Is Puerto Vallarta Safe? Travel Safety Advice for 2025

Even though it’s one of Mexico’s most popular beach towns and millions of people visit every year, is Puerto Vallarta safe remains one of the most common questions travelers ask in 2025. In fact, travel safety in Mexico in general is a hotly debated subject. To help ease your mind about safety in Puerto Vallarta this article takes a look at official data plus I’m sharing my personal experiences as a solo female traveler concerned about staying safe in Puerto Vallarta.

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Is Puerto Vallarta Safe?

If you’re new here, it’s no secret I love Mexico. I’ve been traveling south of the border since I was 15 years old and feel very safe there. And while I haven’t been to every state – yet – I have visited more than half of them and Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco – the state where Puerto Vallarta is located – are two of my favorite and most visited destinations in Mexico.

After traveling to Puerto Vallarta many times, by plane and by bus from nearby Guadalajara and Tepic, I feel confident in saying that Puerto Vallarta is safe and regularly appears on “safe cities to visit in Mexico” lists. It’s also safe enough that thousands of people from Canada and the United States have emigrated there and it’s been a long time vacation spot for Mexican nationals.

Tip: How to Say Puerto Vallarta
Confused about how to pronounce Puerto Vallarta? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Learn the correct pronunciation here and impress everyone on your trip.

Puerto Vallarta Safety Statistics

For some official data, collected directly from locals, the website Numbeo shows just how safe and secure Puerto Vallarta really is. When people living there were asked about crime and other safety concerns in Puerto Vallarta the biggest thing people worried about was corruption and bribery – something that probably won’t affect travelers too much.

Even though bribes and extortion scams exist in other Mexican cities like Cancun and Tulum – hello taxi cartels – in all my trips to Puerto Vallarta I’ve never experienced any bribery. Even from police. Maybe I’ve just been lucky but I’ve never been extorted anywhere in Mexico and I’ve driven around by myself a lot in Baja California Sur and the Yucatan.

Puerto Vallarta is so safe, it’s often compared to Merida, Mexico – the capital of Yucatan state – which is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Mexico. Just for fun while I was on the Numbeo site, I did a quick comparison between Puerto Vallarta and Atlanta – my hometown – and the results were a little shocking. Atlanta rates high in almost every category. No wonder I feel much safer in Puerto Vallarta.

For a city of almost 600k people, the vibe in Puerto Vallarta is very different from what you would expect. The locals care about visitors and take great pride in being hospitable. In many of the online Vallarta groups, it’s not uncommon to read about someone leaving their phone in a taxi or a restaurant and many times when they go back, it’s still there. I’ve even read about taxi drivers tracking clients down to return personal items.

The U.S. State Department’s Advice

Unfortunately, Mexico as a country has a problem with drug cartels. However, the cartels exist mainly to feed the drug habits of the U.S. This causes turf wars and competition and because of that Mexico tends to show up a lot in U.S. politics and news. Tasked with keeping U.S. citizens safe when traveling the U.S. State Department has issued warnings for Mexico.

Using a series of safely levels where 1 is the most safe and 4 is unsafe, the State Department assigns a rating to all countries in the world and for specific areas within those countries. As of Aug 12, 2025, the U.S. State Department rates Mexico overall as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. You can keep up with the latest U.S. State travel advisory for Mexico here.

Jalisco – where Puerto Vallarta is located – is currently a Level 3 Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping but most issues are concentrated in areas far from Puerto Vallarta. The problems in Jalisco tend to be centered around Guadalajara – four hours away – and on routes to the neighboring states of Colima and Michoacán.

Still not sure if Puerto Vallarta is safe? When researching a destination, one of the things I look at closely is whether U.S. government employees have any travel restrictions or if they have been recalled home from an area. In the case of Jalisco there are only a couple of places where U.S. government officials can’t go and none of them are close to Puerto Vallarta.

The main reason Puerto Vallarta continues to be one of the safer Mexican beach towns is because the cartels usually avoid violence in tourist areas. Crime isn’t good for tourism. When visitation is down and people aren’t traveling it affects the cartel’s bottom line and livelihood.

Common Scams and Safety Issues

Even though Puerto Vallara is generally safe, it does have a few concerns. Like many other touristy cities, petty crime and theft exist. Realistically though, the biggest thing you’ll probably have to worry about is getting too sunburned. If for some reason you did have your wallet stolen or your purse taken, it won’t be by violence. Most thieves prefer distraction methods.

One of the most common of these methods happens while shopping or in a grocery store. A stranger approaches and claims you have something on your clothes. In some cases, they will even put something on you themselves – mustard is a popular choice – to make it look convincing. While you’re distracted and trying to clean up, an accomplice uses the opportunity to grab your bag or belongings.

A similar scam can happen at restaurants, especially since many in Puerto Vallarta have open-air or sidewalk seating. It’s common for vendors to approach your table to sell something and while you’re distracted looking at their items, another person can swoop in and take your purse, phone, or whatever you’ve set down on the table.

Yet one more scam to be on the look out for in Puerto Vallarta happens at the ATM. This is more of a bait and switch tactic. After experiencing a problem using the machine the thief offers help and somehow swaps out your bank card out for a different bank card without you even realizing it.

If you use an ATM in Puerto Vallarta – or anywhere really – and have any kind of issue whatsoever with the machine, cancel your transaction immediately and leave. Do not accept help from anyone and never ever hand them your debit card or your credit card.

And avoid using sketchy looking ATM’s all together. Many of these third-party machines can be found in convenience stores (OXXO), restaurants and even night clubs and bars. Only use ATM’s at banks, or at the least, machines associated with well known banks or companies. That way you’ll have a reputable source to contact if there’s problems with the transaction.

What NOT to do in Puerto Vallarta

Want to keep yourself as safe as possible? Here are a few things you shouldn’t do in Puerto Vallarta.

• Don’t leave your phone laying around. Phones are expensive in Mexico and phone theft is common in many places, not just Puerto Vallarta. Try to keep your phone in your bag or on your person when you aren’t using it.
• Don’t carry all your money around with you. When you go out only carry what you need. That way if you are the victim of a crime, or lose your wallet, you still have some cash on hand. It doesn’t hurt to travel with an extra credit card as well.
• Don’t overindulge in alcohol. To remain situationally aware and know what’s going on around you don’t overdo it on the cocktails. If it’s a special occasion and you plan on celebrating and drinking a lot of alcohol then at least have one friend that drinks less, or not at all, to watch over everyone else.
• Don’t carry a big open purse. Stick to crossbodies and compact bags with secure straps. Even small backpacks are okay as long as you carry them in front zipped up in crowded places and tight quarters like buses.
• Don’t get complacent just because it feels safe. Even though it has a small town feel, you still need to be aware of your surroundings
• Don’t buy drugs. Enough said.

Plan Your Perfect Puerto Vallarta Stay
Where you stay matters for both safety and fun! Whether you want an all-inclusive resort, a boutique hotel, or a vacation rental, I can help you find the best option for your style and budget. Fill out this quick form and let’s start planning your trip.

How to Stay Safe in Puerto Vallarta

Staying safe when traveling is more than just knowing how to avoid pickpockets or purse snatchers – it also means being smart about what you eat and drink, knowing how to get around and even water safety. More than just the usual travel safety tips here’s a few other ways to stay safe in Puerto Vallarta.

Ocean Safety

Since Puerto Vallarta sits on the Pacific Ocean, it’s important to be aware of water conditions. The waves can be bigger and rougher than what you’re accustomed to especially if you’re used to the calmer Gulf waters. Most beaches in Puerto Vallarta have lifeguards but it might not be as consistent as in the U.S. or Canada.

Pay attention to beach flags: green means safe, yellow signals caution, red means stay out, and purple warns of wildlife, such as jellyfish or crocodiles. Occasionally you might spot crocodiles sunning themselves on the river banks but they aren’t something to be overly concerned with.

In the last few years, as new hotel construction encroaches on their habitat, there have been a few reports of crocodile injuries in the news. So, for safety reasons, avoid swimming near, or in, rivers that empty into the ocean and never swim at night.

If you’re planning a boat tour – like a trip to the Islas Marietas – make sure to choose a reputable operator, follow all safety instructions and wear a life jacket when required. These tours are usually safe and a fantastic way to explore the region, but being prepared means you can enjoy the experience without worry. You can read more about my Islas Marietas tour here.

Food and Water Safety

According to locals, Puerto Vallarta’s water quality is better than in many other Mexican cities. It’s been said it’s even safe to drink water from the tap but you probably want to stick to bottled water, especially if you’re sensitive to new bacteria. Most hotels and resorts filter their water and ice, but taking precautions helps avoid a surprise stomach bug.

Pay attention to what you eat and how it’s prepared – street food and fresh fruit are fairly safe if they are served fresh and cleaned properly. If you are someone predisposed to stomach issues when traveling, then you may want to avoid those food items or take other precautions. Note: I’m not a medical professional or giving medical advice.

General Health Tips for Puerto Vallarta

Staying healthy while in Puerto Vallarta is simple with a few easy precautions. Sun protection is a must – even though you can easily and affordably rent beach umbrellas don’t forget the sunscreen, hats and sunglasses because you can still get burned under an umbrella and even on cloudy days.

Puerto Vallarta is a sub-tropical location so mosquitoes are around year-round, especially near water. Insect repellent is a must to have on hand but really important in the rainy season and during the months of August and September.

Staying hydrated is also essential. Adding electrolyte drinks helps protect you from dehydration in the hot and humid weather. Carrying a small first aid kit can also make your trip smoother and worry-free. Also, basic sexual health is easy to manage: condoms and other protection are widely available at pharmacies and OXXO convenience stores if you need them.

Transportation Safety

Getting around safely in Puerto Vallarta is super simple. The public transportation is convenient but I usually stick to Uber – yes, Puerto Vallarta has Uber – taxis or other vetted rideshares. Planning your route ahead of time is helpful – and safer – especially at night or when heading to less-populated areas like Sayulita or Bucerias.

If you choose public bus transportation, keep your bag or backpack in front of you and secure while riding and don’t leave valuables unattended. For extra peace of mind, I rely on a few apps that make traveling in Mexico simpler and safer – you can see my full list of 5 essential apps for traveling in Mexico.

Solo Female Travelers

Is it safe for a woman to travel alone to Puerto Vallarta? Based on my experiences – yes, I think it is. As a frequent solo traveler to Puerto Vallarta, I’ve felt very secure. My experiences include walking alone on the malecón, in the Romantic Zone, Downtown and in the Hotel Zone. I’ve visited plenty of restaurants and bars and I’ve used every type of transportation available in the city – taxis, Uber, and buses.

Recently, I took my adult daughter (28) with me for her first visit to Puerto Vallarta. We stayed in three very different locations – the Marina, in an all-inclusive, the Romantic Zone, in a condo and Downtown, in a more traditional style hotel – all because I can’t help but check out more accommodations to add to my where to stay in Puerto Vallarta article.

With the exception of an Uber to and from the airport, we walked everywhere. We spent time on the malecón – at night – and even though we didn’t venture out of the city on any Puerto Vallarta day trips this time, my daughter got a good introduction to the city.

Later, I asked her how she felt about Puerto Vallarta — did she feel safe and comfortable traveling there alone? Wholeheartedly she said yes, that she never felt threatened or unsafe in any way. This made me happy because for one thing I want her to love Puerto Vallarta as much as I do but, also as a mom, I would never want to take my child somewhere they feel unsafe.

Inclusive Travel in Puerto Vallarta

While this article is focused mainly on families and solo female travelers, Puerto Vallarta is also very welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers, with several themed events and Pride festivities in May. As always, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings and follow the same basic safety precautions – especially at night or in less-populated areas.

Travel Essentials for Staying Safe

A few smart travel essentials can make your Puerto Vallarta trip better with less stress. From knowing where to stay to staying connected while you’re away and travel insurance here’s what I always recommend for a worry-free visit.

Safe Places to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

Picking the right neighborhood and accommodations can make a big difference in feeling safe and comfortable. Popular areas like the Romantic Zone, Marina Vallarta and the Hotel Zone offer a mix of resorts, condos, and all-inclusive stays with good security.

If you feel anxious about safety, an all-inclusive resort is often the easiest way to relax. With gated entrances, on-site security and amenities at your fingertips, you can focus on enjoying your trip. Whether you want a family-friendly all-inclusive or a boutique hotel within walking distance of the malecón, I can help you choose the best option for your visit. Just click here.

Staying Connected

Travel insurance gives you peace of mind in case of illness or accidents – something I never skip – and staying connected so you can talk to family and friends is just as vital. AT&T and Verizon offer international plans that work in Puerto Vallarta, or you can buy a Mexican reloadable SIM card.

I’ve also used electronic SIMs like GigSky, which is a great option for shorter stays. Having reliable phone service makes getting around, booking rides and staying safe much easier. You’ll also be happy to know that many places, including restaurants, offer free Wi-Fi, which is perfect for budget-conscious travelers – you can leave your phone in airplane mode and only connect when needed.

Travel Insurance

Puerto Vallarta has excellent health care with plenty of hospitals, urgent care facilities and pharmacies available if you get sick or injured. Like Tijuana, Puerto Vallarta is also quite popular for medical tourism. But healthcare in Mexico is much different than healthcare in the U.S. and most facilities require payment up front.

To avoid big payouts, verify exactly what your health insurance covers when traveling out of the country. Some carriers, like Blue Cross Blue Shield, provide global assistance under their network. If you find you don’t have coverage outside of the United States then a travel insurance policy covering emergencies is absolutely necessary.

Companies like Allianz, Safetywing and World Nomads are good options and can even offer policies for long-term travelers and digital nomads. As a casual short-term traveler, TravelInsurance.com is one of the best websites for comparing a wide variety of travel insurance plans to suit your needs.

What to Know Before You Go

Q: Is it safe to leave the resort in Puerto Vallarta?
A: Yes! Puerto Vallarta is generally safe for tourists, but like anywhere, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit, populated areas, use Uber or registered taxis, and avoid wandering into unfamiliar neighborhoods at night. Most visitors explore the city, beaches, and nearby attractions without issues.

Q: Is Puerto Vallarta Safe for American Tourists?
A: Yes! Puerto Vallarta is very welcoming to U.S. travelers, and most visits are trouble-free. That said, it’s always smart to be aware of the local environment and avoid anything that could draw unnecessary attention – for example, overtly political apparel or symbols. Stick to common-sense safety practices, stay in well-populated areas and you’ll have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Q: Can You Go Out at Night in Puerto Vallarta?
A: Absolutely! Puerto Vallarta offers lively nighttime activities – from family-friendly shows on the Malecón to fireworks and dancing into the early hours. Just stick to well-lit streets, avoid less-populated areas and use registered taxis or rideshares for longer trips.

Bottom Line: Is Puerto Vallarta Safe for Travel in 2025?

Yes – Puerto Vallarta remains one of the safest and most welcoming cities in Mexico for travelers. The city has a long history of tourism and prioritizes it, taking measures to ensure the well-being of its visitors with police in the city day and night making most visits are trouble-free.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple or with family, you can enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s food scene, beaches and nightlife with peace of mind. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be prepared to stay safe and make the most of your trip – without having to ask “Is Puerto Vallarta safe?” again.

Still have questions about Puerto Vallarta safety? Drop them in the comments – I love helping first-time visitors feel confident about their trip. And if you’d like some one-on-one help planning your Puerto Vallarta getaway, you can fill out this quick travel help request form.