If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach vacation that won’t break the bank, look no further than Puerto Vallarta. Located in the Mexican state of Jalisco, this enchanting city is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and is a popular tourist destination for people of all ages. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, or take part in some of the many exciting activities available in Puerto Vallarta, these tips will help you make the most of your trip.
Getting to Puerto Vallarta
The closest airport to Puerto Vallarta is the Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), which is located about 15 minutes from the city center. Several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United, offer direct flights to PVR from cities throughout the United States. If you’re coming from elsewhere in Mexico or from a foreign country, you can also fly into the Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), which is about a two-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta.
Once you’re in Puerto Vallarta, the best way to get around is by taxi. Fares are reasonable, and most drivers know the city well and can give you tips on where to go and what to do.
Where to Stay
There are a wide variety of accommodations available in Puerto Vallarta, from luxurious beachfront resorts to budget-friendly hostels. If you’re looking for a little bit of everything, consider staying in the city center, where you’ll be close to both the beach and the lively nightlife district. If you’re looking for a more relaxing stay, consider a resort in the quieter Zona Hotelera neighborhood.
What to Do
There’s no shortage of things to do in Puerto Vallarta. From relaxing on the beach to zip lining through the jungle to swimming with dolphins, you’re sure to find something to excite you. Here are a few of the most popular activities in Puerto Vallarta:
• Sunbathing and swimming on the beach
• Touring the city’s historic downtown district
• Shopping for souvenirs in the vibrant Mercado Municipal
• Taking a day trip to the picturesque town of San Sebastian del Oeste
• Zip lining through the jungle
• Swimming with dolphins
Where to Eat
Puerto Vallarta is home to a wide variety of restaurants, from casual beachside eateries to upscale seafood restaurants. If you’re looking for a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, be sure to check out one of the city’s many taco stands. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more upscale, there are plenty of restaurants serving up succulent seafood dishes.
Safety
Puerto Vallarta is a relatively safe city, but it’s always important to take precautions when traveling. Use common sense and be aware of your surroundings, and always keep your belongings locked up and out of sight. It’s also a good idea to avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have an amazing trip to Puerto Vallarta!
Contents
- 1 What do I need to know before traveling to Puerto Vallarta?
- 2 Should I bring dollars or pesos to Puerto Vallarta?
- 3 Should I get pesos before going to Puerto Vallarta?
- 4 Do you tip in Puerto Vallarta?
- 5 Do I have to wear a mask in Mexico?
- 6 Can I use US dollars in Puerto Vallarta?
- 7 Can I use my debit card in Puerto Vallarta?
What do I need to know before traveling to Puerto Vallarta?
Mexico’s Pacific Coast jewel, Puerto Vallarta, is a top destination for tourists. With its stunning scenery, world-class restaurants, and plethora of activities, there’s something for everyone in Puerto Vallarta. However, before you book your flight and pack your bags, there are a few things you should know.
Getting to Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination, so flights tend to fill up quickly. It’s important to book your flight well in advance to ensure you get a seat.
If you’re driving to Puerto Vallarta, you’ll need to take a ferry from Manzanillo to Puerto Vallarta. The drive is about eight hours, and the ferry ride is about two hours.
Once you’re in Puerto Vallarta
The currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso. While U.S. dollars are accepted in some places, it’s best to use pesos for smaller transactions.
Many places in Puerto Vallarta accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have pesos on hand for smaller purchases.
Puerto Vallarta is a large city, and it can be difficult to get around. It’s best to book a tour or use a taxi to get around.
There are a variety of tours available in Puerto Vallarta, from zip-lining to whale-watching. Be sure to do your research ahead of time to find the tour that’s right for you.
Weather in Puerto Vallarta
The weather in Puerto Vallarta is warm year-round. The average temperature is in the mid-70s, and it rarely dips below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for winter break and spring break. If you’re looking for a warm-weather getaway, Puerto Vallarta is a great option.
Safety in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a safe city, but it’s always important to take precautions when traveling. Be aware of your surroundings, and don’t leave your belongings unguarded.
It’s also important to be aware of scams that occur in tourist destinations. Be sure to research common scams before you travel.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to travel to Puerto Vallarta! Enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer.
Should I bring dollars or pesos to Puerto Vallarta?
When traveling to a foreign country, it can be difficult to decide what currency to bring with you. Do you bring dollars, which may be more widely accepted but may be harder to change if the currency devalues? Or do you bring the local currency, which may be easier to use but may not be accepted in all stores?
If you’re traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the answer to this question may depend on your travel plans. If you plan on spending most of your time in the touristy areas of town, you’ll likely be able to use both dollars and pesos. However, if you’re planning on venturing outside of the city or spending time in rural areas, you’ll likely need to have pesos on hand.
Ultimately, it’s best to do a little research before your trip to determine what the prevailing currency exchange rate is. This will help you to make the best decision about what currency to bring with you.
Should I get pesos before going to Puerto Vallarta?
If you are planning to visit Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, you may be wondering if you should get pesos before going. Here is some information on what to expect when exchanging currency in Puerto Vallarta and what your best options are.
When exchanging currency in Puerto Vallarta, you will likely have the option of exchanging your currency for pesos or for U.S. dollars. The exchange rate for pesos is usually about 13 to 1 U.S. dollar, so if you are planning to use pesos, it may be wise to exchange some currency before departing for Puerto Vallarta. However, keep in mind that you will also be able to use U.S. dollars in Puerto Vallarta, so you may not need to exchange any currency if you are comfortable using U.S. dollars.
Another thing to keep in mind when exchanging currency in Puerto Vallarta is that you may not get the best exchange rate if you go to a currency exchange booth or if you use a currency exchange app. It may be wiser to use a credit or debit card to get cash out in pesos, as you will likely get a better exchange rate that way.
Overall, whether you should get pesos before going to Puerto Vallarta depends on a few factors, including how comfortable you are using pesos and what kind of exchange rate you can get. If you are comfortable using pesos and you can get a good exchange rate, then it may be a good idea to get some pesos before departing for Puerto Vallarta. However, if you are not comfortable using pesos or if the exchange rate is not good, then you may not need to exchange any currency before going to Puerto Vallarta.
Do you tip in Puerto Vallarta?
When traveling to any foreign country, it can be difficult to know the customs and etiquette. This is especially true when it comes to tipping. In the United States, tipping is generally expected for most services, but this is not always the case in other countries. So, do you tip in Puerto Vallarta?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. In general, tipping is not as common in Mexico as it is in the United States. However, many people do still tip in Puerto Vallarta. If you are unsure of whether or not to tip, it is best to err on the side of caution and tip.
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to tipping in Puerto Vallarta. First, tipping is usually only expected for services that are considered to be above and beyond. So, you generally don’t need to tip for basic services, such as restaurant meals or taxi rides.
However, if you receive exceptional service, it is customary to tip. In general, you should tip between 10 and 15 percent of the cost of the service. So, for example, if you have a meal at a restaurant and the bill comes to 100 pesos, you would tip 10 to 15 pesos.
When it comes to tipping in Puerto Vallarta, it is important to remember that the customs can vary a bit from place to place. So, if you are unsure of what to do, it is best to ask your hotel or restaurant staff for guidance. They will be able to tell you the standard tipping rates in the area and can give you some tips on how to best tip in Puerto Vallarta.
Do I have to wear a mask in Mexico?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific situation and the region of Mexico that you are in. However, in general, it is not necessary to wear a mask in Mexico unless you are in an area where there is a severe outbreak of a contagious disease.
In some parts of Mexico, such as the border region with the United States, it is more common to see people wearing masks, particularly when traveling on public transportation. However, this is not always the case, and in most parts of the country it is not necessary to wear a mask unless you are concerned about catching a specific disease.
If you are traveling to Mexico and are worried about the possibility of catching a contagious disease, it is important to research the specific areas that you will be visiting and to seek advice from a health professional. In some cases, it may be advisable to take precautions such as wearing a mask, but this will vary depending on the situation.
Can I use US dollars in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, you can use US dollars in Puerto Vallarta. The US dollar is one of the official currencies in Mexico, so you can use it at most businesses and restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. However, you may not get the best exchange rate if you use US dollars, so it’s a good idea to also use Mexican pesos.
Can I use my debit card in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, you can use your debit card in Puerto Vallarta. However, you may want to contact your bank or card issuer to find out if there are any specific restrictions or conditions on using your card in Mexico. Additionally, it’s a good idea to let your bank know that you’ll be traveling so they don’t flag your card as being potentially stolen or used fraudulently while you’re away.