Nuevo Vallarta

The Basics

To ensure your safety, the steep slopes of Acatenango are best summited with a guide. Tours usually depart from Antigua and typically include pickup and lunch. While the climb can be completed in a day, overnight tours let you watch the sunset and see lava explosions from adjoining Fuego from a mountain campsite. For a less physically challenging option, choose a tour that includes 4WD transport part of the way up, which shortens the hiking time.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Overnight tours usually include meals and transport, though you’ll generally have to pay the entrance fee to the park yourself.

• The hike up Acatenango is strenuous, and should only be attempted by those of a good fitness level.

• Temperatures drop near the top, especially at night, so pack warm gear including a quality sleeping bag.

• Check whether your tour includes a porter; otherwise pack light and be prepared to carry your own bag.

How to Get There

The trailhead begins at the village of La Soledad, about an hour’s drive from Antigua. Buses from Antigua are few and far between, and often require transfers, which makes it significantly easier to come as part of a tour.

When to Get There

The best time to climb is during the dry season between late November and early April. Though it can still be climbed during the rainy season, tours may be cancelled for safety reasons

What to Expect on the Hike

Hiking up to the summit of Acatenango takes about 4-5 hours.The trail begins with a steep ascent through the farm-dotted foothills, then leads into cloud forest and high alpine forest. The final stretch leads beyond the treeline and up volcanic scree, from where there are far-reaching views of neighboring peaks.

Ways to explore

Located in the state of Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta functions as a laid-back expansion of Puerto Vallarta. Because the area is so self-contained—with accommodation, dining, and activities all within easy reach—you can skip the stressful logistics that often come with travel. Even if you’re not staying at one of the resorts along the coast, you can book day passes at most of them, giving you access to pools, beach loungers, and fitness clubs. Other popular activities include whale-watching, fishing trips, horseback riding, and bike tours.

Accessibility

Nuevo Vallarta is a recently built community, so the sidewalks and roads tend to be in better condition than those in neighboring Puerto Vallarta. Most of the large resorts will be very accessible, but check with your accommodation ahead of time.

Age limits

Some hotels and beach clubs are adult-only.

What to pack

Water, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, towel, sunglasses, swimsuit, cash

What to wear

For a day at the beach, casual beach clothes and sandals are fine. If you’re checking out one of the many excellent restaurants in the area, it’s a nice excuse to dress up—think elevated resort-wear.

Not allowed

Littering, swimming in areas where there are no lifeguards

Amenities

Restaurants, beach clubs (paid access), paid parking

Address 

Your accommodation will likely offer shuttle options from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, but car rentals are a good option if you want to explore Bucerías or Sayulita. Nuevo Vallarta itself is fairly walkable.

Driving

From the airport, drive Federal Highway 200 toward Nayarit; take the exit to Nuevo Vallarta and follow Boulevard de Nayarit to your destination. There are plenty of paid parking lots set back from the beach—the Riviera Nayarit information center has a large one.

Public transportation

Buses operated by ATM (Autostransportes Medina) leave the airport frequently and take about 20 minutes to reach Nuevo Vallarta. The Carretera A Tepic stop drops you on the outskirts of Nuevo Vallarta; you can walk or take a taxi from there.

Best times to visit

Nuevo Vallarta is an all-day destination. The beaches never get too busy, and the town’s vibrant nightlife means that the energy rises as the sun starts to go down.

Best days to visit

Nuevo Vallarta is primarily a tourist destination, so visitor numbers are consistent throughout any given week. Travel when it works for your schedule, and when the weather cooperates.

Best months to visit

The dry season runs from November to April, which is the best time for lounging on the beach. February and March are both good options if you’re after quieter beaches.

Special events

The whale-watching season lasts from December to March—there will be plenty of tours, and you might even be able to spot them spyhopping from the beach!