3 day itinerary for Vallarta

Itinerary

Here's an ideal itinerary for 3 days in Vallarta:

Day 1:

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at La Palapa, a beachfront restaurant that serves traditional Mexican dishes and fresh seafood.
• After breakfast, head to the Malecon, a famous boardwalk that stretches along the ocean. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the beautiful sculptures and street performers.
• Next, visit the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a stunning cathedral located in the heart of downtown Vallarta. The church is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
• For lunch, try some authentic tacos at El Carboncito, a local favorite known for its delicious grilled meats and homemade salsas.
• In the afternoon, take a boat tour to Los Arcos National Marine Park, where you can snorkel, swim, and explore the beautiful rock formations and marine life.
• End your day with dinner at Cafe des Artistes, a fine dining restaurant that offers French-Mexican fusion cuisine and an extensive wine list.

Day 2:

• Start your day with a hike to the top of Cerro de la Cruz, a hill that offers panoramic views of the city and the bay. The hike takes about 30 minutes and is well worth the effort.
• After the hike, head to the Zona Romantica, a charming neighborhood filled with colorful buildings, art galleries, and boutique shops. Grab a coffee at A Page in the Sun, a cozy bookstore cafe that also hosts live music events.
• For lunch, try some ceviche at Mariscos Cisneros, a casual seafood restaurant that serves fresh and flavorful dishes.
• In the afternoon, relax on the beach at Playa de los Muertos, one of the most popular beaches in Vallarta. Rent a beach chair and umbrella, and enjoy the sun and the sea.
• End your day with dinner at La Leche, a trendy restaurant that offers modern Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails.

Day 3:

• Start your day with a visit to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, a beautiful oasis located in the Sierra Madre mountains. The gardens feature a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as hiking trails and a river.
• For lunch, try some traditional Mexican dishes at El Arrayan, a cozy restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine.
• In the afternoon, take a cooking class at Colectika, a cultural center that offers workshops on Mexican cuisine, art, and music. Learn how to make tamales, salsas, and other delicious dishes.
• End your day with a sunset cruise on Banderas Bay, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the coastline and the mountains. The cruise includes drinks, snacks, and live music.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Vallarta! Let me know if you have any questions or need more recommendations.