Where to stay
- Friendly Fun Puerto Vallarta Beach Resort & Spa: 24-hour all-inclusive on one of the hotel zone's best beaches.
- The Vamar Vallarta: inside Marina Vallarta, about 5 minutes from the airport.
- Riu Vallarta and Krystal Beach Resort: all-inclusives that draw student crowds.
- StudentCity, STS and Inertia Tours have sold packages to these resorts.
Nightlife
- Mandala Beach Club, La Vaquita and Señor Frog's: Cancun-brand clubs on and around the Malecón.
- La Santa: an open-air club with a big dance floor.
- Chicabal Beach Club: an upscale beach club on the Pacific.
- The Jungle Bar (Old Town) and Roxy Rockhouse for live music.
Days out
- Snorkeling, ziplining and boat trips around Banderas Bay.
- The Malecón, historic center and local markets.
- March is ideal, with sunny days and cool evenings.
Budget
- Operator all-inclusive packages (flights, hotel, meals, party package) have run about $1,200–$2,000.
- Booking flights, hotel and a party package yourself has run about $800–$1,000.
