Puerto Vallarta has a reputation for being expensive, but it's totally possible to spend a week here for less than you'd burn through in a Cancún weekend. Here's the complete guide for backpackers and travelers on a tight budget.
Where to sleep cheap
Dorm hostels
- Hostel Vallarta — Basilio Badillo. Dorm from 350 pesos/night. Rooftop, breakfast included.
- Oasis Hostel — downtown. Dorm from 300 pesos. Very social, backpacker-priced tours.
- Rincón de Belén — Romantic Zone. 400-500 pesos/night. Clean, quiet.
Cheap private rooms
- Casa Alegre — private rooms from 700-900 pesos.
- Hotel Posada Lily — 600-800 pesos. Near the Malecón.
- Shared Airbnb — search for private rooms in local houses from 400-600 pesos.
Camping / alternative options
- La Bocana (Nayarit) — beachfront camping for 200 pesos/night.
- Workaway or Worldpackers — exchange 4 hours of work per day for lodging + food.
- Couchsurfing — active community in Vallarta with local hosts.
Eating well for cheap
The good news: Vallarta's street food is excellent and ridiculously cheap.
Streets you can't miss
- Insurgentes street: tacos, pozole, birria for 15-30 pesos per taco.
- Cuale River Municipal Market: full lunch combos for 80-120 pesos.
- Francisca Rodríguez street: fish tacos, birria, and quesabirrias.
Specific spots
- Pancho's Takos — al pastor tacos for 35 pesos. Always a line, always worth it.
- Tacos Los Carnales — Michoacán-style carnitas.
- Tacos Revolución — top-quality suadero and lengua at street prices.
- Fonda La Mezquita — homestyle lunch combos for 90 pesos.
- Taquería El Carboncito — open late, perfect after a night out.
The "comida corrida" hack
Many restaurants offer comida corrida (between 1 and 4 PM): soup + rice or pasta + main + drink for 100-150 pesos. The best price-to-quality of the day.
Cheap breakfasts
- El Parroquiano — Mexican breakfast for 80-120 pesos.
- La Moderna — 100 pesos for a full breakfast.
- Tamale street vendors — 20 pesos for a tamal with atole.
Getting around without spending
City buses
Vallarta's public transit is surprisingly good. Main routes:
- Downtown - Romantic Zone - Mismaloya - Boca: "Mismaloya" or "Boca" route. 18 pesos per ride.
- Downtown - Hotel Zone - Airport: "Aeropuerto" or "Las Juntas" route. 18-25 pesos.
- Downtown - Versalles - Pitillal (local areas): 18 pesos.
Buses run every 5-15 minutes. Pay the driver in cash, have change ready.
Bicycle
Renting a bike costs 150-200 pesos/day. The Malecón and part of the Hotel Zone have bike lanes.
Walking
Downtown and the Romantic Zone are 100% walkable. Save on transport and see more.
Avoid
- Airport taxis: they charge 300-500 pesos. Use Uber (150-250) or a local bus (25).
- Unofficial taxis with no visible fare.
Free beaches and activities
Beaches
All beaches are public by law. Don't pay for "access":
- Playa Los Muertos — free. Only chairs cost extra.
- Playa Camarones — free, fewer tourists.
- Playa Palmares — free, Blue Flag certified.
- Playa del Holi — free, sunsets.
Free activities
- Malecón — street art, musicians, shows.
- ArtWalk (Wednesdays Oct-May) — open galleries with free wine.
- Olas Altas Market (Saturdays Nov-May) — vibe + music + tastings.
- Guadalupe Church — city symbol, free entry.
- Cuale Island — free museum, nature in the middle of the city.
- La Cruz Lookout — panoramic view from the hill. Free, just walk up.
- Beach yoga — many groups offer donation-based yoga at sunrise on Los Muertos.
Cheap day trips
- Bus to Sayulita (Nayarit): 60 pesos one way. Charming surf town.
- Bus to Boca de Tomatlán + walk to Colomitos: 18 pesos + 20-min hike.
- Snorkel at Los Arcos with informal operators from Mismaloya: 350-450 pesos (vs 900+ on a big tour).
Extra savings tips
- Supermarkets: buy fruit, bread, cheese, beer at Mega, Ley, or Bodega Aurrera. 40% cheaper than tourist shops.
- OXXO and 7-Eleven: for micheladas, water, snacks. Open 24/7.
- Happy Hour: 4-7 PM many bars offer 2-for-1 on beers and margaritas.
- Prepaid mobile SIM: Telcel or AT&T offer 10 GB packages for 200 pesos — way cheaper than roaming.
- Don't shop on the Malecón: the same souvenirs sell for 50-70% less at the Municipal Market.
- Drink raicilla instead of expensive tequila: quality and character at the same price.
Realistic daily budget
For a solo traveler on a tight budget:
- Dorm bed: 350 pesos
- Food (street breakfast + comida corrida + nighttime tacos): 300 pesos
- Transport (buses): 50 pesos
- One activity or beer: 100 pesos
- Total: 800-900 pesos/day (approx USD $45-50)
With 7,000-8,000 pesos you can spend a full week including a day trip to Yelapa or Las Ánimas.
Vallarta doesn't have to be expensive. You just need to know where to look.