Pacific Coast: 7-Day Itinerary

• Afternoon: Arrive at PVR airport, transfer to hotel in the Zona Romantica
• Late afternoon: Walk the Malecon boardwalk, admire the public sculptures
• Evening: Dinner in the Zona Romantica -- try local seafood at a traditional restaurant

• Morning: Explore Old Town -- Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, local markets
• Lunch: Fresh ceviche and fish tacos on the beach
• Afternoon: Los Muertos Beach for swimming and relaxation, or a boat trip along the coast
• Evening: Art walk (Wednesdays during high season) or live music at a Malecon bar

• Early morning: Boat tour to Marietas Islands from Punta de Mita
• Morning: Snorkeling around the islands, visit Hidden Beach (if permits available)
• Afternoon: Return to shore, relax at a beach club in Punta de Mita
• Evening: Dinner in the coastal village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

• Morning: Transfer to Sayulita (40 minutes from PV)
• Late morning: Surf lesson on the main beach
• Afternoon: Explore the town's colorful streets, street art, and boutiques
• Evening: Fish tacos and live music at the plaza, watch the sunset from the beach

• Morning: More surfing or visit Playa de los Muertos for quieter snorkeling
• Lunch: In San Pancho (10 minutes north) -- a quieter, artsy beach town
• Afternoon: Explore San Pancho's beach and community projects
• Evening: Return to Sayulita for dinner and the night market

• Option A (December-March): Morning whale watching tour from Banderas Bay -- humpback whales
• Option B: Hike to a waterfall in the Sierra Madre foothills behind Puerto Vallarta
• Afternoon: Beach time or spa treatment
• Evening: Sunset sailing on Banderas Bay (several operators in PV)

• Morning: Last beach morning, souvenir shopping at the Isla Cuale market
• Lunch: Final meal of pescado zarandeado or birria tacos
• Afternoon: Transfer to airport for departure

Practical Information

• Budget estimate -- $80-140 USD per day for mid-range travel
• Transport -- Uber works in Puerto Vallarta. Buses run to Sayulita and surrounding towns. Renting a car is useful but not essential.
• Best time -- November to May for dry weather. December to March for whale watching.
• Sayulita tip -- Book accommodation in advance for weekends and holidays when the town fills with domestic visitors from Guadalajara