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INFORMATION ABOUT VALLARTA
The friendliest city on the world
LOCATION
Puerto Vallarta is situated on the Pacific coast of Mexico
in the northwest corner of the state of Jalisco.
GEOGRAPHY
Puerto Vallarta is a quaint, colonial seaside village
encircled by rugged, tropical Sierra Madre mountains to the east
and fronted by the Bay of Banderas, Mexico's largest natural bay.
The center of town is divided by the Cuale River.
CLIMATE
January - April Average High 86 / low 63 May - December
Average High 92 / low 70 Rainy Season: Late June through September,
mainly afternoon showers.
LANGUAGE
SPANISH. Don't assume that because there are a fair number
of English speaking residents and visitors that all Mexicans are
able to speak English well. A good many do, about
60-65%, the remainder enough to answer basic questions. Be considerate
and don't automatically rattle off in English - you never know if
the person is fluent or not. Speak English slowly and clearly.
ARRIVAL
The Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport located four
miles north of downtown (Centro). There are frequent taxi or van
transfers from the airport at reasonable rates. Pay at the taxi
booth and they'll assign you to a taxi/van that will take you to
your destination. Proof of citizenship is necessary to cross the
border into Mexico. Either a current passport, birth certificate
or voter's registration will suffice. Upon arrival, visitors are
given a Tourist Card which must be turned in upon departure at the
airport. At that time, a departure tax is charged and payable in
U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos. Some airlines now include this tax
when ticketing, but check ahead to make sure.
CURRENCY
Pesos, although U.S. dollars are widely accepted in businesses
throughout town. Major credit cards are also accepted in most establishments.
Click here to go to a currency converter..
ELECTRICITY
Mexico operates on the same 110-volt-60 current as
the United States.
POPULATION
Puerto Vallarta is home to 350,000 residents and attracts
more than 2 million visitors annually.
WATER QUALITY
The water and ice in local restaurants is pure and
safe to drink. Our water authority, Seapal, has received certification
for four consecutive years ensuring that our water is clean for
human consumption. If you want to play it extra safe, bottled water
is sold in town. Microdine is sold to purify vegetable and salad
greens.
TIPPING
The cost of living in Mexico is less than other parts
of the world and so are salaries. PLEASE remember that anyone who
assists you in a restaurant, hotel, on a tour and with any tourist-related
activity is paid minimum wage, the tips are the real living wage.
Minimum wage is $46 PESOS per day. Please don't be a tightwad.
TRANSPORTATION IN VALLARTA
Local Buses - Buses will take you
from one end of town to the other, or anywhere in-between for only
4.5 pesos. If you are downtown around the plaza or on the Malecon,
take the bus that says "Olas Altas." This will take you
to the south part of town across the Rio Cuale, towards Los Muertos
beach. To head north towards the airport and large hotels, take
a bus that says "Hotels" or "Airport." Travel
to and within the Marina Vallarta area is also possible, just look
for the Marina buses. Push the button marked "timbre" to signal the driver to stop.
Taxis - Puerto Vallarta has more than 1,000 taxis available around
town. The union has preset tariffs for travel rather than meters.
Fare within the Centro zone, downtown, is only 35 pesos. Hotels
often post the rates to popular destinations, but it is always a
good idea to ask about the cost before you travel Also, while locals
do not tip taxi drivers, if you've gotten good service please show
your gratitude.
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ACCOMMODATIONS
GOLF
