Is Puerto Vallarta safe?

Yes, Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in Mexico. The city has a strong police presence, and areas popular with visitors—such as the Romantic Zone, Marina Vallarta, and the Hotel Zone—are well-patrolled and maintained. Many expats and travelers report feeling safe walking around, even at night.

A recent survey conducted by the National Urban Public Safety Survey (ENSU) and the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) ranks Puerto Vallarta as the fifth safest city in Mexico, based on public perception of safety.

That said, like any tourist destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas late at night, and take standard precautions against petty crimes like pickpocketing. If you plan to venture outside of the main tourist areas, it’s always a good idea to stay informed about local safety conditions.