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Narrowing down this list of the best Instagram spots in Puerto Vallarta wasn’t easy. I spent six weeks in the beachside paradise and felt like there was beautiful view around every corner.
Most of you don’t have quite as much time here, so even though I could showcase 100 photos – at least – I cut this list down to only the best of the best. Keep reading to discover:
- Hidden beaches
- Colorful streets
- Scenic viewpoints
- Jungle treks
And so much more!
If you’re into photography or just want to snap something special for the ‘gram, this list of the 16 best Instagram spots in Puerto Vallarta will take you to the most beautiful places in the city! (Or if you’re really feeling extra, book your own personal photoshoot in Puerto Vallarta to take your Insta game to the next level.)
16. Sayulita
The town of Sayulita is a hippie surf town about 1.5 hours away from Puerto Vallarta by bus.
Catch the bus in front of the HSBC Bank on Francia street (they run often) and spend a day wandering through this picturesque town. The colorful decorations hanging all up and down the roads make Sayulita hands down one if the best Instagram spots in Puerto Vallarta – so much so, that you can even book a Sayulita photography tour to capture the city like a pro.
15. San Pancho
San Pancho is only five minutes from Sayulita, so you can visit both towns in one day trip from PV by either taking a taxi between the two or doing this fun jungle hike. San Pancho is even smaller and more laid back than Sayulita, and you’ll find plenty of beautiful photo spots – like this picturesque scene on the beach.
14. Your flights in and out of PV
Depending on where you’re flying to, the side of the plane with the best aerial view of Puerto Vallarta will change. When we took off from Puerto Vallarta to Chicago, I sat on the right side of the plane and got this insane panoramic view of the coastline.
If you’re going in the same direction, get prepared to find yourself in one of the best Instagram spots in Puerto Vallarta without even trying!
13. Quimixto Beach
Quimixto is a seldom-visited beach town to the south of Puerto Vallarta.
When we went there were zero crowds and we were able to photograph our hearts out in this beachside paradise. This view of Quimixto was taken from the dock where the water taxi dropped us off, so it’s impossible to miss. Check out my step-by-step guide to visiting Quimixto to add it to your Puerto Vallarta itinerary!
12. Quimixto Waterfall
Quimixto also has an amazingly picturesque waterfall, so if you were on the fence about going, this should convince you. The waterfall has a restaurant and bar built around it so you can swim, drink beer, and snap beautiful photos all at once – bliss.
11. The cozy bars and restaurants
There are tons of cozy bars and restaurants to take Instagram pics at in Puerto Vallarta, so keep an eye out for a pretty shot whenever you go out for a night on the town. This pretty bar is located at Sonorita Olas Altas in the Zona Romantica, which is one of my favorite cheap eats in Puerto Vallarta. If you go, I recommend the al pastor tacos!
10. Los Muertos Beach
Los Muertos beach is the most popular place to catch some rays in Puerto Vallarta, so chances are you’ll find yourself wandering through this maze of sandy beach chairs when you’re here.
Muertos is also one of the best Instagram spots in Puerto Vallarta because it has everything you need: ocean waves, boardwalks, palm trees, food vendors and, of course, stellar people-watching opportunities.
Sometimes a crowd can make a photo of a place more interesting, and I found that to be true at Los Muertos. I took this photo near La Palapa restaurant.
9. Mirador La Cruz Viewpoint
The Mirador La Cruz viewpoint is one of the best Instagram spots in Puerto Vallarta at any time, but especially at sunset.
From this bird’s eye view you can see all of Banderas Bay, with the town, jungle, and coastline spread out beneath your feet. It’s beautiful, and easy to reach on foot from the Malecon. Just put it into your GPS and you’ll be there in 15 to 20 minutes.
A bit of effort to get uphill is rewarded with an insane panoramic view of Puerto Vallarta – so worth it!
8. Yelapa Beach
Yelapa is one of the farthest beaches that the water taxis go to, so it’s much more peaceful than Muertos or Animas, while still having bars, restaurants, and infrastructure in place for a fun day.
Take a bus to Boca de Tomatlan and then take the water taxi to Yelapa – the earlier the better – to spend a day in paradise and get a beautiful shot for your ‘gram while you’re at it. Use this Yelapa travel guide to add it to your Puerto Vallarta itinerary!
7. Yelapa Waterfall
Did I mention Yelapa also has a waterfall?
Like Quimixto, a day trip to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta is worth the effort because there are beautiful photography spots around every corner. From Yelapa beach, the waterfall is only about a 15-minute walk through town, so it’s easy to squeeze into your busy day of relaxation.
6. Vallarta Botanical Garden
The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden was rated as one of the best in the world, so a visit here definitely won’t leave you – or your camera – disappointed.
The Botanical Garden has a restaurant, river, waterfall, chapel, hiking trails, secluded swimming spots, and curated gardens of cacti, orchids and more. Use this step-by-step Botanical garden guide to visit on a half-day trip from PV!
5. The Street Food
If you have an eye for photography, the street food and cheap eats in Puerto Vallarta can make for a very interesting subject.
While it may not be the most traditional Instagram shot in Puerto Vallarta, it’s a unique part of the city’s personality and deserves to be captured. I ate a lot of shrimp and marlin sticks during my six-week stay in Puerto Vallarta and snapped this pic at the Langosta Loca stand on the Malecon.
4. Casitas Maraika Resort
You don’t need to stay at Casitas Maraika to get a beautiful photo of this jungle getaway. It’s located on the popular hiking trail from Boca de Tomatlan to Animas Beach, so you can easily stop by for a coffee and a few photos on your way through.
Or, get a photo from the water like this one when you take the water taxis to Animas beach, Quimixto, or Yelapa – just make sure to sit on the coastal side of the boat.
3. Playa Colomitos (Hidden Cove)
Playa Colomitos is a hidden beach in Puerto Vallarta that everyone should visit. It’s also located on the hiking route from Boca to Animas and, because it’s only accessible by foot or boat, if you go early you’ll be the only one there.
Because you can pair this with Casitas Maraika, it’s definitely one of the best Insta spots in Puerto Vallarta.
2. Sunrise on the Malecon
Getting up early on vacation is tough, but it’s worth it to get an Instagram shot of Puerto Vallarta in her best light.
Check the sunrise times during your stay and make it a point to walk down the Malecon at least one morning before the hustle, bustle, and heat of the day get started. I promise you’ll be handsomely rewarded!
1. Sunset on the Malecon
Finally, the absolute best Instagram spot in Puerto Vallarta is also one of the easiest to capture.
Sunsets on the west coast are unlike any other, and you should take care to catch every single one while you’re in Puerto Vallarta. You may just get lucky enough to get a shot like this!
Map of the Best Instagram Spots in Puerto Vallarta
Use this map to easily track down all the best Instagram spots in Puerto Vallarta during your visit. Each one is marked above and easy to reach by bus or water taxi in two hours or less from the city center.
Ready to go?
Explore unique stays on Airbnb – like this gorgeous open-air earth house with a private pool, a 66 ft. yacht, or a ranch in the mountains – and the top-rated hotels on Booking.com to plan the perfect night, weekend, or long-term stay in paradise!
Then, check out more food, nature, and cultural experiences in Puerto Vallarta to round out your itinerary (or book a multi-day Mexico tour with Intrepid to finish your travel planning in one click!).
This article is part of the Puerto Vallarta Planner Series. Read the rest below:
Puerto Vallarta Travel Blog: Plan Your Trip With This Step-by-Step Guide
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta: A Definitive Ranking
12 Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta: Ranked
9 Step-by-Step Guides to Hiking in Puerto Vallarta
16 Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta at Night (On Any Budget)
6 Best Cheap Eats in Puerto Vallarta (With Map + Prices)
The Complete Guide to Craft Beer in Puerto Vallarta
How to Change a Pup’s Life with SPCA Puerto Vallarta
Or, check out the complete Mexico Series for 50+ more articles on what to see, do, eat, drink, and discover in the country.
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