News & Guides
Stories, guides, and ways to get involved in Vallarta.

The Bronze Icons of the Malecon: A Walking Guide to Vallarta's Sculptures
Puerto Vallarta's Malecon is the city's living room, and the bronze sculptures lining the boardwalk are among its most photographed residents. Each has a story. Near Hotel Rosita stands 'Millennia' (Mathis Lidice, 2001), a 7.3-meter figure tracing time thro…

Healthcare in Vallarta: How Public IMSS and Private Hospitals Work for Foreigners
One of the most consequential decisions a new resident makes is how to handle healthcare — and Mexico runs on essentially two tracks. The public system, IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social), is free at the point of care for those who qualify. Foreigners need legal residency to enroll. If you work for a Mexica…

Puerto Vallarta's New 160-Peso Visitor Fee: What Residents and Their Guests Should Know
As of January 1, 2026, foreign visitors to Puerto Vallarta pay a new tourist fee of 160 pesos — about nine US dollars. It is a one-time annu…

Finding your way around
Here is how to get the most out of the site.

Membership, plainly
There are four ways to be part of the directory.

How the directory works
Most directories file everything in one rigid tree, so you have to guess how someone else organized it. Navigating Vallarta works differentl…

For businesses: listings, referrals, and reaching members
Business is part of living well, and local businesses are welcome on Navigating Vallarta.

Community groups: get featured, free
If you run or help run a community group — a hiking crew, a book club, a language exchange, a volunteer team, a weekly class — there is a pl…
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Why Navigating Vallarta exists
Puerto Vallarta is full of life — clubs, classes, causes, neighbors, and small businesses that make the bay feel like home. But finding them…
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