinary scenes, cool art galleries, and celebrated nightlife. For travelers looking to enjoy a quintessential beach vacation balanced with authentic, cultural activities, here’s what new and trending for 2023:
RESTAURANTS
Photo via restauranteicu
ICÚ opened its doors in late 2017, serving traditional Mexican dishes made with seasonal ingredients and icù, which means “corn” in the Huichol language. Since launching, it has been named ‘best new restaurant in Mexico’ by Food & Travel Magazine, and in 2021 and 2022 the Mexican Culinary Guide included ICÚ in the top 250 restaurants in Mexico. To expand on its success, Chef Mauricio Leal is relocating the restaurant to Zona Romantica in early 2023 to be at the center of it all.
Photo via @Masame PV
Masame PV opened in August 2022 in Versalles – the trending neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta due to an exciting new culinary scene emerging in the area. Visitors can find authentic Mexican food alongside international cuisine from Greek to Peruvian to East Asian within a few minutes of each other. Masame PV was opened by Chef Salvador Carrillo and restaurant owners Rollon Lili, Edi Fernández De Lara, and Gabriel Arvelo. Carrillo and Arvelo opened La Tienda Grande in Ixtapa in 2020 and are now lending their culinary and management expertise to this new venture. Focusing on breakfast and dinner options, the intimate venue is already considered a community staple for local fare.
Photo via @homun.rest
Homún, which opened in May 2022 by Chef Mario Borja, brings a fresh take on relaxed fine dining to the burgeoning Versalles neighborhood. The restaurant’s minimalistic and warm design is contrasted by bold flavors and creative mixology served in the “speakeasy” that becomes a dance floor once a month with a live music set by the resident DJ.
CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Photo via @Vallarta Food Tours
Vallarta Food Tours continues to innovate its eclectic mix of guided food & beverage tours around the city with its latest experiential addition – the Mexology Tours. The new tours focus on the drinks and spirits of the region from a Vallarta Brewery Bus Tour – Cervezas y Tacos, to a VIP Agave Experience Van Tour, and Sunset Bike Tour – Tragos & Tacos.
The Gourmet Sunset Tour, available to book through one of the leading operators Vallarta Adventures, enables travelers to take in the beauty of Puerto Vallarta from the calm waters of Banderas Bay. The picturesque coastline backdropped by the Sierra Madre Mountains and verdant jungle terrain is best viewed at sunset. Vallarta Adventures recently launched its sunset tour which combines the best of a cruising voyage aboard a luxurious yacht and high-end dining on an ocean-front venue.
ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS
Photo via @vallarta_adventures
Vallarta Adventures, which specializes in soft adventure tours, launched a first-of-its-kind celebration to ring in 2023 at Majahuitas Beach. Now with weekly entertainment, Majahuitas Music Festival gathers the most acclaimed names in electronic music and brings them to the beautiful natural setting of a remote beach south of Puerto Vallarta proper.
The Palm Cabaret and Bar is a great example of Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ offerings and has been an entertainment hub for the community and its allies for over 23 years. The venue, which boasts concert sound and light systems, features a wide-ranging mix of professional shows – from disco to drag – by acclaimed entertainers from around the world. This year’s line-up includes the brand new “Applause” tribute show and the outstanding “Beyond Beyoncé” show by Mexican reality TV Star and drag performer Claude Cecile André.
About Puerto Vallarta
Nestled between the rugged Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay on Mexico’s balmy Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is the quintessential Mexican beach destination. Puerto Vallarta’s year-round warm climate, easy direct access from major markets in the United States and Canada, and a range of accommodation options have made it a top choice for a stress-free tropical escape. Authentic culture can be discovered around every corner in Puerto Vallarta, from the charming cobblestone streets downtown to the art-filled Malecon, and the lively Romantic Zone – a favorite enclave amongst LGBTQ+ travelers. Puerto Vallarta’s picturesque beaches and aquatic activities lure travelers, and its welcoming hospitality, top-notch gastronomy, and outdoor adventures keep them coming back time and time again.