Puerto Vallarta has once again earned high marks from travelers around the world, ranking as the No. 2 Best Small City in the World in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. The destination also ranked No. 1 among small cities in Latin America and placed 15th in the international beach category.
Now in its 39th year, the Readers’ Choice Awards are among the travel industry’s best-known honors. More than 798,000 readers participated in this year’s survey, rating destinations, hotels, restaurants, airlines, and travel experiences based on their own experiences.
For Puerto Vallarta, the recognition reflects the combination of natural beauty, Mexican culture, hospitality, and the wide range of experiences available to visitors. Golden beaches stretch along Banderas Bay, while the Sierra Madre Occidental provides a dramatic backdrop and opportunities for outdoor adventures.
The city has developed a reputation for offering something for nearly every type of traveler. Visitors can spend the day on the beach, explore art galleries and open-air markets, enjoy a growing fine-dining scene, or head into the mountains for activities such as canopy tours, mountain biking and bird watching; or the sea for sailing, fishing, and paddle boarding.
Puerto Vallarta is also home to more than 2,000 restaurants and offers more than 50 outdoor activities. Its mix of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and budget-friendly accommodations makes it accessible to travelers with different interests and budgets.
The destination’s appeal extends beyond leisure travel. Puerto Vallarta is widely recognized as one of Mexico’s most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations and remains a popular choice for destination weddings and honeymoons.
The area’s accommodation and air service infrastructure further support its international appeal. Puerto Vallarta has 27,504 hotel rooms across 456 lodging properties. Puerto Vallarta International Airport currently connects the destination with 55 cities, including 15 domestic and 40 international destinations. International service includes 24 routes to the United States and 16 to Canada.
The recognition also extends to local resorts. Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa ranked No. 6 among Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 15 Resorts in Western Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta’s latest Readers’ Choice ranking adds to its reputation as Jalisco’s leading sun-and-beach destination. Its ability to combine Pacific beaches, mountain scenery, Mexican traditions, cuisine, outdoor recreation, and modern tourism services continues to attract visitors from Mexico and around the world.
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