Essential information for Puerto Vallarta

Key facts

Country: Mexico
State: Jalisco
Population: 203,342
Religion: Roman Catholic
Language: Spanish
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
Time difference: GMT -6
Flight duration: 12 hours 15 minutes from Gatwick

When to go

It always feels like summer in Mexico, and Puerto Vallarta remains sunny and warm all year round with temperatures around 31°C. Even in the winter months, it’s unlikely that the temperature will drop under 23°C.

There’s usually a little more rain between June and October, making this the ideal time to find cheap trips to Mexico. From October to December the area is at its driest. In July and August there’s a small possibility of hurricanes, but these are very rare.

Health and safety

Please be advised that the water in Mexico is not drinkable so you must purchase bottled water during your stay and brush your teeth with it too. You can bathe in the tap water and cook with it, but avoid ice in drinks unless you know it’s made from filtered/bottle water.

Before you travel to Mexico, you should always take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance. If you’re planning on taking part in any sports, including watersports or hiking, make sure this is included in your cover. For more information visit our holiday extras page.

See your local health professional at least four to six weeks before travelling in case you need any vaccinations. For more information concerning health and safety, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/health.

Passports and visas

As long as you have a valid UK passport, you don’t need a visa to enter Mexico. All you’ll have to do is complete a tourist card on your flight. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/entry-requirements.

Getting around

You can travel on foot, by taxi, bus or rental car to explore Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas. Additionally, there are plenty of water taxis available on almost every beach along the coast of Puerto Vallarta.

If you’re staying in the downtown area of Puerto Vallarta, walking is the best and easiest way of getting around. Travelling on foot gives you the opportunity to explore the town, visit local attractions, and enjoy the beautiful scenic views of Puerto Vallarta. As a fairly large town, walking from the north of Puerto Vallarta or the Marina area to downtown Puerto Vallarta or the Romantic zone is a fair distance. However, buses and taxis are regular and cheap.

The green buses will take you around town, but if you’re interested in taking road trips to other towns or cities, you’ll need a grey one. Local buses travel to destinations to the north and south of Puerto Vallarta including Punta de Mita, Mismaloya and more.

Depending on where your hotel is located, taxi rides from the airport usually cost around 200 pesos. All taxi fares are charged by zones instead of metres, so make sure you ask the driver for a rate sheet to keep track. Trips around town usually cost 30 or 40 pesos.

Another option is to hire a rental car for ease and comfort. However, due to the low cost of other forms of transport, this is the most expensive option.

Advice for travellers with children

Offering a long beach and plenty of amentities in a well-serviced town, Puerto Vallarta provides the best of both worlds for family holidays. The range of places to eat and drink offers something for all tastebuds.

The Vallarta Adventure Centre is an excellent place to take the children, where they can swim with dolphins. Swimming and snorkelling opportunities and visit caves around the coast, add to the family offering.

Electricity

Socket type: North American two-pin plug

Voltage information: 110 – 120 volts

Emergency information

If you’re in need of emergency services, the contact number throughout Mexico is 911.

If you are a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner contact the British Consulate in Mexico City.

Address: Rio Lerma, No. 71, Col. Cuauhtemoc, CP. 06500 Mexico City Mexico

Phone: +52 (55) 1670 3200

Hospitals

There are some good hospitals in Puerto Vallarta. Considered the best medical institution in the city, Hospital San Javier Marina is a level one trauma centre. Amerimed Puerto Vallarta Hospital is open 24 hours and offers emergency and urgent care.

Amerimed Puerto Vallarta Hospital Address: Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio No.3970, Villa Las Flores, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Phone from within Mexico: 322 221-002

Hospital San Javier Address: Blvrd Francisco Medina Ascencio 2760, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Phone from within Mexico: 322 226-1010