Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia
If you’re thinking about traveling to Mexico and wondering is Puerto Vallarta safe? Then you’ve come to the right place.
After living here for two years, I can answer that with absolute certainty. And the short answer is yes. But as with most things in life, there is also a long answer. And that is where this blog comes in.
Puerto Vallarta, in Jalisco state, is one of the top hotspots in the country, not just for nationals but also for international travelers. It’s one of the most authentic resort cities and has retained its Mexican charm, unlike Playa del Carmen or Cancun on the Caribbean coast.
It’s not the kind of place where the hotels tell you not to leave your resort. In fact, quite the opposite, they want you to explore. To see what it’s like downtown. To immerse yourself in Mexican culture, food, and nightlife. That is what makes Puerto Vallarta such a unique place.
Additionally, it’s a cruise port. Thousands of people dock daily and descend into the heart of downtown. Unlike what the media wants you to know, there is no need to hire a personal security detail to maintain your safety in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Below, I will explain how to be safe and give you some insider tips to keep you that way.
Is Puerto Vallarta Safe?
I get it. You watch the news, and nothing good comes of it. Especially pertaining to safety in Mexico. Even the movies prey on our nervousness and make us even more afraid. The overall perception is that Mexico, as a country, is not safe.
But the truth is Mexico is a massive country. Just like the United States. If someone told you not to travel to America because Chicago is unsafe, would you listen? Probably not. You might not go to Chicago, but more than 50 million annual tourists decide otherwise.
Is Puerto Vallarta safe from cartels? Real talk. No. That’s like asking if America is safe from gangs. It’s still Mexico, and cartels still exist. However, there is only one here, so there are no turf wars or crossfires to get caught in.
Have I ever seen any cartel activity? Not that I know of. We don’t buy drugs and aren’t involved with anything illicit, so it’s highly unlikely we ever would. Stay out of that arena, and you’ll never meet the bull.
Puerto Vallarta Crime Rate
Puerto Vallarta, like any city, has its share of crime. But let’s put things into perspective. According to Numbeo, Puerto Vallarta is as safe as Sydney, Australia and Venice, Italy. I bet you’ve never heard about how unsafe it is to go there. Would you even think about looking up Sydney’s safety? Venice? I doubt it.
The crime rate in Puerto Vallarta is 35.70/100 — the lower the number, the better. Let’s compare it to some of the most popular tourist destinations in the US:
- Maui, Hawaii = 51.18/100
- Los Angeles, CA. =53.05/100
- New York City, NY. 50.02/100
- New Orleans, LA. = 67.22/100
- Miami, FL. =52.65/100
- Chicago, IL. = 66.21/100
So, basically, all the American tourist hotspots have higher crime rates than Puerto Vallarta. I can guarantee that it isn’t stopping or even slowing down tourism.
What about international hotspots? Puerto Vallarta is safer than Barcelona, London, and Vancouver. You read that right, Canadians.
Puerto Vallarta is safer than Cancun and Cabo, as well. Two other vacation and expat hotspots. So, the moral of the story is not to believe all the myths of the media. They can’t make money off the happy news, so take it all with a grain of salt.
I’m not trying to tell you crime doesn’t exist in Puerto Vallarta; indeed, it does. But most of the crimes committed in tourist or expat areas are things like pickpocketing, purse theft, and scams to get your wallet (more on the scams below).
There are also crimes of opportunity. If you leave your purse or backpack on the back of a chair, it could get stolen. Leave your iPhone on the edge of a table; someone might walk by and swipe it. Don’t do silly things like that, and it’ll be ok. Situational awareness will save the day.
The most common crime, as in, it’s a crying shame to see, is tourists acting like drunken fools. So, is Puerto Vallarta safe for tourists? Yes, unless you count the crime of public drunkenness as a threat.
More than 1.5 million Canadians and Americans live in Mexico. Hundreds of thousands of them are in Puerto Vallarta. They can’t all be wrong or misguided. When you compare cities and look at the numbers, it should answer the question, is Puerto Vallarta safe right now?
US travel advisory for Mexico
The US travel advisory is divided into states, not cities. So, Puerto Vallarta gets lumped into the Jalisco state travel warning, making it a bit misleading. You may not want to travel to other places in Jalisco, but this city is fine. By a similar logic, you wouldn’t go visit beautiful California because LA is dangerous. Sounds a bit absurd, no?
Is Puerto Vallarta safe for tourists and travelers?
There is a reason Puerto Vallarta is such a famous destination for digital nomads and tourists. It’s fun, friendly, and one of the safest places on both coasts of Mexico.
As a tourist, you’re not going to delve off the beaten path. You’re going to stay in the most popular places. You will be safe if you use common sense and follow some general safety guidelines as you would anywhere in the world.
Is Puerto Vallarta safe to live as expats?
We wouldn’t have moved to Puerto Vallarta if we hadn’t felt safe. And Mark would NEVER even think of living in a place where he would worry about my safety. So, the answer is yes.
That being said, we take precautions just as we would anywhere in the world. If you follow the tips below, you’ll be safe.
Safest places in Puerto Vallarta
If you are living in Puerto Vallarta, there are probably only a handful of colonias (or neighborhoods) where you’ll rent long-term. The same goes if you are coming here as a tourist. Most are along the coast.
These are the safest places to stay in Puerto Vallarta:
Cinco de Diciembre (5D): Ideal for soaking up local vibes.
After spending a year in the Romantic Zone (Old Town), we craved a less touristy neighborhood with more local culture. We still needed to be close to the beach. 5D is the perfect balance with its mix of local families, businesses, and seaside vibes. We love living here and feel very safe.
Centro (downtown): Prime for its central location.
Centro sits right between Old Town and 5D, making it a bustling hub. It’s still quite touristy and hilly, and the Malecon runs along its edge, so there is no beach for lounging. For sandy shores, you’ll need to head south to Old Town or north to 5D.
Old Town (Zona Romantica): A treasure trove at your doorstep.
We enjoyed living in the Romantic Zone — stepping out of your door means diving straight into a world of convenience. Restaurants, bars, taco stands, entertainment, and the beach are all within arm’s reach. It’s super touristy and very safe. And the LGBTQ+ capital of Mexico.
Marina Vallarta
Marina Vallarta is a lovely area in, you guessed it, the marina. It has a little enclave with high-end restaurants, bars, cafes, and a Starbucks. It’s luxury condos and resorts and yachts galore.
If you don’t care about being in the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta, it’s a very safe place to stay.
Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera)
The Hotel Zone is exactly what you think it is… an area full of hotels and resorts. It’s where the all-inclusive hotels are, and it’s a very safe place for families in Puerto Vallarta.
Nuevo Vallarta
Just over state lines into Nayarit is Nuevo Vallarta, a small-town version of Puerto Vallarta. It’s pretty touristy, very safe, and a lot of expats live there. If you want to stay in a family-friendly area and don’t care about being in Puerto Vallarta, it’s a lovely area to stay in.
Places to avoid in Puerto Vallarta
Are there places to avoid in Puerto Vallarta? I am certain there are. But I don’t know any by name. The further inland you go, the risk may increase. But why go there?
For the most part, everything we do is within the safest colonias along the coast. Other than curiosity, there is no need to venture into the deep backroads of the city.
Is Puerto Vallarta Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Yes. But as women, we need to be extra cautious. We can never let our guard down.
Here are some additional safety tips for solo female travelers:
- Get one of these tiny personal safety alarms that attach to your purse/bag/backpack/keys, whatever. If someone is bothering you, pull the plug, and a strobe light and extra loud siren goes off.
- Listen to your instincts. If it feels off, it is.
- Puerto Vallarta is a beach town, but that doesn’t mean you should walk through the streets in a bikini, let alone a thong. At the beach, go for it. Once you leave, just throw a little beach cover-up over it and go on your merry way. You can still look fire, but no need to draw the wrong attention.
As a woman, I hate having to tell other women to dress a certain way. In a perfect world, I wouldn’t have to. But I know from experience that unwanted attention can be scary AF, and it’s not worth it.
- Never let your food or drinks out of your sight. Buy one of these to cover your drink and prevent it from being spiked.
- Don’t walk alone late at night, even for a few blocks. That is what an Uber is for.
- Only use ride apps like Uber or InDrive. They are trackable, and you can share your route with others so they can follow along. And they are cheaper than taxis.
Is Puerto Vallarta safe for families?
It sure is.
The boardwalk is full of families enjoying the playful sculptures and eating all the snacks along the way. Additionally, the entire beach is a playground for kids.
If you aren’t comfortable with independently traveling to Mexico, stay at a large resort or an all-inclusive in Puerto Vallarta. But be sure to venture out of the hotel. There are many safe things to do here, and you’ll miss out if you never leave the property.
Are Puerto Vallarta beaches safe?
This question has two parts: water safety and beach safety.
Let’s start with water safety. Some of the beaches here have lifeguards. Some don’t. Some proudly display the color safety flags, and some don’t. If you see a flag, pay attention to its color.
It’s like a stoplight:
Green = go for a swim
Yellow = you can swim, but be cautious
Red = don’t do it, it’s dangerous
Black = don’t even think about it. Just go home.
Maybe people think it’s calmer because we are in a bay versus the open ocean. But strong waves still occur. Rip tides can occur. Drunk jackasses on jet skis can occur, as can lousy boat captains. So, you have to take responsibility for yourself when you get in that water. It’s on you.
Now, on to beach safety. Don’t bring all your valuables to the beach.
What do you do with the essentials? Bring some sort of lockable bag to lock to the chair. Or this dry pouch bag to bring in the water with you.
Watch out for these scams in Puerto Vallarta
In any touristy area, scams will occur, ranging from minor occurrences, like getting shortchanged, to getting your wallet stolen.
Here are a few common ones to watch out for:
The mustard scam:
It’s all about subterfuge and distraction. It’s when someone distracts you by squirting mustard or some weird concoction on your back. As their partner pretends to “help you” wipe it off, they rid you of your phone and wallet. It only takes seconds.
If someone alerts you to something gross on your back, hold tight to your belongings and walk away. Don’t let them get near you, let alone touch you.
Airport taxi scams:
These are easy to fall for because you need a ride, and they know it.
There will be touts outside the exit asking if you want a ride. Just say, “No, gracias,” or ignore them. They are pushy.
If you have a lot of suitcases and need a ride, walk outside and turn right. You’ll see a little ticket window for taxis, and you can order one there. They are the official taxi company; depending on where you are going, a regular car should cost you 400-650 pesos. More for an SUV or van.
You can also arrange for your ride through your hotel or Airbnb. Sometimes it’ll cost the same.
If you only have a small suitcase or backpack, get an Uber. You’ll need to head outside the airport and turn left. Walk about two minutes, and you’ll see a bridge that crosses the highway. Once you cross, you can get an Uber. They aren’t allowed to pick up in airport territory. All in all, it’ll only take about 5-7 minutes to get to the other side.
The bump and steal:
Similar to the mustard scam, this one happens in the grocery store. You’ll be focused on that damn mayo, trying to read the list of ingredients in Spanish (no easy feat, I might add). Next thing you know, someone bumps into you, once again liberating you from your valuables.
In seconds, literally, everything is gone. In minutes, they’ve charged thousands of pesos online.
These are professionals, so beware.
Card skimmers:
These devices steal your ATM or credit card info so the scammer can use it. If the ATM looks dodgy or loose, don’t stick your card in it. These aren’t Puerto Vallarta problems; they are global problems.
Pickpockets:
This isn’t a scam, but if you carry a backpack or large shoulder bag, beware if you are in a crowded place. The thief will cut the bottom of your bag and slide their hand inside until they find your wallet and phone. Unbeknownst to you!
Thieves are good. You’ve seen Money Heist, right? Don’t be a victim of these common scams. Staying safe in Puerto Vallarta is all about situational awareness and common sense.
Food and drink safety in Puerto Vallarta
Gone are the days when you can’t eat at food stands in Puerto Vallarta. If you can see the food being cooked, you’ll be fine. Mark and I have been eating at every taco stand we could find for two years and have never been seriously sick.
Have things upset our stomachs? Of course. But nothing worthy of a doctor’s visit.
It is possible to get traveler’s diarrhea in Mexico. Bring some charcoal or Imodium just to be safe.
If you do get Montezuma’s revenge, there are clinics attached to many pharmacies. Just walk in, and you’ll be seen ASAP. It’ll only cost a few bucks, probably under $20 for the visit and whatever meds they give you.
As for the infamous tap water in Mexico — people we know in Puerto Vallarta drink right from their kitchen tap. We don’t. We have water delivery, like Hinkley and Schmidt, every Wednesday and Saturday. For 50 pesos ($2.93), they deliver one to our door — that includes a 20 peso tip. I do brush my teeth with tap water. I just don’t swallow it.
Every hotel, Airbnb, or VRBO in Puerto Vallarta provides large garraffones (jugs) of water, so why take the chance?
Since I am constantly mindful of our plastic use, I rarely order a bottle of water at restaurants. Instead, we ask for “vasos de agua,” which means glasses of water. Then they bring us filtered glasses from those large jugs of water.
I’m not sure I would do that in small towns that aren’t on the tourist trail. But in Puerto Vallarta, for sure.
25 safety tips for visiting Puerto Vallarta (and living here)
Most of these precautions aren’t specific to Mexico, so keep them in mind no matter where you are in the world.
- Don’t be a drunk fool. Yes, have some tequila. But don’t get out of control. It’s not a good look. People could easily take advantage of you if you don’t keep your wits about you.
- Don’t go to the ATMs alone at night. Seems like good advice anywhere you go, no? And pay attention to who is paying attention to you at the bank.
- Don’t get drunk and go for a swim. The Pacific is no joke and not calm like the Caribbean. The waves can be strong here, so it’s essential to stay close to shore and pay attention.
- Speaking of paying attention, don’t put your back to the waves. They can come out of nowhere and push you face first into the sand. Trust me on this one. No one likes to faceplant.
- Don’t buy illegal drugs. Or befriend the dealers. There is just no need.
- Watch where you walk. The cobblestone streets look cute but can be ankle breakers (or nose breakers… hello again, faceplant) if you aren’t paying attention.
- Don’t walk around flashing your money or jewels. That’s like taping a $100 bill to your forehead. You’re just making yourself a target.
- Don’t put your backpack or purse on the back of the chair. Again, that is asking for someone to “accidentally” knock into you and swiftly steal it. Many restaurants have percheros or purse racks — just ask.
- When you are out and about, ensure your bag is always closed and secured to your body. Don’t make it easy for pickpockets.
- Don’t carry loads of money and credit cards. If God forbid you do get pickpocketed, they just got everything all in one swoop. Leave the non-essential at home and leave the rest in the hotel safe. We only keep a little cash and one credit card on us most of the time.
- Be friendly to the locals. 99.99% of them have the best intentions. Most Mexicans are super kind and happy to chat.
- Learn a few words in Spanish. No one is expecting you to be fluent. But learning the social graces will do wonders.
- Although most taxis are fine, we prefer Uber and InDrive. Both are traceable, so if you drop your phone or keys in the car, you’ll get them back. Also, then you know how much the ride is before you get in.
- If you take a taxi, agree on the price before getting in the car.
- Bring a small first-aid kit with things like Imodium, Pepto, aspirin, and a couple band-aids. Yes, there are pharmacies on every corner, literally, especially in the Zona Romantica. But it’s a lot easier to carry them with you and don’t take up any room.
- Don’t walk alone late at night. If you are a solo female traveler, take an Uber at night, even for a few blocks.
- Speaking of Uber, verify their license plates and names before entering the car.
- If you pay by credit card at a restaurant, they will bring a card reader machine to you. Don’t give them your card to walk away with. If they don’t have the machine, go with them to the counter while they run your card.
- Take a pic of your passport and email it to yourself. If it gets lost or stolen, you’ll have proof it’s you.
- Keep a list of emergency numbers in your phone and contacts.
- Be aware of your surroundings, always.
- Don’t drink the tap water. Most places nowadays only use filtered water, but just to be safe.
- The clubs are hopping in Puerto Vallarta at night, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down in a club. Solo females, watch your drinks. Don’t leave it unattended for one second. Better yet, buy one of those drink covers to protect your drink from being tampered with.
- When you’re at the beach, use one of these locking bags to go in the water carefree. Or get a dry bag for the same reason.
- In crowded places, move your backpack to the front. Don’t give thieves the opportunity to steal from you.
Contact Information
In case everything goes to hell in a handbasket, here are some important numbers you should have… just in case.
- Dial 911 in case of an emergency
- Nearby Hospitals
- CMQ Hospital Puerto Vallarta: +52 322 223 1919
- Medassist Hospital Romantic Zone: +52 322 223 0656
- Vallarta Tourism Center
- +52 322 221 2676
So, how safe is Puerto Vallarta right now?
Since I currently live here, I’m quite qualified to answer this.
I take the above precautions and feel very safe here. I know things happen. I know crime occurs. But it’s not the big bad wolf the media makes it out to be.
I’m not worried I’ll be kidnapped. Or beheaded. And I make sure to remain aware at all times, as should you, wherever you are in the world.
And common sense does wonders.
Do you have any other safety tips for traveling? Reply in the comments section below.
XO,
K
FAQ
1. Is Puerto Vallarta safer than Cabo?
Sure is. According to Numbeo, Cabo’s stats are 43.24/100. Puerto Vallarta is 35.70/100.
2. Is Puerto Vallarta safer than Cancun?
Yes again. Cancun is 55.73/100.
3. Can you drink the water in Puerto Vallarta?
Kind of. I don’t mean to be vague, but we know plenty of people who do. And just as many who don’t. But just to play it safe, I’d say no.
4. Is Puerto Vallarta safe at night?
Yes, it’s definitely safe at night. Especially if you are in the Romantic Zone and Centro, where the Malecon (boardwalk) is. Both have tons of people out and about and are very well lit. If you are leaving these areas to go home, catch an Uber. No need to walk late at night.
5. Are clubs in Puerto Vallarta safe?
For sure. It’s one of the reasons Puerto Vallarta is so well known as a party town. Loads of people come here for bachelor/ette parties and weddings and go clubbing until the wee hours. Just watch your drinks and don’t get out of control — you will be a-ok!
6. Is it safe to walk around in Puerto Vallarta?
Absolutely. We walk everywhere. Even at night, we’ll walk along the boardwalk, home from dinner. But if it’s late, we hop an Uber.
Hi darling,
Loved your post. Great advice for travellers, as usual. Lots of common sense therein, PV sounds like a fun place to be and as safe as most tourist spots around the world. I’m sure your advice will ease the minds of the nervous travellers out there. By the way, I love the pic of Mark in his new job as a flower seller. 😆 . Much love to you both. 😘😘🍷🍷
Ha Terry! You spotted him!! Too funny. Thanks for reading. Hopefully it will ease the minds of travelers. Hope to see you here one day. Xo
What a great article!! We need to make it go viral… I get tired of the news in America about Mexico. And tired of reassuring our friends it’s safe here…. Only to have them decide it’s not! 🥹
Sally, Yesss! Let’s make this go viral (I hope you know how bc I certainly don’t).
Great tips. I’ve been to PV many times. The biggest threat we have faced is the cobblestones and varying (uneven) surfaces. The people are very friendly and have been quite helpful – especially when my wife left her phone in the Uber. In general, we have found the Mexican people to be very kind and conscious about our safety. I remember my wife bought a small purse from a vendor as she was wearing her coach bag, the vendor insisted she put her coach purse into the plastic bag so as not to attract attention. I think she even gave a small discount. A big smile and a little Spanish go a long way. PV is wonderful. Thanks Kirsten!
Thank you, William. I’m so glad your experiences here have been nothing but safe and fabulous. I can totally imagine the vendor telling her to hide Coach purse. The locals only want the best for the tourists and expats here. Hope to see you both here soon!
Thanks for the assurances about safety and common sense! Makes me look forward to a visit even sooner.
Yass! You better Michael Brown!