FAST FACTS ABOUT PV

Things to know - Tips for Visiting Puerto Vallarta

Due to the easy access from North America, Puerto Vallarta has become popular among Canadian and American retirees and people working remotely. In fact, this city is home to one of the largest communities of Americans fand Canadians in both Mexico and the rest of the world; it is estimated to house approximately 50,000 expats, many of whom are retirees.

Airport: Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (Code: PVR). The capital city of the state of Jalisco is Guadalajara.

Official Language(s): Spanish is the official and most commonly used language in Puerto Vallarta. English is also widely spoken by locals that work in tourism. Have some fun and practice your Spanish here!

Thanks to Cortor Media for making this photo available freely on @unsplash

Currency: The Mexican Peso is always the most reliable form of currency, however the US dollar is widely accepted.

Shoppers should be aware that while many hotels accept credit cards, most shops and merchants do not. Beachgoers should pay careful attention to warning flags on public beaches that state that there could be a strong undertow. The government also warns against diving into unknown water as there may be rocks under the surface.

Area: 1,300km2

Dialing code: +322

Climate: Expect hot weather here with an average high of 30°C. The tropical climate keeps the area looking quite lush. The best times to visit are between February and April. The rainy season can be quite long, lasting from mid-June to October; however it usually goes in bursts so it won’t be pouring down all day long. The storms tend to be milder than other places on the Mexican Pacific Coast.

The jungles of Puerto Vallarta are filled with fruit including mango, guava and pineapple. Visitors should always peel fruit found in the wild.

The rainy season lasts from May to October, but it only rains heavily during September.

Thanks to Cinthia Aguilar for making this photo available freely on @unsplash 

Getting Around: Buses are a quick and efficient way to get you where you want to go; they come every 5 minutes and will reach all the major spots. You may also choose to rent a bike for the day - this is a pricier option but allows you to tour and stop whenever you want.

Taxis and ride share companies are available as well. These can be a bit more complicated because fares are regulated by zones and how many you cross; be sure to talk to your driver before setting out. Cars are not a recommended way to travel and parking is scarce.

Tipping Culture: Tipping at your resort is a great way to show your appreciation for all the hard work happening around you. Leave $2/day for your chambermaid. If someone helps you carry your bags to or from your room tip them $1-2/per bag. When eating at a restaurant within the hotel, tip at your discretion, usually $4-6 is good. If you dine out, a tip of 15- 20% is recommended. Leaving a dollar per round for the bartender is also sure to be appreciated.

Packing Tips: Pack light when travelling to Puerto Vallarta. You’ll find you won’t need much more than light, breathable clothes, bathing suits and a couple of pairs of comfortable shoes. This will give you room to bring back lots of gifts and treasures. There are wonderful shops and boutiques to pass through on your vacation. Packing a pair of binoculars could also come in handy – there are many birds to watch and you might even spot some whales swimming by. You might find a can of bug spray will come in handy as well; the combination of dense areas of trees and the tropical wet climate can bring bugs to the area.