Puerto Vallarta Named Second Best Small City in the World
News related to:Puerto Vallarta · 3 min read
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico, Oct. 7, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Puerto Vallarta, a Mexican destination on the Pacific coast, has been named the second-best small city in the world for the second consecutive year, according to the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2026. The accolade, based on votes from 798,867 readers, highlights the city's diverse tourism offerings, which include its beaches, nature, gastronomy, culture, and urban life.
The city's international profile continues to grow, with recognitions in various categories such as LGBTQ+ tourism, meetings and conventions, and leisure travel. Puerto Vallarta has once again placed Mexico among the world's most distinguished travel destinations, confirming its status as a top small city in Latin America. The city ranked behind Victoria, Canada, and ahead of Florence, Italy; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; and Lucerne, Switzerland.
Gastronomy has become a key component in Puerto Vallarta's international profile. In the MICHELIN Guide Mexico 2026, ICÚ received a Bib Gourmand distinction, recognizing outstanding cuisine and excellent value for money, while Pancho's Takos was included among the Guide's recommended restaurants. These distinctions form part of Jalisco's presence in the MICHELIN Guide 2026, which selected 13 restaurants in the state, including Xokol and Alcalde in Guadalajara, both awarded one MICHELIN Star.
Puerto Vallarta's international standing is supported by a well-established tourism infrastructure. The destination offers 27,504 hotel rooms and 456 lodging properties, providing options for a wide range of traveler profiles. Its air connectivity further expands its international reach, with Puerto Vallarta International Airport serving 55 destinations, including 15 domestic and 40 international routes, with 24 in the United States and 16 in Canada.
The city's visibility is also reflected in its recurring presence in Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, with top rankings in both 2025 and 2026 among the world's best small cities. These achievements are complemented by consistent nominations in categories such as Best Destination in Mexico in Travel Weekly recognitions and the Travvy Awards.
In the Travvy Awards 2026, Puerto Vallarta received four nominations in categories including Best Destination, Best Culinary Destination, and Best Tourism Board. In the Ángel del Turismo Awards 2026, it received three nominations related to meetings and conventions tourism. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 29, 2026, in Puebla.
Puerto Vallarta has also maintained a strong presence in the tourism industry's leading awards over the past two years, recognized both for its comprehensive tourism offering and its strength in strategic market segments. In the Magellan Awards 2025, the destination earned two honors: Best Culinary Destination and Best LGBTQ+ Destination. These accolades complement its recognition in GayCities 2026, where it was named Best LGBTQ+ Destination, particularly for the hospitality and atmosphere of the Romantic Zone.
The city's recurring presence in Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, with top rankings in both 2025 and 2026 among the world's best small cities, reinforces its sustained appeal among international travelers. Its visibility is also reflected in Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best 2026, where Puerto Vallarta ranked among Mexico's top five destinations, while its iconic Malecón was included among the country's top attractions.
The combination of international recognitions and an offering that integrates beaches, nature, gastronomy, culture, nightlife, LGBTQ+ tourism, and meetings and conventions reinforces Puerto Vallarta's position as one of Mexico's most visible and competitive destinations on the global tourism stage.