15 Things to Know Before Your First Trip to Puerto Vallarta
The practical stuff nobody tells you — money, taxis, tap water, touts and the beach.
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's easiest cities to visit, but a few local realities will make your first trip smoother. Here's what we'd tell a friend before they flew in.
- Stay in Old Town if you want the real city. Zona Romántica is walkable and full of life; see where to stay.
- Agree taxi fares before getting in — there are no meters. More on transport.
- Uber works, but not smoothly at the airport — see airport transfers.
- Ignore the "free" tours and welcome drinks at the airport — they're timeshare pitches.
- Don't drink the tap water. Use bottled; hotels and restaurants use purified water for ice and cooking.
- Bring some cash in pesos. Cards work widely, but stands, tips and small shops want cash.
- Tip like in the US — around 15% in restaurants; a few pesos for baggers and helpers.
- The beach has rip currents. Watch the flags at Los Muertos; don't swim drunk.
- Eat at the busy taco stands — high turnover means fresh. A food tour helps you find them.
- Book big boat trips ahead in high season, especially whale watching (Dec–Mar).
- Some day trips are cheaper DIY — take a water taxi to Yelapa instead of a tour.
- High season is Nov–Apr; May and late October are the value sweet spots. See timing.
- It's safer than the "Jalisco" headlines suggest for tourists — read is it safe?
- Wear real shoes in Old Town — the streets are cobbled and steep in places.
- Slow down. Half the appeal is the pace — don't over-schedule; leave room to do nothing.