About Puerto Vallarta
The History:
A beautiful pearl in the Pacific ocean, Puerto Vallarta offers so much to so many. A tourist mecca since the late 19th century, Puerto Vallarta has made its mark in both films and in books. Puerto Vallarta offers a haven to a variety of people from celebrities and the wealthy to the average family.
Previously known as Las Peñas, Puerto Vallarta was renamed and granted the status of municipality in 1918. An area known for fertile land and bumper crops, miners came from the mountains to settle in Puerto Vallarta as prices for silver dropped.
It wasn’t until the 1930’s that Vallarta’s fishing industry really took off. Shark fishing took over and produced a wealth for fishermen as the fins and other shark products grew in demand worldwide. Unfortunately, the shark fishing industry all but demolished the resident shark population and there are no long sharks in the Bay of Banderas.
It was during this time that the Mexican government really began promoting Puerto Vallarta as a vacation destination. Interest in the lush, tropical hideaway grew but didn’t really take off until the cast of John Huston’s Night of the Iguana flew in, followed by a throng of media and reporters. It was this interest that began the push for the modern infrastructure to make Puerto Vallarta the world-class tourist destination it is today.
The 1980’s brought a population explosion, doubling the number of residents and visitors to Puerto Vallarta. This increase started a wave of building that continues today in hotels, condominiums and residential housing.
While Puerto Vallarta now has access to modern amenities such as cable television, high speed internet and a potable municipal water system, it retains its old world charm and authentic feel of the early days. The friendliness of native Vallartenses is legendary and no where else in Mexico can you enjoy such a blend of old world and new.
The Location:
Puerto Vallarta officially refers to the entire Bay of Banderas area stretching from the southern points of Mismaloya to the quaint fishing town of San Francisco (known as San Pancho to the locals). This nearly 40 miles of coastline includes a diverse and fascinating landscape, from verdant tropical jungles, to arid, desert regions. Located at the base of the Sierra Madre, Puerto Vallarta enjoys variety of atmospheres; rivers, mountains, jungle and sea.
Like the diversity of the landscape, the development of Puerto Vallarta is diverse as well. Lining the coast is a mix of ultra-modern marinas and hotels, as well as rustic beach towns. There are planned communities amid golf courses and planned landscaping, and there are dusty, traditional towns filled with artifacts of time passed.
Probably most well known and loved about Puerto Vallarta are the beaches. White and golden sands, from secluded to popular, there is a beach for everyone in Puerto Vallarta. Here are some of the local favorites:
- Majahuitas
- Quimixto
- Boca de Tomatlán
- Mismaloya
- Gemelas
- Playa los Muertos
The Weather:
Located on the same latitude as Hawaii, Puerto Vallarta enjoys year-round mild weather, ranging from daytime highs of 70’s to mid 90’s. Protected by the horseshoe-shaped bay, tropical storms and hurricanes are rare. The winter brings snowbird tourists down to enjoy swimming in the ocean, sunbathing and warm temperatures. The summer months bring afternoon thunderstorms and humidity. Even with the rainy season, Puerto Vallarta enjoys more than 300 sunny days per year.
Population:
Puerto Vallarta is home to a diverse population made up of native residents, national immigrants and expatriates from around the world. Currently there are 350,000 full time residents in Puerto Vallarta and tourism brings in more than 2 million visitors annually. With the planned expansion of the cruise ship terminal, this number will expand in the next several years.
Banking and Money:
The local currency is the Mexican peso, for which the exchange rate changes daily. There are many banks in the area, some local and some international. Visitors can use their hometown ATM cards to access cash at nearly any local bank or ATM.
Carry cash. Many small restaurants and shop do not take credit cards. Carry small denomination bills for these purchases. You will get a better price when paying by cash, as the store who do take credit cards often charge the customer the bank transaction fees.
Transportation:
Mexico has a first-rate national transportation system, offering inexpensive, luxury bus trips to nearly any destination of your choosing. For long distance trips, you will enjoy air conditioning, movies in English and Spanish, reclining seats and restrooms.
For the local busses, you can travel across town for the equivalent of fifty-cents US. Busses run to nearly every part of the city on a regular basis. If you miss a bus, don’t worry. Chances are that there is another one only minutes behind it!
If taxis are more your style, you’ll have no trouble flagging down one of the cities more than 1,000 taxi drivers. Prices are set by zone, so make sure to ask the driver how much the ride will be before you begin your journey.
Driving in Mexico can take some getting used to, but overall it’s safe. When traveling from the border, be sure to purchase your Mexican car insurance before you cross into Mexico. The laws are similar to the US and Canada, just slightly more flexible. You need a valid driver’s license from your home country to drive in Mexico.
Crime:
Like most tourist destinations there are the usual scam artists and petty thieves. Overall, compared to most cities, the crime rate is very low and there is virtually no felony crime. Being aware during banking transactions, carrying your wallet in your front pocket and making eye contact with people is the surest way to prevent unpleasantness.
Tipping:
It is customary to tip your server at restaurants a minimum of 10%. If staying at a hotel or using housekeeping services, tip your house cleaner several dollars per day. It’s also appropriate to tip baggers at the local supermarket and gas station attendants several pesos each. You are not expected to tip your cab driver unless he helps you with your bags.
Health Care:
Puerto Vallarta offers complete, modern health care regardless of the ailment. From general check-ups to long term hospice care, you won’t have to go far to find a provider. There are several modern hospitals in the Puerto Vallarta area and even without health insurance, visitors will find that health care is infinitely more affordable than the United States.
In addition to the world-class hospitals, there is a variety of preventative providers as well. Many practitioners are bilingual, so you won’t have a problem with the language barrier.
Because of the high prices of prescription drugs in the US and other countries (often hundreds of times more expensive than Mexico), many people chose to live or visit Mexico regularly for everything from dental work to major surgeries.