What do I need to know before going to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico?

Question

Like for instance, is the water clean and good to drink/shower with? Or should i take any precautions, like the people over there and things like that. Also if someone can tell me the type of weather they have between June and July. Oh and what kind of things should I bring with me like... scuba gear? or like what..?

Thanks it would really be helpful if you can answer my questions :)

P.S. if you have been to Puerto Vallarta, what are some good places and activities to do? Also what's a tasty meal you can eat over there?

Answer 1

You will need your bank card to take out whatever money you need from local ATMs and avoid the excessive fees charged by Money Exchange booths (Cambios). Also plenty of sunscreen, even a wide-brimmed hat, (unless you would prefer to bargain for a nice souvenir hat once you are there).

Leave any big jewelry at home, as well ad Fido because summer is high season for fleas and ticks (despite whatever treatments you use) my two dogs died from tick-related disease two months after arriving here).

There are plenty of places to scuba or snorkel, but also plenty of places to rent equipment if you don't feel like dragging it all on the plane. City  water is certified sanitary, however most smaller accommodations circulate their water through a cistern in case the water gets turned off so the water is only as clean as the cistern, depending on the heat and how much water is regularly circulating through it. However, it is no problem for brushing teeth and washing, but stick to bottled water for drinking.

Since you will be going during the summer rainy season (only at night) the other thing to watch for is sore, cracked, or blistered feet, should you get caught in warm evening rains. The water running off the city streets is usually contaminated and you can get a nasty infection that way. When I did, my Dr. treated the "camphlobactor" virus I got with Erythromycin.

You can get detailed weather forecasts and recommendations for dress for every season as well as a complete listing of local restaurants with detailed descriptions, photos and menus and all the local tours and activities at the website:   http://www.vallartaonline.com

Answer 2

Showering in the water is fine. DO NOT DRINK THE WATER ANYWHERE IN MEXICO! Do not get ice in your water or drinks. (That is very hard with margaritas but you could get sick.) I think the tequila kills most of it but don't get blended drinks. The people there are more than happy to have you spend your money so they will be extra nice. Except at night, the really bad guys come out then so be careful.

I would say bring snorkel gear but ditch the scubba gear. The beach there isn't that nice and they are in a cove so you really can't see much. The water is also kind of dirty so make sure to shower right after getting out of it. I got hives from swimming in the ocean there. Watch out for jelly fish around that time. There might be a lot of them in the water.

The weather will be gorgeous and you have lots of fun as long as you remember it is a third world country and a lot of people are very poor. You are going to a pretty nice area (for Mexico) but don't go anywhere by yourself.

The only thing I ate there was Chips and Salsa. Everything was kind of questionable, but then I am very picky. I visited all the bars with 2 for one drinks or other deals. There are some tours that are defnitly worth it. I took a harbor cruze to an island that was fun and they also have some jungle canopy thing that looked interesting.

Have fun and stay safe.

Answer 3

Puerto Vallarta is one of the two certified cities in Mexico to drink water from the faucet.  However, you will be better drinking water from a botle.

Puerto Vallarta is the second gourmet destination in Mexico so feel free to have drinks with ice in ANY restaurants.  They are supervised by the government in order to have the MOST pure ice in Mexico.  Puerto Vallarta does not want sick tourists because of that.

Vallarta is one of the safest cities in Mexico, feel free to walk in the tourist areas at any time at night.

Scuba gear, when you rent a little boat they will give you the whole equipment but it is better to have your own.

June and July will be very humid, maybe some rain but a nice cool wind by the beach.

You like some tasty meal?

Just go to a famous restaurant Tony´s Please.

(It is not Tony´s Place).

They have the best Enchiladas Suizas, Coconut Shrimp, Pepper Steak and Avocado soup.

All what they have is to die for.

Prices are the lowest in Vallarta.  People do not know much about Tony´s Please.

Located on Lazaro Cardenas street, almost corner with Jacarandas Street. Emiliano Zapata area.

I am sorry the lady above Mmgirl gave you the wrong information.  I am sure she did not enjoy her stay.  Sorry about that.

Some activities here:

http://www.puertovallarta.net/tours/inde...

We have crystal clear water in several areas around like Playa las Estacas, Playa Garza Blanca, Playas Gemelas, Las Animas, Yelapa, etc. The best places to scuba is the area of Los Arcos (The Arches), spectacular protected area for scuba diving, also by the Marietas Islands is spectacular, white sand and torquoise blue.

Also another thing is we do not have jelly fish in this area.

So just enjoy your stay and if  you have questions you can contact me.

Best luck.

Answer 4

Good info from JoeLou. I have been to P.V. 8 times and have had no problems drinking water or drinks with ice, even in outlying areas, and I have never felt the least bit  threatened by any one there. They have a very low crime rate. Tour operators provide needed equipment. along with Joe's link (one of my favorite websites for the forum) try http://www.vallarta-adventures.com  . Have a great time.

Answer 5

Hi

June-July is raining season but in puerto vallarta mosly rains in the late afternoon and for scuba gear they provide everything but you can bring whatever you like.

Go on the canopy.

there alots of activities in pv.

check this website for info, best beaches, City Highlights, City Travel Tips, Activities and Tours, scuba, etc.

http://www.thingstodoinvallarta.com/

have fun.

Answer 6

Well, for what it's worth dept...... I have eaten all over PV.  Best spot for a lunch was a little place up in old town in the shop area.... walk around past the river...you'll find some nice places.....

I don't usually drink the water there but I understand PV is one city that you can.  Ice at the big resorts and sold at stores, I understand, is o.k.  probably else where also.... never had a problem, though, and I do drink a bit when I'm there....

She's right on the beach scene.... nothing compared to San Diego, for example.... better beaches at other locations.  I don't think I'd even snorkle there at PV....maybe down south where the water is clearer...Mismaloya, maybe...or up at end of bay near Punta de Mita......   bay seems to be rather dusky at times...probably the river runoff..especially after a rain inland.

Only precautions I'd give anyone going to LA , New Orleans or NYC... be aware of surroundings,  don't flash expensive things around...money roll, watches, big cameras, etc.... don't walk down dark streets late at night..... someplaces, you are safe as you can be.....few other places you shouldn't go to or through in the area....bring good walking shoes... don't know what you're in to but ask around and you can probably do anything you want either there or a short bus trip away.....

get off the main drag at the Malecon and you'll find quite good restaurants for all types of tastes....Italian, Greek, Japanese, etc....If you get homesick, They have Subway, KFC, Dominos, Hooter's, Carl's, McD's, etc......Best to enjoy where you are,  eat where the natives eat,  drink responsibly and enjoy life...... you only go around once.... but don't be stupid about it, either. Enjoy the sights.....some of the most outstandingLY beautiful women  in the world.... I know... I married one!!!