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What to do in Puerto Vallarta

Looking for tourist-ready burrito bars and sombrero stands during your Puerto Vallarta holiday? You might have trouble with that – the resort promises a more authentic taste of Mexico, with plenty of traditional activities on offer. And while getting here might not be cheap, you won’t have to spend a fortune to have fun once you’ve arrived.

Explore the jungle

By jeep, buggy, boat or horse, you can escape the hubbub of the resort in favour of the surrounding jungle. Depending on your interests and fitness level, there’s waterfalls to jump off, hills to hike, and zip wires to fly down.

Alternatively, you can opt for a leisurely guided nature trail followed by lunch overlooking gushing waterfalls and tranquil ponds. Taking the family? Kids will love the variety of wildlife they can spot, from macaws to monkeys.

Los Arcos Marine Park

Los Arcos (The Arches) are small granite islands that poke up from the sea’s surface. Below, this protected National Marine Park hides an underwater playground for aquatic life and visitors alike.

Strap on a snorkel or book a PADI-certified scuba dive to explore its network of caves and tunnels and spot a range of striking marine life as well as pelicans and parrots. Or, hop onto a boat that’ll take you further out for dolphin and whale watching.

Dance to live music

El Malecon really comes to life at night, and because it’s closed to traffic, you can safely join the rest of the revellers dancing and drinking outside. Live music – ranging from jazz at Garbo Bar to disco in Mandala – is easy to come by and salsa bars keep popping up (try J&B Salsa Club).

Places such as Senor Frog’s and La Vaquita stay open past midnight, and there’s a great LGBT scene too.

Rhythms of the Night show

Dreamt up by the co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, the Rhythms of the Night experience kicks off with a sunset cruise – where drinks flow and delicious food is served – followed by a show performed in an outdoor amphitheatre that’s tucked away deep in the rainforest of Las Caletas.

The story is inspired by the customs of the ancient people that once lived in the region. Expect fire-fuelled dances, amazing acrobatics and striking spiritual ceremonies.

Food tours and tequila tastings

A great way to learn about Mexican culture, past and present, is through its food. Unsurprisingly, there’s a tour or two for that. Stick to Centro if you want classic street snacks and push your culinary boundaries in smaller neighbouring towns like Pitillal or Versalles.

Wash it all down with a tequila – or Mezcal, Raicilla, Sotol and even Churique – at a tasting in town. Alternatively, bring the experts (and their bottles) to the comfort of your own villa.