Visit any one or all of these ten Instagram-worthy spots in Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit to create an unforgettable photo album.
Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit coastline boast so many captivating natural marvels that we had a really hard time choosing the best 10 for this list. With such a wide range of amazing places, located within convenient distances, it isn't hard to know why our slogan is "Inspired by Nature”.
If you are interested in spicing up your Instagram feed, look no further than these 10 bright and beautiful locations. Add some flare to your social media during your next visit to Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit with Vallarta Adventures.
10. Yelapa Beach
Hop on a boat and travel 45 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta to one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets. Yelapa, also dubbed “The Paradise on Earth”, is a small fishing town where you will find fisherman light boats called "pangas" splattered as colorful dots along the sea, kids playing with their dogs on the beaches, photo-worthy waterfalls and lovely homes and villas along the coastline. This island is renowned for its bright blue water and the lush jungle that surrounds its many beaches and water features.
Create the ultimate backdrop for your Instagram by joining Vallarta Adventures for our Sea Safari & Horseback Riding Tour. Travel with us through Banderas Bay to Playa Yelapa where you can indulge in a remarkable change of pace from the bustling city and get back to nature on horseback as our tour guides take you from waterfall to beautiful beaches and beyond.
After befriending your horse – the best selfie partner – it’s time to explore the sea, so don’t forget your underwater camera as you dive into the azure waters surrounding the island. Save your appetite for a paradise-inspired lunch later on!
9. Marieta Islands
This volcanic archipelago is formed by two islands and two islets, all uninhabited, located a few miles off the Riviera Nayarit coast. It was instituted as a Marine National Park in 2005 and declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2008, due to the richness of its wildlife with dozens of endemic species, such as the elusive Blue-foot Booby bird. Even though you cannot actually "land" or step into the islands, its dramatic beauty can be enjoyed from the sea-level perspective of a paddleboard or a kayak, or underwater by snorkeling or scuba diving.
A spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime trip – the Marietas Islands are truly a natural wonder not to be missed. Visit this hidden gem with your Vallarta Adventures’ tour guide and take in all the other incredible aspects of this island that make it so unique. Go snorkeling and take pictures of the island’s complex and colorful ecosystem, soak up the sun on the secluded beach and look out for the dolphins and whales that just may swim by to say hello!
8. Higuera Blanca viewpoint
With a name that translates to “white fig”, you know this little village is sure to pay a wonderful ode to the natural vibrancy of the area. Take your Insta-worthy picture alongside one of the enormous fig trees that are not only home to tasty figs, but also welcome hundreds of fluorescent parakeets who can’t resist the sweet treats growing on the branches. Drive past all these delicious sights to get to the North part of the Bay where you can get a 180 degree, unobstructed view of all Higuera Blanca’s beauty.
A great way to get to Higuera Blanca viewpoint is to hop on an ATV via our Sayulita Escape ATV Tour. Not only do these awesome dune buggies make for a convenient way to get around, but they will open up your day to endless opportunities to take great photos to share with friends and family.
7. Mismaloya waterfall
There are few things in the world that are more photogenic than a waterfall. Whether you want to create the ultimate boomerang or you’re looking to snuggle up next to the refreshing spray of this natural spectacle, Mismaloya waterfall has welcomed tourists – who have an eye for natural beauty and adventure – for years. Located in the eco-tourism park, EdenVa, you will fall in love with Mismaloya’s green-blue lagoons and tumbling falls.
Combine the serene views of Mismaloya with a little heart-racing action by hopping on our UTV Tour of Puerto Vallarta. Speed around on these high-flying machines that make it super easy to visit beautiful spots, like Mismaloya, and create the ultimate vacation photo album for your enthusiastic followers.
6. Los Arcos
The power of nature can be seen all across Puerto Vallarta, but one of the most potent examples of Mother Nature’s creative spirit can be seen via the Los Arcos. These five mini islands are made of granite that protrudes toward the sky, high above the sea, to create nature-made sculptures of epic proportions.
While it is possible to go beneath them on a paddleboard or a kayak, the best way to explore them is by going underneath on a scuba diving excursion. The underwater caves and passages are home to a wide variety of colorful tropical fish and it is common to see large species such as the eye-catching Spotted eagle ray. During our Scuba Dive at Los Arcos, our certified divers will show you the countless fish and underwater caves that are a result of nature’s unparalleled aptitude for creativity and beauty.
5. Sunsets on the Pacific
When the sun begins to go down, opportunities for the perfect Instagram photos skyrocket. Tourists from around the world visit Puerto Vallarta to be awed by our region’s stunning sunsets and, when you join us for our Luxury Sunset Sailing tour, you will understand why.
Lounge aboard our upscale French-made catamaran and indulge in tasty hors d’oeuvres and an impressive selection of top-shelf spirits and wines. As you relax, our captain will take you around Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean, so you can take in the cotton candy-colored skies that will definitely earn you dozens of double taps on the Gram.
4. Yelapa Waterfall
After you’ve finished exploring number 10 on this list, it’s time to delve deeper into the wonders of Yelapa by visiting the Cola de Caballo or “horsetail” waterfalls. The name “Yelapa” is believed to come from an old native word meaning “where two rivers meet the sea". Because of its location in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains, those rivers form a series of waterfalls on their way to the ocean.
During our Yelapa and Majahuitas Tour, you will not only get to foray into this picturesque fishing town, but you will also get to take a refreshing dive into the water surrounding these cascading falls. With this tour, we can take you off the beaten path and into a completely serene (and totally photo-worthy) setting.
3. Majahuitas Beach
Discover a place of ultimate relaxation during your visit to the white sand beach of Majahuitas. The small cove protected by exuberant mountains is tastefully furnished with eclectic pieces of boho chic decor such as Balinese beds, a large swing and comfortable wicker nests, providing endless possibilities for dressing up your feed.
If you join us for our Luxury Yacht and Snorkel Tour, you can hop off the yacht and take a dip in the warm waters surrounding Majahuitas. Our crew will also take you to the iconic cove where you will see some of the region’s most fantastic display of wildlife – including whales, dolphins and vibrant tropical fish.
2. Las Caletas beach
Take part in our Las Caletas Beach Hideaway tour and spread your wings alongside this quiet beach’s countless macaws. An Instagram maven’s dream, Las Caletas is set up to serve as your ideal Instagram background. A combination of natural wonder and extremely well-placed man-made enhancements, Las Caletas represents the epitome of perfect beachside escapism.
From white cotton hammocks swinging in the breeze through to the low-hanging bridges speckled amongst the cliffs, this extremely private beach surely should not be hidden from your Instagram feed.
1. Marieta Islands' Hidden Beach
Created by volcanic activity, the two protected Marieta islands are the home to a hidden beach, known as Playa del Amor, Playa Escondida (or Lover’s Beach). You can only really see this beach from the sky, until you’re up close and personal with it on the island. Once you arrive there via a cinematic-like swim, you will see why this secret oasis is topping our Instagram-worthy charts.
Not only is the water an unbeatable blue, but the otherworldly privacy and cave-like structure of this hidden beach are something you have to see to truly believe. The access to Marieta Islands' Hidden Beach is very limited in an effort to protect its fragile ecosystem, so make sure to plan ahead.
Bonus spot: Cerro del Mono
We couldn't end this list without including El Cerro del Mono (Monkey mountain), an unbeatable viewpoint located between Higuera Blanca and Sayulita, in the north part of the bay. The trail starts in the beach town of Higuera Blanca, and from there the hike takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes that will be absolutely worth it when you get to the top.
The 270° degree view is particularly beautiful at sunset, however sunrises are equally as breathtaking. Don't forget bug spray, enough water to stay hydrated, sun-protective clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses!
Create an Unforgettable Photo Album of Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit
One of the best parts of taking an unforgettable vacation is the ability to share it with your loved ones when you return home. Visit any one or all of these 11 Instagram-worthy spots and create an unforgettable photo album full of the places and people you love!