Farmers' Markets in Puerto Vallarta

Who doesn’t love visiting a farmers’ market - especially when you are in a new place?! It can be a great way to find one of kind souvenirs or gifts to bring home for friends and family, explore some of the amazing cuisine the area has to offer, buy yourself a little something (just because!) and even do a little grocery shopping. Puerto Vallarta has some amazing options for Farmers’ Markets that have become quite popular!

OLAS ALTAS FARMERS' MARKET

Saturdays! Starting the last weekend in October and going until mid May each year until 2pm.

This is our personal favorite - a not so small street market that has over 100 local vendors and will be sure to impress! This market has been happening in the Lazaro Cardenas Park (Tile Park) for 15 years now.

Some of our favorite things we have found include the fresh baked bread, the classy beaded earrings, the amazing flowers (birds of paradise), and the Thai food!

ART & MARKET MARINA VALLARTA

Thursday Nights starting the last week of October through mid May from 6pm to 10pm

If your trip doesn’t allow you to be in town on a Saturday - give this Thursday night market a try! Over 200 vendors come together along a half mile on the Marina Vallarta Boardwalk.

Some of our favorite things to buy - tequilas and wines produced in the area and great organic produce! Don’t miss some of the great decor items you can also find here.

How to get to Puerto Vallarta?!

FLY!
Our number one recommended way to travel from the US or Canada to Puerto Vallarta is to fly. You’ll find many of your favorite airlines fly from a city near you to PVR airport including our personal favorite - Delta Airlines, as well as American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Air Canada, WestJet and more! If you happen to already be coming from Mexico - look at Aeromexico to get to Puerto Vallarta. You can also fly Interjet, Viva Aerobus as well as Volaris.

We aren’t cruise people, but there are a TON of cruise ships that come to PV daily such as Carnival, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean. This could be a good way to get your feet wet as they say. Explore a little bit of what PV has to offer and then come back for an extended stay later on. Just be sure to get out of the area the cruise ship drops you off at - PV has SO much more to offer than that.

If you are traveling from within Mexico and love a good road trip. Puerto Vallarta can be reached by a number of major highways. We have a lot of guests who will drive from say Guadalajara which is about a four hour drive. Mexico City is approximately 8 hour drive away. Some clients do drive from the US to Mexico - but it is a LONG way - and we don’t really recommend it unless you have to. There are also some buses that offer routes to and from our city which include Vallarta Plus, Futura, and Primera Plus.

However you get to us, we are happy to have you!

What to tip in Puerto Vallarta?

When visiting Mexico, tipping is a common practice that is expected and appreciated. It is a way to show gratitude for good service and is an important aspect of the cultural customs.

In restaurants, a 12-15% tip is the norm, but don’t hesitate to leave 20% if you had great service. You can leave the tip in cash (typically preferred) or include it in the bill, though it's always good to check with your server if credit card payments are accepted and if there are any additional fees before you sit to eat. If you are leaving a tip in cash, just be sure to hand it to the waiter vs leaving it on the table and walking away so you ensure the right person gets it.

When using taxis or rideshares, it's customary to round up the fare to the nearest dollar or leave a small tip. With taxis, this will need to be paid in cash directly to the driver. With UBER you have an option to tip in cash or through the app itself.

Tour guides and excursion operators should be tipped 10-15% of the cost of the tour. For spa and salon services, it's customary to tip 15-20% of the cost of the service. If you used a concierge to book an excursion, it is always nice to tip them a little as well.

For accommodation - typically there will be a recommended amount provided by us for your stay. For our Plaza Mar Condos, we recommend $2 per day per guest staying on property. The tip is put in an envelope and placed in a box by the front desk. For villas - this number may vary from $10-$20 per day per guest staying on property, this number is of course noticeably higher as the level of service is much higher and the tips are being split between the chefs, maids, houseman, etc.

Just remember wages in Mexico are significantly lower than what you would expect and those who work in the tourism industry rely heavily on tips to support their families.

Big Changes to PV Airport!

The airport in Puerto Vallarta is no longer requiring immigration forms to be filled on on arrival (or on the plane) as anyone who has traveled to PV before previously experienced.

This is GREAT news for travelers as you will just now need to show your passport, go through some security protocols and you can be on your way! This should drastically speed up the whole process when you land so you can spend more time at the beach and less time waiting in line.

In more big news, the airport is expanding! There will be an additional terminal added on, which as of today is in process of being built and is expected to be complete in the fall of 2024 which will allow for even more visitors to come to PV and make for a more pleasant experience all around. More jetways, additional security areas, you name it! The project will also be the first Zero Energy airport terminal in Latin America. To find out more: https://banderasnews.com/construction-of-puerto-vallarta-airports-terminal-2-begins-monday/

Rules on Wearing Masks in PV & Covid Testing to get back to Canada and US.

As of May 10th, 2022 the Governor of Jalisco has ended the mask mandate with a couple of exceptions. The only requirements are as follows. Those who board public transportation and those who are in hospitals and clinics. Some businesses may have their own rules on wearing masks in their stores that as a guest you should abide by, but they are not required to do so by the government.

The cases of Covid in Puerto Vallarta as well as the rest of Mexico are very low as are the hospitalizations from Covid.

TESTING:

Going back to the US:

Testing required for ALL Travelers. Before boarding a flight to the United States, you are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. Children under 2 years old do not need to test.

Going back to Canada:

Travellers who don’t qualify as fully vaccinated must provide a valid pre-entry test to enter Canada. Pre-entry tests are no longer required for fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada by land, air or water. Children who are less than 5 years old aren’t required to test, regardless of their vaccination status

Foreign nationals who don't qualify as fully vaccinated will only be allowed to enter in specific circumstances i.e. Providing proof of a valid pre-entry test.

Governor of Jalisco puts new Covid policies in place.

Starting this Friday: The governor of Jalisco has declared that Clubs, Bars, Casinos, Nightclubs, Concerts, and large events will now require attendees to present proof of at least one dose of the covid vaccine or a negative covid test within the past 12 hours to enter and attend.

Please see article for more information.

https://vallartaenlinea.com/2022/01/jalisco-cierra-antros-bares-casinos-y-eventos-para-no-vacunados-pediran-certificado/

Customs Declaration Form - Coming To PV

While on the plane to Puerto Vallarta you will receive a form that should be filled out by the head of household which is your customs declaration form. There are six sections on that form that must be filled out plus a signature! This form is mandatory.

1. Personal Info: This section will ask for names, nationalities, date of birth, and passport number.

2. If you are a visitor to PV, you will need to list the number of days that you will stay in Mexico.

3. This section will ask about how many family members are traveling with you and how many pieces of luggage you are bringing with you.

4. Means of Transportation: If you are arriving by airplane, just check that box and list your flight number.

5. $ Declaration: Check the no box unless you are carrying more than $10,000 US dollars (or equivalent in foreign currency) worth of cash, documents receivable (like checks).

6. Item Declaration: This section will ask if you are bringing items like live animals, vegetables, wildlife products, weapons, soil, professional working equipment etc. that you must declare. Again check the no boxes if you do not.

Do not forget to sign and date!

If you respond YES to any question in the 5th or 6th section of the paperwork you will need to go to an inspection area on arrival.

Items you can import include up to 25 cigars, 10 packs of cigarettes, 200 grams of tobacco, and up to three liters of alcoholic beverages if you are over 18 years of age.

COVID TEST REQUIREMENTS CHANGE AGAIN! (US ONLY)

New as of TODAY! Everyone (2 and older) must get a covid test done no more than one day prior to departure to enter the US. It no longer matters if you are fully vaccinated or not. This is an update from the previous rule where vaccinated travelers could test up to three days prior.

The exception to this is if you have recently had Covid and can provide a copy of your positive test results and a letter from a medical professional stating you are cleared to travel. The US requires a NAAT, PCR, or Antigen Test (note Canada only allows PCR tests). All tests are harmless and done by nose/mouth swabs.

Please check out this website for additional details:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html

There is no vaccine or negative covid test requirement to ENTER Mexico, this is only to get back to the US.

Here are just a few of the many testing options available:

Joya Medical Center Emergency Clinic: You will need to provide your legal name, date of birth, phone number and email and the date and time you would like the test. Not open on Sundays.
Contact: ecare@hospitaljoya.com
Approx. Price in USD: $30 for Antigen Test, $150 for PCR Test
Mobile service onsite at property: Must call to see if available; Fee will apply
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 8 hours for Antigen, 24 hours for PCR
Result delivery method: Email

PVR Airport: Must provide proof you are flying out.
Approx. Price in USD: $22 for Antigen Test; $73 for PCR Test
Cannot come to you at rental. Please allow at least 2 hours at airport for testing.
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 30 mins to 1 hour for Antigen Test
Result delivery method: Email or physical copy

Salud Sexual PV:
Phone: +52 322-143-2893
Contact: saludsexualpv@gmail.com
Approx. Price in USD: $40 for Antigen Test
Will come to your rental for no additional charge.
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 30 Minutes
Result delivery method: Email

CMQ Premiere Hospital:
Phone: +52 322 226 6500
Website: https://hospitalcmq.com/hospital/cmq-premiere/
Approx. Price in USD: $23 for Antigen Test $147 for PCR Test
Cannot come to you at rental.
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 24 Hours
Result delivery method: Email or physical copy

Health Care Resources PV: If you would like to take the stress away from having to acquire the test yourself, this is the “easy button” and yes they speak English. You will need to provide your legal name, date of birth, country of residence, phone number and email and the date you would like the test.

Phone: +52 322 107 7007
Website: https://healthcareresourcespv.com
Email for pricing
Mobile service onsite at property: Available for a fee 500 to 1000 pesos
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 24 Hours
Result delivery method: Email

Please note these recommendations have been provided to you but we are not in any way affiliated with any testing facilities and cannot guarantee availability, pricing, or on time delivery of results. There are also MANY other options available to you if you do your own research.

COVID TESTING UPDATE - PUERTO VALLARTA

If you are traveling anywhere internationally (including to Puerto Vallarta) in the near future, the CDC is requiring, as of January 26th, 2021, to have a negative Covid test. The change that was made on October 25th that affects when you have to get that test.

Fully vaccinated: The viral test must be conducted on a sample taken no more than 3 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country if you show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Not fully vaccinated: The viral test must be conducted on a sample taken no more than 1 day before the flight’s departure from a foreign country if you do not show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The exception to this is if you have recently had Covid and can provide a copy of your positive test results and a letter from a medical professional stating you are cleared to travel. The US requires a NAAT, PCR, or Antigen Test (note Canada only allows PCR tests). All tests are harmless and done by nose/mouth swabs.

Please check out this website for additional details:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html

There is no vaccine or negative covid test requirement to ENTER Mexico, this is only to get back to the US.

Here are just a few of the many testing options available:

Joya Medical Center Emergency Clinic: You will need to provide your legal name, date of birth, phone number and email and the date and time you would like the test. Not open on Sundays.
Contact: ecare@hospitaljoya.com
Approx. Price in USD: $30 for Antigen Test, $150 for PCR Test
Mobile service onsite at property: Must call to see if available; Fee will apply
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 8 hours for Antigen, 24 hours for PCR
Result delivery method: Email

PVR Airport: Must provide proof you are flying out same day or next day.
Approx. Price in USD: $22 for Antigen Test; $73 for PCR Test
Cannot come to you at rental. Please allow at least 2 hours at airport for testing.
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 30 mins to 1 hour
Result delivery method: Email or physical copy

Salud Sexual PV:
Phone: +52 322-143-2893
Contact: saludsexualpv@gmail.com
Approx. Price in USD: $40 for Antigen Test
Will come to your rental for no additional charge.
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 30 Minutes
Result delivery method: Email

CMQ Premiere Hospital:
Phone: +52 322 226 6500
Website: https://hospitalcmq.com/hospital/cmq-premiere/
Approx. Price in USD: $63 for Antigen Test $197 for PCR Test
Cannot come to you at rental.
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 24 Hours
Result delivery method: Email or physical copy

Health Care Resources PV: If you would like to take the stress away from having to acquire the test yourself, this is the “easy button” and yes they speak English. You will need to provide your legal name, date of birth, country of residence, phone number and email and the date you would like the test.

Phone: +52 322 107 7007
Website: https://healthcareresourcespv.com
Email for pricing
Mobile service onsite at property: Available for a fee 500 to 1000 pesos
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 24 Hours
Result delivery method: Email

Please note these recommendations have been provided to you but we are not in any way affiliated with any testing facilities and cannot guarantee availability, pricing, or on time delivery of results. There are also MANY other options available to you if you do your own research.

What is the best part about PV?

We have compiled a list of answers to this question from our guests - the verdict? What is there not to love?!

• walking along the Malecon day or night

• eating at all the amazing five star restaurants

• all of the amazing people we have met

• that feeling when you get off the plane and know you have the best time coming your way

• visiting some of the amazing galleries and bringing art home

• the margaritas

• being able to go between the pool and the ocean and then back to the pool in one day

• the weather - even when it is storming - that is the best

• enjoying the street art and public sculptures around town

• being out on the water

• getting to practice my Spanish

• how walkable the town is - no need to rent a car

• whale watching

• roaming around the shops and the Saturday Market

• how affordable everything is

• the locals - we have never been somewhere with such friendly people

• spending endless hours on the beach

• that everything move at a slower pace

• how authentic it feels despite being a tourist location

• going scuba diving

• how diverse the landscape is from the beach to the jungle

• playing golf at some of the best courses around

• searching for the best taco in town

• all the adventure activities from zip-lining to ATVing

• listening to the mariachis play

• being pampered with massages and spa services

• the cobblestone streets

• the charm of the romantic zone - it really is amazing

COVID Test Requirement for International Travel

If you are traveling anywhere internationally (including to Puerto Vallarta) in the near future, the CDC is requiring, as of January 26th, 2021, to have a negative Covid test within three days of departing back to the United States. The exception to this is if you have recently had Covid and can provide a copy of your positive test results and a letter from a medical professional stating you are cleared to travel. The US requires a NAAT, PCR, or Antigen Test (note Canada only allows PCR tests). All tests are harmless and done by nose/mouth swabs.

Please check out this website for additional details:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html

We realize this is a bit of an inconvenience but the info below is here to make it as painless as possible. We also hope that this requirement will be lifted soon and it is possible it may not even apply to your upcoming vacation depending on your dates but currently there is no set end date.

Here are just a few of the many testing options available:

Joya Medical Center Emergency Clinic: You will need to provide your legal name, date of birth, phone number and email and the date and time you would like the test. Recommended two days prior to travel. Not open on Sundays.
Contact: ecare@hospitaljoya.com
Approx. Price in USD: $30 for Antigen Test, $150 for PCR Test
Mobile service onsite at property: Available for a fee 500 to 1000 pesos
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 8 hours for Antigen, 24 hours for PCR
Result delivery method: Email

PVR Airport: Must provide proof you are flying out same day.
Approx. Price in USD: $22 for Antigen Test; $73 for PCR Test
Cannot come to you at rental.
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 30 mins to 1 hour
Result delivery method: Email or physical Copy

CMQ Premiere Hospital: Recommended two to three days prior to travel.
Phone: +52 322 226 6500
Website: https://hospitalcmq.com/hospital/cmq-premiere/
Approx. Price in USD: $63 for Antigen Test $197 for PCR Test
Cannot come to you at rental.
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 24 Hours
Result delivery method: Email or physical copy

SANMARE Health Care Group: Recommended two to three days prior to travel. No Antigen Tests Available.
Phone: +52 322 252 1711
Website: http://sanmare.mx
Approx. Price in USD: $190 for PCR Test
Cannot come to you at rental.
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 24 Hours
Result delivery method: Email

Health Care Resources PV: If you would like to take the stress away from having to acquire the test yourself, this is the “easy button” and yes they speak English. You will need to provide your legal name, date of birth, country of residence, phone number and email and the date you would like the test.

Phone: +52 322 107 7007
Website: https://healthcareresourcespv.com
Email for pricing
Mobile service onsite at property: Available for a fee 500 to 1000 pesos
Estimated Result Delivery Time: 24 Hours
Result delivery method: Email

Please note these recommendations have been provided to you but we are not in any way affiliated with any testing facilities and cannot guarantee availability, pricing, or on time delivery of results. There are also MANY other options available to you if you do your own research.

Many of our recent guests have found PV to feel very safe, and in some cases even safer than their own hometown. PV and where you will be staying are both going above and beyond to make sure tourists are taken care of, new cleaning and disinfecting protocols are in place, masks are being worn, limitations on gatherings are in place and social distancing is encouraged. Restaurants are operating at a reduced capacity to allow for more generous spacing between groups. Most things being done in cities across the US have been introduced down in PV so that you can have a safe and memorable vacation.

Bringing kids to Puerto Vallarta... is PV kid friendly?

Short answer - YES!

We always hear concerned parents wondering if Puerto Vallarta is safe enough to bring their kids along with them when they travel and we say absolutely! Honestly, many locals will go out of their way to make you feel welcome with your young ones, grabbing high chairs in restaurants and having kid friendly menus, offering reduced rates for children on different activities, there is no reason not to bring your kiddos along. Family is incredibly important in Mexico and you’ll see three or four generations enjoying a stroll on the malecon or having a nice dinner at a local restaurant, there is even a day devoted to children called Dia del Nino - much like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day where the children receive gifts!

Entertainment Ideas:

Build sandcastles on the beach or go for a swim at Playa Los Muertos.
Puerto Vallarta has a zoo where they can even feed some of the animals!
What kid doesn’t like pirates? Take them on board the pirate ship in PV.
Enjoy your accommodations pool - some places even have pool toys provided.
Do your kids love horses? Take them into the jungle and ride horses to a waterfall.
Swimming with the dolphins for older kids will be an experience they won’t forget!
Kids love a thrill, why not take them zip-lining? They will be laughing and squealing with joy.
Want to go to a water park, there is one in PV with 10 water slides and a lazy river.
Walk along the malecon, there is loads of entertainment for young and old alike.

Travel Logistics:

If you are thinking of traveling with small children to Puerto Vallarta but the idea seems downright overwhelming, let us help! Many rentals are kid friendly, some will provide pack-n-plays, highchairs, cribs etc. If they don’t, you don’t have to bring all of that with you. There are companies where you can rent everything you could ever need for your kids and it comes at very affordable prices. Activity tables, baby swings, bassinets, booster seats, car seats, bed rails, cribs, strollers, foam mats, diapers and wipes, beach toys, life jackets, it is all available to order online and have delivered to you. If you want a night out, there are excellent babysitters who will watch your children for a couple of hours while you enjoy a date night. Having shops like Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco make stocking up on groceries very similar to how it would be at home. Items that are gluten free, lactose free etc are becoming more common in case your kids have any food allergies, it is easy to pick up diapers, wipes, etc. at those shops or pharmacies around town.

So bring the whole family to Puerto Vallarta and enjoy paradise!

How are the doctors and hospitals in PV?

Despite what you may think when you first hear Mexico and Healthcare, we are here to tell you that PV has quite an amazing medical community with competent, accredited (and bi-lingual) doctors and physicians, updated (even cutting-edge) technology and medical equipment, and clean and prominent hospitals.

Whether you are needing dental services, physical therapy, a chiropractor visit, or a trip to the emergency room, you should feel comfortable knowing you’ll be taken care of while on your vacation in Puerto Vallarta. The best part is, the services you’ll get while here are sometimes at half the cost of what you would pay in the United States. Medical tourism is also on the rise and may visitors are choosing to travel to places like PV to get procedures done for a fraction of the cost.

Here are recommendations from the Vallarta Tribune and their Best of Banderas Bay 2019 Winners:

Best of Banderas Bay Winners:

Medical Clinic:

Hospital Medasist, Hospital San Javier Marina, Hosptial CMQ City Center PV

Chiropractors:

Erik Fulfer, Rachel Grosik, Susan Colby

Optometrist:

Eye Metrics, Optica Americana, Devlyn

Naturopath:

Holistic Bio Spa, SANA, La Abelita Bucerias

Nutritionists:

Marcela Castellanos, Amando Joya, Dainel Sanelli

Dental Clinic:

Smile Vallarta, Dental Avant Garde, Just Smiles

Cosmetic Surgeons:

Alejandro Guerrero Torres, Elaen Plastic Surgery Center, Nashielli Torres

How does calling work while I'm on vacation in PV?

So you are on vacation in sunny Puerto Vallarta and you want to brag to your friends and family back home about how great of a time you are having. We approve. How do you go about it? Well of course there are a number of apps out there like Whatsapp or Skype, Facebook messenger, Facetime, etc that you can use to text or video chat back and forth, but sometimes you just need to make a good old fashion call and you can’t connect to Wi-Fi or maybe you are trying to call somewhere local to make reservations for dinner or to go on an adventure.

Check with your provider, some carriers like AT&T have a $10 a day international pass and you only have to pay the daily fee for the days you are abroad! If you are on the T-Mobile ONE plan you can get texting and unlimited date in over 200 countries and Mexico is one of them! One thing to remember is you may want to keep your phone on airplane mode so you don’t rack up a nasty roaming charge if you don’t decide to do one of these phone plans.

Some people recommend bringing an unlocked phone to PV and having a sim card installed. The sim cards are cheap if you do want to go that route and it won’t take more than 15 minutes to set up. This would make sense if you plan to make a lot of local calls but won’t be at your accommodation. Telcel and Movistar are the two big cell phone carriers. Today there are so many restaurants, cafes and places around town do have free Wi-Fi you can use, and of course if you book accommodation with Vacation Vallarta, all of our properties do have Wi-Fi too.

Here is the logistics of making phone calls:

If someone will be calling you (say at the villa you are staying at) from the US or Canada, you will need to have them dial the necessary international access code, then 52 (which is Mexico’s country code) the area code, and then the rest of the number. PV and Nuevo Vallarta’s area code is 322. 

When you are in PV and you need to call internationally dial 00, then the country code (1 for the US and Canada) and then the area code and the number. Always ask the place you are staying if they allow international calls. Some may have a fee associated.

When you call a cell phone in Puerto Vallarta you need to add the area code of 322 and then the rest of the seven digits. If you are calling a landline however you can skip the 322. Most places will not charge for local calls from their landlines.

Be sure to ask the staff at the property you are at for assistance if needed.

What to buy... and how to know if you are getting a good deal!

There are so many wonderful shops in Puerto Vallarta where you can find a variety of items to take back home with you or buy for friends and family. People love to bring home tequila but Mexico does have more to offer. For the baker, bring back some Mexican vanilla, it is heavenly! Coffee drinkers, get excited because some of the local coffee is amazing! Mexican blankets work wonderfully for when you are back home having a picnic. There are lots of places you can get pewter, whether it is a picture frame or a serving platter. You may want to check out Mundo de Cristal for Mexican glassware (there is more than just margarita glasses!), adorable drink stirrers, and beautifully painted ceramic dishes. There are some nice hand tooled leather items like sandals to be found as well. Hand painted tiles are beautiful and full of color and could be something fun to bring home to friends. Something guaranteed to make you smile are the small hand painted bobble head animals. If you love art, don’t miss the phenomenal galleries in PV, you’ll always remember you purchased the piece while on your trip, and if it is too large to carry on the plane, the galleries will ship it back to the states for you. Your typical souvenirs are also available in PV so if you have a magnet, t-shirt, or shot glass collection back home you need to add to, fear not, you’ll have hundreds to choose from. Check out the flea market and you can shop until you drop!

Most stores have set prices just like in the US or Canada. If you are making a big purchase (for example a piece of artwork) you may be able to get a slight discount. If you are with a big group of people and you have multiple people purchasing the same thing, you can always ask to see if they will offer any discount, sometimes you get lucky.

When buying items or services from beach/street vendors you can usually get items at least 30% off of the original price they tell you, many times even more depending on how busy of a day the vendor is having or how much of an expert negotiator you are. If you aren’t happy with the price, you can always walk away, and sometimes that can work to get a lower price as well. You’ll know when you have hit their rock bottom price because they will let you keep walking. Several places do sell very similar items but if you fall in love with a specific item, it is best to just get it then! The other thing to remember when negotiating is that $1 off you are working so hard to get will probably make a much bigger difference in their lives than yours so consider it your good deed for the day and pay a little extra. Ultimately if it is something you love and you are happy with the quality and price, then you got a good deal!

Dress Codes in PV!

You can get away with wearing shorts, a t-shirt and flip flops just about everywhere. But there are a couple of places where this won’t fly, so don’t forget these things when packing!

If you plan on going to some of the night clubs along the Malecon, there are some dress codes. Men, we hate to say it but you’ll likely need to put on long pants and ditch the flip flops. This isn’t the case everywhere, and by no means do you need to dress as you would for a club in Vegas, but some places won’t allow you in unless you comply. Tank tops are usually not allowed as well so opt for a collared button down. For the ladies, if you aren’t wanting to wear heels, (which we completely understand with cobblestone streets) a nicer sandal will be fine, combine that with a dress and call it a night! As always, dress to impress right?!

For meals on the nicer side, khaki or other lightweight pants are recommended, (nice shorts are ok and 9 times out of 10 you’ll be allowed in but depending on the place it may not be totally appropriate) and a collared short-sleeve shirt for men and a nicer sundress for women is perfectly acceptable. Locals will dress up quite a bit when going out for a nice meal.

Just remember to be respectful. You wouldn’t walk around your hometown shirtless or in a bikini, so unless you are at the beach, don’t do so in the streets of PV. And please put on shoes when going into grocery stores and other shops and restaurants.

Can I drink the water!?

The answer is yes and no. The good news is Puerto Vallarta has some of the cleanest water in all of Mexico! The water is treated and purified, but that being said, the distribution system is not perfect. In many restaurants and some rental properties you will get purified water, but not everywhere. Sometimes even if there is a system installed, it isn't always working properly. It is best to ask the staff where you are, and of course when in doubt, go with bottled water! It is very inexpensive and then you know you are safe and won't risk ruining your vacation!

As for brushing your teeth, taking showers and washing your hands definitely do not worry about bottled water for that. It is more than ok for that!

One thing to keep in mind, if you are buying produce from local markets and street vendors, heck even grocery stores, take the time to clean it with more than just water! In Mexico (and other countries!) sanitary practices are not always followed from growing produce all the way through when it makes it into the hands of the sellers and then to you. There is just a lot of opportunities for contaminates, from irrigating with unclean water to fertilizing with manure, you just don't know, so a quick soak it in a few drops of microdyn solution (follow the directions on the bottle) and you'll never regret it!

Customs: Baggage and Duty Free Exemption

Before you are allowed to enter Puerto Vallarta, you must fill out a white and green sheet of paper that is your customs declaration. You will turn this in after you have picked up your luggage and give it to the customs personnel. Passengers may bring the following new or used items that make up their personal luggage as a part of their duty-free exemption:

(Sorry this list is long and sometimes oddly specific, the entire list is on the form itself so be sure to read through it all and make sure you are in compliance...here are the highlights!)

Items for personal use (i.e. clothing, including bridal items, footwear, beauty items)
Baby items such as portable cribs, strollers, etc.
One laptop, ten DVDs, thirty CDs, one video game console and five video games
Four fishing rods, three surf boards, one camping tent, one pair on binoculars
Two musical instruments and their accessories
A hand toolset with its storage case, which may include a drill, pliers, sockets, screwdrivers, etc.
Medicines for your own personal use (must be able to show a prescription for psychotropic substances)

Passengers older than 18 years of age can import a maximum of 10 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 200 grams of tobacco.
Passengers older than 18 years of age can import up to three liters of alcoholic beverages and six liters of wine.

Senior Citizens and people with special needs can import items such as walkers, wheel chairs, crutches, canes, etc.

Up to three pets (pets meaning cats, dogs, canaries, hamsters, ferrets, turtles, etc.) as well as accessories needed for their transport and cleaning provided the Zoosanitary certificate issue by the Sagarpa is provided to personnel. 

Passengers may import goods of duty, additional to personal baggage, as long as they prove their value with a receipt does not exceed $500 USD when coming by air.

Extreme Sports in Puerto Vallarta!

If relaxing on the beach all week seems a bit boring to you and you are looking for an adrenaline rush, don't worry, PV has that too! 

How does zip-lining more than two miles of cable 500 feet in the air over a river valley sound? An action packed day at Los Veranos Canopy Tour will let you soar through the jungles of Mexico and give a thrill that is sure to delight! The longest line is more than 1,400 feet. Fun, family friendly and safe. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and walking shoes! Tip: Check their website, sometimes you can get up to 15% off when booking online.

Want to get even higher in the air? Why not try Skydiving in Puerto Vallarta?! Try a tandem jump - perfect for beginners, and hold on tight! The instructors are certified by USPA and have thousands of jumps and years of experience under their belts. Check it off the bucket list and have an experience you will never forget!

Though the idea of Bungee Jumping makes me almost sick to my stomach, there are a number of people who love the rush! There is a place in Vallarta called Bungee Beat a bit south close to Mismaloya where you can jump right over the waters of Banderas Bay. Tip: Bring cash as there is no ATM and no way to accept card, and bring your swimsuit if you want to hang out in their pool afterwards! Good luck.

For something a bit different, and a sure way to exhaust you... try Eco Ride Mex and go mountain biking through Puerto Vallarta. Tours range from 2 1/2- 5 1/2 hours and will take you from cobblestone streets through the mountains along dirt paths and some even to nearby waterfalls. Tip: I would say the beginner is more medium level and the medium is more advanced so keep that in mind when selecting a tour, and of course, bring tennis shoes!

If you have never tried ATVs, it is a great way to explore the outdoors, get completely covered in dirt and mud, and adventure through rugged paths for an off-roaders paradise! Drivers have to be 18 or older. Tip: Bring a change of clothes, you will get filthy! Most places provide goggles and a dusk mask as well as helmets.

There are a number of ways to keep entertained on Los Muertos Beach in Puerto Vallarta, you can go parasailing, rent jet skis, try kayaking or paddle boarding, or the latest craze is Flyboard. Blast out of the ocean and hover above the water. It'll take a bit of coordination but it is definitely a thrill. People with a lot of experience easily bust out backflips and spins that are incredibly entertaining to watch. 

Getting Around in Puerto Vallarta

There are so many options when it comes to traveling around Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas. Here is what we think:

On foot - Definitely yes! This is always the best way to meet people, see the town and explore all of what Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Check out the malecon, a great spot to walk any time of day, and it really comes alive at night. Old Town has lots of sidewalks which is wonderful just always look twice before crossing the street, taxis and buses can act as if they have the right of way.

Taxis - We give it a thumbs up... Go for it! Taxis are so inexpensive here and are readily available so you rarely need to even call for one. Always ask for the rate before you get in and remember tipping is always appreciated but not necessary. This is a great way to get from the airport into Old Town.

Uber - Uber recently just came to Puerto Vallarta! Our experience so far has been great. Prices seem to be less than taxis and we haven't had to wait too long to get a driver, though maybe a bit longer than if we had hopped in a cab. Our guess is as it becomes more well known and more heavily used there will be even more drivers emerging so wait time will essentially be gone.

Rental Car - We give it a thumbs down... avoid this. Once you are in Old Town everything is easily walkable and other types of transport as readily available so don't waste your time trying to find a spot to park in our busy little city. The other reason is rental cars can come with a steep price tag and driving in Mexico is quite a bit different in the US between cobblestone roads and 'unique' rules of the road.

Bus - If you are up for an adventure, then give this a shot. Buses are cheap cheap cheap! They look a little rickety and may be a bit crowded but sometimes you can get a group of musicians on board and you get a free concert on the ride (tip them!). This is how the locals get around when not on foot :) It is less than 10 pesos to get to most places around town so bring small change. Buses that say "centro" on them go downtown and to Olas Altas. Buses to the airport are marked "Ixtapa" or "Las Palmas". You can also take marked buses to the Marina, Mismaloya, Nuevo Vallarta, Punta de Mita, etc.