The Mexican destination ranks second among the world’s best small cities for the second consecutive year in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, based on votes from 798,867 readers.
Its international positioning continues to grow through recognitions in gastronomy, LGBTQ+ tourism, meetings and conventions, and leisure travel, confirming the diversity of its tourism offering.
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Puerto Vallarta once again places Mexico among the world’s most distinguished travel destinations. The Mexican Pacific destination was recognized as the Best Small City in Latin America and the Second Best Small City in the World in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, maintaining for the second consecutive year its position among the highest-rated small cities by the publication’s readers.
The 2026 edition attracted participation from 798,867 readers. Puerto Vallarta ranked behind Victoria, Canada, and ahead of Florence, Italy; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; and Lucerne, Switzerland. The publication highlights a destination where Pacific beaches, nature, gastronomy, culture, and urban life converge to create a diverse travel experience.
Condé Nast Traveler highlights the Historic Center, its cobblestone streets, the Romantic Zone, its culinary scene, art, and nightlife, as well as experiences that allow visitors to explore the surrounding natural environment. Sea excursions to destinations such as Yelapa, Banderas Bay, and the Sierra Madre Occidental expand the experience beyond its beaches.
Gastronomy has also become one of the key components strengthening 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 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 Travvy Awards 2026, the destination 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.
In the Magellan Awards 2025, Puerto Vallarta 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 destination’s 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.
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, reinforces its sustained appeal among international travelers.
These achievements are complemented by consistent nominations in categories such as Best Destination in Mexico in Travel Weekly recognitions and the Travvy Awards.
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. Puerto Vallarta International Airport serves 55 destinations, including 15 domestic and 40 international routes, with 24 in the United States and 16 in Canada.
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.
CONTACT:
Jalisco@quinn.pr
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SOURCE Jalisco Tourism Board
