Mexican Pacific
Banderas Bay is home to two very popular destinations for expats: Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco and Nuevo Vallarta in Nayarit. Separated by just 20 kilometers and the Ameca River — which marks the border between the two states — they offer very different living experiences. This guide helps you choose which one best suits your profile and lifestyle.
Puerto Vallarta has the soul of an authentic city. With its iconic malecón along Banderas Bay, its historic center of cobblestone streets with colonial architecture, the bohemian Romantic Zone with art galleries and award-winning restaurants, and an expat community decades old, PV offers a genuinely urban and cultural experience.
Marina Vallarta is the most modern and exclusive area, with its world-class marina, golf course and oceanfront condominiums. The international airport is just 5 minutes by car, making frequent travel very convenient.
Nuevo Vallarta is more peaceful, orderly and residential. Its luxury private developments — like the Flamingos condominiums — offer less crowded beaches, modern marinas and golf courses in a more exclusive and controlled setting. It is ideal for families with children and retirees seeking tranquility and privacy without giving up luxury.
Bucerias and Cruz de Huanacaxtle, coastal towns a few kilometers from Nuevo Vallarta, offer a more authentic and accessible experience, with local malecóns, seafood restaurants and a more intimate and established expat community.
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