Puerto Vallarta is considered a safe destination for tourists but crime rates are quite high. Even though tourists are not usually the target, it’s important to keep safety precautions.
The city of Puerto Vallarta is largely considered to be a tropical Mexican paradise. It is known for its delicious food, picturesque coastline, and deep roots in Mexican culture. It is situated along the Pacific coast in the Jalisco state of Mexico, and it is a popular tourist destination not only for people from the United States but also for individuals and families visiting from Europe as well.
At the same time, given that Puerto Vallarta is located in Mexico, many people are wondering whether this tropical resort destination is safe to visit.
Right now, Puerto Vallarta is safe for people to visit, but like anywhere else, it is important for travelers to use common sense and be aware of current conditions before they go.
Suggested: Is Cancun safe to visit?
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from Puerto Vallarta:
March 6 – Americans Warned to Reconsider Travel to Puerto Vallarta
With violence and kidnappings on the rise in the region, the State Department is advising Americans to reconsider or even avoid travel to regions of Mexico, particularly the state of Jalisco, which is home to the popular LGBT destination of Puerto Vallarta.
Just before spring break, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs issued a series of advisories regarding the ongoing violence in Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta and Crime: What To Know
Many people are concerned about crime and Puerto Vallarta. Fortunately, this city is widely considered safe for tourists. For example, according to multiple indices, Puerto Vallarta has a significantly lower crime rate when compared to the rest of Mexico, and even the crime rate in Miami, located in Florida.
While petty theft is common from time to time, tourists can reduce the chances of getting pickpocketed by taking a few standard precautions. For example, tourists should try to keep their most important belongings in a safe in the hotel room, and they should try to avoid traveling alone.
In addition, Puerto Vallarta has a very heavy police presence, which reduces the chances of someone falling victim to a crime. The police are even out at night, and they use headlights and flashlights to make sure their presence is known. While tourists should certainly still try to avoid traveling alone at night, Puerto Vallarta has a relatively low crime rate when compared to the rest of Mexico.
Hurricanes and Natural Disasters: Storms Can Roll Through
Another important safety issue that tourists need to consider involves hurricanes and natural disasters. Given that Puerto Vallarta is located on the coast, it is critical for tourists to pay close attention to hurricane forecasts. Mexico certainly gets its fair share of hurricanes, but Puerto Vallarta rarely gets struck by a hurricane.
Because Puerto Vallarta has a handful of mountains that protect it on most sides, it is difficult for a powerful hurricane to reach Puerto Vallarta. Most storms that approach the area are going to be weakened by the mountains of Mexico before they reach the city.
There are still storms that can roll through from time to time, but a Hurricane hasn’t caused significant damage to Puerto Vallarta since 2002. The weather is much more predictable during the summer, which is one of the reasons why it is the most popular time of year for tourists to visit the area.
The Safest Neighborhoods To Explore
One of the main advantages of visiting Puerto Vallarta is its cosmopolitan culture. There are plenty of neighborhoods to explore in Puerto Vallarta, and each of them has its own feel.
For example, the Romantic Zone is one of the most popular places for people of all backgrounds, but it is particularly friendly for people who are members of the LGBTQ community. There are lots of art galleries, cute hotels, delicious restaurants, and energetic bars.
The Marina Vallarta neighborhood is another popular location to explore. Many people compare it to Acapulco and Cancun, but it isn’t nearly as crowded. There are lots of luxury yachts and sailboats that park on the marina, and it might even be possible to rent one of them for a day or two. There is a very large ex-pat contingent that lives in this neighborhood, so international tourists typically feel very comfortable visiting this area.
Overall, Puerto Vallarta is a very safe place for tourists to visit.