Puerto Vallarta Destination Guide
Puerto Vallarta Information
Where Mexico Comes Alive - Fall in love with Puerto Vallarta's old world charm and dreamlike natural beauty. Lush tropical 
jungles surround this quaint colonial city with interesting architecture, cobblestone streets and white-washed buildings. Discover chic boutiques as you stroll along the Malecan, then check out the exploding art scene and sizzling nightlife. Sprawling golden beaches, Pacific blue waters and heart-stopping sunsets that reflect on majestic mountains complete this picture-perfect vacation spot.
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.
Tipping in Puerto Vallarta
Mexico generally follows the 15% tipping rule, and a 15% sales tax will be charged on most items.
Wedding Requirements for 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).
Airport Information for Puerto Vallarta
Travel to and from Puerto Vallarta uses the The Gustavo Diaz Airport (PVR).
Rental Cars in Puerto Vallarta
Local car rental agencies include: Budget, Hertz, Alamo, Thrifty, National, Avis, Dollar, Tom & Jerry Volkswagen Rental, Advantage, and Turimax Rent & Buggy. To rent a car you must be at least 25 years of age, hold a valid driver's license and a major credit card.
Activities in Puerto Vallarta
The Market
The Market on the banks of the Rio Cuale sells one-of-a-kind Mexican handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, food items and more.
Nuevo Vallarta
Exciting area north of the airport that overlooks miles of sandy beaches.
Downtown/Viejo Vallarta
A taste of Old Mexico with historic and cultural sites, diverse dining and shopping opportunities.
Marina Vallarta
Just south of the airport and home to deluxe hotels, a championship golf course and world class marina.
Hotel Zone
Action packed area of resorts, restaurants, shops and great beaches between the Marina and Downtown.
South Zone/Mismaloya
Secluded area with many private coves, hillside villas, deluxe hotels and fine beaches.
The Malecon
Shopping is best along the Malecon, the seaside main street with many small shops.
Nightlife
Whether it's sunset margaritas at a quiet cliff side terrace, or pina coladas at a lively club. Puerto Vallarta's variety of bars is unsurpassed along the Mexican Riviera. When the sun goes down, the fun begins at nightclubs and discos that rival those of any cosmopolitan city.
Dining
When it comes to dining, Puerto Vallarta does it "con gusto." Restaurants serve up an array of international cuisine, including Mexican, Italian, French, Argentinian, Cajun, Japanese and more. Choose from casual beach restaurants to romantic candlelit dinner houses.
Fine Art Galleries
Fine art galleries in Puerto Vallarta are internationally acclaimed and a "must see".
Whale Watching
From December through April, experience the thrill of whales up close in the bay.
Watersports
On the 25 miles of Pacific beaches, enjoy popular watersports including water-skiing, windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, catamaran and yacht excursions and more!
Fishing
Fishing is a way of life in Puerto Vallarta. Depending on the season, the waters of Puerto Vallarta teem with sailfish, marlin, tuna and many smaller game fish.
Golf
Perfect for your swing on the jungle lined fairways of Los Flamingos Country Club in Nuevo Vallarta. The Marina Vallarta Country Club also offers great golf and scenic surroundings.
Fabulous Beaches
Puerto Vallarta offers over forty different beaches. From the long "walking" stretches in the north to the secluded golden sand beaches of the South Zone, each has its own personality.
Banderas Bay
The largest natural bay in Mexico and third largest in the world, Banderas Bay stretches 13 miles across and 47 miles around.
