Puerto Vallarta

Quick Facts:

Location –

Puerto Vallarta sits on the Costa Dorada of Mexico, at the mid-point of Banderas Bay, where the Pacific Ocean washes the border between Jalisco and Nayarit. Located on the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands (20ºN), the city's weather and climate are often compared to Hawaii's

Weather –

Puerto Vallarta (like nearby Nuevo Vallarta) is surrounded by jungle, and receives considerable rain during the summer months. Rainy season generally runs from June to September, most rain in September. December, January and February are hot and sunny.

Getting around –

With your all-inclusive package transfers to and from the airport are included. Taxis and buses are readily available, as are rental cars if that is something you choose to do. As always, we recommend booking an escorted tour through your tour operator or hotel when venturing off property.

Currency –

The official currency in Puerto Vallarta is the Mexican peso but American dollars are also widely accepted. Banks are open Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm but there are exchange houses found in larger towns that are open much later.

Language spoken –

In Puerto Vallarta the official language is Spanish, however most Mexicans working the tourism industry speak English as a second language.

Electricity –

The standard electricity supply is 110 volts; therefore you will not need convertors unless you are bringing 220 volt devices (hotels will often offer convertors).

What To Do:

Excursions –

There are many things to do in the Puerto Vallarta area which are sure to please all kinds of travellers. Here is a quick overview of the most popular attractions –

The Malecón - paved walkway along the seashore in Col. Centro - especially popular during the Sunday evening paseo.
Cuale Archaeological Museum - on the West side of the Isla Cuale, the museum presents a significant collection of local and regional pre-Hispanic art in a number of informative displays. The museum also houses a small gallery for showing contemporary art.
Playa Conchas Chinas (Curly Shells Beach) - Fracc. Amapas - the city's most secluded beach, located to the South of the headland which forms the boundary of Los Muertos beach.

Visit your tour operator or resort’s website for a more comprehensive list of attractions as well as current rates.

Shopping –

There is really no limit to the amount of shopping you can do while in Puerto Vallarta. Like in other areas of Mexico there are options from high end to local artisans. There are many malls (also known as plazas) to choose from.

Among the products that you may find interesting are silver jewelry, blown glass objects, local pottery, clothing, masks and other artisan products. Puerto Vallarta also has a reputation as an art center, with many fine art galleries, something that sets it apart from most Mexican beach resort cities.

Nightlife –

The options are many when it comes to nightlife – an evening boat cruise or a traditional Mexican fiesta are fun things to fill your evenings, or just go and relax at a local bar or dance at a club. Discos are available at most resorts, do research into your resort before travelling to avoid disappointment. In town there are many bars and clubs to choose from, some even enjoy a relaxing evening listening to music and taking in the atmosphere after a dinner in town.

Golf –

If you are someone in your family is a golf lover than Puerto Vallarta will not disappoint. With multiple professionally designed courses to choose from and fabulous weather most of the year it is an ideal location. Do your research before travelling to see which courses are closest to your resort, possibly even attached, and book a tee time in advance if possible.

Favourite Resorts:

Hard Rock Vallarta

Grand Palladium Vallarta

Riu Vallarta

Dreams Villamagna

Now Amber