Puerto Vallarta is an extra special place. It is not just a place to vacation but also to live.
Find the best places to eat, stay, and play, and of course, where to find the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta.
Overview of the Banderas Bay and city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is in the Mexican state of Jalisco, which is on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, inside of the Bahía de Banderas, or the Banderas Bay, which includes the state of Jalisco to the south and Nayarit to the north.
Puerto Vallarta Destination Airlines Access, Your Sunny Vacation Escape
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The Language
Spanish is the official language, but many locals (and most businesses in tourist areas) speak English. If you know a few Spanish basics you should have some fun trying to speak the native language.
The Mexican Peso (MXN) is the official currency, but US and Canadian dollars are accepted at most, if not all businesses. Some people prefer to exchange their dollars for pesos, use your ATM card into preferably just make sure you are using an ATM that is inside of a bank. Never use one that is exposed or out on the street with 24-hour access. Hotels or at the airport have less favorable exchange rates.
Credit Cards
Be fully prepared to come across places that do not accept credit cards. Most restaurants are cash only, as well as taxis and buses. Make sure you have enough cash pesos with you during your trip.
If you do come across a place that accepts credit cards it will most likely be Visa or Mastercard, not American Express.
Tipping
You can typically follow the same tipping guidelines you have at home. Somewhere around 15% is fine at bars and restaurants. Just remember that the employees do not make very much money, and they rely on their tips to survive.
If you are at a resort taking advantage of your all-inclusive option by sipping margaritas all day long on the beach, you should tip. Tip well. Because that waiter is sweating his butt off running back and forth with your drinks while you are just hanging out, soaking up the sun.
Another place that you should tip is on a tour. Usually, at the end of a guided tour, they will ask for tips. Depending on the tour and how good it was.
Another thing to mention about tipping is that it is normal to tip your grocery store bagger. You do not have to tip them if you do not want to, but it is the standard with the locals. An average tip might be around 10 pesos, depending on how many bags you have. If you are only dealing with USD, go ahead and give one dollar. They are elderly or students trying to complement their (miserable) income.
Weather
It is HOT and HUMID, especially if you are visiting in the summer. The winters are a lot fresher, but it can still get pretty hot. For the summer you will definitely need shorts and tank tops, or a lightweight dress or romper. In the winter light summer close.
The rainy season is from around the end of June to the beginning of October. Most days during the rainy season would be sunny in the morning and afternoon, then later in the day the clouds would roll in and it would rain for an hour or so. Once in a while, there mite be a full rain day, but it was rare. If it does rain all day you should expect the streets to flood, so it is better to just stay inside for the day if that happens.
Visiting Puerto Vallarta during the summer! How About? What? When? With? Who? Why? https://promovisionpv.com/visiting-puerto-vallarta-during-the-summer-how-about-what-when-with-who-why/
Holidays
There are a few major holidays that are celebrated in Puerto Vallarta that could either make you want to avoid that time or go during that time. It depends on what you prefer!
Taking a vacation to Puerto Vallarta during one of these holidays will definitely give you a unique experience, plus it’s a great way to experience Mexican traditions. Puerto Vallarta is very festive and traditional, and if you head to the Malecón (boardwalk) you can definitely find something fun going on.
Semana Santa (Easter/Holy Week). This occurs between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. The national students have a long break from school, so imagine Spring Break with both international and national tourists and students jam-packing the beaches.
Celebrate Puerto Vallarta Mexican Independence Day Sep 15-16 https://promovisionpv.com/celebrate-puerto-vallarta-mexican-independence-day-sep-15-16/
Día de la Independencia (Mexican Independence Day). Celebrations start the night of September 15th and continue through the 16th. There will be fireworks, parades, food, and other fun festivities.
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). This major celebration to honor the dead occurs between October 31st and November 2nd. You will see many decorations with offerings for the spirits, amazing makeup and costumes, and parades.
Celebrating Day of The Death Puerto Vallarta Signification and video/photos https://promovisionpv.com/celebrating-day-of-the-death-puerto-vallarta/
Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe (Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe). The celebrations happen during the first 12 days of December.
The pilgrimages in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe https://promovisionpv.com/the-pilgrimages-in-honor-of-the-virgin-of-guadalupe/
Año Nuevo (New Year’s). New Year’s Eve celebrations will be happening all over the city, which is probably very similar to what you would experience at home. The Malecón (boardwalk) will is packed for what I basically consider a street party, and most resorts will have their own celebrations with fireworks that can be seen throughout the bay.
Some Facts you May Not Know about Mexico with illustrations and continued facts links. https://promovisionpv.com/some-facts-you-may-not-know-about-mexico/
Cell Phones
To use a cell phone in Puerto Vallarta, the easiest thing to do is to add an international plan before you leave home. The other option is to purchase a sim card once you arrive in Mexico. As long as you have an unlocked phone, you can purchase a Telcel sim card at any Oxxo, and use it in your phone. The sim card will give you both talk time and data. Telcol pacages that will include limitless call to US-Canada-Mexico (ex: 150 pesos for 25 days unlimited calls, limited data use like internet)
If you do not know Spanish you can say something like “Necesito un SIM para Telcel”. To add a plan, saying “recarga” will get you what you need. The cashier will need the phone number from the SIM, and you can add as much as you want. $20 USD should get you plenty, and you can always add more value whenever you want.
Seafood Dishes MUST try in Mexico https://promovisionpv.com/seafood-dishes-to-try-in-puerto-vallarta/
There is a bad time to visit Puerto Vallarta. The entire year is perfect, but it really depends on your preference.
Low season is during the summer months, from around June to November. September is the rainiest and slowest tourism month. Summer is also the hottest time of year to visit and the most humid. You should definitely expect rain during the summer.
High season runs from about December to May when the weather is best. You should have clear skies and perfect 80 degree days with no rain.
Snorkeling and Diving can be done all year round, but from what I understand it might be best during the summer months when the water has the best visibility.
If you ca not stand the heat and humidity, you should avoid traveling here from around June to October. If you like to take advantage of the low season when the hotel prices are cheaper and it’s less crowded, then you should definitely visit during the summer. Be advised that flight availability may be limited since some airlines reduce flights during the summer low season. I have found very good flight prices during high season, but hotels are typically more expensive during this time.
Can You Drink Puerto Vallarta Tap Water https://promovisionpv.com/can-you-drink-puerto-vallarta-tap-water/
Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta
Where do I even begin? There are SO many hotels, resorts, condos, and Airbnb’s to choose from! This is really a hard decision for someone who is taking a trip to Puerto Vallarta for the first time! But again, this really depends on your personal preferences.
First of all, decide what type of accommodation you prefer. Do you want to stay at a resort with an all-inclusive plan or a standard budget hotel? Maybe you would like to experience a small boutique hotel with a view? Or do you like the option of using Airbnb?
To help you decide, I have broken down the major areas of Puerto Vallarta to explain what you can expect, and offered some suggestions for accommodations.
Please note that my suggestions below are only that, suggestions. I have not personally stayed at every single one of these places. They are options that are either well known in the area, great for the budget or those that I have actually experienced myself and would recommend.
Marina
The Marina is closest to the airport and offers a few hotels, resorts, and condos, as well as a golf course, shopping, and restaurants. There isn’t much action in this area, but it is an easy bus or taxi ride to downtown or wherever else you would like to go.
Discover what is in the Marina Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/discover-what-is-in-the-marina-puerto-vallarta/
The Marina Puerto Vallarta Thursday Night Market not to miss. https://promovisionpv.com/the-marina-puerto-vallarta-vallarta-thursday-night-market-not-to-miss/
Hotel Zone
This large stretch of land has a bunch of hotels lined up one after the other along the beach, so you have many options here. Most of them have low to moderate prices, their own beach section, and easy access to public transportation. Some of the hotels are within walking distance to downtown.
View of Malecon and Church in downtown Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Centro (Downtown)
Downtown Puerto Vallarta has so much to offer and it is centrally located. With tons of shopping, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and the famous Malecón (boardwalk), you will definitely have plenty to do here. Taxis and buses are everywhere you look so you will never have to worry about getting around town.
This is a crowded area, so do not expect any huge resorts on the beach. This area offers hotels for the type of traveler who wants to be close to the action, have a nice view, stay in traditional Mexican style accommodations, or for those on a budget. It is a great place to stay if you are not interested in the all-inclusive beach-front resort experience, and would prefer to eat at all of the great restaurants in town.
About the Hotel Rosita at the Heart of Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/hotel-rosita-at-the-heart-of-puerto-vallarta/
Romantic Zone, Olas Altas neighborhood
Old Town/Olas Altas
Old Town (some people also refer to this area as the Romantic Zone or Olas Altas) is one hop skip and a jump from downtown, on the other side of the Rio Cuale River. Similar to downtown, you will also enjoy many restaurants, bars, and shopping. Taxis and buses are also available everywhere you look.
Old Town is one of my favorite areas in Puerto Vallarta, just because the vibe is so awesome! It attracts a lot of tourists, and you will definitely have a great time at the bars listening to live music. And the food- OMG, so many great restaurants here!
You also have access to the Pier and Los Muertos Beach, which is the most popular beach in Puerto Vallarta. On Los Muertos, you will find many restaurants lined up along the beach with a great view of the pier and those magical Puerto Vallarta sunsets. You can also take boat tours from the pier, so this is a great location if you are interested in heading out on the water for the day to places like Los Arcos or Yelapa.
Most of the resorts below are places where you could literally just live on the resort during your whole trip and be totally content. I definitely recommend this area if you are looking for a vacation where you can just relax.
Hanging out at the Malecon
I also recommend wearing a sunhat, but you don’t have to bring one with you since you can find these all over town. Plus, it’s cool to buy one as a souvenir! Don’t forget to bring plenty of sunglasses!
If you forget anything at home, there is a Walmart by the marina. You can also stop at an Oxxo, which is a little convenience store that you can find on almost every corner. To save space in my luggage I usually do not bring any toiletries with me, so I stop at the Oxxo or Walmart to buy what I need.
Using the bus to get around the city of Puerto Vallarta
How to get around Puerto Vallarta
Taxi
Buses and taxies are everywhere in Puerto Vallarta so you will never need to worry about how to get around town. Uber is even operating there now, but I have not used Uber in Puerto Vallarta, so I’m not sure how convenient it is or what the prices are like.
A taxi is probably the easiest option for you to get around since there are taxi “sitios” all over the place. This is basically the station for the drivers to sit and wait for passengers, and they are placed all over the city.
You do not have to find a taxi at one of these designated areas; you can grab a taxi wherever you find one available. Just wave your hand at the driver and they will pick you up!
Taxi rates vary by zone, not by distance or time. It is helpful to know the rates before you take a taxi just to make sure the driver is charging you the correct price. Your hotel will have that information for you. Always bring cash for taxi rides, even better if you have exact change. Sometimes the driver does not have change, or so they say.
Most taxi drivers speak English, or at least enough to get by. Just make sure you know the exact name of the place you are going so there is no confusion.
Buses
Buses are a very cheap option for your trip to Puerto Vallarta. Just make sure you know how to use them. Plus, they are such a fun way to see the city!
Find your way around and Discover Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. https://promovisionpv.com/how-you-can-go-around-and-discover-puerto-vallarta-and-riviera-nayarit/
Buses are currently $10 pesos. This equals less than $ 0.70 USD!! That is an amazing deal!
In order to take the bus, I definitely recommend learning how to use them. Ask your hotel before you leave to make sure you know what to do.
Make sure you know which bus to take and do not be scared to ask the driver if he is going where you want to go. Buses and Taxis are a great way to get around during a trip to Puerto Vallarta
Rental Car
The very last option I should mention is driving a rental car. In my opinion, I do not think it is the best idea to rent a car and drive during your trip to Puerto Vallarta. The roads are a little different than in the US, so it would make your vacation a little easier if you did not drive. It’s kind of a stressful situation that I never got used to after almost 3 years, so it’s just better to use other transportation.
Car Rentals in Puerto Vallarta – Riviera Nayarit. https://promovisionpv.com/car-rentals-in-puerto-vallarta-riviera-nayarit/
If you do decide to rent a car, you can do so at the airport.
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
PUERTO VALLARTA’S TOP ATTRACTIONS THINGS TO DO https://promovisionpv.com/puerto-vallartas-top-attractions-things-to-do/
Puerto Vallarta has TONS of stuff to do, and the fun never ends! If you really wanted to, you could be up all day and night without ever getting bored.
Have a Beach Day
The beach is an absolute must for any trip to Puerto Vallarta. The entire bay is lined with amazing beaches just waiting for you to explore.
Some favorite beaches in Puerto Vallarta are: Conchas Chinas, Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlan, Colomitos, Las Animas, Yelapa.
What Beach to Spend the Day in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit. https://promovisionpv.com/discover-the-beaches-to-spend-the-day/
The Malecon boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta
Another absolute must for a trip to Puerto Vallarta is to visit the Malecón (the boardwalk). This is a favorite for both tourists and locals, and a great place to start your exploration into the city of Puerto Vallarta.
There is a ton to see and do on the Malecón, such as:
Watch the Voladores de Papantla
Photograph the art sculptures or free tour
Watch a show at Los Arcos Amphitheater
Visit Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
Shopping
The Popular Malecon of Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/the-popular-malecon-of-puerto-vallarta/
On a zip line – eco-tour during a trip to Puerto Vallarta
Take a Guided Tour
Whale Watching
Scuba Diving
Hiking along the mountain in downtown up to the observatory of the Cross
Some great ideas for a self-guided tour are:
Yelapa: A fishing village that is only accessible by water taxi. You can catch the boat to Yelapa at Los Muertos Pier. Buy your tickets in advance at one of the booths right before the pier. Once you are there head into town to eat, swim in the town’s waterfall, hike further up the river to the larger waterfall, or hang out on the beach sipping some margaritas.
Yelapa tropical paradise near Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/yelapa-tropical-paradise-near-puerto-vallarta/
San Sebastian: A very small and peaceful mountain village, with a few shops and restaurants, and great coffee. There is a hike (or drive) up the mountain to a scenic view called La Bufa. Try to go on a clear day to get the best view. You will need to rent a car to get to this location which is about 2 hours away. You should avoid visiting San Sebastian during the rainy season since the roads might not be in the best condition.
Los Arcos: This is a marine park on the south side of Puerto Vallarta, which is a great place for scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. The water is super clear and you can definitely see some colorful fish here. You can catch a boat here from the pier, or even from some beaches. There’s a kayak rental place in Mismaloya, which is a great place to start your kayak tour to Los Arcos.
Puerto Vallarta’s Natural Aquarium Los Arcos https://promovisionpv.com/puerto-vallartas-natural-aquarium-los-arcos/
Whale watching in Puerto Vallarta
You can take a whale watching tour from December to February or March. Be sure to check with the tour company for the exact start and end date, because it could vary year to year.
Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden
The Vallarta Botanical Garden has grown to become one of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s most important landmarks. https://promovisionpv.com/the-vallarta-botanical-garden-has-grown-to-become-one-of-puerto-vallarta-mexicos-most-important-landmarks/
Get a Day Pass at a Beach Resort
Most resorts offer day and/or night passes, so you can spend the day there with access to the all-inclusive benefits that the guests have!
Puerto Vallarta DAY PASS https://promovisionpv.com/puerto-vallarta-day-pass/
Los Arcos Marine Park in Puerto Vallarta
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a popular thing to do in Puerto Vallarta and in the South Zone you can find the best water for it. You can go snorkeling on your own, or even take a guided or private tour.
A couple of good areas to snorkel are at Los Arcos Marine Park and mismaloya Beach.
Shopping
You will find so many stores and flea markets filled with colorful and artistic designs. It will be hard for you to resist buying some souvenirs! For the best variety and lowest prices try the Isla Cuale Flea Market and the Flea Market right beside the Rio Cuale (the locals just call this one “the flea market”.
There are also 3 shopping malls in the city that offer a wide variety of shopping options from budget-friendly to higher-end stores.
First Class Shopping & Super Markets in Puerto Vallarta ? https://promovisionpv.com/first-class-shopping-super-markets-in-puerto-vallarta-how-about/
Where to eat in Puerto Vallarta
We highly recommend venturing to try some of the local food. Do not be turned off by the look or locations of some of these restaurants…some of the best tacos you will ever have are straight off of a little cart on the side of the street!
Street tacos in Puerto Vallarta
Street Food is very numerous and varied in Puerto Vallarta and around the Bay of Banderas. https://promovisionpv.com/street-food-is-very-numerous-and-varied-in-puerto-vallarta-and-around-the-bay-of-banderas/
Know your Tacos in Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/know-your-tacos-in-puerto-vallarta/
Festival Gourmet International Coming SOON Nov 7 – 17 https://promovisionpv.com/festival-gourmet-international-soon-nov-7-17/
One thing about dining in Puerto Vallarta is that they will not bring you the bill unless you ask for it. The simple way to ask is “la cuenta”, which means the bill/check.
Gastronomic Tourism Puerto Vallarta – Riviera Nayarit https://promovisionpv.com/gastronomic-tourism-puerto-vallarta-nayarit/
The sunsets in Puerto Vallarta
Do not stay at the resort all day, get out and explore the beautiful city!
PLEASE try the local food, it is the best!
Use ATM’s, from banks or inside commerce ex: Costco, La Comer or.
Have some Mexican pesos for your day expenses and small change if you need a bus or taxi.
Do not be afraid to ask others any questions you might have, and have fun practicing Spanish!
Credit cards like Visa and Master Card are more universally accepted.
FYI: Mexico Customs and Immigration Rules, what is accepted or not, to bring in Mexico https://promovisionpv.com/mexico-customs-and-immigration-rules/
More All About Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/all-about-puerto-vallarta/
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