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Puerto Vallarta Info
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General information about Puerto Vallarta
Primary Language: Spanish
Currency: Mexican Peso written as $1 = 1 peso
Electricity: 110/120 (same as Canada & USA)
Weather
High Low
LOCAL CUSTOMS & LAWS:
• Tourist Card- when you arrive in Mexico you will require an Immigration document called a “Tourist card”. You don’t need to carry this document
with you, but you will need to present when departing the country.
• Legal drinking age – is 18 years. It is illegal to drink in public, but this law is often not enforced. Drug laws are harsh.
• Siesta time -2-4pm, many businesses close during this time.
• Tipping – is similar to Canada & the U.S. 15% -20% in restaurants & bars.
• Restaurants – it is considered rude to bring the bill until you request it. To local culture it infers that the client is being asked to leave.
MONEY
• Exchange rates- usually best in the banks, slightly less in the Money Exchanges (Casas de Cambio) & businesses.
• Travelers Cheques – you will need picture ID to exchange
• Bank Machines / Automatic Teller Machines – are bilingual & easy to use, you can access money directly from your account or specified credit card.
They usually give an exchange rate as good as or better than the banks. Normal service charge is $ 1-$2 depending on your bank and are accessible 24
hrs/day.
• Coins – there are 100c (centavos) in one ($1) peso – thus many coins are not worth much
• Bank hours: average is 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Saturdays 10am – 2pm
WATER
Puerto Vallarta´s water purification system has been certified safe by International standards since 1992. However we still recommend you use only
purified bottled water (Agua Purificada) for drinking, brushing your teeth & making ice unless there is a purification system in the building you are
staying in.
ICE CUBES – in restaurants & bars are made from purified water.
FRUITS & VEGETABLES – any fruits or vegetables not being cooked or peeled should be treated with MICRODYN (a bacteria killing treatment).
• Wash the fruit or vegetables
• Soak for 20 minutes in a non-metal container in tap water with 1-4 drops of Microdyn for every litre of water
• Rinse with purified water (All staff in villas & restaurants will follow this procedure)
TRANSPORTATION
TAXIS- Local Taxis do not have meters; instead they have set rates per each zone. Within the downtown area the rate is usually about $ 2 USD. All
taxis carry official rate sheets, when in doubt ask to see it. Taxi drivers are notorious for not having change, when possible try to be prepared with exact
change or small bills.
CAR RENTAL – you must be over 21 years of age and have a credit card to rent a car. Rates start at about $50/day.
AIRPORT TAXI – the Airport Taxi’s are a separate system from the local Yellow Taxis and are only allowed to pick up passengers from the airport,
which is a Federal Zone.
MAIL
The post office is located downtown on Mina Street just off the Malecón. Hours are 9am – 7pm Monday – Friday & 9am -12 noon on Saturdays.
Stamps to the U.S. & Canada are about 45cents. You can also buy stamps in many of the shops & there are mail boxes conveniently located around
town.
FOOD SHOPPING – there are many large food stores in the Vallarta area. They are by area:
South Vallarta
GUTIERREZ RIZO’S (called Rizo’s by the locals) is located on Constitution Street at the River Cuale. Open 8am -11pm daily. It carries a selection of
pharmacy & liquor items as well as the usual food & produce. There is also an import section if you are looking for a special product not made in Mexico.
AGRO GOURMET – a gourmet grocery & health food store has a great selection of fresh produce & specialty foods (prepared appetizers & baked
goods). Open Monday –Saturday from 9:30am – 6pm. Basilio Badillo #22
North side of town –Casa Ley, Commercial Mexicana & Gigante.
Sam’s Club: you can get a free day pass to shop if you are from out of town. (You need to show ID to prove your address)
The Fine art of Bargaining – is only for beach & street vendors or in the flea Markets. The recommended system is to start at about 60% of the asking
price and go from there.
Boutiques & stores – frown on bargaining, but will often accept discreet requests for small discounts (especially for cash purchases).
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
The airlines request that you be at the airport 2 hrs ahead of Dept. Time for international flights & 1 hr for national flights.
• Most airlines have the departure tax prepaid
• You will need to present your tourist card when you depart
• Customs declarations; U.S. citizens $350 USD each time you leave the country for over 7 days, Canadian citizen $500 Canadian each time you leave
the country for over 7 days.
• Liquor: 1.5 liters of Alcohol & 200 cigarettes per adult
• It is illegal to take back any plants, produce or products made from an endangered species (Iguana, Sea turtle, boa, Python, Anaconda snakes &
Armadillos)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BIKING – explore Puerto Vallarta & area by mountain bike. There are a variety of tours & packages available, either around town or Into the
mountains & jungle. We recommend Bobby’s Bikes.
BOAT CRUISES – choose from whale watching (November thru March), eco-Tours, party cruises, sunset cruises or take the water Taxis. Most cruises
include snacks and/or a meal & open bar, and some have snorkel equipment the party cruises often have live music & entertainment.
For basic water transportation try the Water Taxi with departures at 10:30 & 11am from the Los Muertos Pier (in front of the Marsol Hotel). The taxi
goes along the coastline passing Los Arcos and stopping Las Animas, Quimixto, Majahuitas & Yelapa. The taxi is a speedboat & the trips take about 30
minutes giving you about 3 Hours at whichever destination you choose. Cost: $15/person.
FISHING – The nearly 2 miles deep & 25- mile circumference of The Bay of Bandera’s makes for some of the best deep-sea fishing in the world, with
tuna, marlin & sailfish. Or you can stay closer to shore & catch a variety of smaller fish.
GOLF - 3 new Golf courses are scheduled to open. At this time there is…VISTA VALLARTA.FLAMINGOS GOLF RESORT: located in Nuevo
Vallarta this Public 18-hole course offers a driving range, putting green, snack Bar, golf lessons & tennis courts. It is located at the north end of Nuevo
Vallarta on the highway. They have a free bus service that runs at 7:30am & departs in front of the Sheraton Hotel. MARINA VALLARTA CLUB DE
GOLF – this 18-hole course offers clubhouse, golf carts, caddies, pro shop, driving range, putting green, pro service, golf lessons, course snack-cart,
dining & showers. Tel 221-0073
HORSEBACK RIDING – spend a scenic day riding thru the jungles of Puerto Vallarta. Rancho Palma Real offers free transportation from your Hotel
or Villa and includes: a continental breakfast, lunch, beverages & a ride to a fabulous waterfall in the jungle. Cost is about $45 USD/ person
SAILING –if the big cruises don’t appeal to you, why not a small Private sailboat for about 6-14 persons. There are both daytime & sunset excursions
available. Day trips include meals, open bar, snorkeling & fishing equipment. Dos Niños is a 45 ft. Columbia Sailing yacht which offers day & sunset sails.
SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELING – although not as well known as The Caribbean for its Scuba & Snorkeling, when conditions are right, Vallarta
offers some breathtaking underwater scenery.
SPA´S & GYMS –the Qualton Spa & Gym offers the most extensive services in one location at the Qualton Hotel on Avenida de las Palmas.
TENNIS –Puerto Vallarta is becoming a major tennis destination with several styles of courts available. Ask about private lessons. Continental Plaza
Tennis Center 224-4360, Iguana Racquet club 221-0863 and many of the big Hotels have courts. The Hotel Plaza de Oro has one of the better clay
courts in Vallarta.
WALKING TOURS – walking is the best way to get to know Puerto Vallarta. Whether it’s the historical buildings or trendy restaurants, the
sculptures or the botanical interests, there are plenty of great sights to see and capture in photos. The Malecón offers almost a mile of charming
boardwalk along the ocean in the center of town. It is the perfect place to people watch, with Sunday night still marking the traditional night for locals
to stroll and visit.
SHOPPING (Other)
Everything from Galleries to Cigar Shops, even people who hate to shop find it interesting in Vallarta.
SHOPPING AREAS- there are several areas, which offer a variety of shopping within a few blocks. They are the following. THE MALECON- actually
some of the best shopping is on the Streets just off the Malecón. Check out Corona, Morelos & Juarez Streets.
ISLA RIO CUALE- a Charming area of pedestrian walkways with lots of trees, shady spots & beautiful restaurants to stop for a snack.
BASILIO BADILLO – starting at the corner of Constitution going towards the beach.
OLAS ALTAS –coming from Basilio Badillo you will need to walk one block north when you reach Olas Altas.
WORKSHOPS & FACTORIES – relatively new in Vallarta is a growing number of sites where they make their products on site. You can find
everything from blown glass to ceramic tiles.
HUICHOL CRAFTS- see Galeria Piramide on Basilio Badillo & Coleccion Huichol on the Malecón.
BLOWN GLASS- at Mundo de Azulejos (world of Ceramic Tiles)
CASA ADELA – has 4 workshops at one location, copper work, blown glass, pottery & woodcarving. Located on Juarez Street.
GALLERIES –Puerto Vallarta is becoming well known for it’s many galleries and public art. During the winter/high season there are regularly
scheduled exhibitions and art walks, but often you can enjoy the art even more on your own. These are some of the local Galleries.
GALERIA ARTE LATINO AMERICA- located on Josefa Ortiz about 2 blocks from the Malecón.
GALERIA PACIFICO – on Aldama about 1 ½ blocks off the Malecón.
GALERIA PIRAMIDE- Huichol art, located on Basilio Badillo
GALERIA ROSAS BLANCAS- on Juarez near Corona.
GALERIA UNO – on the corner of Morelos & Corona streets just 1 block off the Malecón.
Primary Language: Spanish
Currency: Mexican Peso written as $1 = 1 peso
Electricity: 110/120 (same as Canada & USA)
Weather
High Low
LOCAL CUSTOMS & LAWS:
• Tourist Card- when you arrive in Mexico you will require an Immigration document called a “Tourist card”. You don’t need to carry this document
with you, but you will need to present when departing the country.
• Legal drinking age – is 18 years. It is illegal to drink in public, but this law is often not enforced. Drug laws are harsh.
• Siesta time -2-4pm, many businesses close during this time.
• Tipping – is similar to Canada & the U.S. 15% -20% in restaurants & bars.
• Restaurants – it is considered rude to bring the bill until you request it. To local culture it infers that the client is being asked to leave.
MONEY
• Exchange rates- usually best in the banks, slightly less in the Money Exchanges (Casas de Cambio) & businesses.
• Travelers Cheques – you will need picture ID to exchange
• Bank Machines / Automatic Teller Machines – are bilingual & easy to use, you can access money directly from your account or specified credit card.
They usually give an exchange rate as good as or better than the banks. Normal service charge is $ 1-$2 depending on your bank and are accessible 24
hrs/day.
• Coins – there are 100c (centavos) in one ($1) peso – thus many coins are not worth much
• Bank hours: average is 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Saturdays 10am – 2pm
WATER
Puerto Vallarta´s water purification system has been certified safe by International standards since 1992. However we still recommend you use only
purified bottled water (Agua Purificada) for drinking, brushing your teeth & making ice unless there is a purification system in the building you are
staying in.
ICE CUBES – in restaurants & bars are made from purified water.
FRUITS & VEGETABLES – any fruits or vegetables not being cooked or peeled should be treated with MICRODYN (a bacteria killing treatment).
• Wash the fruit or vegetables
• Soak for 20 minutes in a non-metal container in tap water with 1-4 drops of Microdyn for every litre of water
• Rinse with purified water (All staff in villas & restaurants will follow this procedure)
TRANSPORTATION
TAXIS- Local Taxis do not have meters; instead they have set rates per each zone. Within the downtown area the rate is usually about $ 2 USD. All
taxis carry official rate sheets, when in doubt ask to see it. Taxi drivers are notorious for not having change, when possible try to be prepared with exact
change or small bills.
CAR RENTAL – you must be over 21 years of age and have a credit card to rent a car. Rates start at about $50/day.
AIRPORT TAXI – the Airport Taxi’s are a separate system from the local Yellow Taxis and are only allowed to pick up passengers from the airport,
which is a Federal Zone.
The post office is located downtown on Mina Street just off the Malecón. Hours are 9am – 7pm Monday – Friday & 9am -12 noon on Saturdays.
Stamps to the U.S. & Canada are about 45cents. You can also buy stamps in many of the shops & there are mail boxes conveniently located around
town.
FOOD SHOPPING – there are many large food stores in the Vallarta area. They are by area:
South Vallarta
GUTIERREZ RIZO’S (called Rizo’s by the locals) is located on Constitution Street at the River Cuale. Open 8am -11pm daily. It carries a selection of
pharmacy & liquor items as well as the usual food & produce. There is also an import section if you are looking for a special product not made in Mexico.
AGRO GOURMET – a gourmet grocery & health food store has a great selection of fresh produce & specialty foods (prepared appetizers & baked
goods). Open Monday –Saturday from 9:30am – 6pm. Basilio Badillo #22
North side of town –Casa Ley, Commercial Mexicana & Gigante.
Sam’s Club: you can get a free day pass to shop if you are from out of town. (You need to show ID to prove your address)
The Fine art of Bargaining – is only for beach & street vendors or in the flea Markets. The recommended system is to start at about 60% of the asking
price and go from there.
Boutiques & stores – frown on bargaining, but will often accept discreet requests for small discounts (especially for cash purchases).
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
The airlines request that you be at the airport 2 hrs ahead of Dept. Time for international flights & 1 hr for national flights.
• Most airlines have the departure tax prepaid
• You will need to present your tourist card when you depart
• Customs declarations; U.S. citizens $350 USD each time you leave the country for over 7 days, Canadian citizen $500 Canadian each time you leave
the country for over 7 days.
• Liquor: 1.5 liters of Alcohol & 200 cigarettes per adult
• It is illegal to take back any plants, produce or products made from an endangered species (Iguana, Sea turtle, boa, Python, Anaconda snakes &
Armadillos)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BIKING – explore Puerto Vallarta & area by mountain bike. There are a variety of tours & packages available, either around town or Into the
mountains & jungle. We recommend Bobby’s Bikes.
BOAT CRUISES – choose from whale watching (November thru March), eco-Tours, party cruises, sunset cruises or take the water Taxis. Most cruises
include snacks and/or a meal & open bar, and some have snorkel equipment the party cruises often have live music & entertainment.
For basic water transportation try the Water Taxi with departures at 10:30 & 11am from the Los Muertos Pier (in front of the Marsol Hotel). The taxi
goes along the coastline passing Los Arcos and stopping Las Animas, Quimixto, Majahuitas & Yelapa. The taxi is a speedboat & the trips take about 30
minutes giving you about 3 Hours at whichever destination you choose. Cost: $15/person.
FISHING – The nearly 2 miles deep & 25- mile circumference of The Bay of Bandera’s makes for some of the best deep-sea fishing in the world, with
tuna, marlin & sailfish. Or you can stay closer to shore & catch a variety of smaller fish.
GOLF - 3 new Golf courses are scheduled to open. At this time there is…VISTA VALLARTA.FLAMINGOS GOLF RESORT: located in Nuevo
Vallarta this Public 18-hole course offers a driving range, putting green, snack Bar, golf lessons & tennis courts. It is located at the north end of Nuevo
Vallarta on the highway. They have a free bus service that runs at 7:30am & departs in front of the Sheraton Hotel. MARINA VALLARTA CLUB DE
GOLF – this 18-hole course offers clubhouse, golf carts, caddies, pro shop, driving range, putting green, pro service, golf lessons, course snack-cart,
dining & showers. Tel 221-0073
HORSEBACK RIDING – spend a scenic day riding thru the jungles of Puerto Vallarta. Rancho Palma Real offers free transportation from your Hotel
or Villa and includes: a continental breakfast, lunch, beverages & a ride to a fabulous waterfall in the jungle. Cost is about $45 USD/ person
SAILING –if the big cruises don’t appeal to you, why not a small Private sailboat for about 6-14 persons. There are both daytime & sunset excursions
available. Day trips include meals, open bar, snorkeling & fishing equipment. Dos Niños is a 45 ft. Columbia Sailing yacht which offers day & sunset sails.
SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELING – although not as well known as The Caribbean for its Scuba & Snorkeling, when conditions are right, Vallarta
offers some breathtaking underwater scenery.
SPA´S & GYMS –the Qualton Spa & Gym offers the most extensive services in one location at the Qualton Hotel on Avenida de las Palmas.
TENNIS –Puerto Vallarta is becoming a major tennis destination with several styles of courts available. Ask about private lessons. Continental Plaza
Tennis Center 224-4360, Iguana Racquet club 221-0863 and many of the big Hotels have courts. The Hotel Plaza de Oro has one of the better clay
courts in Vallarta.
WALKING TOURS – walking is the best way to get to know Puerto Vallarta. Whether it’s the historical buildings or trendy restaurants, the
sculptures or the botanical interests, there are plenty of great sights to see and capture in photos. The Malecón offers almost a mile of charming
boardwalk along the ocean in the center of town. It is the perfect place to people watch, with Sunday night still marking the traditional night for locals
to stroll and visit.
SHOPPING (Other)
Everything from Galleries to Cigar Shops, even people who hate to shop find it interesting in Vallarta.
SHOPPING AREAS- there are several areas, which offer a variety of shopping within a few blocks. They are the following. THE MALECON- actually
some of the best shopping is on the Streets just off the Malecón. Check out Corona, Morelos & Juarez Streets.
ISLA RIO CUALE- a Charming area of pedestrian walkways with lots of trees, shady spots & beautiful restaurants to stop for a snack.
BASILIO BADILLO – starting at the corner of Constitution going towards the beach.
OLAS ALTAS –coming from Basilio Badillo you will need to walk one block north when you reach Olas Altas.
WORKSHOPS & FACTORIES – relatively new in Vallarta is a growing number of sites where they make their products on site. You can find
everything from blown glass to ceramic tiles.
HUICHOL CRAFTS- see Galeria Piramide on Basilio Badillo & Coleccion Huichol on the Malecón.
BLOWN GLASS- at Mundo de Azulejos (world of Ceramic Tiles)
CASA ADELA – has 4 workshops at one location, copper work, blown glass, pottery & woodcarving. Located on Juarez Street.
GALLERIES –Puerto Vallarta is becoming well known for it’s many galleries and public art. During the winter/high season there are regularly
scheduled exhibitions and art walks, but often you can enjoy the art even more on your own. These are some of the local Galleries.
GALERIA ARTE LATINO AMERICA- located on Josefa Ortiz about 2 blocks from the Malecón.
GALERIA PACIFICO – on Aldama about 1 ½ blocks off the Malecón.
GALERIA PIRAMIDE- Huichol art, located on Basilio Badillo
GALERIA ROSAS BLANCAS- on Juarez near Corona.
GALERIA UNO – on the corner of Morelos & Corona streets just 1 block off the Malecón.
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