Explore AAA Travel
IntroductionElenathewise/iStockphoto.com
Puerto Vallarta is a destination with almost everything visitors love about Mexico. Situated along the shore of Banderas Bay, the city’s natural setting is glorious, with lovely beaches, lush green hillsides and a backdrop of mountains—the Sierra Madre Mountains—that seem to tumble right into the ocean. Accommodations encompass everything from cozy beachfront bungalows to luxurious hotels. There are local restaurants and shops galore, and the downtown core is as charming as any in the country.
marcviln/iStockphoto.com
Puerto Vallarta (or PV for short) has one of the largest resident art communities in Mexico; the artwork is on display at galleries scattered throughout town. Shops and open-air markets overflow with pottery, jewelry, silver, blown glass, ceremonial masks, folk art and other treasures. For T-shirts and souvenirs, browse the stalls at the flea market, near the cruise ship docks just south of Marina Vallarta.
LUNAMARINA/iStockphoto.com
Non-shoppers looking for adventure can go on horseback rides into the surrounding hills or take a boat trip to idyllic coastal villages like Yelapa and Quimixto (key-MISH-toh) for snorkeling, kayaking or lounging on the beach with an umbrella drink. In the evening, mariachi bands and street performers frequent the malecón, the paved boardwalk that runs along the downtown waterfront. And there's plenty of revved-up nightlife as well, courtesy of boisterous bars along the malecón and flashy dance clubs in the big hotels.
Puerto Vallarta, JA
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
Sponsored Listing
Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & SpaPaseo La Marina Norte 435. Puerto Vallarta, JA 48354
Book NowMembers save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
The Westin Resort and Spa Puerto VallartaPaseo de La Marina Sur No. 205 Marina Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta, JA 48354
Book NowMembers save up to 10% and earn World of Hyatt points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Hyatt Ziva Puerto VallartaKM 3.5 Carr a Barra de Navidad. Puerto Vallarta, JA
Ave Mexico 1301, Col 5 de Diciembre. Puerto Vallarta, JA 48350
Book NowCity Population
291,839
Elevation
6 meters (20 feet)
Police
In case of emergency, dial 060 and ask to be connected to an English-speaking operator. For non-emergencies phone (322) 290-0507.
Consumer Protection
Avenida Francisco Villa #900 (second floor); phone (322) 225-0000 (English may not be spoken fluently). The office is open Mon.-Fri. 9-3 and can assist with time share, taxi, store and other consumer-related issues.
Hospitals
Ameri-Med Hospital, in Plaza Neptuno at the entrance to Marina Vallarta (Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio), (322) 226-2080; CMQ Downtown Hospital, Basilio Badillo #365 at Insurgentes, (322) 223-1919; Red Cross (Cruz Roja), Avenida Río Balsas (at Avenida Río de la Plata), (322) 222-1533. All of these facilities are open 24 hours.
Local phone calls
If you don't have a cellphone, use public Telmex phones marked “Ladatel” rather than calling from your hotel room, which almost always incurs a hefty per-minute charge. Ladatel phone cards are available in various denominations from most local stores. Avoid phones with pictures of credit cards or decals saying ”3 minutos gratis” that advertise long distance calling to the United States and Canada; the charges will be outrageous.
Newspapers
Vallarta Today is an English-language daily newspaper geared toward tourists; it has information on everything from local restaurants to currency exchange rates.
Visitor Information
Avenida Independencia Puerto Vallarta, JA . Phone:(322)224-1175
Currency Exchange
Banks are usually open Mon.-Fri. 9-5, although hours for exchanging foreign currency may be restricted and there's often a long waiting line. Currency exchange houses are open longer hours. ATM withdrawals are in pesos; receiving U.S. dollars usually requires a Mexican bank-issued ATM/credit card. Stores, restaurants, taxi drivers and street vendors will often accept dollars, but keep in mind that the minimum wage in Mexico is very low and workers in resort areas depend on tips to make a living. Always tip in pesos if possible, since U.S. coins are useless and dollars must be converted.
Staying Safe
Crimes targeting tourists are infrequent, and it's safe to walk the downtown streets. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash in public and don't wander along back streets after dark. A hotel safety deposit box is a good place to keep money, passports, airline tickets, tourist permits and so forth. Bilingual “tourist police” wearing white safari outfits and baseball caps patrol the downtown area and are generally friendly and helpful.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
