December through April

Resort Areas in Puerto Vallarta

Down Town Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Marina Vallarta, Mismaloya, Los Arcos, Playa Norte, Playa los Muertos.

Puerto Vallarta Travel with Minors

Minors traveling with only one parent or adults other than their parents must have a notarized letter from the absent parent(s) authorizing them to be taken out of the country. If the parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate will be required for check in at the airport. Authorization Form for Minor to Travel

Currency - Puerto Vallarta

Mexican Peso, U.S. dollar widely accepted.

Drinking Water - Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta does have a water purification system (Seapal), but visitors should still use bottled water.

Climate in Puerto Vallarta

The hills of the Sierra Madre nurse the Down Town zone, limiting growth, and providing lush jungle and wildlife scenes from any point in town. The Banderas Bay expansion - the second largest bay in the hemisphere - offers spectacular views of the coast and calm beaches. The bay is clean, and excellent for scuba diving and fishing. The town itself is divided by the Rio Cuale. Puerto Vallarta is one of the few places on Earth that can boast an "ideal" climate. It is temperate, but with sub-tropical vegetation, and the Bay offers shelter from harsh Pacific winds and hard weather. Puerto Vallarta enjoys 345 days of sunshine each year, with average daytime temperatures reaching into the high 80's. At night, the onshore breeze from the Bay descends, bringing cool air and cool night temperatures that make for pleasant sleeping conditions. Puerto Vallarta also has one of the least intrusive rainy seasons found this far south. From mid-June to about the beginning of October, there is rain almost daily. However, the rain doesn't usually start until late in the afternoon (4 or 5 o'clock) and this leaves most of the day clear for activities. The summer months are hot and humid, but are still livable and many retirees and long-term visitors do live here year-round.

Electricity in Puerto Vallarta

110 - 160 volts

Gambling

There is no legalized casino gambling in Mexico.

Vaccination's for Puerto Vallarta

None required.

Language in Puerto Vallarta

Spanish

Location of Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is located on the West Coast of Mexico, on the Pacific Ocean waters of the Banderas Bay, in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. It is in the same hemisphere as Hawaii.

Proof of Citizenship for travel to Puerto Vallarta

Proof of citizenship is required for all US citizens when traveling outside of the continental US.  Married women using a passport or birth certificate in their maiden name must bring along a copy of their marriage certificate or risk being denied boarding. Be sure to carry with you one of the following when you check-in at the airport:

1. Valid US Passport, or

2. Original state-issued birth certificate with an affixed or raised seal AND valid government issued photo ID (i.e. current driver license)

3. Note:  effective December 31, 2006 a valid US Passport will be required for travel to Mexico.

Golf is increasingly becoming a way of life in Puerto Vallarta, where enthusiasts will find two very challenging public courses.

The Marina Vallarta Golf Club is a Par 71, 18-hole championship course designed by renowned course architect, Joe Fingers. Its magnificent views of Banderas Bay, abundant wildlife, and natural obstacles (such as waterfalls, palms and natural lagoons) have made it increasingly popular in the last few years. It has twice been the site of the Governor's Cup Pro/Am Tournament, as well as other important golfing events. The facilities include a driving range, putting green, golf lessons, golf shop and full-service clubhouse. The golf course is part of the luxurious Marina Vallarta hotel and condominium complex, and is only a short walk from such hotels as the Westin Regina, Melia Puerto Vallarta, Marriott Casa Magna, and Velas Vallarta Grand Suite.

The Flamingos Golf Club offers a Par 72 championship course designed by Percy Clifford. Located in the north part of the bay, about eight miles north of the airport, this picturesque course offers a wide array of facilities, including a driving range, putting green, snack bar, golf lessons and tennis courts. Visitors will also find a handsome stucco clubhouse, and a pro-shop overlooking rolling hills that fade toward the ocean. Reservations for tee times are not accepted, they are on a first come-first serve system

Dress

Light, casual dress is appropriate for nearly all occasions in Mexico. Long pants and a casual shirt are generally worn by men at the more up-scale restaurants and clubs at night; women wear informal dresses and skirts. However, Mexico has some particular customs regarding appropriate dress for certain situations: bathing suits (particularly for women) should not be worn away from the beach or resort areas; shorts should never be worn when entering a church; flashy or suggestive clothing is inappropriate in smaller resorts and inland cities.

Handicap Info

Travelers with disabilities might consult Partners of the Americas (1424 K St. NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005, Tel. 800-322-7844) or the Society for the Advancement of Travel for the Handicapped (347 Fifth Ave., Suite 6100, New York, NY 10016, Tel. 212-447-7284) about tours.

Time Zone in Puerto Vallarta

Central Standard Time

Tipping in Puerto Vallarta

Mexico generally follows the 15% tipping rule, and a 15% sales tax will be charged on most items.

Puerto Vallarta Tourist Board

1-800-44-MEXICO

Wedding Requirements Puerto Vallarta

Only civil ceremonies are recognized, and there is no residency requirement. Marriages occur at the Civil Registrar's office (fees range from $100-$200), both parties must have a birth certificate or passport, a tourist card, divorce decree (if applies).

Weather in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round, the rainy season is late June through September (afternoon showers). January through April - high 86°F, low 63°F; May through Dec. - high 92°F, low 70°F.