Shergill Travel
Izabela23/shutterstock
Puerto Vallarta pairs the architecture of colonial Mexico with the flair of its modern, beach resort city persona. Located in the gorgeous Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta is both a tropical and cultural epicenter. Luxury cruises make it a frequent stop along their vacation routes, given its sandy beaches, which seem quite endless. Art lovers will find a paradise in Puerto Vallarta as well, as the city holds its own neighborhoods and districts dedicated to creative expression.
The City
Puerto Vallarta was long inhabited by indigenous groups until the Spaniards came in 1524. However, what caused the city to really boom in 1964 was the movie 'Night of the Iguana,' starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Puerto Vallarta, being the setting for this film, consequently appealed to the rich and famous. Tourism started blossoming in the 1970s when the city put a lot of effort into tourist infrastructure. Ever since, the once quiet town only belonged to the past.
Having so much to offer, it is not strange that people flock to Puerto Vallarta. The charming city has something for everyone; lovers, friends, family and backpackers. Here you can really enjoy yourself and relax in a hub of culture, food, beaches, and nature.
Do & See
Puerto Vallarta is just as great for a relaxing holiday as an adventurous one. The Bay of Banderas has a 60-kilometer long coastline filled with secluded beaches, great for water sports, swimming with dolphins and lazy days on the beach. If you turn your head towards land, you are facing the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains, a fantastic area for zip line tours and other extreme sports. Wandering the cobbled streets of Puerto Vallarta you will be absorbed by art, food, drinks and friendly people. The diversity of things to do and see in Puerto Vallarta will keep you busy for a long, long time.
Dining
Being known as a fine dining destination, Puerto Vallarta and its many restaurants will bring you a lot of tasty dishes to the table. Here you will find a great variety of food. Choose between the catch of the day, genuine Mexican food or snacks from one of the many food stands on the streets. Small places, called 'fondas' and 'cenadurías,' serve great Mexican food. Whether you are looking for something small, a meal on the beach or a romantic dinner while overlooking the ocean, Puerto Vallarta has everything to satisfy your taste buds each day.
Cafés
It is easy to find a good cup of coffee in Puerto Vallarta, and the majority of cafés can be found in the Old Town. Mexico is known for producing high-quality coffee beans and the Mexicans themselves drink about half of it. When in Puerto Vallarta you should try a unique, popular type of coffee called 'café de olla,' sweetened coffee with cinnamon and cloves.
Bars & Nightlife
Puerto Vallarta is a city that never sleeps. Here you will find low-key hangouts, ritzy clubs, and sports bars. The so-called restaurant-lounges are very popular here, combining dining and dancing. Mandala is the most famous restaurant-lounge and a real hot spot in Puerto Vallarta. Most of the dancing, drinking, and bustling club scene can be found downtown and along the Malecon. You will not be bored in Puerto Vallarta.
Shopping
Shopping in Puerto Vallarta is fun. The city is mostly famous for its art and silver jewelers, a real joy for everyone interested in handicrafts. The area around Old Town Vallarta and the Malecon is where you can do most of your shopping.
Tourist Information
Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)
Puerto Vallarta's airport handles numerous tourists and passengers every year. The airport is located approximately 13 kilometers from the city and offers restaurants, shops and other necessary facilities.
To get to Puerto Vallarta from the airport you can order a pre-arranged transfer, take a taxi, bus or rent a car. Several car rental companies are available at the airport including Hertz and Avis. It is recommended to book a car in advance. Beware that traffic in the Mexican cities can be very hectic, but renting a car could be a good alternative for exploring the surrounding areas. The airport accommodates domestic and international flights, offering connections to destinations like Cancún, Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Carmen, as well as major cities in the United States and Canada.
Address: Highway to Tepic, Kilometer 7.5, Área Militar de Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Email:
Phone: +52 322 221 12 98
Website: www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx/es/puerto-vallarta-3
More Information:
Passport / Visa
Visa exemption applies to citizens of all EU countries, most countries in the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and more. Both tourists and business visitors from these countries may stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. For Russian, Turkish and Ukrainian passport holders, electronic authorization (SAE) is required. This authorization grants travelers from these countries the right to a single entry, with stays ranging from 30 to 180 days.
Please consult an embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest information on visa requirements.
When traveling to Mexico, you will need to fill out a 'Forma Migratoria Múltiple' (FMM), which is essentially a visitor’s permit for Mexico. All travelers are encouraged to do so online prior to traveling, and present the printed out document upon entering the country.
Address:
Email: contact@MexicoTouristCard.com
Phone: +52 558 526 4208
Website: www.mexicotouristcard.com
More Information:
Time Zone
Puerto Vallarta is located in the Central Time zone and all times are reflected in Central time.
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Website:
More Information:
Public Transport
The easiest way to get around Puerto Vallarta is either to walk short distances or to catch the local bus or a minivan. Buses in Puerto Vallarta are cheap, easy to use and generally operate along the coastline. Look for the blue and white buses. Each bus fare is one-time use only. Also, make sure you have either the exact change ready or small bills for the driver. You will see where the bus is headed in the front window. If you are going back to your hotel, look for a bus with a list of hotels in the front window. If you are unsure where the bus is going, you can simply ask the driver.
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Website: www.visit-vallarta.com/essentials/transportation/bus-routes-and-bus-fares
More Information:
Taxi
Taxis in Puerto Vallarta are yellow and easy to spot. You can either hail them just about anywhere or find them at one of the many taxi stands. They usually don't have a lot of cash to give you change, so you should have small bills, and they don't always take cards. Alternatively, you can use the Uber app.
Address:
Email:
Phone: Taxicab site: +52 322 299 5901
Website:
More Information:
Post
Mexico’s postal service is called Correos de Mexico and the post office buildings are usually pink and white. There are couple of post offices and several mailboxes located throughout the city of Puerto Vallarta where you can mail your postcard or letters.
Address: Calle Colombia 1014, Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Email:
Phone: +52 800 701 7000
Website: www.gob.mx/correosdemexico
More Information:
Pharmacy
There are numerous pharmacies around the city. 'Farmacias Guadalajala' is the largest chain in the state of Jalisco, and it has a couple of locations in Puerto Vallarta. You can also find pharmacies in some supermarkets.
Address: Calle Insurgentes 261, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Email: contacto@farmaciapvr.com
Phone: +52 322 222 0101
Website: www.farmaciasguadalajara.com
More Information:
Phone
Country code: +52
Area code: 322
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Website:
More Information:
Electricity
The standard voltage is 127 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are type A and B, meaning that if you come to visit Los Cabos from Europe you'll need an adapter.
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Website:
More Information: