Puerto Vallarta Nightlife

Oct 13, 2014

750x550_141013_PV_RN_1 — Scenes from the show “Rhythms of the Night,” by Vallarta Adventures // © 2014 Vallarta Adventures

Tourists flock to Puerto Vallarta for its gorgeous beaches and cobblestone streets, but when the stars come out, this resort town turns into one of the liveliest nightspots in Mexico. Whether you want to dance on a boat or in a club, consume art or food — here are three ideas for how to enjoy some of the city’s best cultural offerings after dark.

Under the Stars
For a unique starlit dinner and a show experience, reserve a spot for “Rhythms of the Night,” by Vallarta Adventures. It’s ideal for couples and friends (note that children under 6 are not allowed). The night starts with an ocean cruise from Banderas Bay to Las Caletas, a tropical beach hideaway right outside of Puerto Vallarta exclusively leased by Vallarta Adventures. Once on shore, guests follow a torch-lit path past re-enactments of ancient customs and rituals to a beachside table. The dinner buffet offers freshly prepared food as well as local fruit and dessert.

After dinner, guests head over to the an outdoor amphitheater where they will experience re-enactments of the myths and legends of Mexico’s pre-Columbian heritage through live music and contemporary dance. With its blend of art and culture (along with fire dancers and acrobatics), it comes as no surprise that this show was designed by a Cirque du Soleil-trained choreographer.

Another drink and dancing on the short cruise back rounds out this five-hour adventure.

Pub and Club Crawl, VIP Style
If your clients want to explore Puerto Vallarta’s best bars and nightclubs without worrying about getting lost or bogged down in long lines, check out Vallarta Crawl by the company Rockstar Crawls. For $75, a private party guide will escort your group to three different venues, all within walking distance of each other. The selection of clubs changes depending on the night and the group’s preferences (they can specify whether they would like a bar- or club-focused experience).

Currently popular venues are La Vaquita, Zoo nightclub and Mandala, according to Jorge Ruiz, operations manager of Rockstar Crawls. With bottle service, reserved tables, VIP entrances and open bars until 3 a.m., the only thing visitors need to worry about is dancing. The tour starts at 10:15 p.m. and guests are welcome to stay out until their hearts’ content. Depending how the night is going, the guide might finish off the evening at a local taqueria.

“Lots of people who come to Mexico don’t feel safe going out by themselves,” said Ruiz. “With us you can go out, make friends and not worry about payments. We take care of everything.”

Evening of Artists
During Puerto Vallarta’s annual ArtWalk season from Oct. 30 to May 28, 2015, nine galleries in the historic downtown district will showcase paintings, sculptures, ceramics and other pieces from national and international artists. There’s something for everyone, from Galeria de Ollas, which presents Marta Ortiz pottery, to Galeria Colectika, which illustrates the development of Mexican art. Make sure to go on a Wednesday night from 6 to 10 p.m. and indulge in free cocktail receptions at participating galleries.

And keep your eyes, and ears, peeled for the architecture of Centro Historico as well as its street musicians. Stroll over to Cafe des Artistes for French-Mexican fine dining to end an art-themed night.