Puerto Vallarta Just Broke Records

Puerto Vallarta Just Broke Records — And If You’re Watching the Market, You Should Be Paying Attention

Let’s talk about what’s really happening here.

While the world debates markets and interest rates, Puerto Vallarta is quietly doing what it does best — growing, expanding, and outperforming.

According to the latest numbers from the State of Jalisco, tourism didn’t just do well in 2025… it hit a record.

Over 33.9 million visitors came to Jalisco last year. That’s a 3 percent increase — and it translated into approximately 76.6 billion pesos flowing into the state’s economy.

That’s not hype.

That’s movement.

And guess who continues to lead the charge?

Puerto Vallarta Is Carrying the Flag

While the overall hotel occupancy across Jalisco averaged about 58 percent, Puerto Vallarta came in at 71 percent — miles above the rest.

If you understand real estate, you know what that means.

That’s consistent demand.

That’s rental strength.

That’s people choosing this coastline over other destinations.

From the Romantic Zone to Amapas, from Conchas Chinas to Marina Vallarta — people are booking, flying in, and staying longer.

And they’re not just coming once.

They’re returning.

The Airport Is Expanding — And That Matters

The Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport handled nearly 7 million passengers in 2025.

That is massive for a coastal city this size.

And here’s the part most people overlook:

Terminal 2 is nearing completion, which means expanded capacity and more direct international routes.

More seats.

More connections.

More accessibility.

Air connectivity drives tourism.

Tourism drives rentals.

Rentals drive investor confidence.

It’s a chain reaction.

And 2026 Isn’t Slowing Down

January 2026 alone brought in 2.8 million visitors statewide.

Spring is packed with international events that bring in high-spending travelers and global exposure.

The Puerto Vallarta by UTMB is drawing thousands of international athletes to the mountains and coastline.

Then the industry shifts into networking mode with Gala Vallarta — where tourism professionals from around the world come to build partnerships.

This isn’t accidental growth.

It’s structured.

It’s strategic.

It’s sustained.

Neighborhoods Outperforming in 2026

Now let’s talk real estate — where the rubber meets the road.

When tourism has momentum like this, it filters directly into demand for homes, condos, and investment properties. But not all neighborhoods perform the same — some are clearly outperforming right now:

🔥

Zona Romántica

This is Puerto Vallarta’s heartbeat — walkable streets, epic sunsets, nightlife, restaurants, and one of the most consistent short-term rental markets anywhere in Mexico. It’s pricey, but the demand stays insatiable year-round.

📈

Versalles

Quiet, authentic, and centrally located with growing restaurants and boutique developments — Versalles has become a hidden gem. Buyers here see strong year-round demand, especially for long-term renters and digital nomads.

🏙

5 de Diciembre

Walkability and access to Centro, combined with limited new buildable land, are pushing values and interest here. It’s a transitional neighborhood that’s generating real momentum.

🚤

Marina Vallarta

If you’re talking stability and premium tenants, this is it. Waterfront living, golf course access, and airport convenience make Marina Vallarta a perennial top performer — especially for long-term tenants willing to pay a premium.

🏖

Conchas Chinas & Amapas

The luxury hillside communities just south of Zona Romántica continue to see strong appreciation thanks to limited inventory and breathtaking views that command top dollar. These areas aren’t high-turnover for nightly rentals — but they are high confidence for wealth-driven buyers.

These neighborhoods aren’t just “popular” — they’re consistently attracting demand, holding value, and seeing inventory move faster than the general market. That’s not luck — that’s real market structure backed by tourism and lifestyle migration.

Why This Matters If You’re Watching Property Values

Let’s remove the emotion for a moment.

When:

• Visitor numbers increase

• Airport capacity expands

• Occupancy stays high

• International events keep coming

You create pressure.

And pressure in real estate typically pushes one direction.

Up.

Now — does that mean every condo automatically doubles? No.

Does it mean pricing still matters? Absolutely.

But sustained tourism growth is the foundation that supports appreciation, rental income, and long-term confidence in the market.

And right now, Puerto Vallarta’s foundation is very strong.

What I’m Seeing On the Ground

From my side — showing property weekly, tracking days on market, analyzing sold data — I can tell you this:

• Inventory under $500K still moves quickly.

• Luxury properties take longer, but well-positioned units with views and amenities now command premium offers.

• Preconstruction continues because developers believe in long-term demand.

And the occupancy figures reflect what we actually feel on the ground — full beaches, busy restaurants, and serious rental bookings.

This isn’t a one-year spike.

This is momentum.

Final Thought

People don’t just vacation here anymore.

They test it.

They fall in love.

They start looking at ownership.

That’s the pattern I’ve watched over and over again.

Puerto Vallarta isn’t just a beach town.

It’s becoming one of Mexico’s strongest lifestyle-driven real estate markets.

And if you’re thinking about investing, relocating, or diversifying internationally — watching these tourism numbers isn’t random.

It’s smart.

Will Hutt

Coldwell Banker La Costa

Puerto Vallarta