PUERTO VALLARTA ACTIVITIES AND USEFUL TRAVEL INFORMATION

Time Zone
Puerto Vallarta is on Central Standard time.

How do I get around?
Visitors can choose from many forms of transportation once they are in Puerto Vallarta. Car and jeep rentals offer independence and mobility in sightseeing and beach excursions. Taxis are also a viable option. Remember to negotiate taxi fare up front. For the more adventurous, public buses are available.

Currency
The peso is the Mexican form of currency. It is suggested that you exchange small amounts of U.S. dollars for pesos. Major credit cards are also widely accepted. A pocket calculator can also be helpful when you shop to help convert U. S. dollars to pesos. Bartering when shopping outside of the resort areas is practiced. U.S. dollars are accepted in the resort areas but keep in mind that any change that is due back will be in pesos. One recommendation is to use a credit card which will present the daily currency exchange on your next billing statement.

Language
Spanish is the official language. English is also widely spoken in the hotel areas.

Proof of Citizenship
Acceptable forms of proof of citizenship for U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and our international destinations are a valid passport, OR a certified , state issued birth certificate with raised seal AND a valid government photo ID, a naturalization/citizenship certificate, Armed Forces ID or discharge papers stating place of birth. It is the traveler's responsibility to provide proper documentation. Married women traveling with any documentation in their maiden name must supply a marriage license (a copy is acceptable).

Transportation
In Puerto Vallarta, a tourist bus service is available from Mismaloya to the Marina entrance. Taxi cabs are available 24 hours a day, and the rates are relatively inexpensive.

Rental Cars
Rental cars are readily available in Puerto Vallarta, with a variety of cars to choose from–compact cars to full size trucks and vans. Rental agencies are located both in the airport and the town.
International road signs are used in Puerto Vallarta–although the words are in Spanish, you'll recognize the signs themselves. Keep your eyes open for bicycles, three-wheeled carts, mopeds and pedestrians, and be especially careful in the traffic circles. One final word of advice: Look out for yellow signs with small mountains on them–they indicate topes, or speed bumps, ahead–sometimes immediately ahead.
Speed bumps are a very popular way of keeping drivers within the speed limits; look for them when entering and leaving towns and villages. If you run out of gas or break down, don't leave the vehicle; Mexico's "Green Angels," part of the Tourism Department, patrol the main roads and will lend you assistance.

Taxis
If you don't want to drive yourself, there are other ways to get around Puerto Vallarta. One of the easiest is to take a taxi. Taxis are easy to find at the hotels, downtown, and at many of the most popular attractions. You can find the taxi rates at most of the hotel entrances, just be sure to settle on a fare with the taxi driver before departing for your destination. Tips are not required, but are suggested.

Public Transportation
Another option is Puerto Vallarta's public transportation system. The buses are an easy and convenient way to get around. It is approximately $.30 to go anywhere in town. The bus stops are designated by a blue sign with a picture of a bus and the word "Parada", which means stop.

Attractions
Vidafel Aqua Park Water slides, family fun.

Museo Rio Cuale
A museum housing a small collection of paintings and pre-Columbian artifacts.

Los Arcos
The area’s signature landmark.

Club Internacional de Amistad (Friendship Club)
Conducts seasonal tours through some of Puerto Vallarta’s showplace homes.

Take a walk down the malecon Waterfront Promenade
Get a taste Mexican architecture and culture.

Recreation
Bicycling
Horseback Riding
Fishing
Boating
Diving
Snorkeling
Swimming
Surfing
parasailing
Scuba Diving
Jet/Water Skiing
Bullfighting
Shopping

Shopping
Contemporary artists and sculptors are drawn to Puerto Vallarta because of its international reputation of being an art center. In addition to the silver, pottery and woven goods Mexico is known for, this city offers much in the way of modern shopping and unique arts and crafts.

Cuale River Island
The Vallarta Cultural Center is located here, along with many other boutiques and shops. Most stay open until 11:00 PM.

Marina Terminal
Located where the cruise ships dock, this is an outdoor flea market where folk art, souvenirs and t-shirts are sold.
Plaza Malecon, Plaza Marina, Plaza Neptuno, Villas Vallarta and Plaza Caracol
These are the major shopping malls in the area.

Galeria Arte Latinoamericana
Located downtown, this gallery displays contemporary art works by artists throughout Mexico.

Galeria Dante
This downtown gallery offers traditional and modern sculptures by artists from many areas of Mexico.

Astrid
Fine silver, as well as 14k and 18k gold jewelry can be found here. They create many of their own pieces in addition to importing from other regions in Mexico, such as Taxco.

Nightlife

Discotheques:
Christine
Collage
Cactus
Friday Lopez
Bars:
Carlos O’Brian’s
Zoo
Hard Rock Café
El Torito
Kalhua
No Name Café
Senior Frog's
Restaurants:
Planet Hollywood
Restaurant Café des Artistes
El Set
Sr. Chico's
El Panorama
Le Bistro
Bogart's
Show/Bar:
La Pachanga
Mariachis Loco

Boating and Fishing
Although it is not well known, Puerto Vallarta is a world-class sportfishing destination. Oct-Feb is the best time to fish for sailfish and marlin, while May-Oct are the prime months for smaller game fish such as wahoo, tuna, dorado and roosterfish. Fishing charters are available.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Dolphin, whale and sea turtle sightings are just a few of the reasons you should try diving in Puerto Vallarta. Los Arcos, El Moro, Caletas and Quimixto coves are some of the best places to go. Winter months are the ideal time for snorkeling and diving.
Parasailing, Waterskiing, and Windsurfing
Banderas Bay hosts a variety of watersports and is considered one of the best places year round because of its quiet and calm waters.

Golf
Golf is becoming increasingly popular in Puerto Vallarta. Marina Vallarta Golf Club is a public golf course located between the beach and the marina. Los Flamingos Golf Club is another public golf course that operates on a first come, first served basis, reservations are not accepted.

Tennis
Puerto Vallarta is a perfect destination for tennis fans. Many hotels have on-site courts with tennis pros available for lessons. Another option is The John Newcombe Tennis Center, a tennis complex with clinics, tournaments and individual instruction.

Boat Trips
Many beaches are hidden within the shores of Puerto Vallarta and can only be reached by boat. Boat tours depart from the marina north of town, the downtown pier at Playa Los Muertos, or from Playa Mismaloya.

Horseback Tours
Escorted trips are available through the scenic villages and mountains. A stop is made for lunch and swimming.

Boca de Tomatlan
Near Playa Mismaloya, this quaint village is located at the mouth of a jungle river. You can enjoy the palapa restaurants and freshwater pools.

Eco-tours
A variety of jungle, mountain, biking and hiking tours are available.
For more information on any of these activities, contact our Betanzos International representative in Puerto Vallarta.

PUERTO VALLARTA ACTIVITIES AND USEFUL TRAVEL INFORMATION