DO NOT do these things in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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- Опубліковано 28 сер 2023
- Here's what you need to know before traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - a collection of my best travel tips for first time travelers.
Discover My Top Hotel Recommendations in Puerto Vallarta and Save Up to 40% Off When You Sign Up for Free on Plannin: plannin.com/en/profile/alysma...
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About me - Aly Smalls:
I'm the CFF (Chief Fun Finder) of my travel website - Like Where You're Going.
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A former Tourism Development Officer who now makes fun and easy to follow travel itineraries for your next trip. Wherever your travels take you, I'll help make sure you like where you're going!
My free travel and destination guides focus on unique & fresh itineraries - showcasing Canada, USA, Mexico and a bit of Europe.
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After watching your videos a few wks ago, I booked my flt to PV for Christmas 😊 Will be my 1st time going. Booked excursions as well. 🎉 Food tour, turtle release, and nature reserve. Thank you for sharing your tips!
My last visit was over twenty years ago but when I see this video, I remember how this city smells, sounds... I remember those evenings at the beach, the incredible food and the amazing people. And I remember Treda.
excellent video, thank you for sharing your tips
Im going to Puerto Vallarta in April '24 and i absolutely cannot wait! Ill be at an all inclusive resort but definitely plan on venturing out!
Really great video.. thanks.. i live in Guadalajara and travel to PV often you were spot on with all your suggestions and observations.
Thanks so much I really appreciate and enjoyed this! We are doing 5 nights at an all inclusive but I want to explore and absorb some culture so I am definitely looking at more of your videos for guidance!
I can't wait , i'm going to PV in 2 weeks , thanks for your videos
Thanks for the Video Aly, can't wait we are spending a month in PV this winter, we haven't be in years!
Very nice video with lots of great tips!
Great tips. Thank you. Heading there in a couple of weeks.
I love PV and agree 100% with all of this. I go back in a few weeks and cannot wait!
I live in PV full time. Do not use the ATMs at night and NEVER spit on the sidewalks!
Why would a human spit on the street? That is animalistic! SMH.
You havent been on Whyte Ave @@williamb.8059
Why?
@@RKDTOO It is a crime to spit on the sidewalks with an almost USD $300.fine and possible imprisonment. There are people watching ATMs in search of prey. Somewhat safer during the day.
@@macscotty9997 got it. Although, what is one supposed to do if for example they're sick and have some phlegm in their throat, are they supposed to swallow it? 🧐🤷♂️
Thank you for a very informative video.
You guys are amazing. I've literally watched hundreds of videos on the area, and yet somehow you just capture everything I agree with perfectly. Your coolness cannot be denied!!! ❤
Wow, thank you!
@@alysmalls you are welcome!! 🙏
Great video. I have been to PV 12 times and I agree with everything you said. Yalapa and Salyulita are great day trips. There are a few fun bars that have good live music like the Roxy and Captain Don's. The Roxy is a late night venue but Captain Dons will have live music in the afternoon. The taco place across from Captain Don's is the best I ever had and is super cheap. If you have ever thought about going to PV just do it. You will go again as nobody just goes once. 😊
I went with my family back in 2014, had a great time, stayed at an all inclusive but also got out to walk around and try a few spots for food abd did the las caletas tour, overall the trip was great and hope to return in the future!!
Great informative video!
The Botanical Gardens outside of PV are beautiful. A great day of exploring and there’s a wonderful restaurant there, as well.
Yes, that place is amazing! I have a tour of it in this video: ua-cam.com/video/QYbr-QiK8WY/v-deo.htmlsi=TZxU8PTBQXkArNKc
Hello, thanks for your helpful tips and recommendations, especially about the money. We will be visiting PV end of Feb! So just a couple weeks away. Staying in the Zona Romantica area! It's been YEARS since i've stayed, seems like a lot has changed.
Good info Thank you Aly 🙂
Well done! Thank you🎉
Thanks good information, we have been once and want to go again. John.
Very informative video Aly
I love the shark tank and the overpass pickup. GOOD advice.
Great video!!
I recognize Posada de Roger!! We went last April and stayed there in Zona Romantica. Ate at Sonoritos, had birria tacos at Chanfay and ceviche on the Malecon. Your videos were a great help and we even tried the pastor tacos from the stand across from Pancho’s! The best. Going back in June and can’t wait to do it all again!
Thanks for sharing.
Good video. No BS presentation.
I went there in March and I loved it.
I loved this and this city. Good times. You made me laugh with the Hot salsa.
Headed there end of Feb for 10 days, first time back in Mexico in 45 years, 1st time to PV
Beautiful city. We have visited 9 times in the last 18 years. We even got married in Villa del Palmar Flamingos in Nuevo Vallarta just last December. Street food is so good and the people so friendly and helpful. Great video!
How did you like the Villa Del Palmar Flamingos? I’ve never stayed at an all inclusive resort before, but I’m going with my mom and sister next week and they thought it would be easier for the 4 days we’re there.
@@h.m.kelly84 The resort itself is nice. I wouldn't buy into the all inclusive just for 4 nights personally. The resort is a distance from downtown P.V. which will cost a taxi ride. There is a town named Bucerias less than 2 miles from the resort. Which has great restaraunts.
@@watdahek2 thank you! I didn’t want to stay at a resort, but my mom and sister did so I got overruled 🤷♀️ I have a feeling after this they won’t want to again. We get a house in Cozumel every year, but we’ve never been to PV before. I saw another video that said they made a nice walking path from the resort to a town that was about 10 minutes, maybe it was Bucerias? I can’t remember the name. Is there any beaches or places you would recommend that are under an hour or 2 max from the resort?
@@watdahek2 didn’t really enjoy the resort, but I get why people with kids and older people enjoy it. It was pretty, but just not my cup of tea. Definitely wasn’t worth the all inclusive either. BUT we did go to Bucerias and LOVED it, which is where we will go and stay next time.
One thing about "Farmacias" is that not everything can be brought back to the US. Found that out at customs in LA.
What can’t toy bring back, obviously not illegal drugs.
how do you find that place😂
On March 31, is taco festival at mains plaza San Juan de Abajo. All taqueros of the town get together at the mains plaza and offer their tacos for Free, it all began with tacos, nómadas other vendors joined and churros, agua fresca, crepas, burgers everythings free. It starts around 6 pm and ends around 10 pm They been doing it for 15 years now. You cant get more local than this. You should try it
we are coming down for our 14th trip but for the 1st time we're staying in NV...I hope its nice over there
I first stayed at Posada de Roger in 1980.Loved it then and stayed there last year. Love it still❤
I lived there for 5 years plus some of of my best memories!
Hi Aly, great video with great advice. We fell in love with Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa and going back in December. Your videos make me miss Vallarta.
Enjoy Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa!
@@alysmalls Thanks and you Vallarta.
We too love Ixtapa-Zihu but transportation from Orange County, CA is so much quicker and direct from SNA to PVR.
Great videos Aly, Thank you. Do you have suggestions for cell phone preparation before arriving in P.V. ? I've heard several options, but appreciate your no nonsense straightforward answers. Cheers, DK.
I'm booked for Jan. 2 week trip.almost all booked!
Wow. Thank you.
Hello! We’ve been to PV 15+ times, and each time have stayed at an all inclusive. For the most part we’ve had very good luck, and some of the best meals we had there were at an all inclusive. You get what you pay for. We’ve met some really nice fun people from all over the world.
But the key to staying at an all inclusive is to get out and explore. We’ve eaten at many off site restaurants and taco stands, and taken advantage of happy hour in many a bar. We follow a daily budget, and don’t need to spend tons of money. Oh, we get our pesos at the bank at home in Canada before we leave.
We take the bus a lot, and we walk a lot. We’ve walked through many lovely neighborhoods and found great walking paths, mostly used by the people who live there.
We’ve done the hot springs tour, and gone to Yelapa. Staying at an all inclusive has nothing to do with not exploring the city. It’s not a jail, and it’s your fault if you don’t explore this beautiful cultural city.
You gotta do what travel style is best for you! I still recommend trying out a non all inclusive hotel or an Airbnb for something different, you might be surprised 😉
What resorts do you reccomend for all inclusive in PV
The airport in Puerto Vallarta IS quite the experience! Hopping over the overpass is the way to go and the busses are easy to use and super affordable. PV has become so busy, I prefer Bucerías.
I prefer the Bucerias too, we've bought a condo there!! That said, as soon as anyone learns the ropes, I think the PV airport is massively better than Cancun. In Cancun the bar really is he total rip-off! In PV it's the bar is a rip-off too, but kind of like a regular everyday "airport" kind of rip off lol😅
If you want something less busy and something new, try careyes or tenacatita. To beaches three hours away from Puerto Vallarta going towards Manzanillo.
U can pay for u taxi indoors.wait on line,line goes fast,same price as across bridge.paid a kid to haul my luggage across the bridge
Couldn't agree more with your recommendation to avoid all inclusives in PV and Mexico overall. First time I went to Mexico, I stayed at an all inclusive in Puerto Moreno, near Cancun, and found it a bit creepy tbh; the security at the hotel was way over the top -- felt like I was staying at a really dangerous place. Was really disappointed with the food there. Last time I stayed at a local hotel in Puerto Vallarta and it completely changed my attitude toward Mexico, from meh to yeah! Food experience was out of this world! and the feeling of being immersed in a more authentic Mexican experience was really appreciated. Already booked a return trip; a birthday present to myself in December. Can't wait to get back 🙂
Stay in xcaret resorts it will definitely change your mind about all exclusive resorts in Mexico expensive but worth every dollar
One of our nest travel experience was with an all inclusive in Puerto Vallarta. We did venture out and you will definitely need to learn how to to ignore all these timeshare vendors so our experience does not support this allegation to have to avoid all inclusives and that PV is not affected by the same issues as other Mexico travel spots.
Did you say Cancun LOL didn’t you know its infested with cartel?
making my 5th trip to PV nov 17-dec 1awesome place with awesome people
Shhhh popoo.. we want to go next Year ❤❤
Puerto Vallarta is amazing!!😀
Hi Aly !
So many good advices about PV. Thank you! What is good hotels or apartment in Amapas area or near? Please
We have booked a trip in May of this year... I'm soooooo exited!! Thank you for the info!! :D
Thanks for the video. Commentary on traveller's diarrhea would be helpful especially when I see street drinks like tuba and agua fresca with ice in them.
Exactly you can’t be naive about that 🤦♀️
It worked out cheaper for myself to book an all inclusive package from the UK unfortunately but i shall be venturing out and about to eat and drink.
November 06, booked for Bucerias (Hotel Suites Nadia) followed by Zona Romantica (Playa Los Arcos). If it's not too hot may try the overpass walk to lower cost rides.
Enjoy!!
Luna Liquida Boutique Hotel is just magical.
Miss PV hope to go back soon
hi great video one question how can I order an ubber if I haven't got a SIM card yet?
Also note some of the restaurants that take CC, charge a 3% fee.
What hotel do you suggest in the city? I was thinking of an all inclusive resort but now changing my mind on that
Any issues with the water used by street vendors?
Looks like fun and when i was in mexico city many years ago they had the best homemade molee sauce there over chicken. Probably did not spell that right though lol
Mole chicken is definitely a fave!
Hi. Aly. I loved the video 📹 😊. Last year I withdrawn. $300. From an ATM inside of the farmacy. In Zona Romantica. And I got charged $ 60 dlls. Not $6 be very careful 😮😂
Oh no!! Sorry that happened to you :(
I might be there over Christmas do u recommend any nice restaurants to eat at ?
Thanks! Great video! Question: are you concerned about the safety of drinking the water when you order iced drinks? Especially from vendors on the street. Is there potentially unsafe water in the sauces that are put on the tacos, etc?
Not at all, I believe that's its very common practice to use bagged filtered ice and filtered water for everything nowadays. Not to say nothing will happen, but it's never stopped us
When I went to Akhumal I got bitten by mosquitos and little no see ums. Are the little bugs really bad there? I've been invited to go in June 2024. I'm a bug magnet.
I agree! Downtown or up in the hills over town is the only way to go! Walk down into town, taxi up the hills. Walk around down below. Use ATMs inside the banks. The smaller Mexican restaurants are the best! Exit the airport and ride the bus to El Centro! ASK Taxi drivers how much! Quantos?
Hi Aly,
after viewing your video I think we will visit PV after xmas.
We're Canadians and we have a dwelling in Florida where we spend our winters. We're ready to make a change and we will look around PV to see if this city suits us .
Wish we could meet you when we're there. Any suggestion about a place to stay would be welcome.
Thanks for superb videos.
pierre
I'm excited for your new journey! I probably won't be down until march/april. I think you'll really love it there. As for where to stay...really depends on your style & budget
Thank you...We have never been to Mexico so we decided to vacation here at PV...these videos have truly helped...but did you say not to get Paseos at the airport?
Yes, better to get pesos at a bank ATM, not at the airport
I don’t understand, declining the conversion rate on an ATM…. I thought the conversion rate was a set rate… And then fees would be separate and apart from that. Why would an ATM give you a choice about a conversion rate? I know it’s probably a simple answer but I just don’t get it.
I love PV.
Hello there! What place do you recommend to do braids on my hair? Thank you!
The braid ladies will track you down anywhere along the Malecon!
Thoughts on the website/app Get Your Guide??
I find that pepper is too hot for me. Will the food in Mexico kill me? I’m Canadian too!! Canadians rock!!!
Can you recommend a site to book a boutique hotel with breakfast (at least) and ride from the airport to the hotel please? I’m going alone, so it’s so expensive, and I like the idea of not going all inclusive
Hi there, I made a video of my 4 favorite boutique hotels in PV, any one of these would be great: ua-cam.com/video/afm0Kb-3ZvM/v-deo.htmlsi=f42PeXhuHuh8cPnh
Love you Ally! I booked a condo from November to December this year. Zoho city. And I’m going to volunteer at a dog rescue. Any ideas on horse rescue?
Enjoy! I'm sorry I'm not aware of any horse rescue. It sounds like you might love the crocodile sanctuary though (lots of other animals too)! I made a video about it if you haven't seen it yet: ua-cam.com/video/nkGenYUpP4E/v-deo.htmlsi=qrDlsaHCiCsO-SIP
Wow... So jealous. We almost bought a condo there, but decided on Bucerias instead. I think Zoho City is amazing though!
Hi! Is there a beach that you would recommend over all of them? Thats the most important to me, like having a beautiful beach to go everyday while in PV. Thank you!
That's lolissimo, juan morales! I'm sorta surprised you haven’t heard back yet
I have a boat tour business (Boca Boat Tours). We specialize in the southern shores, and I recommend Quimixto. It's gorgeous, peaceful, and the food is fabulous! Go to Charly's Restaurant, and tell them Anna 'La Capitana' sent you. It's a wonderful day out!
It is nice to be nice....
You should encourage to American people in try to learn Spanish, because in your country when you want something, they discriminate at you for don't talk their language, it's obligated talk in English. In my country we do efforts for learn your language and give to you a beautiful moment.. it's not hate, it's a opinion, thanks for your video, it's amazing that you show the big Puerto Vallarta... 🎉
lol well in Texas what u said is a lie
I think he got it backwards.
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area tons don't speak English
i'll take a spanish course for a year before i go! Lmao Your funny!
I love your videos, they are super helpful and informative. Question...do you find that most of the taco vendors use goat, lamb or beef in their birria? They look delicious but I have only ever had them made with beef and am just curious.
We found that beef was much more common, but as you get deeper into the local neighborhoods you will definitely find goat, maybe lamb
Taco tour, does anyone know which one is the best?
Any of the Vallarta Food Tours are good!
How far are the resorts from the actual town?
Do you need to drink only bottled water outside the hotels?
We were sitting by the beach at an all inclusive & they brought us hamburgers with tooth breaking bone chips in them. Try La Tia 2 near the airport. Thank me later.
My partner is allergic to capsaicin so we are concerned that she won't be able to eat anything at the local restaurants.
“Lively” meas loud, drunk people , big crowds plus aggressive street vendors.
Exactly, foreigners be aware of scammers they are everywhere and specially if you look like the typical blonde gringo. The resorts are the safest places to vacation
Hell ya!!! 🎉🎉🥳🎈🎊🍾👯🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽
If we stay near the Barcelo resort, can we take a bus to El malecon?
Also, is it easy to get an Uber?? Do we use the app, like in the US?
Yes you can take the bus from there, or Uber is very easy, just like at home. We use it all the time down there. I have a blog post all about using Uber in Mexico if you want more tips! likewhereyouregoing.com/using-uber-in-mexico/
@@alysmalls thank you!
Do you ever get an upset stomach in Mexico? What local medicine do you recommend if that happens?
Im thinking of renting a car from and to the airport, would you recommend this instead?
Nobody answered your question but this is my take. Have heard of hassles when returning a car because they might claim some sort of damage on the vehicle that might have occured before you rented it. Also the laws are very different here if you get into a wreck. If anyone is injured you could end up in jail possibly until everything is ironed out. Most of the police don't speak english.
How much is the food?
I hope someone sees this. It’ll my first ever trip to Mexico. I speak no Spanish but really wanna try Mexico and not get killed by cartel or ripped off everywhere I go… is this a good option? I basically want to eat amazing cheap fresh Mexican tacos 🌮 😊
This hotel is the best Rivera Del Rio Boutique Hotel...in Zone Romantica...
It is! Here's a full video tour I made of Rivera del Rio: ua-cam.com/video/H9XaMOUrdVs/v-deo.htmlsi=SfPF9CNKaCVNPqMh
The real PV is the Cuale ❤
I am a U.S. Citizen who has lived full time in Puerto Vallarta for 14+ years. I agree with most of the travel tips in this video except I totally disagree with the comment about not needing to speak Spanish. Unlike some other coastal resorts in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is still a predominantly Mexican city, frequented not only by many thousands of foreign visitors from all over the world, but also by Mexican tourists from other cities, many of whom own second or third homes here. Yes, if you stay in the Romantic Zone (also called Old Town, a misnomer) you can manage without any Spanish because it's the most touristy part of town, but you should at least learn how to say please and thank you and as many other useful phrases as possible just to be polite. And if you venture into other parts of town most people will speak no English at all. Two additional tips: 1.) Even though PV is one of the safest destinations in Mexico, there is petty crime as in other cities all over the world. Just use common sense as you would in your own country. Most of the crimes I hear about involve a tourist getting very drunk and stumbling down a dark street as they return to their hotel at 2 - 5 AM. It should be no surprise when they are robbed. 2.) PV ocean water is consistently rated among the cleanest for swimming in Mexico (because PV has an excellent waste water treatment facility and does not pour raw sewage into the ocean such as in Sayulita to the north). Also, PV is consistently rated as one of only two cities in Mexico with tap water meeting international standards for potable water.
Unless you exchange money before going to PV, you have no choice but to use the airport ATM's to get pesos to pay for a taxi to wherever you're staying.
We were in Puerto Vallarta a month ago. There are ATMs everywhere. Our friends who are locals recommend going to the ATMs connected to a bank.
We use Uber and taxis every day when we are there, and they accept American dollars. However, you will save money by using pesos.
Any recommendation for walking tour company please?
the municipal tourism board runs free tours on Tues, Wed & Saturdays at 9am. The meeting point is at the Municipal Tourism Board in front of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.
What about the water? I’ve heard don’t drink the water, don’t eat anything washed in the water (veg/fruit) and no ice in your drinks. Anyone know more?
Don't drink the tap water. Brushing teeth is fine. Bottled water is available and cheap everywhere. All restaurants use filtered water for ice cubes now and most places wash fruits/veg in an iodine solution first, but if you're concerned you could stay away or just eat fruits/veggies that have thick peels. Of course, there's always a risk of getting sick for a day (it happens) - if so, grab a box of Treda at any of the pharmacias!
DO enjoy a good Cohiba on the beach at sunset.
Is it safer to take an uber or Taxi? Thanks.
Uber safer. You can see the route, drivers profile ratings etc... always make sure car and plates match
Bring lots and lots of money
Lots. Like everywhere else things are very expensive. Almost the same as the USA.
I’ve lived in Vallarta my whole life, and I’m lucky to be fluent in English, but don’t incentivize people to not learn a little bit of Spanish before coming, I’ve seen a lot of awkward situations of tourists not knowing any Spanish dealing with Mexicans who don’t know any English.
Pd: I’m pretty sure the farmacia pharmacy pv is some type of money laundering or something like that, here in la marina they pop out out of nowhere, there are like at least 15 here
Take a bus from the airport - $2