Puerto Vallarta beach guide
Playa Mismaloya
The birthplace of Puerto Vallarta tourism, famous for 'The Night of the Iguana' and jungle bay scenery
About Playa Mismaloya
A historic sheltered cove set against lush jungle hills where the Mismaloya River meets the ocean, offering seaside palapas and boat charters to Los Arcos.
Playa Mismaloya changed the course of Puerto Vallarta’s history when director John Huston chose this untouched cove to film 'The Night of the Iguana' in 1963, starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner. The media frenzy and Elizabeth Taylor's romance put Vallarta on the global tourism map. Today, this sheltered bay features calm, swimmable emerald waters, rustic beachfront palapas, and the premier launch point for pangas heading out to Los Arcos.
How to get there
Located along Highway 200 South in the scenic South Shore corridor.
- Take the orange Mismaloya / Boca bus from Basilio Badillo & Constitución in Romantic Zone (10 MXN).
- 10-25 min drive south along Highway 200.
Local planning notes
- Hire a panga directly on the beach for a 5-minute boat tour to Los Arcos Marine Park.
- Visit the nearby Vallarta Botanical Gardens located 15 minutes further up Highway 200.
- Try fresh grilled huachinango (red snapper) and homemade guacamole at the beachfront palapas.
Before you go
- The original 1963 film sets on the southern hill are now on private/condo land with limited access.
- Boat captains will approach offering tours; negotiate politely before boarding.
Nearby places and attractions
- Night of the Iguana Film Ruins: Historical 1963 film set ruins perched on the hillside where Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor stayed. (South hillside)
- Rancho Los Veranos / Canopy Tour: Pioneering canopy zipline park and tequila distillery located upstream in the jungle. (5 min drive inland)
- Mismaloya Panga Charter Launch: Traditional wooden panga cooperative offering short 10-minute boat trips to Los Arcos. (On the beach)