Solo in Puerto Vallarta: A Woman's Guide to Safe & Enriching Adventures

Safety concerns shouldn't deter you from experiencing Puerto Vallarta's magic. During my visits, I've found that the main tourist zones—particularly the Zona Romántica, Marina Vallarta, and the Malecón—maintain excellent security standards with visible police presence and well-lit streets.

That said, common sense remains your best companion. I always recommend staying aware of your surroundings, especially at night. One gadget that's proven invaluable for my sister and female friends traveling solo is a personal safety alarm. These compact devices emit a loud sound when activated and provide peace of mind when walking alone.

For transportation, use the official airport taxis or pre-arranged hotel shuttles upon arrival. Once settled, authorized taxis (white with numbered plates) or rideshare apps like Uber are your safest bet. I've had numerous conversations with female travelers who found Puerto Vallarta's taxi system surprisingly reliable compared to other destinations, though always confirm the fare before departing.

My passion for traditional medicine began in Thailand, but Mexico's healing traditions have equally captivated me. Puerto Vallarta offers numerous opportunities to explore these practices safely as a solo traveler.

The Botanical Gardens south of the city showcase medicinal plants used by indigenous healers for centuries. During my last visit, I joined a guided tour where our local guide explained how various plants are used to treat everything from digestive issues to headaches. The gardens also feature a traditional temazcal (sweat lodge) where you can experience an ancient purification ritual—though I recommend booking this through your hotel for the most reputable experience.

For a more hands-on approach, several spas in Puerto Vallarta incorporate traditional Mexican healing practices into their treatments. Terra Noble Art & Healing Center offers holistic therapies combining indigenous wisdom with modern wellness approaches—perfect for solo travelers seeking rejuvenation. Before any treatment, I always pack my essential oil roll-on to complement these experiences and help with jet lag recovery.

Local markets like Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale sell medicinal herbs and teas. Don't hesitate to ask vendors about traditional remedies for common travel ailments like sunburn or stomach discomfort—just remember to consult with your doctor before trying anything new.

Puerto Vallarta's dramatic coastline offers some of Mexico's most breathtaking cliff views, and exploring them solo can be both safe and rewarding with proper planning.

My favorite cliff-viewing experience is at Mirador La Cruz del Cerro, accessible via a moderate hike that rewards you with panoramic views of Banderas Bay. For solo female travelers, I recommend tackling this hike before 4 pm to ensure you're back down before sunset. The trail is generally well-trafficked, but bringing a hiking whistle is a simple precaution I always take on solo hikes.

For those seeking a more relaxed cliff experience, Casitas Maraika offers stunning views from their clifftop restaurant in the South Zone. Accessible by water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán (a short bus ride from downtown), this secluded spot provides a perfect balance of adventure and security. I've sent numerous solo female travelers here who reported feeling completely comfortable enjoying lunch while watching the waves crash against the rocks below.

Los Arcos Marine Park features impressive rock formations jutting from the sea—best viewed by joining a small-group boat tour. These tours typically include snorkeling equipment, but I always bring my own full-face snorkel mask for better visibility and hygiene.

Puerto Vallarta truly comes alive after dark, and contrary to what some might believe, solo female travelers can safely enjoy these vibrant evening scenes with proper precautions.

The Malecón transforms at night with artists, performers, and food vendors creating a lively yet family-friendly atmosphere. I always recommend starting your evening explorations here, as the well-lit boardwalk stays busy until late. For added security, especially if you're carrying a camera or phone for night photography, a anti-theft crossbody bag provides peace of mind while keeping essentials close.

Every Thursday evening from November through May, the Marina Vallarta Art & Market offers a delightful mix of local crafts, jewelry, and street food in a secure, contained environment. This is where I discovered my favorite Mexican silver earrings while chatting with the artisan about her craft—the kind of authentic connection that makes solo travel so rewarding.

For a truly local experience, venture to Isla Río Cuale's night market. While slightly less touristy, I've found it perfectly safe before 10 pm. The island's unique setting—accessible by footbridges and surrounded by water—creates a magical atmosphere as string lights illuminate vendor stalls selling everything from traditional textiles to local street food.

When exploring these markets, bring a compact travel wallet that can be concealed under clothing for extra security while still allowing easy access to small bills for purchases.

Mastering Puerto Vallarta's transportation options is essential for solo female travelers who want to explore beyond their hotel zone safely and economically.

The blue and white local buses (running along the main coastal road) are my favorite way to travel during daylight hours. For just 10 pesos (about 50 cents), you can ride from the Marina all the way to the Romantic Zone. These buses are frequented by locals and tourists alike, making them both safe and authentic. Pro tip: sit near the front and keep Google Maps open on your phone to track your location, as stops aren't always announced.

For taxis, I cannot stress enough the importance of using only authorized vehicles. In Puerto Vallarta, these are white with a numbered license displayed. Always confirm the price before entering—there are no meters, but most destinations within the city have standard rates between zones. When returning to your accommodation late at night, I always recommend using the taxi stands (sitios) rather than hailing one on the street.

If you're planning day trips to nearby towns like Sayulita or San Pancho, the regional COMPOSTELA bus line offers affordable service from the main bus terminal. For these longer journeys, I always bring my travel neck pillow which has been a lifesaver on bumpy roads.

Lastly, water taxis are a scenic transportation option for reaching beaches south of Puerto Vallarta like Yelapa or Las Animas. These depart from the Los Muertos Pier and operate on a regular schedule during daylight hours. Always check the return times to avoid being stranded!