The Best Travel Tips to Puerto Vallarta (First Timers)

As a person who loves to travel, I must share my best travel tips to Puerto Vallarta to help others have a wonderful time while traveling. These travel tips will help you plan your trip to Puerto Vallarta and provide you with everything you need to know to enjoy your time.

So, exactly where is Puerto Vallarta? Puerto Vallarta is on the Pacific Ocean, filled with beautiful beaches, cobblestone streets, great food, and picture-perfect scenes. Puerto Vallarta is the most inviting city for the L.G.B.T.Q. community and has been named one of Mexico’s best places to retire.

In Puerto Vallarta, you will find various activities, from whale watching, hiking, day tours, and taco and tequila tasting. I recently traveled to this great city in Mexico, and I want to share my travel tips to help you have as much fun as I did. Not only will these travel tips to Puerto Vallarta provide you with all the essential facts, but you’ll see why this city is an excellent travel destination for everyone.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no additional charge.

Puerto Vallarta is it Safe?

Before we dive into the best travel tips to Puerto Vallarta, most travelers want to know if Puerto Vallarta is safe. When you compare Puerto Vallarta to other cities in Mexico, like Cancun or Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest cities to travel to in Mexico. Although crime does happen in the town, most tourists are safe while on vacation. When planning your trip to Puerto Vallarta, you must always remain safe no matter what. Using common sense and being aware of your surroundings will help you enjoy the most of your travel experience.

Regarding safety, one of my biggest tips for travelers is not to carry a wad of money with them and to limit the flashy jewelry they wear while traveling. You don’t want to be an easy target even if you’re in the city’s tourist areas. Whether traveling to Puerto Vallarta on a solo trip or as a couple, you can do a few things to help you remain safe before leaving the U.S. Here is a list of things I recommend.

• Laminate a copy of your passport.
• Find the nearest U.S. Embassy
• Make copies of all necessary documents and leave them with a family member.
• Enroll in S.T.E.P. (Smart Enrollment Program)

I’m sure you’re wondering if walking the streets of Puerto Vallarta at night is safe, and the short answer is yes. But, of course, that’s only in certain areas; downtown Puerto Vallarta and the Romantic Zone are frequently walked and safe for travelers. Try not to venture off too far to avoid putting yourself in danger.

Travel Tips- Best Time for Whale Watching In Puerto Vallarta

When traveling to Puerto Vallarta, there are certain times during the year that you should visit. To enjoy warm, beautiful weather, you should plan to visit the city in April-June when you find fewer travelers. Late January-April is said to be the busiest since temperatures are the most pleasant during this time. I visited Puerto Vallarta in February, and the weather was perfect! The temperature was in the mid-80s during the day and in the 60s toward the evening. I suggest packing a light jacket just in case.

If whale watching is on your bucket list, the best time to visit is December-March. Now, if you want to vacation in the summer, by all means, do so, but beware, the weather will be in the high 80s and low 90s, making some outdoor activities unpleasant. My husband and I visited during the summer, and although it was relatively hot, we still had a wonderful time.

On your trip to Puerto Vallarta, it’s important to consider the weather; however, you don’t have to worry much about rain since there isn’t a true rainy season in P.V. Don’t get me wrong; there are periods of rain throughout the city but nothing of huge concern. My advice is to choose a time when the temperatures are bearable and you can enjoy the beaches and culture.

Travel Tips to Puerto Vallarta (Getting there)

Best travel tips to Puerto Vallarta:

Puerto Vallarta International Airport (Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport) is about 7 miles from the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. The airport isn’t huge, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. When I arrived at the airport, it took me about 15-20 minutes to get through the airport and pick up my luggage. Puerto Vallarta International Airport is said to be a super busy airport. Still, I found it easy to navigate, and the exit signs leading out to the transportation area were pretty simple.

Speaking of transportation, when planning your trip to Puerto Vallarta, ensure that you have made proper transportation from the airport to your hotel. If you didn’t secure your travel accommodations before arriving in Puerto Vallarta, you could easily catch a taxi or Uber at the airport. Ubers are widely used in Puerto Vallarta and are trusted by most travelers. Also, ask about the cost of the ride before getting in a taxi. You don’t want any surprises.

Ideally, when you have arranged a transfer before your arrival, the company will provide instructions you must follow. Following the instructions will prevent you from getting caught by the local timeshare salespersons when exiting the airport. I will be honest with you; it can be very overwhelming.

Now, if you’ve chosen to take a taxi or Uber, you’ll find drivers across the street from the airport. Once outside the airport, head to the left, around the corner, then take the stairs. I’ll warn you that the stairs can be challenging when you have a lot of luggage. But if you want to save money, this is an excellent option.

Is Cancun Better Than Puerto Vallarta?

Both are trendy destinations for travelers, but if you’re a first-time traveler, you may be unsure which destination is best for you. When it comes to the difference between Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, there is a bit of a difference. Cancun is more Americanized and known for its gorgeous resorts, nightlife, and shopping. Many travelers migrate to Cancun for restaurants and all-inclusive hotels, and it has become one of the hottest hotspots for travelers.

Puerto Vallarta gives you more of a city vibe. Both Cancun and Puerto Vallarta attract travelers in different ways, but if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, then Puerto Vallarta is where you should visit. The city overlooks the Pacific Ocean and has some of the best golden-sand beaches with beautiful beachfront hotels. The town has walkable areas, which makes it perfect for those who want to be in the center of all the action.

You’ll need a few essentials while traveling, and I am linking all the necessary travel essentials you will need for Puerto Vallarta (click the link).

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta For The First Time

Not sure where to stay in Puerto Vallarta for the first time? There are plenty of places to choose from, and each area has its own unique vibe. As a first-timer in Puerto Vallarta, you may want to be near the Romantic Zone, where you can enjoy boutique hotels, cobblestone streets, live music, and welcoming L.G.B.T.Q. restaurants.

Or maybe you would prefer the Hotel Zone, where you will find primarily all-inclusive resorts near the marina leading to the airport. Deciding where to stay while traveling to Puerto Vallarta depends on your needs and wants. Since it can be overwhelming, I have compiled a list of hotels I recommend for first-time travelers. Click the links to check out each zone to help you determine the best location for you.

Hotels in the Romantic Zone

• San Marino
• One Beach Street
• Los Arcos Suites
• Emperador Vallarta Beachfront Hotels & Suites

Best Hotels in the Marina Vallarta Zone

• Playa Los Arcos Hotel Beach
• Hotel Rio Malecon
• Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
• The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta

Hotels in the Nuevo Vallarta Zone of Puerto Vallarta

• Riu Palace Pacifico All-inclusive
• Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta- All-inclusive
• Villa Del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort & Spa
• Riu Vallarta All-inclusive

Hotels in the Hotel Zone of Puerto Vallarta

• Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All-inclusive Spa
• Hacienda Buenaventura Hotel & Mexican Charm
• Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa

Not sure what to wear in Puerto Vallarta? I am linking my favorite beachwear items. Here’s one of my favorite looks!

Free Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

One thing that I love about Puerto Vallarta is that it’s great for travelers on a budget. You can spend money only on food and accommodations and still see some cool areas for free. Here are a few free things you can do in Puerto Vallarta.

• Walk the Boardwalk
• Visit the Puerto Vallarta Art Walk
• Climb Mirado Cerro de la Cruz
• Visit the Farmers Market
• Visit the Puerto Vallarta Sign

Best Travel Tips for the Perfect Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta

Whether you enjoy eating tacos, drinking tequila, or whale watching, you can do plenty of things in Puerto Vallarta. Depending on your travel plans, four days is enough if you’re a first-time visitor. Take it from me; you don’t need a jam-packed itinerary to enjoy a much-needed vacation. If you’re unsure where to book your activities, I booked all of my activities through Viator. They have a host of activities, and booking is straightforward. You can expect to spend about $60- $200 per person on tours; I will say that Viator offers some fantastic tours, and I highly recommend them. Here are a few things I did previously in Puerto Vallarta.

• Taco & Tequila Tasting Tour
• Day Tour to Yelapa
• Walked the Malecon Boardwalk
• Rhythms of the Night

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Travel Tips For Getting Around Puerto Vallarta

Expect to do plenty of walking on your first trip to Puerto Vallarta. I encourage you to walk if you’re capable. You can easily walk anywhere safely in the Romantic Zone, Conchas Chinas, and downtown. I walked at least 2 miles daily on my recent trip and enjoyed every minute. Trust me, after all the good food you’ll be eating in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll need to walk. If you can’t walk or are not close to these areas, taxis and Ubers are used throughout the city. You can expect to pay about 100-200 pesos for a roundtrip Uber ride.

As I mentioned, ask the driver about the cost before getting into a taxi in Puerto Vallarta. Since you’ll need to download the Uber app, and I suggest you do so before leaving for Puerto Vallarta, you can connect a credit card or PayPal to your Uber account without worrying about tipping the driver. But if you plan on using the taxi services, know that drivers are more likely to take pesos over American dollars, but I will cover that later in this guide.

Traveling Tips for Making Your Money Stretch on Vacation To Puerto Vallarta

Wondering how much money is enough for a vacation in Puerto Vallarta? The good news is that Puerto Vallarta is an inexpensive city to visit, and you expect to spend about $40-$70 daily on food and drinks. When I last visited, I spent about 3,000 pesos ($200 US dollars) on food and drinks for four days in Puerto Vallarta. To help you get a better understanding of how much money is enough on vacation in Puerto Vallarta for first-timers, let me break it down for you.

Accommodations

If you’re on a budget, you can easily find an inexpensive boutique hotel for about $100 per night. I snagged a four-night stay at Grand Miramar in the Conchas Chinas area, and this luxury suite and residences exceeded my expectations. Tucked away in the hills, it made an excellent relaxing location. If you want to stay closer to the action, you can still find decent accommodation in Puerto Vallarta for under $200 a night. Of course, you can spend well over that per night if you choose to.

On my recent trip to Puerto Vallarta with my husband, I enjoyed staying at one of the best boutique hotels- The Villa Premier Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway. The Villa Premier is an all-adult boutique hotel located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta and is about a 15-minute walk to the famous Malecon boardwalk.

How Much Money Is Enough for Food?

An all-time travel tip is booking accommodations that offer complimentary American breakfast. This will help to cut down on the cost of food. But that is solely up to you; you can spend as much or as little on food as you want. My budgeting style is to splurge more on dinner and wing it for lunch. But again, your options are endless. If you choose to eat breakfast or brunch, you can find breakfast meals that consist of eggs, sausage (or some other form of meat), pancakes, or omelets for about 350 pesos ($17 U.S. dollars) per person.

Cost for Lunch and Dinner

When it comes to how much you can expect to spend on lunch and dinner, this is where you can easily save your coins. Lunch can be something like street tacos or some form of bar food. Trust me, there are street taco vendors all over Puerto Vallarta, and they give you a good-sized portion of meat! You can quickly get full while walking the cobblestones of Puerto Vallarta. If you want to splurge on dinner, head to the Romantic Zone, where you will find a row of restaurants on or near the beach to choose from and enjoy a nice, elegant dinner. Expect to pay about 800 pesos ($40 U.S. dollars) per person for dinner. This would include a basic appetizer, entree, cocktail, and sparkling water.

Check out this video of how much I spent on my recent visit to Puerto Vallarta.

Should You Get Pesos Before Arriving in Puerto Vallarta?

Should you get pesos before arriving in Puerto Vallarta? My suggestion is yes! I found it easier to order pesos before traveling to Puerto Vallarta because I didn’t want to risk the chance of any interference at the A.T.M. while on my vacation. My husband and I discovered we were running low on pesos on our 6-day trip to Puerto Vallarta and had to use the ATM. It was an easy process; if you know Spanish, this helps.

You can order your pesos through your bank and ship them directly to your home. But if you feel more comfortable, you do have the option of delivery to your local bank. So how much money should you bring with you to Puerto Vallarta? Well, that depends on your activities, hotel accommodations, and appetite. When traveling to Mexico, I usually order 3,000-5,000 pesos (roughly $200-400 in U.S. dollars) from my bank. Three thousand pesos might seem like a lot, but it will run out quickly once you start tipping and purchasing small items.

Travel Tips For First-Time Travelers Using American Money to Puerto Vallarta

Yes, you can use American money in Puerto Vallarta! Although U.S. dollars are accepted, you will still need pesos occasionally. If you’re a tipper like me, use your pesos to give to room service, servers, and drivers. I took only $200 US dollars to Puerto Vallarta and used only half of it! I was impressed with myself for sticking to my budget while in Puerto Vallarta.

Pro Tip: Get in the habit of tipping for services. When traveling out of the country. You will be surprised what an extra $1 could do for your waiter or housekeeping.

How Many Days Do You Need in Puerto Vallarta?

So, how many days do you need for your vacation in Puerto Vallarta for the first time? Plan to spend at least four days in the city to get the most out of your vacation. Some travelers come to Puerto Vallarta and spend well over two weeks in the town, but if you don’t have the time, I suggest no less than four days. Although you could easily enjoy an excellent three-day vacation in Puerto Vallarta, I don’t think you would be there long enough to explore the city and get the most out of your vacation. However, if you plan your trip and create a detailed itinerary schedule, I think you could still cover the surface of Puerto Vallarta.

Will Your Cell Phone Work While in Puerto Vallarta?

Are you wondering if your cell phone will work while on vacation in Puerto Vallarta? Yes, however, that depends on your service provider. Typically, Mexico is included in most data cell phone plans; however, check with your provider before vacation to ensure you won’t be charged for data usage.

Conclusion of The Best Travel Tips to Puerto Vallarta

There you have it, friends, the best traveling tips to Puerto Vallarta. Let me know if you’ve ever visited or will be visiting Puerto Vallarta! Despite all the news you may have heard about Mexico, you will have a great time traveling to Puerto Vallarta. Consider these helpful tips when choosing your location to stay and safety tips so that you will enjoy all that P.V. has to offer.

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