I have spent so much time wandering the streets of this beautiful city.
Puerto Vallarta is my absolute favorite place for a solo adventure!
If you are a solo traveler looking for peace, quiet, and a bit of magic, you have come to the right place.
I know it can feel a bit scary to travel alone sometimes.
But honestly? This city is so welcoming.
I want to share my personal list of hidden gems that most people miss.
These are the spots where I go when I want to escape the crowds and just BE.
No big groups, no loud distractions.
Just you and the incredible beauty of Banderas Bay.
Why Solo Travel Here is AMAZING
I LOVE exploring on my own terms.
You get to decide exactly when to wake up and where to eat.
Puerto Vallarta is perfect for this because it is safe and easy to navigate.
I have met some of the best people just by sitting at a local cafe with a book.
When you stay with us at The PVGirl, you aren't just a guest.
You are part of our community!
We want you to feel right at home while you discover these secret spots.
If you want to know more about staying safe while having a blast, check out my solo traveler guide to safety and fun.
It has everything you need to feel confident on your own!
My Secret Beach: Playa Colomitos
Everyone goes to the main beaches in Old Town.
But if you want something truly special, you have to go to Colomitos.
It is one of the smallest beaches in all of Mexico!
To get there, I usually take a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán.
Or, if I’m feeling active, I do the jungle hike.
The hike is SOOO beautiful.
You walk along the coast and through the trees.
You will see tiny wooden bridges and hidden waterfalls along the way.
When you finally arrive at the tiny cove, the water is crystal clear.
It is the best spot for a solo swim and some quiet reflection.
I highly recommend bringing a light snack and plenty of water.
There aren't any big shops there, which is exactly why it’s a hidden gem!
Finding Peace at Isla Cuale
Isla Cuale is a tiny island right in the middle of the Cuale River.
It sits right between the main part of town and the Zona Romántica (which we also call Old Town).
I love walking here in the morning.
The island is full of lush green trees and local cats sunning themselves.
There is a great artisan market where you can find handmade jewelry and leather goods.
It is much quieter than the Malecon.
I often spend hours just browsing the stalls or sitting on a bench listening to the river flow by.
It feels like a secret garden in the middle of the city.
There is even a small cultural center where you might see locals practicing dance or painting.
It is a very authentic local experience.
Best of all, it’s completely free to explore!
The View from Faro de Matamoros
If you want the BEST view of the sunset, skip the crowded bars.
Instead, head up the hill to the Faro de Matamoros lighthouse.
It is a bit of a climb, so wear comfortable shoes!
You walk up C. Mina street for about three blocks from the Malecon.
When you get to the top, the view of the Bay and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is breathtaking.
I usually bring my camera and just wait for the sky to turn pink and orange.
It is so peaceful up there.
Locals often gather to watch the sunset, and it feels very community-oriented.
Sometimes you can even see the fireworks from the pirate ship in the bay around 8:30 pm.
It is a spectacular sight!
Work and Play: The Digital Nomad Life
I see so many people coming here to work remotely now.
Being a puerto vallarta digital nomad is honestly the dream life!
Imagine waking up, doing a bit of work on your balcony, and then heading to a hidden waterfall in the afternoon.
We make sure our rentals are perfect for this.
You need fast wifi and a comfortable place to sit.
I wrote a whole post about why our places are the best condo rentals for digital nomads.
The balance here is just perfect.
You can be super productive in the morning and a total explorer by lunch!
Jungle Magic: Vallarta Botanical Gardens
This is a bit further out, but it is SO worth it.
The Botanical Gardens are like stepping into a different world.
I love the Conservatory of Orchids.
There are hundreds of native Mexican plant species there.
It is very quiet and the air smells like tropical flowers and fresh rain.
I highly recommend taking the trail down to the river.
You can actually swim in the river!
It is cold and refreshing after walking through the gardens.
It is the perfect place to reconnect with nature without any noise from the city.
I always leave feeling so much more relaxed.
Where to Rest Your Head
After a long day of exploring, you need a place that feels like home.
Our puerto vallarta mexico condo rentals are designed for people who appreciate comfort and style.
The Hummingbird property is one of my absolute favorites.
It is bright, modern, and has everything you need.
I love the local textiles we use to decorate, it makes the space feel so warm.
Having a private balcony where you can drink your morning coffee while looking at the mountains is just… wow.
It is the ultimate solo traveler retreat!
Simple Joy: Sunset at the Malecon
Even though I love hidden gems, I still find joy in the Malecon.
But I have a secret way to do it.
I start at the very north end and walk south as the sun goes down.
I don't stop at the big touristy spots.
I look for the sand sculptures and the street performers near the arches.
There is a simple joy in watching the city come alive at night.
The energy is contagious!
If you want to see what we are up to daily, follow us on Instagram.
We post lots of behind-the-scenes stuff and local tips!
Final Thoughts for the Solo Explorer
Puerto Vallarta has a soul that you can only truly feel when you are on your own.
You notice the small things: the pattern of the cobblestones, the smell of street tacos, the kindness of the locals.
Don't be afraid to step off the beaten path.
Visit the Quimixto Waterfall or take a boat to Majahuitas.
Explore the butterfly sanctuary or hike the Palo Maria trails.
This city is your playground!
I am so grateful to live here and share these spots with you.
Staying at one of our properties makes the whole experience even better because we truly care about your stay.
I highly recommend coming here for your next solo trip.
You will leave with a full heart and a phone full of AMAZING photos.
We can't wait to see you here!
About the Author