The Puerto Vallarta International Airport is gearing up for a strong 2025–2026 high season, with 54 routes and over 1,000 weekly flights expected. With growing passenger numbers and major expansion underway, the airport continues to boost tourism and regional growth along the Mexican Pacific.
The Tepic–Compostela highway, a key new section in Nayarit, is now open. This modern road network expansion provides faster, safer travel and is poised to transform tourism and commerce. Beyond its benefits for local commuters, it facilitates access to Sayulita and Punta Mita, and reduces the Tepic-Puerto Vallarta trip to 90 minutes.
With the high tourism season underway, visitors in Puerto Vallarta are often concerned about extra charges when paying with credit cards. While foreign banks may impose international purchase fees ranging from 1% to 3%, Mexican businesses are prohibited from charging consumers additional fees for using credit or debit cards.
Puerto Vallarta celebrates an extraordinary year of global recognition, earning four 2025 Travvy Awards - including Best Destination, Culinary, and Honeymoon Destination in Mexico - while also being named among the world’s best small cities by Condé Nast Traveler and other major awards.
Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón is getting a major upgrade, with renovations to Malecón 2 and expansion to Hidalgo Park progressing ahead of schedule. The project adds new lighting, furniture, and essential drainage upgrades. Mayor Munguía expects completion by Dec 15.
A wave of excitement is sweeping across the Banderas Bay region as the first humpback whales - an advance party for the hundreds that will follow - have been sighted. While their presence is a spectacular sight, the official whale watching season doesn't begin in Puerto Vallarta until December 8, and tours are currently prohibited.
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit restaurants are shining with multiple nominations for the prestigious 2025 CANIRAC Restaurant Merit Award! These top honors, celebrating culinary excellence and quality, will be presented at the La Sazón de la Experiencia Summit on November 12-13 in Zapopan, Jalisco.
Puerto Vallarta municipal authorities recently visited the Vallarta Zoo to assess the condition of its facilities and the welfare of its animals following a PROFEPA inspection. Officials confirmed the animals are well cared for and announced plans to strengthen conservation efforts.
After being damaged by Hurricane Priscilla in early October, Puerto Vallarta's Boca de Tomates Turtle Camp has completed the rehabilitation of its main nesting pen. The restored enclosure now shelters hundreds of Olive Ridley nests, helping ensure the survival of this protected species.
Puerto Vallarta demonstrated its strong commitment to safety this week during the 2025 Tsunami Drill, which successfully evacuated more than 1,300 people from coastal and high-risk areas. Schools, businesses, and government offices coordinated efforts to ensure an efficient and orderly response.
