Puerto Vallarta is one of the most secure and popular tourist destinations in Mexico, according to confirmed reports.
Zona Romantica and the Malecón are popular destinations for both locals and foreign visitors, and the beaches here are considerably safer than those in Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
Yet, Puerto Vallarta lacks many all-inclusive resorts, in contrast to well-liked family vacation spots like those in Quintana Roo.
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LATEST NEWS from PUERTO VALLARTA:
April 6: Puerto Vallarta reached 2.19 million visitors in the first 3 months of 2024
Puerto Vallarta broke a new tourism record with 2.19 million visitors in the first quarter of 2024 which is 5% more than the first quarter of 2023. What’s more, Puerto Vallarta has beaten third month in the row its biggest competitor in the country, Los Cabos which has been recently ranked as the most expensive destination in Mexico.
April 1: A Mexican cartel continues trapping American retirees in a timeshare scam
Cartel’s timeshare scams tailored to trap American retirees aren’t going away. Theweek.com has covered the latest warnings and everything you need to know about this trap in their recent article.
February 16 – Four people were injured in a confrontation in Puerto Vallarta between the National Guard and armed civilians
According to local authorities, four people were injured in an armed confrontation between civilians and members of the National Guard.
The government announced in a statement on Facebook that these actions took place in the towns of El Ranchito and La Desembocada.
It was reported that at least four people were injured, including two national guardsmen, according to reporter Evaristo Tenorio from Fuerza Informativa Azteca de Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta is located.
Areas to Avoid in Puerto Vallarta
Avoid going to far-away neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta, particularly if you’re not familiar with the area. You’ll feel safe strolling around the traditional Romantic Zone or along the Malecon where lots of people are out and about. The tourist area along the beach and main street is largely well-patrolled by law enforcement personnel.
You’ll come across more of Puerto Vallarta’s potentially dangerous streets—where local crime may occur—as you head inland from the beach. But most of the crime is limited to neighborhood break-ins.
Crime Statistics in Puerto Vallarta
Here is a comparison of crime statistics in Puerto Vallarta vs. Cancun (Data source: Numbeo.com)
| Puerto Vallarta | Cancun | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General crime level | Low 38.64 | High 60.16 | ||
| Crime growth over the last 3 years | High 60.69 | High 71.88 | ||
| Worries home broken and things stolen | Moderate 40.03 | Moderate 55.47 | ||
| Worries of being attacked | Low 25.32 | Moderate 50.78 | ||
| Drug use and dealing | Low 37.50 | High 62.23 | ||
| Property crimes (vandalism and theft) | Moderate 45.41 | Moderate 57.99 | ||
| Violent crimes (assault, armed robbery) | Low 34.43 | Moderate 57.07 | ||
| Corruption and bribery | High 64.07 | High 72.85 | ||
Official Travel Advisories
U.S. Travel Advisory
The U.S. Department of State has classified travel to the state of Jalisco as “Reconsider Travel.” However, it does not include popular tourist spots like Puerto Vallarta. Although gang violence may occur in other regions of Jalisco, the greatest danger is being abducted or becoming an innocent bystander target amid a territorial dispute.
Travel to Jalisco State, which includes the tourist destinations of Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta (including the neighboring Riviera Nayarit), Chapala, and Ajijic, is unrestricted for US government employees.
Canada Travel Advisory
As a blank statement, the Canadian government advises its citizens to exercise a heightened level of caution when traveling to Mexico due to elevated levels of criminal activity and kidnapping. However, it does not issue specific advisories against traveling to Jalisco, unlike Guerrero and other Mexican regions.
Common Scams
Vacation Packages: Many travelers report being swindled when purchasing vacation packages to Puerto Vallarta. To avoid falling victim to this scam, ensure that the company you are booking through is legitimate. You can verify the registration of the business in Mexico here.
Airport Scams: Upon exiting customs, travelers encounter a large sliding door where numerous individuals await, aiming to exploit unsuspecting visitors. They may approach you, falsely claiming to be your prearranged transportation. If you have scheduled airport pick-up, wait for them outside the airport, as this is the designated area for such services.
Overcharging for Local Buses: Typically, local buses in Puerto Vallarta charge around $10 pesos per person. However, upon boarding, ticket collectors may quote a significantly higher price. Verify the fare with other passengers and pay accordingly to avoid overpayment.
Taxi Scams: Since most taxis lack meters, it’s essential to agree on a fare before starting your trip. Negotiate the price in advance, ensuring clarity on the cost per person and destination. Always haggle, as initial prices tend to be inflated. Alternatively, consider using Uber, particularly for airport transfers, as it offers transparent pricing.
Timeshare Scams: Timeshare representatives may entice you with promises of free beverages, tequila, or tours in exchange for a short-term commitment. However, these presentations often extend far beyond the promised duration, trapping attendees in lengthy and coercive sales pitches. Politely decline such offers to avoid becoming ensnared in unwanted commitments.