Best Puerto Vallarta Travel Guides of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 12, 2023

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Puerto Vallarta travel guides are a must-have for anyone planning a trip to this beautiful Mexican resort town. These guides provide detailed information on the best places to stay, eat, and explore, as well as tips on how to get around and make the most of your time in Puerto Vallarta. From the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town to the pristine beaches of Banderas Bay, these guides offer a comprehensive look at everything this vibrant destination has to offer. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Puerto Vallarta travel guides are an invaluable resource for planning an unforgettable vacation.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary 5 Cover #TOP 1
Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary 5
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Fodor’s Puerto Vallarta: With Guadalajara & the Riviera Nayarit (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover #TOP 2
Fodor’s Puerto Vallarta: With Guadalajara & the Riviera Nayarit (Full-color Travel Guide)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Mexislang: The key to understanding what the hell your mexican friends are saying. (All about Mexico.) Cover #TOP 3
Mexislang: The key to understanding what the hell your mexican friends are saying. (All about Mexico.)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Puerto Vallarta Travel Guides

Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary 5

Carmona, Cecilia
Carmona, Rafael
Lonely Planet
Sep 18, 2018
Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary 5 Cover
Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary 5

The Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary 5 is a must-have for any traveler heading to Mexico. Packed with essential phrases, cultural tips, and a 3500-word dictionary, this guide will help you navigate any situation, from ordering food to handling emergencies. The book is organized by travel scenarios, making it easy to find the phrases you need. The survival phrases inside the front cover are a convenient on-the-fly cue. Overall, this phrasebook is an invaluable tool that will enhance your travel experience and help you connect with locals.

#TOP 2

Fodor’s Puerto Vallarta: With Guadalajara & the Riviera Nayarit (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Travel Guides
Fodor's Travel
Aug 4, 2020
Fodor’s Puerto Vallarta: With Guadalajara & the Riviera Nayarit (Full-color Travel Guide) Cover
Fodor’s Puerto Vallarta: With Guadalajara & the Riviera Nayarit (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Puerto Vallarta: With Guadalajara & the Riviera Nayarit is a comprehensive travel guidebook that includes everything you need to plan a memorable trip to Puerto Vallarta. The guidebook features an illustrated ultimate experiences guide, multiple itineraries, detailed maps, and up-to-date recommendations for the best sights, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, and more. The book also includes special features on the art of the Huichol, Tequila and Mezcal, and Mariachi music. The historical and cultural insights provide rich context on Huichol art, cuisine, and more. Overall, Fodor's Puerto Vallarta is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to this beautiful destination.

Mexislang: The key to understanding what the hell your mexican friends are saying. (All about Mexico.)

Jiménez, Raúl
Vasconcelos, Emanuel
Contreras, Ariana
Benavides, Juliana
Vasconcelos, Felipe
Independently published
May 27, 2018
Mexislang: The key to understanding what the hell your mexican friends are saying. (All about Mexico.) Cover
Mexislang: The key to understanding what the hell your mexican friends are saying. (All about Mexico.)

This book, titled "Mexislang: The key to understanding what the hell your Mexican friends are saying," is a comprehensive guide to the most important Mexican slang words and phrases. The author, an experienced Mexican Spanish tutor, explains the usage and history of each term, making it an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn the language or understand Mexican culture better. The book is particularly useful for travelers to Mexico or those who want to establish good relationships with Mexican people. Overall, this independently published book is a valuable addition to any slang and idiom reference book collection.

#TOP 4

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with Sayulita and Riviera Nayarit: The Solo Girl's Travel Guide

West, Alexa
Igartua, Emilia
Aug 24, 2021
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with Sayulita and Riviera Nayarit: The Solo Girl's Travel Guide Cover
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with Sayulita and Riviera Nayarit: The Solo Girl's Travel Guide

The Solo Girl's Travel Guide to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with Sayulita and Riviera Nayarit is a comprehensive travel planner that helps women plan their dream Mexico trip on any budget. The guidebook skips tourist traps and instead offers must-see towns and villages around Banderas Bay, including Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita, San Pancho, Mismaloya, Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, and La Cruz. With personal access to a local Mexican girl, readers can ask anything and get actual local secrets and advice. The book also includes day-to-day itineraries, safety tips and advice, and survival language phrases. Overall, it's an excellent resource for solo female travelers who want to experience the best of Mexico.

#TOP 5

Moon Puerto Vallarta: With Sayulita, the Riviera Nayarit & Costalegre (Travel Guide)

Milne, Madeline
Moon Travel
Jan 21, 2020
Moon Puerto Vallarta: With Sayulita, the Riviera Nayarit & Costalegre (Travel Guide) Cover
Moon Puerto Vallarta: With Sayulita, the Riviera Nayarit & Costalegre (Travel Guide)

Moon Puerto Vallarta: With Sayulita, the Riviera Nayarit & Costalegre (Travel Guide) is an excellent guide for travelers who want to explore a tropical paradise full of surprises. The book offers flexible itineraries for spending time in Puerto Vallarta, Banderas Bay North, Sayulita, and the Riviera Nayarit, including a Costalegre road trip. It also provides strategic advice for outdoor adventurers, beach bums, surfers, budget travelers, wellness seekers, and more. With expert insight from local author Madeline Milne, readers will learn how to experience Puerto Vallarta like an insider, support local and sustainable businesses, avoid crowds, and respectfully engage with the culture. The book is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to the region.

The Gringo Guide To Moving To Mexico.: Everything You Need To Know Before Moving To Mexico. (All about Mexico.)

Jiménez, Raúl
Vasconcelos, Felipe
Independently published
Jul 15, 2019
The Gringo Guide To Moving To Mexico.: Everything You Need To Know Before Moving To Mexico. (All about Mexico.) Cover
The Gringo Guide To Moving To Mexico.: Everything You Need To Know Before Moving To Mexico. (All about Mexico.)

The Gringo Guide To Moving To Mexico is the ultimate guide for anyone considering a move to Mexico. The book covers everything from the process and documentation necessary to become a temporary or permanent resident of Mexico to the general cost of living, safety, and expat-friendly places to live. It also provides information about real estate, housing, culture shock, and the language barrier. The author does an excellent job of highlighting the benefits of moving to Mexico, including the affordable healthcare, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone considering a move to Mexico.

#TOP 7

Moon Puerto Vallarta: With Sayulita, the Riviera Nayarit & Costalegre: Getaways, Beaches & Surfing, Local Flavors (Travel Guide)

Milne, Madeline
Oct 31, 2023
Moon Puerto Vallarta: With Sayulita, the Riviera Nayarit & Costalegre: Getaways, Beaches & Surfing, Local Flavors (Travel Guide) Cover
Moon Puerto Vallarta: With Sayulita, the Riviera Nayarit & Costalegre: Getaways, Beaches & Surfing, Local Flavors (Travel Guide)

Moon Puerto Vallarta: With Sayulita, the Riviera Nayarit & Costalegre: Getaways, Beaches & Surfing, Local Flavors (Travel Guide) is a comprehensive guide for travelers who want to explore the tropical paradise of Puerto Vallarta. It offers flexible itineraries for all types of travelers, from outdoor adventurers to budget travelers. The guide also provides expert insight from local writer Madeline Milne, as well as reliable background information on the landscape, climate, wildlife, and history. Overall, Moon Puerto Vallarta is a must-have book for anyone planning to visit this beautiful part of Mexico.

#TOP 8

Puerto Vallarta & Pacific Mexico (Regional Travel Guide)

Greg Benchwick
John Hecht
Lonely Planet
Jul 1, 2009
Puerto Vallarta & Pacific Mexico (Regional Travel Guide) Cover
Puerto Vallarta & Pacific Mexico (Regional Travel Guide)

"Lonely Planet Puerto Vallarta & Pacific Mexico" is an expert guide to the stunning coastal paradise, written by insiders who know the destination inside out. The guidebook covers everything from sunbathing on beautiful beaches to exploring charming fishing villages, providing accurate and honest advice for travelers. The 3rd edition is fully updated, with a comprehensive outdoor adventure coverage, traveler picks for the best things to see and do, and a unique Green Index to make eco-friendly travel easier. Overall, this guidebook is an essential tool for anyone planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta and Pacific Mexico."

#TOP 9

PUERTO VALLARTA INSIDER: A Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide For Villa Renters and Luxury Travelers

Arnell, Scott
Arnell, Cathryn
Jan 25, 2019
PUERTO VALLARTA INSIDER: A Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide For Villa Renters and Luxury Travelers Cover
PUERTO VALLARTA INSIDER: A Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide For Villa Renters and Luxury Travelers

PUERTO VALLARTA INSIDER is an updated travel guide for luxury travelers and villa renters seeking an unforgettable experience in Puerto Vallarta. The authors, who have lived in the area for over a decade, offer practical advice to help discerning travelers plan their trip, even during the pandemic. They highlight the best areas to stay, dine, and shop to ensure that visitors make the most of their time in this beautiful tropical paradise. The book caters to travelers' unique needs, including privacy, security, and health precautions. Overall, PUERTO VALLARTA INSIDER is an excellent resource for anyone seeking a luxurious vacation in Mexico's second-largest tourist destination.

#TOP 10

Moon Puerto Vallarta: Including Sayulita & the Riviera Nayarit (Moon Handbooks)

Henderson, Justin
Avalon Travel Publishing
Dec 15, 2015
Moon Puerto Vallarta: Including Sayulita & the Riviera Nayarit (Moon Handbooks) Cover
Moon Puerto Vallarta: Including Sayulita & the Riviera Nayarit (Moon Handbooks)

Moon Puerto Vallarta: Including Sayulita & the Riviera Nayarit (Moon Handbooks) is a full-color guidebook that offers vibrant photos and easy-to-use maps to help with trip planning. It is authored by Justin Henderson, a former Sayulita resident, who provides expert advice on dining, transportation, and accommodations. With unique trip strategies designed for everyone to enjoy, this guidebook covers the best Puerto Vallarta has to offer for gay and lesbian travelers, making it a perfect choice for a range of travel budgets. Overall, this book is an excellent resource that gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience in Puerto Vallarta.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are there any travel warnings for Puerto Vallarta?

The cartel violence that makes headlines is concentrated far away from our little beach town. Puerto Vallarta is a very safe destination for international travelers, although tourists should obviously exercise caution, just as they would in their own countries.

2. What is the best month to go to Puerto Vallarta?

The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is between April and June when the weather is pleasant and the room rates are affordable. During these months, rain is scarce and there are fewer tourists compared to the winter high season. If you're interested in whale watching, however, visit from December to March.

3. Is travel to Puerto Vallarta safe right now?

The reality is that the city of Puerto Vallarta is actually one of the safest destinations in all of Mexico, and thousands of travelers from around the world safely enjoy everything from family vacations to romantic getaways on the shores of Banderas Bay.

Editor's Notes

During our puerto vallarta travel guide research, we found 119 puerto vallarta travel guide products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,669 customer reviews through our big data system to write the puerto vallarta travel guides list. We found that most customers choose puerto vallarta travel guides with an average price of $18.82.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.