Puerto Vallarta Named Latin America’s Top Small City for 2026
October 8, 2026 Team Contributor
There is a reason travellers keep coming back to Puerto Vallarta. The city gives you the beach, but you can also spend the day walking its cobblestone streets, eating in the Romantic Zone, exploring local art or heading out into Banderas Bay.
Now, travellers around the world have given the city another reason to be noticed. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has been named the best small city in Latin America and the No. 2 small city in the world in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. It has held the No. 2 global position for two consecutive years, with Victoria, Canada, taking the top spot.
Canadians seeking a sun-soaked escape nearby, it’s best to explore six warm beach vacations from Canada with short flights.
Why Puerto Vallarta travel is so in-demand among international travellers
Condé Nast Traveller’s recognition goes beyond Puerto Vallarta’s beaches and large resort properties. The publication highlighted the Historic Center, cobblestone streets, Romantic Zone, food, art and nightlife as part of the city’s appeal.
Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Occidental offer a change of pace beyond the city, while a boat trip to Yelapa adds an intimate coastal experience to your travel to Puerto Vallarta.
The result places Puerto Vallarta ahead of Florence, Italy; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; and Lucerne, Switzerland, which rounded out the top five small cities in the category.
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta beyond the beach
Travellers researching Puerto Vallarta things to do, the city offers a mix of cultural, culinary and outdoor experiences.
The Historic Centre and Romantic Zone deliver an elevated side of Puerto Vallarta, combining boutique luxury, world-class dining, vibrant arts and coastal charm. Along the Malecón, travellers can enjoy sunset views, upscale restaurants and a lively social scene that adds to the destination’s resort appeal.
Gastronomy is also contributing to Puerto Vallarta’s growing international recognition. The MICHELIN Guide Mexico 2026 awarded ICÚ a Bib Gourmand, while Pancho’s Takos was included among the guide’s recommended restaurants.
Puerto Vallarta’s sunny climate keeps travellers coming back
Puerto Vallarta weather makes it appealing to Canadians looking to trade winter for warm shores.
Rather than focusing only on resort stays, travellers can combine time by the water with dining, cultural experiences and excursions around Banderas Bay. The destination’s range of experiences allows every traveller to shape their stay around their interests.
Puerto Vallarta resorts offer varied stays
Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive stays offer travellers a wide range of places to settle in and soak in the beauty of the Pacific coastline.
The destination has 27,504 hotel rooms across 456 lodging properties, according to the Jalisco Tourism Board. That includes accommodation for travellers with varied interests, from those seeking resort stays to visitors interested in spending more time exploring the city and surrounding areas.
For travellers comparing Puerto Vallarta vacation packages, accommodation choice is one factor to weigh during Mexico travel alongside flight schedules, location and the type of holiday they want.
Why more Canadians are heading to Puerto Vallarta beaches
Easy access from major Canadian cities complements Puerto Vallarta’s blend of coastal elegance, culture and world-class hospitality.
Puerto Vallarta International Airport serves 55 destinations, including 15 domestic and 40 international routes. Of those international routes, 24 serve the United States and 16 connect with Canada.
For travellers planning Mexico travel, that connectivity gives Puerto Vallarta a practical place in the market for Canadian winter escapes and leisure trips.
Travellers who want help comparing destinations, accommodation and flight options can also find a travel advisor near you through a renowned advisor platform. The right assistance can guide you to make the best use of Mexico vacation packages during your trip to Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta’s global appeal continues to grow
The latest Condé Nast Traveller accolade is the newest addition to a growing collection of international honours that have helped cement Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as one of Mexico’s most sought-after coastal destinations.
Puerto Vallarta received four nominations in the 2026 Travvy Awards, including Best Destination and Best Culinary Destination. It also earned Best Culinary Destination and Best LGBTQ+ Destination honours in the 2025 Magellan Awards, while GayCities named it Best LGBTQ+ Destination in 2026.
The destination also ranked among Mexico’s top five in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2026, while its Malecón was included among the country’s top attractions.
A coastal escape Canadians return to year after year
A second consecutive No. 2 ranking from Condé Nast Traveller places Puerto Vallarta among the world’s most admired small cities once again.
For Canadians planning a Mexico vacation in near-future, the combination of Canadian air connectivity, varied accommodation and experiences beyond the beach keeps the destination relevant across different travel styles.
Travel agents can use the travel advisor’s platform to meet travellers who’re looking for you to decide the best time to visit Mexico.
About the Author
