Puerto Vallarta Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
Transportation & Airport Logistics
1. Q: How do I get from the PVR airport to my hotel/Airbnb?
A: Do NOT stop inside the airport past customs; those are timeshare salespeople and expensive airport taxis. Walk outside the airport, cross the pedestrian bridge over the highway, and use the designated area to call an Uber or take a much cheaper Federal Taxi from the stand on that side. Uber is generally the cheapest option.
2. Q: Is Uber reliable in Puerto Vallarta?
A: Yes, Uber is generally reliable, safe, and significantly cheaper than official taxis throughout the city. The main exception is the direct airport pickup zone (see question 1).
3. Q: Should I rent a car?
A: Most travelers do not recommend renting a car unless you plan on extensive travel outside of the PV metro area (like long trips up the coast). Driving and parking in the central zones (Centro, Zona Romántica) can be stressful and unnecessary due to good public transit and cheap Uber/taxis.
4. Q: How do I use the local bus system?
A: The local buses are very cheap (around 10 pesos/ride) and efficient. You can ask the driver “Zona Romántica?” or your destination when boarding. Have small pesos ready, as exact change is preferred. The Moovit app can help with routes.
5. Q: What is the deal with the timeshare salespeople at the airport?
A: They are very aggressive. After collecting your luggage and passing customs, you must walk through a hallway lined with people offering “free excursions,” “maps,” or “shuttles.” Politely say “No, gracias” and keep walking until you are completely outside. Do not stop or engage.
Safety & Health
6. Q: Is Puerto Vallarta safe for tourists?
A: Yes, PV is widely considered one of Mexico’s safest major tourist destinations. Use standard precautions you would in any large city: be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and keep valuables secure.
7. Q: Is it safe to walk around at night, especially in the Zona Romántica?
A: Yes, the main tourist areas like the Malecón and Zona Romántica are generally very safe to walk at night due to high foot traffic and police presence.
8. Q: Can I drink the tap water?
A: The city’s water system has been certified as safe for decades, but most locals and tourists still opt to drink only bottled water or water from a garrafón (large filtered jug), which is provided at most hotels and Airbnbs. It is safe to brush your teeth and shower with the tap water.
9. Q: Do I need to worry about the “street food sickness” (Montezuma’s Revenge)?
A: Street food is often delicious and safe. To minimize risk, look for stands with long lines of locals and ensure the food is prepared fresh and hot. Bring over-the-counter stomach relief medication just in case.
10. Q: What should I do about aggressive beach vendors?
A: Beach vendors are numerous and can be persistent, particularly on Playa Los Muertos. A firm “No, gracias” or simply ignoring them is the best approach. Don’t make eye contact if you aren’t interested.
Currency & Money
11. Q: Should I pay in US dollars or Mexican pesos?
A: Always pay in Mexican pesos. While many tourist-facing businesses accept USD, they will use a poor exchange rate. Paying in pesos ensures you get the best value.
12. Q: Where is the best place to get pesos?
A: Use an ATM at a reputable bank (like Scotiabank, Banamex, or HSBC) in the city. Avoid the standalone ATMs on the street, which have higher fees and are more prone to skimming. Always decline the ATM’s conversion rate—your home bank will give you a better one.
13. Q: How much cash should I carry?
A: Carry enough cash in pesos for tips, small purchases, street food, and bus fares. Most restaurants and larger shops accept credit cards, but having $\$100-\$200$ USD equivalent in pesos spread out for the day is a good idea.
14. Q: How much should I tip?
A: Tipping is customary and appreciated.
Restaurants: 15-20% for good service.
Bars/Drinks: 10-20 pesos per drink or 10-15% of the tab.
Taxis/Uber: Not usually expected, but rounding up or a small tip for exceptional service is nice.
Housekeeping: 50-100 pesos per day.
Accommodation & Location
15. Q: Where should I stay: All-Inclusive (AI) or a non-AI hotel/Airbnb?
A: PV is renowned for its excellent, diverse dining scene, so many recommend a non-AI stay in the city center to experience the local culture and food. AI resorts are generally located in the Hotel Zone or Nuevo Vallarta.
16. Q: What are the main neighborhoods for tourists?
A:
Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone/Old Town): Popular, vibrant, LGBTQ+-friendly, walkable, with great restaurants and close to Playa Los Muertos.
Centro (Downtown): Home to the Malecón, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, and a mix of local and tourist life.
Hotel Zone: Where most large AI resorts are located, further from the old town charm.
Nuevo Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit: North of the airport, offering newer, larger resorts and arguably better, calmer beaches.
17. Q: Are the beaches in Puerto Vallarta good for swimming?
A: Beaches directly in the city center (like Los Muertos) can be busy and the water murkier due to river runoff. Better, clearer swimming beaches are found further south (like Playa Las Gemelas, Playa Colomitos, or Yelapa) or further north in the Riviera Nayarit (like Bucerías).
Activities & Sightseeing
18. Q: What is a must-do first-time activity?
A: Walk the Malecón (boardwalk) at sunset, take a taco food tour (Vallarta Eats is often recommended), and visit the Zona Romántica.
19. Q: Which day trips are most recommended?
A:
Yelapa: A quaint, roadless fishing village accessible only by water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán or Los Muertos pier. Great for a waterfall hike.
Sayulita/San Pancho: Trendy, bohemian surf towns about an hour north (can be reached by local bus).
Las Caletas (Rhythms of the Night): A highly-rated, exclusive dinner and show experience by Vallarta Adventures.
Marietas Islands (Hidden Beach): A national park known for its unique ‘hidden beach’ (access is highly regulated/restricted).
20. Q: Is it worth visiting the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens?
A: Yes, it is a beautiful sanctuary located about 45 minutes south of town and is highly recommended for nature lovers. You can take a local bus there.
Local Customs & Language
21. Q: Do I need to speak Spanish?
A: No, not necessarily. In major tourist areas (Zona Romántica, Hotel Zone, Malecón), you will find that most people in hotels, restaurants, and shops speak excellent English. However, knowing a few basic phrases like Hola, Gracias, Por favor, and Una cerveza is polite and helpful.
22. Q: What’s the best way to interact with locals?
A: Be polite, respectful, and make an effort to use Spanish greetings and thanks. Be mindful that you are a visitor in their home.
23. Q: What is the weather like? When is the best time to visit?
A: The best weather is typically November through April (the dry season) when it’s sunny, less humid, and temperatures are pleasant (high 70s-low 80s F / 25-28 C). May-October is the hot/rainy season, with high humidity and afternoon downpours.