City and
Entertainment Guide |
Weather/What To Wear
December to February: During the daytime the climate
is very temperate and you can wear light clothes. You may need
some warm clothes at night, temperatures start going down after
6 PM.
March to June: Light clothes, there is normally a bit of wind.
July - September: The rainy season begins, bring rain clothes
along and/or umbrellas, etc. The weather is in no way cold in
these months, quite the contrary, temperatures up to around
90 - 93ºF on some days, especially in August and September.
Some seasons it will only rain at night, staying humid during
the day.
Mid-October - beginning of December: The climate is temperate,
no rain, very little breeze and quiet, light summer clothes
are recommended. At night, you may need long sleeve shirts or
blouses when going out.
Currency
The peso is the national currency although U.S. dollars
are widely accepted in most businesses throughout Puerto Vallarta.
Major credit cards are also accepted in most establishments.
Banks offer currency exchange during business hours. Universal
ATM's are widely available for cash withdrawals at the current
exchange rate. Visitors can access ATM’s in several systems
such as VISA, MC, Cirrus and PLUS. Many ATM’s have menus
in English. The ATM’s only dispense pesos.
Money Exchange
You can change money at a convenient casa de cambio (Money Exchange
House). These are money exchangers that are open long hours
and provide quick service. Although dollars are widely accepted
in resort areas (and are often preferred), we recommend using
pesos during your stay. Hotels also exchange dollars but these
normally give you the lowest rates, use them as a last resort.
You will find better rates at the exchange houses, and the best
rates at banks. To exchange money in the banks you can only
do it between 9 AM and 1PM (even though the banks are open longer).
Expect a slightly lower rate for travelers checks. Commissions
are not generally charged on money exchanges.
While foreign currencies other than U.S. dollars are sometimes
accepted – particularly at major resorts—we recommend
you use pesos during your stay. We also recommend exchanging
$20-$30 into pesos before leaving home. This way you will arrive
in Mexico with pesos for cab fare to you hotel and for tipping.
Also, carry $20 to $30 dollars in one-dollar bills—they
are great for tipping and are quite appreciated.
Hospital
Hospital Medasist: Offers 24-hour emergency services. Some bilingual
staff, accepts most medical insurance programs for emergency
services. Located at the entrance to Mex 200, at the south end
of town (across from the Pemex gas station).
2230444 - 2230656 ) Directions from Villa: Exit Villa, go down
the road, take a right at the highway, go 100 yards, turn right
on first street (Manuel M. Dieguez St.) Entrance is on the right.
They have emergency services on the first floor, regular doctor
visits on the second floor. English-speaking doctors on hand.)
Pharmacy: Located on Badillo St, which is one more block down
from the Hospital. Directions from Villa: Exit Villa, go down
the road, take a right at the highway, go 120 yards, turn right
on second street (Badillo St.) Located on left hand side of
the street.
Taxis
You can find taxis all over the place and at any time of the
day or night. Just step outside your hotel or onto any street
curb and wave as one approaches. Over the last years the Taxi
Syndicate has worked towards having established rates for all
areas of Puerto Vallarta. In most cases the driver will give
you the correct fare. However ask before getting in the cab
and not at the end of the trip when it's a little more difficult
to negotiate. You may also want to ask the people at your hotel
what it should cost to go to your destination; they should be
well aware of the rates. Always ask how much the trip is going
to cost before you get on the taxi.
If you are close to where you're going, only acouple of miles,
it shouldn't be more than 20 or 30 pesos ($2 or $3), maybe a
little more if you have to go further. The taxis are really
very convenient and cheap to use, and you shouldn't have any
problems with prices as long as you always ask how much before
getting in. If you are going to a restaurant or something, do
not let the taxi driver talk you into going to some place he
is suggesting rather than where you want to go, he's probably
taking you to his buddy's restaurant or one he is receiving
commission from.
Public Holidays
• January 1st - New Year
• February 5th - Anniversary of the Constitution
• March 21st - Benito Juárez Birthday
• May 1st - Labour day
• September 16th - Mexico's Independence Day
• November 20th - Day of the Mexican Revolution
• December 1st (each 6 years) - Elect President is empowered.
• December 25th - Christmas.
• Federal and Local Law can determine holidays due to local elections:
in Puerto Vallarta November 12th.
Horseback Riding
The hilly, nearby jungle and long stretches of shoreline has
made Horseback riding a favorite activity since Liz and Dick
made "Night of the Iguana". A variety of tours are
available featuring visits to mango orchards, cattle ranches
and farmland, small rural villages, and a river where clients
can swim. On Sundays, horseback rides include a trip to a typical
Mexican rodeo. Longer trips, up to five days on horseback are
offered for small groups into the Sierra Madre mountains and
with visits to sites including the old mining town of San Sebastian
del Oeste.
Rancho el Ojo de Agua – is the oldest establishment of
its kind in Puerto Vallarta and runs horseback riding tours
to the countryside and the mountains. The ranch offers quality
horses with either English or Western saddles, daily jumping
lessons and experienced guides. Excursions include sunset rides
and deluxe five-day rides to the Soledad campsite in the Sierra
Madre. Telephone 52 (3)-224-8240.
More horseback riding operators include:
Backcountry Tours Tel. 52 (3)-222-0386
Hidden Trails Adventure Tel. 52 (3)-224-0114
Natura Expeditions Tel. 52 (3)-224-0410
Rancho El Charro Tel. 52 (3)-224-0114
Rancho la Morena Tel. 52 (3)-224-9880
Rancho Manolo Tel. 52 (3)-222-3694
Rancho Indio Tel. 52 (3)-222-5137
Golf
Golf is increasingly becoming a way of life in Puerto Vallarta.
The region offers five challenging courses, and several others
are currently under development. Here are three of them...
Narina Vallarta Golf Club
The Marina Vallarta Golf Club
is a beautiful exclusive professional golf course par 71,
6700 yards, 18 hole designed by Joe Finger, in Marina Vallarta,
just south of the airport, located between the beach on one
side and the bay and marina on the other, make it an enjoyable
experience with the breeze of the ocean and the natural beauty
of the Mexican tropic. Facilities include a lovely clubhouse,
golf carts, caddies, a pro-shop, dining, driving range, putting
green, pro-service, golf lessons, course snackcart and showers.
Many hotel guests at the Hacienda Cora Hotel, Sheraton Buganvilias,
Velas Vallarta, Plaza Las Glorias, Flamingo Vallarta Marine
Resort, Camino Real, Marriott CasaMagna, Allegro Resort and
Westin Regina Resort have access to the club facilities. Rates
aprox. Green fee $120 dollars, cart included. Golf club rental
$20 dollars.
Telephone 52 (3)-221-0073 or 52 (3)-221-0545 E-mail:
Flamingo Beach and Golf Resort
Located in the north part of the bay, about eight miles north
of the airport, this picturesque 18-hole, 71-par course includes
a driving range, putting green, snack bar, golf lessons and
tennis courts. It boasts a handsome and stucco clubhouse and
pro-shop overlooking rolling hills that fade toward the ocean.
It's a public course and anyone is able to play, they do not
take reservations it is a first come-first served system.
They have a bus service starting at 7:30am from the bus stop
in front Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias (), to confirm the hours
it is better if you call when you arrive. Rates approx. Green
fee $75 dollars Cart not included, Golf club rental $20 dollars.
Tel. 52 (3)-298-0606 or 52 (3)-221-2525 or 52-329-71515
Four Seasons Golf Course
This private course at the new Punta de Mita Four Seasons
Resort at the northernmost tip of Banderas Bay, features a
challenging 19th hole on an island just off its beach golf
course setting. Tel. 52 (3)-291-6000.
Scuba and snorkeling operators
Chico’s Dive Shop
Tel. +52 (3) 222 1895
Fax: +52 (3) 222 1897
It’s affiliated with PADI and is one of the most specialized
places in town for scuba and snorkeling trips and instruction.
Ecotours de México
Tel. +52 (3) 222 6606
Princesa Bay Tours & Dive Center
Tel. +52 (3) 224 4777
Twin Dolphins
Tel/Fax: +52 (3) 221-2492
221-0038
293-1905
Vallarta Adventures
Tel. +52 (3) 221 0657
+52 (3) 221 0658
Fax: +52 (3) 221 2845
Deep Sea Fishing Operators
Chemas
Tel. 52 (3) 224 9549
Club de Pesca
Tel. 52 (3) 223 1665
Dos Amigos
Tel. 52 (3) 221 0920
Fantasia Maritima
Tel. 52 (3) 221 0116
Macarelas Sport Fishing
Tel. 0443 2943248 or 0443 2941923
Mr. Marlin Sport Fishing Center
Tel. 52 (3) 222 0890
Yacht Sylvester Fishing Charters
Tel. 52 (3) 292 4456
The Puerto Vallarta Fishing Company
Tel. 52 (3) 222 1863
Nightclubs and Bars
Fine restaurants that offer live music include Texas Grill,
an upscale café-cantina on Isla Río Cuale with
live music nightly from 8 - 11 p.m.; and La Dolce Vita, on
the waterfront, with live jazz.
Other leading nightspots for live music include The Jazz
House, Club Roxy for blues, and J & B for salsa and other
tropical rhythms.
Top restaurants with popular late-night bar areas include
Café des Artistes, with an open-air terrace bar; and
Chef Roger, a local favorite has a new location in "Restaurant
Row" with romantic live trio music in the evenings.
Among the top Nightlife spots in Puerto Vallarta are Carlos
O'Brians and Señor Frogs. O'Brians has a restaurant,
bar and is very active right on the malecón. Frogs
includes live music.
Viejo Vallarta features local bands playing the best Ska,
Reggae, Punk, Rock and Blues. Located across the street from
the Sea Horse Statue on the Malecón. Open daily with
live music until 4 AM.
Nightclubs and Discos:
Andale Bar: A fun, noisy video bar, popular with locals and
visitors. Tel. 222-6037.
Cactus Club: Popular disco with the younger set and locals,
good variety of music and light show. 10 p.m. - 4 a.m. Tel.
222-6037.
Carlos O’Brian’s: Loud music, always packed,
one of the town’s favorite night spots. Tel 222-1444.
Christine’s: Krystal Vallarta Hotel. The latest music,
great sound and light show, outstanding decor. Vallarta’s
top night spot. Always crowded, lots of fun. From 10 p.m.
Tel. 224-6990.
Club Roxy: Live jazz, blues and pop rock for thirty-somethings.
Happy hour 6 - 9 p.m. dancing until 1 a.m. Tel. 223-2404.
Hard Rock Café: Live rock ‘n’ roll nightly.
Very popular. From 10 p.m. Tel. 222-55-32.
Kit Kat Club: A retro cocktail lounge á la Frank Sinatra
and the Rat Pack. Leopard skin decor, martinis, grilled dinner
specials. 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Jokes "R" Us: Above the No Name Café, a
comedy club sometimes featuring comedians from Saturday Night
Live and The Tonight Show. Reservations needed. Tel. 222-6019.
Zapata: A lively restaurant serving Mexican and International
food to the accompaniment of live Latin American folk music.
From noon. Tel. 222-4748.
ZOO: A deli by day, a disco by night, with music ranging
from techno to reggae. The crowd vies for space with artist
Bustamante’s caged "animals" A hot spot with
a great view of the Malecón and bay. 9 p.m. - 5 a.m.
Bar opens at 12:00 noon. Disco from 10 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.
Tel. 222-4945.
Other Fun Stuff
Mexican Fiesta Night: Many of the major hotels offer weekly
Mexican Fiestas with a Mexican buffet and colorful regional
folk music, dancing and entertainment
La Iguana Tourist Center: Dinner show with folk dancers,
lasso-spinning charros, ranchero singers, "harmless"
cockfighting, and piñatas. Popular for more than 30
years. Reservations need. Tel. 222-0105.
Sheraton Buganvilias Hotel: Thursday night. Includes fireworks,
harmless cockfights. Tickets are available in the lobby. The
hotel also features a Sunday brunch with Mariachi music.
Krystal Vallarta Hotel: The Krystal holds a Fiesta three
times a week in season. Those who attend often receive a free
entry to Christine’s, the hotel’s popular disco.
The hotel also stages a Fiesta Brava every Thursday in season.
Where guests can participate in a do-it-yourself bullfight
(small bulls) in the hotel’s own bullring.
There are also good Fiestas at the Camino Real and Buenaventura
on Fridays.
Hot Air Balloon Tour Champagne Sunrise and Sunset tours:
They rise everyday, up to 3,000 - 5,000 feet. They have a
couple of different packages to choose from.
Downtown Puerto Vallarta
Phone: +52 (3) 223 2002
Artist’s Studio Tours are offered during the high season.
Check with Galería Pacifico for details. Telephone:
523-222-1982.
Bullfights are held Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in the Puerto Vallarta
Bullring. November through April.
City Tours: Puerto Vallarta city tours in air-conditioned
minibuses are offered daily and last five hours including
a stop for lunch. A jungle tour leaves twice daily. These
can be arranged at the hotel travel desk upon arrival.
Le Kliff restaurant
http://www.lekliff.com
This perfectly poised giant palapa plays host daily to the
bay's most spectacular sunsets and some of the best seafood
in town. It also provides ringside seats for watching gray
whales and giant manta rays during the months of December
through April.
Founded in 1983 by the Guzman Gutierrez Family, Le Kliff has
reached international fame not only for its cuisine, but for
its beauty and architecture as well.
Whale watching
Banderas Bay is graced with numerous marine mammals that
either visit or live in it, but the most spectacular visitor
is the humpback whale which arrives yearly between December
and April to reproduce in these waters and to have their calves.
This turns whale watching into a prime activity on the bay,
since these cetaceans impress everyone with their spectacular
acrobatics, not to mention the heartwarming and inspiring
experience of seeing a baby whale swim alongside its mother,
making this a truly unforgettable experience.
Each winter season a growing number of travelers enjoy excursions
to view the migrating humpback whales in Banderas Bay. Local
eco-tour operator Open Air Expeditions has undertaken a photo
study of the whales, identifying more than 100 individuals by
distinct markings on their tails. Reserve with Open Air by calling
or faxing +52-3-222 3310; or with Vallarta Adventures +52-3-221
0657 or +52-3-221 0658.
Activities, Tours and Excursions in Puerto Vallarta
1) Chico's Dive Shop
http://www.chicosdiveshop.com
Scuba Diving and Snorkel in Puerto Vallarta. Attentive crew
and certified dive masters lead outstanding dive trips, unlimited
snorkeling expeditions, as well as customized tours. Chico's
Dive Shop in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is a 5 star instructor
development center and member of the PADI Resort International
Association in the area and fully authorized PADI Snorkel
Center. They employ the most qualified PADI scuba diving instructors,
and can save you invaluable vacation time by providing one-on-one
instruction from a professional.
They provide a qualified divemaster and an observer for snorkeling
parties. Only Chico's Dive Shop uses specially-designed, shallow-draught
dive boats that take you right into the center of things -
no taxing 300 yard swim to and from the dive site.
They give you the opportunity of a lifetime in their tours
(Day Off Bay Cruise): The chance to see, up close (Nov. to
March), Humpback Whales - these 45 ton leviathans of the deep
- leap skyward in an incredible expression of exuberance and
energy. It is an experience you will never forget. They will
also show you where the dolphins play; and where, like stealth
bombers, the giant mantas cruise at the edge of the Pacific,
in the unique ecological environment known as the Marietas
Islands.
E-mail: chicos@chicosdiveshop.com
2) Splash Vallarta
http://www.splashvallarta.com
Splash Puerto & Nuevo Vallarta, a world class water park
that offers a full day of fun for the entire family. Splash's
thrill rides, attractions and quality service give visitors
a wide variety of entertainment for fun loving people of all
ages
011-52-322-297-0708
E-mail: info@splashvallarta.com
Tepic- Puerto Vallarta Highway Km 155 at the entrance to
Nuevo Vallarta
3) Amigo Surf Mexico
http://www.surfvallarta.com
Our goal is to take the gamble and guesswork out of surfing
travel, providing you with the best service and value for
your travel dollar.
E-mail: amigosurfmexico@aol.com
4) Vallarta Action
http://www.vallarta-action.com
Excitement and adventure with Raptor Tours a sand rail dune
buggy adventure through the Sierra Madre and Jump the Pacific
Bungee, a thrilling 120 foot drop.
Contact: tours@vallarta-action.com
011-52-322-228-0670
5 miles south of downtown Km 9.2, Highway 200
5) Ecotours de Mexico
http://www.ecotours-mex.com/index_english.html
Bird and Whalewatching, hiking, turtle camps, kayak, snorkel
and scuba diving. Interested in offering a different option
for traveling around Mexico.
Contact: ecoturm@prodigy.net.mx
6) Royale Tours
http://www.royale-tours.com
We are dedicated vacation planners. A source on everything
you need to enjoy Puerto Vallarta. We offer a comprehensive
range of travel and activities services to individual travelers
& special groups.
E-mail: royale@pvnet.com.mx
7) The Yolaray Charter Fishing
http://yolaray.8m.com
Spend a day deep-sea fishing on the most recent winner of
the ESPN World Billfishing Championship held in Nuevo Vallarta
last December.
Contact: theyolaray@yahoo.com
8) The Sol
http://fishingvallartasol.8m.com
The Sol is a small boat with a big reputation. Don't let
her size fool you, she fishes side by side with the big boys
and often outdoes the entire Vallarta fleet.
9) Mexico Horse Tours
Ride off into the mountains of Puerto Vallarta. Overnight
at ranches. Also enjoy the beaches and nightlife of beautiful
PV the rest of the week.
Contact: pvmexhorsetours@aol.com
10) Ocean Friendly Tours
http://www.oceanfriendly.com
Daily and customized trips to discover the realm of Whales
and Dolphins on the enormous bay off Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
led by a Bilingual Marine Scientist and specialized crew.
Contact: ofrey@oceanfriendly.com
011-52-322-225-3774
Paseo del Marlin 510- 103 Col. Aralias
11) Wild West Jets
http://www.wildwestjets.com
Adventure jet boat touring in the rivers near Puerto Vallarta
Mexico, is an experience you must not miss. Touring through
the jungles, crocodiles, birds and indigenous peoples of Mexico,
the "River Safari" will take you places you never
thought possible!
1-877-494-5322
Contact: info@wildwestjets.com
12) Deep Sea Fishing, Sports Fishing
American/Canadian owned and operated. We are past winners
of PV International Sailfish tournament.
E-mail: sportfishingpv@hotmail.com
13) Sierra Tours and Treks
Our company was born of a desire to share with like-minded
lovers of horses and adventure travel the unsurpassed natural
beauty of Mexico's Pacific coast and highlands.
E-mail: sierramex@hotmail.com
14) Natura Expeditions
http://www.naturaexpeditions.com
Horseback Riding, Hiking or Biking makes a great day trip
while enjoying your vacation at a tropical beach resort "Puerto
Vallarta".
E-mail: carlos@naturaexpeditions.com
011-52-322-224-0410
15) Ecotours de Mexico
011-52-322- 222-6606
Ignacio L. Vallarta 243
In Ecotours de Mexico we offer a different option for people
interested in having a new and unique experience, that wants
to learn about the places they are visiting and that are concerned
about nature conservation.
In order to achieve this we have a great team of naturalists
guides and expert biologists in charge of providing personal
and professional attention in each one of our Ecotours. (Whale
watching, Turtle Camps, Sea Kayaking, Hiking, Bird watching,
Snorkeling, Scuba Diving.)
We run our tours by the premise that you can't love what
you don't know, and after traveling with us you'll definitely
share our knowledge and our love for nature!!
16) Vallarta Tours and Travel Services
Here at "Vallarta Tours and Travel Services" our
goal is to offer only the best Charters / Tours in Puerto
Vallarta. The main focus is to provide all visitors to our
City with the most accurate information about tours and activities.
We act as your "On Line Concierge" for all the different
tours, activities, restaurants and general information needed
to make your vacation here in Vallarta a special one.
Champagne Sunset Cruise, 6-9 pm. Hors d’oeuvres, tropical
drinks, champagne, great music open bar, super crew, private
cruises available
Also call for great places to eat ! 1 (888) 353-8856
E-Mail: pvsail@prodigy.net.mx
Toll Free # 1-877-301-2731 or 1-877-301-2058.
Office located in Marina Las Palmas office # 4. In front
of dock B.
17) http://www.CharterDreams.com
011-52-322-221-2522
Puerto Vallarta's Cyber Cafes Eclipse
Cyber-Café
Morelos 426
Downtown
Tel: 322-222 1755
Extra services: Free coffee, color printer, scanner, 3D games
NetStop
Morelos 671
Downtown
Tel: 322-222 3367
Scanner, printer, fax and phone
Puerto Net
Juárez 388
Downtown
Tel: 322-222 0204
The Net House
Ignacio L. Vallarta #232
Romantic Zone
Tel: 322-222 6953 and 322-223 1828
PV's first cybercafe, secretarial and translation services
Website CyberCafe
Ignacio L Vallarta 179
Downtown
Tel: 322-222 6142
Wedding requirements in Puerto Vallarta
Newlyweds-to-be need:
The required paperwork for a Mexican marriage is similar to
that required in U.S.A., with the difference being that the
nearest Mexican consulate must validate all documents (the hotel
or wedding coordinator can assist with this).
Here are the basic requirements:
• Current passport as proof of ID and marital status.
• Certified copy of both party's birth certificates.
• Tourist card (received upon arrival in Mexico) or visa.
• Names, addresses, nationalities, occupations and ages of both parents.
• Health certificate and blood test (hotels will help set up
the tests, which must be done in Mexico).
• Four witnesses (these can be provided by the hotel locally for an extra fee).
..and will also need to provide their names, addresses, occupations,
ages and photo ID.
• Typically, two to four days must be spent in Puerto
Vallarta to complete the requirements,
..although less time may be required when a wedding coordinator
is involved.
Art Gallery
Manuel Lepe
http://www.manuellepe.com
Juarez #533 Col.
52-322-222-5515
A visit to the Gallery-Museum is sure to bring a smile to
your face and gladness to your heart. The exhibition of the
whimsical original works full of color and charm painted by
Manuel Lepe are only a part of what awaits you. There are
reproductions of Lepe’s work in the form of the finest
signed seriographs that capture the depth and color of the
originals on display.
Posters of the paintings are an almost irresistible souvenir
for the budget traveler who wants to bring an authentic piece
of Puerto Vallarta back home. |
