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The Arches of Mismaloya in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Things to do in  Mismaloya

Where cinema meets the sea

Just south of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's Pacific Coast, Mismaloya is a small beach town immortalized in the 1964 film The Night of the Iguana. The tropical haven still maintains traces of the movie's languid atmosphere at its main, 1,000-foot (305-meter) beach, tucked within a forested cove. Things to do in Mismaloya are quintessentially beachy, from snorkeling among turtles and manta rays in Los Arcos National Marine Park to scooping up fresh ceviche with crunchy tortilla chips and lounging in the sun.

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When to visit

The best time to visit Mismaloya is during the dry season (November to April) when the days are sunny and perfect for outdoor activities. Skip the end of April, which marks Holy Week (Semana Santa), and Mismaloya fills with families flocking to the beach. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting in May or October—though the area experiences occasional storms this time of year, it's quieter and still warm.

Getting around

From Puerto Vallarta, taxis or local buses provide easy access to Mismaloya, which is 40 minutes away from the large city. Within the village, most attractions are easy to reach on foot, but renting a car can help you explore nearby spots like the Vallarta Botanical Gardens or Sayulita, a popular surfing destination. Guided snorkeling trips to Los Arcos National Marine Park trip are also available.

Traveler tips

The set where Night of the Iguana was filmed has slowly been disappearing into the jungle, but the ruins can still be visited via a short hike from the main beach’s boardwalk. Even if you haven't seen the movie, the hike is still worthwhile, as the trail offers great views of the sea and village. Continue on to La Iguana de Mismaloya lookout, where thrill-seekers often cliff jump into the sparkling waters below.

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People Also Ask
Q:How much is a taxi from Mismaloya to Puerto Vallarta?
A:

The 40-minute drive from Mismaloya to Puerto Vallarta costs around 350 pesos, although local buses are a convenient and affordable way to cover the 12-mile (20-kilometer) distance. The bus station is on the Manzanillo-Puerto Vallarta highway outside the large Barceló Puerto Vallarta hotel in the center of town.

Q:Is Mismaloya safe?
A:

Yes, Mismaloya is a safe tourist destination, with patrolled beaches and hotel security. However, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid traveling alone or at night. You should also keep an eye on your belongings at the beach and leave anything valuable in your hotel or at home.

Q:Can I swim in Mismaloya?
A:

Yes, Playa Mismaloya is small and well-sheltered from the Pacific swell, making it a lovely spot to lounge and play in the warm water. The nearby Los Arcos National Marine Park (Parque Nacional Marino Los Arcos de Mismaloya) is another favorite spot for swimmers and snorkelers to explore the coast’s underwater world.

Q:Where should I eat in Mismaloya?
A:

There are plenty of beach bars and casual eateries in Mismaloya, but not all are created equally. Ramada Camarena is a favorite, with menu highlights that include shrimp ceviche and coconut shrimp. El Jacalito is another must-try; the lobsters and margaritas here exemplify beachy decadence.

Q:How long should I stay in Mismaloya?
A:

If Mismaloya is your only destination in Jalisco, five days is a good amount of time to unwind, eat well, and soak up the sun. However, if you're exploring other towns or tourist attractions in the area, you can get a strong sense of Mismaloya in two to three days.

Q:Can I surf in Mismaloya?
A:

No, the water is too calm to surf in Mismaloya, but the town is a 2-hour drive from Sayulita, home to one of the region’s most popular surf beaches. A coastal town with a rowdier vibe, Sayulita is a great option for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

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