As one of the world’s most-visited destinations, Mexico greets about 66 million visitors per year! Puerto Vallarta alone welcomes 6 million tourists every year, most of whom rave about its exciting nightlife, delicious cuisine, and amazing activities like sailing and snorkeling.
However, many visitors are worried about the safety of Puerto Vallarta. We hear your concerns, and we’ll discuss the safety of Puerto Vallarta, along with some travel safety tips that you can take with you no matter where you visit.
Is safety a concern in Puerto Vallarta?
Any time you travel, staying safe is a priority, and no matter where you go, it’s important to take precautions to ensure that you have an amazing trip with no security issues.
We understand that you may have seen some distressing headlines regarding violent crime in Mexico. While this news is understandably concerning, you should know that Mexico is a big, diverse country, and not all areas are the same. To use the U.S. as an example, just because a crime occurs in Detroit, doesn’t mean you should cancel your trip to Houston. Crime targeting tourists is also exceptionally rare, which is why these stories get highlighted: they don’t happen often.
Puerto Vallarta, like all of Mexico’s major tourist destinations, is overwhelmingly safe for visitors. Just ask the millions of people who visit every year without incident and rave about their amazing vacations!
Safety Tips in Puerto Vallarta
1. Use the same common sense you would use at home
When traveling anywhere, whether it be to Puerto Vallarta or anywhere in the world, use the same common sense that you would use in your own hometown. Avoid traveling alone to unknown areas at night, be cautious when interacting with strangers, do not purchase drugs, and do not overindulge in alcoholic beverages, especially if you're out by yourself. At Agave Villas, we want our guests to have a great time when visiting and by using the same common sense as they would at home, we know they will have a safe and fun vacation.
2. Stay in a gated community
If you’re worried about safety while booking a private villa in Puerto Vallarta, you may want to consider staying in a gated community such as Sierra del Mar Los Arcos, San Xoaquin, or El Paradon. Many of the properties listed with us are located in gated communities with controlled entry and onsite security who take the safety of guests seriously. They’re also always on hand to report any security concerns you may have.
3. Store valuables in a secure location
It’s best to avoid bringing valuables with you on vacation (no matter your destination) as much as possible. That said, some items—such as cash, credit cards, electronics, etc.—are necessary, and in that case, you should make use of the safe provided in your accommodations. Private villas will usually have a safe that guests can use to store those valuable items out of sight.
4. Learn common Spanish words and phrases
It’s a good idea to learn common phrases in Spanish when you visit Puerto Vallarta. It’ll help you blend in better, demonstrates a respectful interest in Mexican culture, and most locals will appreciate the effort! It’ll also make asking for help much easier, should you need assistance.
5. Know who to call
Before traveling, make sure you know all of the emergency phone numbers you may need. If you’re staying at a villa with Agave Villas, our on-site concierges are always available to help you with any issues or concerns you may have during your stay.
6. Let our expert team guide your vacation planning
If you find yourself stressed about planning your trip to Puerto Vallarta, consider working with the team at Agave Villas to do the heavy lifting for you. Our team is local so we are knowledgeable about the area and can advise you on local customs as well as provide tips and advice on how to make the most of your trip. We've also worked with countless other visitors and know exactly what activities, accommodations, and sightseeing are available.
Why Visit Puerto Vallarta?
Now that we have gone over some safety tips while visiting Puerto Vallarta, let's go over some of the top reasons why you should visit.
1. Stunning beaches
Puerto Vallarta is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. From Los Muertos Beach to Conchas Chinas Beach, there are plenty of options for visitors to choose from. Visitors can easily spend an entire day swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving while soaking up the tropical sun.
2. Vibrant nightlife
Puerto Vallarta is also known for its fun, vibrant nightlife. On a night out, visitors will have a variety of amazing bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to choose from. The Malecon is also a great spot for strolling, people-watching, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
3. Rich cultural heritage
Puerto Vallarta has an immensely rich cultural heritage that visitors can experience first-hand by visiting its many art galleries, museums, and historic landmarks. From its cobblestone streets to the Huichol Cultural Center, Puerto Vallarta is a destination you won't want to miss.
Enjoy the Best of Puerto Vallarta with Agave Villas
Don’t miss out on the best that Puerto Vallarta has to offer! When you browse Puerto Vallarta listings at Agave Villas, you can rest assured that our private villas have been selected based on their safety as well as their luxurious accommodations. Our years of experience and expertise in the industry have made us your trusted partner in luxury villas in Mexico. Contact us today to start planning the unforgettable escape to the tropics you’ve always wanted!