How Do You Say Puerto Vallarta?

If you’re one of those travelers whose ever wondered just exactly how do you say “Puerto Vallarta,” you’re not alone. I understand first hand how difficult some Spanish words can be to pronounce. But fear not, because in this article, I’m going to help you pronounce it the right way.

I’ve been traveling to Mexico since I was 15 years old. After a getting lost on the Mexico City metro on my very first trip to Mexico – which by the way was a Spanish class field trip – I vowed then and there to learn Spanish. And I did. So, I get it – I’ve been right where you are, struggling to learn the correct way to say things.

This post contains affiliate links. That means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you book or buy something from a link I share. This keeps Southerner Says online and on the road. Thank you for your support.

How Do You Say Puerto Vallarta?

Mispronouncing places is a common occurrence when learning a language and Puerto Vallarta is no exception. Many non-Spanish speakers tend to mispronounce “Puerto Vallarta” by stressing the wrong syllables or misplacing the emphasis.

You might hear some people say “Pewer-toh Val-lar-ta,” “Porto Vallarta,” and “Poo-air-to Vah-larta.” But The correct pronunciation of “Puerto Vallarta” is “Pwehr-toh Vah-yar-ta.” Make sure you emphasize the “o” in “Pwehr-toh” and the “a” in “Vah-yar-ta”.

The double “l” in Vallarta is what’s called a digraph. That means it’s a combination of two letters representing a single sound. In this case the double “l” has a “y” sound similar to the word yarn in English without the “n”.

By the way, Puerto Vallarta in English literally means Port of Vallarta. The Vallarta part comes from the last name of a former governor of the Mexican state of Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta is located. You might also hear it referred to as simply Vallarta, PV and one that drives me crazy, PVR. That’s the airport code for Puerto Vallarta’s Aeropuerto Internacional Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz.

Why Learn to Pronounce Puerto Vallarta Correctly

Okay so you might be thinking, what does it matter how I say Puerto Vallarta? And you’re right. Maybe it’s not that important when you’re in your home country. But learning the correct way to say Spanish words is kind of important when you’re in Mexico.

Pronouncing “Puerto Vallarta” the right way is not only crucial for blending in but it also for shows respect for the local culture. Language is an essential part of any culture. So, by making an effort to pronounce places correctly, you are displaying cultural sensitivity and appreciation.

That can make you a better traveler. It can also enhance your overall travel experience, since locals are more likely to engage with and talk to you when they see that you have taken the time to try and learn their language and actually use it.

Tips to Improve Pronunciation of Puerto Vallarta

When you’re learning a language, improving your pronunciation takes practice. With dedication and the right techniques, you can speak better Spanish in no time. That way you won’t have to wonder how do you say Puerto Vallarta and other Spanish phrases.

Here are some additional tips to help you improve your pronunciation of words like Puerto Vallarta and more Spanish words:

Listen and imitate: One of the best ways to improve your pronunciation is by actively listening to native speakers and imitating their pronunciation. Pay attention to the sounds they make and try to replicate them.

Break it down: Break down the word into individual syllables and practice pronouncing each one separately. This will help you focus on the correct pronunciation of each syllable and improve your overall pronunciation. The best thing about Spanish is that once you have learned the sounds, that’s it. There’s no crazy changes and weird rules like in English.

Practice with a language partner: Find a language partner or a native speaker who can help you practice your pronunciation. They can provide feedback and correct any mistakes you might be making. This point is key because if you don’t practice and use it when you’re learning, you’ll forget it.

Utilize language learning apps: Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone offer pronunciation exercises and feedback to help you improve your pronunciation. Plus, you can set reminders to practice every day and reach your goal.

Language exchange websites: Websites like Tandem and HelloTalk connect language learners with native speakers for language exchange purposes. This can be a great way to practice your pronunciation with a native speaker. I personally have not used these programs but I can see how it would be beneficial once you are back home and want to continue to practice.

Online pronunciation guides: There are various online pronunciation guides available that provide audio examples and guides for pronouncing specific words and phrases. Just like this one on You Tube that gives some different examples of how to say Puerto Vallarta.

Helpful Spanish Travel Words to Know

Besides the correct pronunciation of the place you’re actually visiting, learning just a bit of travel Spanish goes a long way in helping you understand the culture, get around easier and possibly even make a friend or find a date – if that’s something you want to do. Here’s a few helpful words to know.

Southerner Says: There might be different words or phrases for these words in other Spanish speaking countries but the ones noted here are most common in Mexico.

Of course, a translation app can also be super helpful as well. I’m not the biggest fan of Google Translate but it can come in handy in a pinch. I personally prefer Spanish Dictionary and it also has a downloadable app. It’s very useful as well as these other essential apps for traveling in Mexico.

Also, don’t underestimate the usefulness of a good old paper dictionary, especially if you are someone that likes to wander around sans phone or doesn’t want to use data while traveling. This one is fairly small and perfect for beginners. You can always put something a cover on it if you don’t want anyone to know it’s a dictionary.

How Do You Say Puerto Vallarta Conclusion

Mastering the pronunciation of “Puerto Vallarta”, and other words in Spanish, can be a very satisfying experience. You learned something new and by trying to speak like a local, you not only show respect for Mexicans but it just makes your overall travel experience better.

So, the next time you’re wondering how do you say Puerto Vallarta correctly, remember to take your time, practice and ask for help from native speakers or other language resources. Then, the next time you’re in Puerto Vallarta, confidently pronounce it as “Pwehr-toh Vah-yar-ta” and enjoy! ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)

See you on the road!