What makes a tour actually worth it for me is about the people. These tours are led by locals who are passionate about food, culture, wildlife, and community. They avoid the cookie-cutter scripts and deliver experiences that offer connection. These tours are engaging for everyone, from first-time visitors to residents who have been living here for years.

If you’re planning a trip (or looking for a fun way to enjoy the place you live) and looking for Puerto Vallarta tours that are actually worth your time and money, these four standout experiences rise above the rest.

1. Vallarta Food Tours: The flavors of Versalles

Let’s start with the tour that changed my course in Puerto Vallarta (literally). I signed up for the Vallarta Food Tours’ Versalles Neighborhood Tour a few years ago, not realizing that I’d end the day smitten with more than just tacos. This tour introduced me to a new culinary avenue of Puerto Vallarta, a beloved neighborhood just outside the main tourist zone, where family-run restaurants run the show.

The walking tour includes stops at spots I now frequent weekly, including El Puerco de Oro, where the pork belly tacos are slow-cooked to melty perfection, and Abulón, Antojería del Mar, a seafood-focused restaurant where the shrimp al pastor tacos are tangy and fresh, served atop fluffy blue corn tortillas. You’ll also hit places for handmade tortillas, local birria, and creative desserts. It’s a deep dive into Vallarta’s foodie scene, led by local guides who know the chefs, the stories, and the secret menus.

If you want to experience Puerto Vallarta like a resident, this tour is where to start.

2. Rhythms of the Night: Believe the hype

There are a lot of sunset cruises and dinner shows in Puerto Vallarta, but none quite like Rhythms of the Night. I was skeptical at first. A sunset boat ride, buffet dinner, and jungle performance sounded like a stretch of tourist cliches. I could not have been more wrong.

The experience begins with a scenic catamaran ride across the Bahia de Banderas just as the sun dips into the Pacific. You arrive at a secluded beach only accessible by boat, where hundreds of flickering candles line jungle paths to a stunning open-air amphitheater. Dinner is served buffet-style beneath thatched palapas by the beach, with better-than-expected food (and unlimited drinks). The show is Cirque du Soleil meets ancient Mexican mythology. The aerial acrobatics, fire dancing, and live music unfold under the stars, backed by the sound of waves.

3. Chica Locca Tours: A day on the bay

Before you raise an eyebrow, I will confirm that yes, this is a boat tour. But no, it’s not that kind of party boat. Chica Locca Tours is an all-inclusive catamaran experience that will change your opinion of party-heavy catamaran experiences. My suggestion is to book their tour to Islas Marietas, a protected marine park famous for its volcanic rock formations, endemic wildlife, and the elusive Hidden Beach.

From the moment you board the oversized boat, complete with hammocks, bean bags, and shaded lounge spaces, you know you’re in for a comfortable ride. There’s an open bar and snacks from the get-go, but the focus is really on the water activities. You can snorkel, paddleboard, or lounge on the foam lily pads. If the tide allows, you’ll even swim through the cave to reach Hidden Beach, an experience that everyone should do at least once.

It’s family-friendly, fun, and well-run, with an enthusiastic crew that keeps things organized and upbeat without going full spring break. 

4. Eco Tours Vallarta: Whale watching with a purpose

From December through April, humpback whales return to Bahia de Banderas to breed, give birth, and put on one of nature’s greatest shows. While many companies offer whale-watching tours, Ecotours Vallarta stands out for its ethical and educational wildlife encounters.

Operating since 1994, Ecotours was founded by biologists and continues to be led by experts who are passionate about conservation. Each tour is small and respectful, without loud music or any crowding of the animals. Instead, the guides provide thoughtful narration about whale behavior, biology, and migration, often supported with hydrophones so you can hear the whales sing.

It’s a far cry from the crowded booze cruises that race out into the bay for a quick whale sighting. The emphasis is on understanding and observing these gentle giants without disturbing their natural way of life. It’s ideal for families, photographers, and anyone seeking a more meaningful connection with the Pacific coast’s wildlife. 

Meagan Drillinger is a New York native who has spent the past 15 years traveling around and writing about Mexico. While she’s on the road for assignments most of the time, Puerto Vallarta is her home base. Follow her travels on Instagram at @drillinjourneys or through her blog at drillinjourneys.com.

The post Puerto Vallarta tours that are actually worth it appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Contract bidding for three other tranches and the provision of more than 60 trains is well advanced, and studies are underway for new lines connection to Guadalajara, San Luis Potosí, Mazatlán and more.

Sheinbaum opened her Wednesday morning press conference by introducing the three men responsible for meeting an ambitious goal: that of building more than 3,000 kilometers of railway track for passenger trains before her term ends in 2030.

Andrés Lajous, director of Mexico’s Rail Transport Regulatory Agency (ARTF), provided a brief update on progress on the Mexico City-Querétaro and Mexico City-Pachuca lines, before turning his attention to the Querétaro-Irapuato line, construction of which is expected to begin this month.

Lajous said the Querétaro-Irapuato line will be built in two sections: from Querétaro to Apaseo el Grande (a distance of 33 km) and from Apaseo el Grande to Irapuato (78 km). Construction contracts will be announced in mid-August and October respectively.

The Mexico City-Querétaro and Querétaro-Irapuato lines are tranches of the Mexico City-Guadalajara-Nogales line that aims to serve 6 million passengers a year upon completion.

Another section of track that could see construction begin this month is the Unión San Javier to Arroyo El Sauz tranche of the Saltillo-Monterrey-Nuevo Laredo train. The winning bid for this 100-kilometer section in the northern state of Nuevo León will be announced this month.

With regards to the remainder of the Saltillo-to-Nuevo Laredo line, the Saltillo-Santa Catarina section (70 km) tender will be published on Sept. 18 and the Arroyo El Sauz-Nuevo Laredo tranche (133 km) will be determined on Oct. 3.

Larous said that four other lines — Irapuato to Guadalajara; Querétaro to San Luis Potosí; San Luis Potosí to Saltillo and Mazatlán to Los Mochis — are entering the study phase. The call for proposals for environmental assessments was published on Wednesday.

Also this month, the ARTF will award contracts for trains for three lines: Mexico City-Pachuca, Mexico City-Irapuato and Saltillo-Nuevo Laredo.

General Gustavo Ricardo Vallejo, commander of the Army engineers overseeing the construction of the Mexico City-Pachuca line, said construction there will generate more than 60,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“There are already 6,000 people employed in building embankments, compacting track platforms, excavation and pouring of piles and foundation footings,” he said.

Additionally, Vallejo said, the Mexico City-Querétaro job is expected to create employment for roughly 200,000 people. More than 5,000 people have already found jobs on this route.

En la #MañaneraDelPueblo de hoy, con la Presidenta @Claudiashein, compartimos el avance de construcción de los nuevos trenes de pasajeros:

En agosto, inician las obras de las rutas Querétaro-Irapuato y Saltillo Nuevo-Laredo.

Arrancamos los estudios para las nuevas rutas. pic.twitter.com/eG7NTfQUP7

— Andrés Lajous (@andreslajous) July 30, 2025

Sheinbaum interjected that her passenger railway project has two purposes — better communication across the country and economic benefits for the communities along the routes.

“The objective … is to benefit communities during and after construction, not just provide a means of transportation,” she said, adding that another goal is to ensure safe, rapid and high-quality transportation.

Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation Minister Jesús Esteva was also present, but his comments were limited to progress on the Amado Nervo Bridge that will connect the Pacific Coast resort cities of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit. The bridge is scheduled to be completed in November 2026.

With reports from Infobae and Milenio

The post What’s next for Mexico’s growing rail system? Officials share advances in Nuevo León, Guadalajara, SLP, Sinaloa and more appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Whether you’re drawn to the bohemian sound of singer-songwriters or the beat of Chicago house, August offers plenty of ways to stay connected to the culture of this coastal city. Here’s what’s on this month.

La Noche de la Guirnalda

Grupo de Teatro Dionisio is back with a new original production that reflects the voices and stories of the people who actually live in Puerto Vallarta year-round. “La noche de la guirnalda” (The Night of the Garland) is a tapestry of vignettes inspired by current events, whispered neighborhood rumors and the quiet resilience of everyday life. The play offers a thought-provoking and heartfelt portrayal of Vallarta’s identity beyond tourism.

Dates: August 2 at 8 p.m.
Location: Plataforma 322 Cultural Center, Alondra 103, Los Sauces
Cost: Tickets via Facebook: Grupo de Teatro Dionisio

Mesmo Rollo Tour 2025

If you’ve laughed at them on TikTok, now’s your chance to see them live. The Mesmo Rollo Tour brings together four of Mexico’s most viral comedy groups — Los Mesmos Show, K Rollo Show, Los Wapayasos and Horripicosos — for a night of hilarious sketches, slapstick antics and outrageous costume comedy.

It’s a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud event perfect for anyone who appreciates over-the-top humor and doesn’t mind a few ridiculous surprises.

Dates: August 3 at 5 p.m.
Location: Teatro Vallarta, Perú 1105-C, 5 de Diciembre
Cost: From 330 pesos

House Rules: The Rise of House Music

Take a break from the dance floor and learn how house music became one of the most influential genres in the world. Local PV personality Paco Ojeda hosts this immersive presentation that charts the genre’s roots in Chicago’s underground scene to its explosion in global clubs. Featuring iconic tracks and stories from the LGBTQ+ and Black communities who shaped the movement, this session will have you grooving in your seat.

Dates: August 7 at 7 p.m.
Location: The Joint Co-Work, Insurgentes 108, Zona Romántica
Cost: 300 pesos. Tickets available at The Joint front desk.

José Madero: Sarajevo Tour

Longtime fans of José Madero and newcomers alike are in for an intimate evening of raw emotion and powerful vocals. As the former frontman of Mexican rock band Panda, Madero has since carved out a deeply personal solo career with an introspective sound that merges rock, poetry and vulnerability. His Sarajevo tour features new material alongside fan favorites in a concert that promises intensity, connection and a whole lot of feels.

Date: August 8 at 8:00 p.m.
Location: Teatro Vallarta, Perú 1105-C, 5 de Diciembre
Cost: From 2,100 pesos. Tickets via Ticketmania and the Teatro Vallarta box office.

Strings of Light: The Musical Journey of Pat Metheny

In this beautifully curated listening session, Paco Ojeda dives into the life and music of Pat Metheny, one of modern jazz’s most prolific and genre-defying artists. From his early guitar work to his expansive compositions that mix classical music, folk and fusion, this talk is a deep dive for jazz lovers and curious listeners alike. It’s a warm and enriching evening at the Joint. that explores what makes Metheny’s music so timeless and moving.

Dates: August 21 at 7 p.m.
Location: Joint Boutique Hotel and Cowork, Insurgentes 108, Zona Romántica
Cost: 300 pesos, cash only; tickets available at Joint’s front desk

Elías Medina’s La Experiencia Tour

With a soulful voice and a knack for writing viral Regional Mexicano hits, Elías Medina brings his signature blend of ballads, humor and storytelling to Vallarta for the first time. Known for penning songs performed by artists like Grupo Firme and Pesado, Medina’s live show goes beyond music — it’s a relaxed, bohemian-style experience filled with emotion, laughter and sing-along moments.

Dates: Aug. 29 at 9 p.m.
Location: Teatro Vallarta, Perú 1105-C, 5 de Diciembre
Cost: Tickets start at 550 pesos

Hermanos de Leche Comedy Show

Podcasters, online influencers and comedy duo Iván “La Mole” Fematt and Adrián Marcelo are kicking off their world tour in Vallarta with Hermanos de Leche, a high-octane standup show that blends soccer fandom with sharp satire.

The two are known for their viral banter and unfiltered takes on everything from sports to pop culture, with a focus on hilarious and often absurd life lessons. This adult-only Spanish-language show is a must for fans of edgy, sports-laced humor.

Date: August 30 at 9 p.m.
Location: Teatro Vallarta, Perú 1105-C, 5 de Diciembre
Cost: From 400 pesos. Tickets via Arema and the Teatro Vallarta box office

Meagan Drillinger is a New York native who has spent the past 15 years traveling around and writing about Mexico. While she’s on the road for assignments most of the time, Puerto Vallarta is her home base. Follow her travels on Instagram at @drillinjourneys or through her blog at drillinjourneys.com.

The post What’s on in Puerto Vallarta in August? appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Mexico, along with the United States and Chile, had issued a tsunami warning soon after the earthquake.

[Hilo] Comienzan a registrarse en México los efectos del #Tsunami producido por el sismo de magnitud 8.8, ocurrido el día de ayer en la península de Kamchatka, Rusia. La primera de nuestras estaciones en registrar el fenómeno fue Manzanillo, Colima, a las 11:24 UTC… pic.twitter.com/kDjWJXQFh7

— Servicio Mareográfico Nacional UNAM (@SMareograficoN) July 30, 2025

The Mexican Navy (Semar) had reported at a Security Cabinet meeting that Wednesday morning would be the likeliest time for any concern, due to a slight rise in sea level in certain areas of the eastern Pacific Ocean. However, it reiterated that the information did not imply major risks.  

Earlier, the Tsunami Warning Center (CAT) of the Semar issued an alert bulletin to update sea level fluctuations at various points along the Mexican Pacific coast. Mexican authorities recommended that the population stay away from beaches and coastal areas and exercise extreme caution in maritime activities, noting that the alert remained active only as a preventive measure.

In the advisory, Semar mentioned the variations in wave heights at key cities along Mexico’s Pacific coast. These include Ensenada, Baja California, which recorded a height of 0.70 meters at 6:15 a.m. (12:15 GMT), and Salina Cruz in Oaxaca, with a height of 0.25 meters at 6:14 a.m. (12:14 GMT). 

Also mentioned were Clarión Island (one of the Revillagigedo Islands off the Colima coast), with a height of 0.25 meters at 6:20 a.m. (12:20 GMT), and Manzanillo, Colima, with 1.15 meters at 6:15 a.m. (12:15 GMT). 

No material damage or injuries were reported at these sites. 

During the tsunami warning, dozens of people, including locals and tourists, crowded the Mazatlán promenade to watch the sea, ignoring official warnings to stay away from the coastal area for safety reasons. The warnings urged people not to approach the beaches or the seawall, due to the risk of sudden currents and changes in sea level.

Despite these warnings, on Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, groups of families and friends could be seen sitting and walking along the boardwalk. The atmosphere was festive, according to images shared on social media. 

The Semar temporarily closed several Pacific Ocean ports as a precautionary measure in response to the tsunami warning. These include:

Closed to large vessels: 

• Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
• Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
• Puerto Chiapas, Chiapas

Closed to small vessels:

• Cabo San Lucas, Baja California
• Puerto Peñasco, Sonora
• Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
• Chacala, Nayarit
• Puerto Chiapas, Chiapas

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake struck at a depth of 19.3 kilometers (12.2 miles) and occurred 126 kilometers (78 miles) east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city of 165,000 people on the coast of Avacha Bay, Russia.

The USGS said it was one of the 10 most powerful earthquakes on record. 

With reports from Infobae, Milenio, EFE, El Economista

The post No damages reported from tsunami effects; 8 ports remain closed appeared first on Mexico News Daily

The latest National Survey of Urban Public Safety, released by the national statistics agency INEGI on Thursday, revealed that the residents of Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, view their city as very safe, with just 21.4% of the population raising security concerns. 

Survey respondents viewed Mexico as a whole to be less safe than last year, with 63.2% of over-18-year-olds surveyed saying they considered it unsafe to live in their area, compared to 59.4% in June 2024. 

While the overall security perception has worsened, the average daily number of murders decreased by 21, to 65.6 in June, compared to 86.9 in September 2024, the last month of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s term in office, according to the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System. 

The safest city according to perception was San Pedro Garza García, which is the wealthiest municipality in Mexico. 

The cities or municipalities with the lowest perception of insecurity according to the survey were:

• San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León – 11% (of surveyed residents viewed as unsafe)
• Piedras Negras, Coahuila – 16.9%
• Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – 21.4%
• Benito Juárez borough, Mexico City – 22%
• Saltillo, Coahuila – 23.5%

There was a significant gender gap in the perception of safety in urban areas, with 68.5% of women reporting insecurity across Mexico compared to 56.7% of men.

A year after El Mayo’s capture, Sinaloa’s capital is seen as Mexico’s most dangerous city 

Meanwhile, 32.5% of participants expect crime and insecurity in their city to remain equally bad over the next year, 25.4% expect it will worsen, and 25.1% think it will improve. 

Survey participants viewed Culiacán, the capital of the northern state of Sinaloa, as the most insecure, with 90.8% of residents feeling unsafe, compared to 44.7% last year. 

The public perception of Culiacán’s security has deteriorated amid an ongoing war between the “Los Chapitos” and “Los Mayos” factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, which was triggered after Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada was allegedly kidnapped and taken to the U.S., where he was arrested in July 2024. 

With reports from Informador and El Financiero

The post Puerto Vallarta rated third-safest city in Mexico appeared first on Mexico News Daily

But that history is in danger of being forgotten, thanks to decades of investment and development in Puerto Vallarta as a tourism destination. But there are still traces of that history, if you know where to look.

To walk the cobblestone streets of its historic center today is to glimpse the enduring spirit of a Vallarta that existed before the tourism boom — one of riverside washerwomen, stevedores at the pier and evenings spent in the plaza sharing stories and tamales.

“‘Old Vallarta’ is a fond memory and a collective recollection filled with nostalgia,” says Lic. Moisés Hernández López, the city’s official chronicler. “It was a period marked by strong community relations, a human scale in everyday life and a pace distinct from what urban development would later impose.”

Though difficult to pinpoint to one decade, “old Vallarta” is generally considered the era between 1920 — when Las Peñas officially became the municipality of Puerto Vallarta — and the early 1960s, just before the arrival of modern tourism.

Hernández describes a tightly knit community shaped by both its natural surroundings and its isolation.

“Puerto Vallarta’s uniqueness lay in its geographic isolation, combined with a strong community identity. The town was a crossroads of maritime trade and agricultural life, where cooperation and solidarity were everyday realities,” he says.

The early economy relied on fishing, copra (coquito oil) extraction, tobacco, plantains and the high-end wood trade. Tile-making, brickmaking, and the physically demanding port work defined the town’s labor force. Infrastructure milestones such as the arrival of electric lighting and the telegraph brought progress, but never eclipsed the community’s collective spirit.

That sense of cohesion still pulses in certain corners of the city. According to Hernández, Puerto Vallarta’s historic center — which is not, in fact, the Zona Romantica, but rather the area that stretches from Calle 31 de Octubre to the Cuale River — is one of the “last bastions” of the city’s earliest identity.

“It preserves the original layout of the old Villa de Las Peñas,” he explains, referring to the original 19th-century settlement that would become Puerto Vallarta.

Here, the parish church of Our Lady of Guadalupe rises above the rooftops, an enduring spiritual and architectural symbol. Hernández is quick to name the Saucedo Theater as another historic landmark worth attention.

Designed in 1922 by Italian architect Ángel Corsi — who also designed various historic buildings in Guadalajara — Puerto Vallarta’s Saucedo Theater became a gathering space for cinema, music and community events, with its significance lingering long after its lights dimmed.

As for the maritime heritage, the leading lights, popularly known as the Vallarta lighthouses, are still preserved. One is located on the malecón at Calle Morelos, and the other is on Matamoros Street at the foot of the hill. Both were built to guide ships and are now considered historical heritage sites. The Matamoros lighthouse, in particular, has been adopted as a popular lookout point for its views of the bay and the historic center.

But perhaps the deepest traces of old Vallarta are not found in stone or plaster, but in tradition. The December pilgrimages in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe still wind through the streets, a tradition so integral to Vallarta’s identity that it has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage by the state of Jalisco.

Likewise, the paseadas of Las Palmas (picnic-style horseback rides hosted by long-established families) and the charrería equestrian tradition kept alive by local families like the Ibarrias, echo the town’s rural roots.

“There are still palaperos (trained constructors of palapas), tile-makers, and fishermen who carry on the old trades,” Hernández notes, though they face increasing pressure from modernization, he says.

“Simple but meaningful customs, such as chatting on the sidewalk, sharing food with neighbors, or participating in social gatherings, have gradually disappeared,” Hernández says. “The arrival of tourism transformed daily rhythms and altered the relationship between the space and its inhabitants.”

And that, he warns, is the biggest threat to Vallarta’s soul: Rapid growth, land speculation and short-sighted development have often treated the city’s memory as expendable.

“The past has too often been seen as a hindrance to development, rather than as a foundation for the future,” he says. “But memory, when well managed, can be a valuable tourism and economic asset.”

Still, signs of hope remain. Preservation efforts have gained momentum, both from official bodies and grassroots collectives. The historic center is a protected zone, even if enforcement is inconsistent. Nonprofit groups and academics are working to catalog buildings in Puerto Vallarta, interview elders and train new generations of historians.

“There’s a growing network of artists, architects and scholars committed to preserving our heritage,” says Hernández. “And young people are beginning to show interest, too, recognizing that history isn’t something distant but something you can see in the window grills, the rooftops, and the voices of your neighbors.”

If you want to experience the old Puerto Vallarta, he suggests starting with an early morning stroll through the historic center. Cross the suspension bridge over the Cuale. Visit the market and taste its food. Climb the hill to the Matamoros lighthouse for a quiet moment of reflection. And, most importantly, talk to the locals — from the fishermen and the vendors to the abuelos on park benches.

“There, between words and silence,” he says, “you will find a true haven of Puerto Vallarta.”

As the city hurtles into its next chapter, shaped by foreign investment, real estate speculation and rapid expansion, these last bastions of Vallarta’s history serve as both anchor and guidepost. They remind us that heritage is not merely what we preserve in stone but also what we choose to carry forward in spirit.

Because without memory, even paradise can lose its way.

Meagan Drillinger is a New York native who has spent the past 15 years traveling around and writing about Mexico. While she’s on the road for assignments most of the time, Puerto Vallarta is her home base. Follow her travels on Instagram at @drillinjourneys or through her blog at drillinjourneys.com.

The post Where and why to find the last bastions of Puerto Vallarta’s history appeared first on Mexico News Daily

That finding is unlikely to surprise many, given that the state has been under siege since a civil war erupted among rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel last year. Still, even in a nation where 63% of urbanites feel unsafe in their own city (up from 59.4% of a year ago), the 90.8% who feel Culiacán is unsafe is a striking figure, and a major increase from the 44.7% who felt unsafe this time last year.

The current war was triggered after Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada was allegedly kidnapped and taken to the U.S., where he was arrested.

Zambada’s arrest escalated a long-running dispute between the “Los Chapitos” and “Los Mayos” factions of the Sinaloa Cartel. The internecine conflict — which was foreseen back in 2021 — began less than a month later, grabbing headlines after the military was targeted via a narco-blockade in a rural area north of Culiacán on Aug. 29.

Official records show that there were 50 murders officially reported in Sinaloa in July 2024 and 44 the following month. In September, that number spiked to 142 and has consistently exceeded three figures since, peaking at 207 in June.

The news website N+ reported that 2,092 people were killed across the state between September 2024 and June 30, 2025. Also, nearly 2,000 civilians have been “disappeared,” with 278 of these disappearances occurring in Culiacán since Jan. 1, according to the newspaper Infobae.

Additionally, officials received 1,794 complaints of kidnapping, arbitrary detention and sexual harassment between September 2024 and June 1, 2025. Among those kidnapped are teen-agers as young as 14 who are “recruited” by the cartel to serve as look-outs and gunmen.

A Culiacán merchant who spoke to N+ summed up the situation frankly, saying, “We are living in a war zone.”

The violence has also devastated the local economy. Since the beginning of the crisis, it is estimated that more than 1,800 businesses in Culiacán have closed and an additional 800 people have lost their jobs.

In the incident that sparked the firestorm of violence, Zambada claims he was kidnapped by Joaquín Guzmán López (son of convicted drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera) and his associates on July 25, 2024, forced onto a private plane and flown to an airport in the U.S.

Zambada was eventually transferred to a prison in New York City and is scheduled for a hearing in U.S. federal court in Brooklyn on Aug. 25.

Although Culiacán is the epitome of unsafe cities in Mexico, it is not alone in producing high negative numbers in public safety perception.

In the INEGI survey, residents of Ecatepec de Morelos in México state (90.7%), Uruapan, Michoacán (89.5%), Tapachula, Chiapas (88.1%) and Ciudad Obregón, Sonora (88.0%), overwhelmingly reported feeling unsafe in their own cities.

On the other hand, residents of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, just 215 kilometers south of Culiacán, said they felt safer than they did a year ago. There, the negative perception fell from 75.5% in June 2024 to 64.5% this year.

With reports from El País, N+, Infobae and Noroeste

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State and federal officials launched Operation Summer Vacation 2025 on July 4, a program aimed at providing security to tourists and Nayarit residents. The strategy involves state and federal security, health, civil protection and tourism agencies.

Hotel occupancy in the state’s coastal areas is projected to reach 88%, contributing mightily to the 5 billion pesos (US $270 million) expected to enter the state this summer.

While providing an update this week, state Tourism Minister Juan Enrique Suárez del Real spoke of the growth in domestic and international tourists and visitors to Nayarit in recent years. 

He said that while roughly two-thirds of visitors to Nayarit arrive by land, more than 60% of passengers arriving at the Puerto Vallarta International Airport in neighboring Jalisco visit destinations in Nayarit. This translates to approximately four million tourists arriving by air each year, he said.

Suárez del Real said Governor Miguel Ángel Navarro has prioritized air connectivity with new international routes arriving at the Tepic International Airport (TPQ) from the U.S. and a direct flight from Canada due to launch in December. The airport in Tepic, the state capital, officially became an international airport in 2009, but a July 16 flight from Los Angeles was TPQ’s first-ever international arrival.

Navarro oversaw a 4.1-billion-peso (US $221 million) renovation project to expand TPQ’s runways and build a new terminal and a new control tower that he said further strengthens the state’s position as a key destination for international tourism.

The tourism minister called on all state residents “to embrace tourism as a matter of shared responsibility and commitment.” He said that beyond entertainment, tourism means “meeting all the needs of those who visit Nayarit with quality and efficiency.”

With reports from El Universal and El Economista

The post Nayarit expects a million visitors this summer, bringing a 5-billion-peso boost to its economy appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Today, Puerto Vallarta is recognized as the LGBTQ capital of Mexico, a place where rainbow flags hang as proudly as the bougainvillea spilling over the balconies. The city’s Zona Romantica neighborhood is a full-blown “gayborhood,” buzzing with queer-owned cafes, boutique hotels, beach clubs and late-night dance floors. But the path to queer paradise didn’t appear overnight. It was carved by decades of quiet courage, community resilience and one very big Pride parade.

According to Javier Jiménez, president of Vallarta Pride, the turning point came in the late 1990s, when LGBTQ immigrants began arriving in large numbers, particularly from San Francisco and Los Angeles. “Along with the LGBTQ community, they began looking for safe and friendly places to meet,” he says. “Bars like Balcones and Paco Paco became social hubs for the community.”

Then came the tipping point: the 2002 opening of Blue Chairs, Mexico’s first openly LGBTQ hotel. Blue Chairs was more than just a place to sleep. It was a declaration that queer travelers belonged here. “From that moment on, says Jiménez, “Puerto Vallarta took firm steps toward becoming the best LGBTQ destination in Mexico and Latin America.”

Early entrepreneurs like Francisco Ruíz, John Crocket Moore, Frank Muts and the Greys — Gregory and Don — were instrumental in building the infrastructure for a thriving queer economy in nightlife, hospitality, arts and tourism. These business ventures were acts of defiance and vision.

“They showed the rest of the population that this was a present and active community that contributed to the economy and the destination’s promotion,” says Jiménez.

The numbers back it up. What began as a handful of LGBTQ bars has blossomed into more than 50, according to the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. The first Vallarta Pride parade had 40 participants and three floats. Jiménez says today there are more than 2,000 people and 50 floats that roll through the street each year. What was once a niche tourism segment has become a main engine of Vallarta’s economic lifeblood.

“It is estimated that 40 cents of every peso comes from the community,” Jiménez adds. LGBTQ tourism has also spurred a boom in construction, particularly in the southern part of the city. Condo towers, boutique hotels and mixed-use developments have transformed the skyline, many of them funded, owned or designed with queer travelers in mind.

But Vallarta’s queer identity goes deeper than hotel rooftops and themed parties. Though, let’s be real; the White Parties and Bear Week go off. There’s a thriving ecosystem of queer artists, chefs, activists, and business owners who keep the cultural heart beating. Galleries line the streets of Zona Romantica. Activists rally behind causes from HIV awareness to trans rights. The local Pride committee is run by a coalition of community leaders who live here year-round.

“Beyond nightlife, the LGBTQ community in Puerto Vallarta finds countless art galleries, a vast and exquisite gastronomic offering and tours to the rivers and mountains,” says Javier Jiménez. “It also boasts strong local activities that have forged a strong and proud community.”

A big part of what makes Vallarta unique is its sense of welcome, and not just for tourists. Locals, says Jiménez, have embraced the queer community, both socially and economically. “In general, the people of Puerto Vallarta are very friendly and open-minded,” he says. “Perhaps also helped by the community’s contribution to the city’s development.”

Still, travelers should be aware that even paradise has its risks. In recent months, the U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara confirmed several reports of U.S. citizens being kidnapped after meeting individuals on dating apps in the Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit areas. In some cases, victims and their families were extorted for ransom. While these incidents are deeply concerning, it’s important to note that similar crimes have occurred in cities around ht world. Caution is always advised when meeting strangers, particularly in unfamiliar places. Meet in public, let someone know where you’re going, and trust your instincts whether you’re in Vallarta, Berlin or Bangkok.

Of course, nowhere is without its blind spots. Jiménez is quick to point out that even in a place as seemingly inclusive as Vallarta, progress must be guarded. “Based on recent examples like what is happening in the U.S., where the LGBTQ community believed its rights were secure and these have recently been diminishing, the community must remain present,” he warns. “Defending what it has achieved, and actively participating in political and social spheres.”

Still, for first-time queer travelers, Puerto Vallarta offers freedom without fear. From wedding ceremonies on the beach, a sunset cocktail at Mantamar, or simply holding hands while strolling the Malecon, there’s a feeling here that is easy to recognize. It’s safety. It’s joy. It’s family.

And that’s the thing about Puerto Vallarta. You come for the views, the food and the party. At least, I did. But I, like so many others from all walks of life, stay because Puerto Vallarta feels like you’ve found your place in the sun. 

Meagan Drillinger is a New York native who has spent the past 15 years traveling around and writing about Mexico. While she’s on the road for assignments most of the time, Puerto Vallarta is her home base. Follow her travels on Instagram at @drillinjourneys or through her blog at drillinjourneys.com.

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From infrastructure upgrades in historic neighborhoods and the rollout of a new tourist tax to hosting Mexico’s prestigious film awards, the city is making moves to enhance its appeal while tackling long-standing challenges. 

Puerto Vallarta invests in Seapal Vallarta amid ongoing challenges

Puerto Vallarta Mayor Luis Munguía has delivered 13 new vehicles to water authority Seapal Vallarta, in a bid to improve the utility’s operational efficiency and restore public trust following a year of financial turmoil. The vehicles will be deployed across Seapal’s maintenance and service departments to address citizen complaints, leaks and other infrastructure needs more quickly.

At a ceremony in El Pitillal, Mayor Munguía said the investment reflects a shift toward more responsive, service-oriented governance. “We want a Seapal that is approachable, that solves problems, and delivers real results,” he said at the ceremony.

The delivery comes after a turbulent year for SEAPAL Vallarta. The agency’s current leadership, appointed less than a year ago, inherited a system in crisis. General Director Carlos Ruiz and Administrative Director Rodolfo Domínguez revealed that SEAPAL had been left with only 8 million pesos in reserves, insufficient to cover basic obligations. The agency has requested a 46 million peso loan to stabilize operations.

As Puerto Vallarta nears its high tourist season, water shortages remain a concern. While the new vehicles are a step forward, officials acknowledge more work is needed to rebuild SEAPAL’s capacity and ensure reliable service citywide.

Facelifts in key neighborhoods

Puerto Vallarta is rolling out urban improvements in some of its most popular neighborhoods, including Emiliano Zapata in the city’s Romantic Zone, and the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood. Mayor Munguía announced a slate of infrastructure projects aimed at revitalizing these beloved areas while preserving their architectural significance.

In Emiliano Zapata and the Romantic Zone, upgrades will include the renovation of house facades, rehabilitation of cobblestone streets and sidewalks, and the installation of underground wiring. 

Meanwhile, Avenida Mexica in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood will undergo a complete overhaul between 31 de Octubre and Argentina Streets. The project includes reinforced cobblestone paving and improved pedestrian access to better connect residents and tourists to the waterfront.

Puerto Vallarta to host 67th Ariel Awards

Puerto Vallarta will host the 67th Ariel Awards, one of Mexico’s most prestigious film honors, on September 20, 2025, marking the first time the city welcomes the event. The ceremony, organized by the Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences (Amacc), will take place at the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center.

The move is part of Amacc’s strategy to decentralize the awards and amplify their cultural reach. Puerto Vallarta’s selection also underscores Jalisco’s importance in the national film industry, supported by public incentives such as the Filma Jalisco program.

The films leading this year’s nominations are Sujo by Fernanda Valadez and Astrid Rounder, Corina by Úrsula Barba Hopfner and Pedro Páramo by Rodrigo Prieto.

More than 800 industry guests, including filmmakers, press and influencers, are expected to attend.

Puerto Vallarta begins charging new tourist fees

As of July 1, Puerto Vallarta has officially implemented its new Nonresident Rights (DNR) fees for foreign visitors, a measure approved earlier this year by the Jalisco State Congress. The reform grants the city the authority to collect two separate charges from international travelers: a per-person entry fee and a staggered cruise passenger tax.

Visitors arriving by air or sea are now subject to a 141 peso (US $8.25) fee, which is expected to be collected via payment modules installed at Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport and the maritime terminal. The city anticipates raising over 200 million pesos annually from this levy, which will fund improvements to local infrastructure, such as beach access, streets, and the boardwalk.

Additionally, cruise passengers are now required to pay a US $5 DNR fee as of July 1. The amount will gradually increase over the next three years, rising to $10 in 2026, $15 in 2027, and reaching $21 by mid-2028. These funds will support national programs to promote Mexican products, culture and employment opportunities in the cruise industry.

Mexico News Daily

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