Like many Americans, my first trip to Mexico was to Cancún. In 2022, my sister got married at a resort in Playa de Mujeres. While the experience was beautiful, it - like other tourist-heavy beach towns in Mexico, such as Los Cabos and Tulum - felt disconnected from the local culture and community. My second visit to Mexico City in 2023 offered a deeper, more authentic connection to the country's soul, but I found myself missing the warm sands and calm beach waters I enjoyed in Cancún.
I knew that the next time I returned to Mexico, I wanted a destination that offered both: stunning beaches and immersive cultural experiences. As a Latina with roots in Latin America - the Dominican Republic specifically - the balance has become increasingly important to me. Puerto Vallarta delivered exactly that. It's a beach town rich in history with romantic cobblestone streets, a mix of locals and tourists, and a deep respect for Mexico's vibrant culture.
I was fortunate to be part of a small group of journalists invited on a four-day, three-night stay at the Hilton Vallarta Riviera, a stunning all-inclusive resort nestled along the beach with sweeping views of the Bahía de Banderas from every room. I woke up to breathtaking ocean views every morning, and every evening ended with some of the most unforgettable sunsets I've ever witnessed.
What I appreciated most about Puerto Vallarta - in comparison with other popular beach destinations like Los Cabos or Cancún - was how seamlessly it allowed for both a luxurious resort experience and meaningful cultural immersion. On our first night, we were welcomed with a beachfront dinner as the sun set, complete with locally sourced dishes and tequila-infused cocktails, a fitting tribute given that tequila originated in this region. We were serenaded by a local mariachi and opera singer, a nod to the area's claim as the birthplace of mariachi music. It was magical.
The next morning, the resort hosted an 8 a.m. sound healing and meditation session led by a local Mexican healer and astrologer - part of their intentional effort to incorporate wellness activities rooted in local traditions. It's worth noting that most of the staff and vendors at the Hilton Vallarta Rivera are Mexican citizens, reinforcing the resort's commitment to honoring the culture and supporting the local economy.
I also learned that Puerto Vallarta was once home to several Indigenous tribes. Today, the Huicholes remain a vibrant part of the region, living in the nearby Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. Their intricate yarn paintings and beadwork are celebrated throughout the city, and even the Hilton's kids' club includes workshops on Huichol crafts, taught using resources provided and paid for by the community itself.
That afternoon, we ventured into downtown Puerto Vallarta for a guided tour of the Malecón, a pedestrian-only boardwalk stretching 12 blocks along the ocean. The area buzzes with energy - street vendors selling snacks and refreshing drinks, oceanfront restaurants, tequila bars, and charming cobblestone streets lined with traditional hacienda-style casitas. Even in the most touristy areas (like the block surrounding Casa Kimberly, the former home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton that's now a boutique hotel), locals and visitors coexist in a way that feels authentic and vibrant.
The resort arranged this tour intentionally to encourage guests to explore the heart of the city and contribute directly to the local community. After experiencing Puerto Vallarta's mix of rich culture, warm hospitality, and natural beauty, I came away feeling it's a destination that offers more than just a beach resort escape - it offers a deep sense of place.
That afternoon, we explored the local mercaditos, where vendors sold everything from handmade baskets and crafts to traditional beverages and snacks like tuba and cachuate garapiñado, a definite highlight of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Back at the hotel, one of the chefs led a cooking demo on how to make authentic Mexican-style paella. The next day, we took a Mexican ceviche-making class - something I've always wanted to learn.
While I didn't get to explore everything during my short stay, I'm eager to try a growing list of spots next time - like the ever-popular Eulo's Bakery, known for its delicious pastels, and Pepe's Tacos, where locals insist you'll find the best tacos in Puerto Vallarta.
When people talk about traveling to Mexico, Puerto Vallarta often flies under the radar. Despite having its fair share of resorts and tourist attractions, it still feels like a lived-in coastal town - predominantly Mexican and proudly rooted in its culture.
As my time in Puerto Vallarta came to a close, I found myself watching the sky during one last glowing sunset, trying to take it all in. As a Dominican American, I often cringe when someone mentions they've "been to the Dominican Republic" and immediately name-drops Punta Cana. So, it felt especially meaningful to experience an all-inclusive stay that didn't strip away the soul of the place. I left feeling not only recharged but also more connected to the culture, the people, and new friends I made along the way - who, like me, were seeking something real amid the luxury.
Johanna Ferreira is the content director for PS Juntos. With more than 10 years of experience, Johanna focuses on how intersectional identities are a central part of Latine culture. Previously, she spent close to three years as the deputy editor at HipLatina, and she has freelanced for numerous outlets including Refinery29, Oprah magazine, Allure, InStyle, and Well+Good. She has also moderated and spoken on numerous panels on Latine identity. Read More Details
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