DO NOT do these things in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

[@alysmalls]

Thanks for watching! 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/alysmalls/?refId=alysmalls

[@MadeNCda]

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!

[@ribaldbohling2107]

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.

[@Itsmeandiamok]

The Botanical Gardens outside of PV are beautiful. A great day of exploring and there’s a wonderful restaurant there, as well.

[@alysmalls]

Yes, that place is amazing! I have a tour of it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4rFo2CHnrBrjbssi=TZxU8PTBQXkArNKc

[@macscotty9997]

I live in PV full time. Do not use the ATMs at night and NEVER spit on the sidewalks!

[@williamb.8059]

Why would a human spit on the street? That is animalistic! SMH.

[@CHodgy]

You havent been on Whyte Ave ​@@williamb.8059

[@RKDTOO]

Why?

[@macscotty9997]

@@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.

[@RKDTOO]

@@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? 🧐🤷‍♂️

[@Koukla377]

excellent video, thank you for sharing your tips

[@JosephHurtsellers]

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!!! ❤

[@alysmalls]

Wow, thank you!

[@JosephHurtsellers]

@@alysmalls you are welcome!! 🙏

[@ChrissyPoo516]

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!

[@CaribooHarleyRider]

Headed there end of Feb for 10 days, first time back in Mexico in 45 years, 1st time to PV

[@watdahek2]

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!

[@h.m.kelly84]

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.

[@watdahek2]

@@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.

[@h.m.kelly84]

@@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?

[@h.m.kelly84]

@@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.

[@michaelmccord5764]

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!

[@bobmarleyja]

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. 😊

[@adaleg]

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.

[@s81n]

I was happy to see Cafe San Angel in the beginning. I love that restaurant and love sitting on the corner people watching with my tacos and margaritas.

[@shirleymckamey2426]

I first stayed at Posada de Roger in 1980.Loved it then and stayed there last year. Love it still❤

[@Pick3Lotto]

Really great video.. thanks.. i live in Guadalajara and travel to PV often you were spot on with all your suggestions and observations.

[@BridgetWeedon]

I love PV and agree 100% with all of this. I go back in a few weeks and cannot wait!

[@burrito35]

I can't wait , i'm going to PV in 2 weeks , thanks for your videos

[@jacobthompson6265]

I went there in March and I loved it.

[@tracimorgan3695]

Thanks for the Video Aly, can't wait we are spending a month in PV this winter, we haven't be in years!

[@creeguyvernon]

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!!

[@annebadyk5186]

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.

[@alysmalls]

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 😉

[@bigst05]

What resorts do you reccomend for all inclusive in PV

[@donk.5730]

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.

[@battbro]

I love the shark tank and the overpass pickup. GOOD advice.

[@vickiehardina8824]

I lived there for 5 years plus some of of my best memories!

[@Katepwe]

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.

[@JosephHurtsellers]

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😅

[@Socalking714]

If you want something less busy and something new, try careyes or tenacatita. To beaches three hours away from Puerto Vallarta going towards Manzanillo.

[@barbaracameron5610]

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

[@battbro]

One thing about "Farmacias" is that not everything can be brought back to the US. Found that out at customs in LA.

[@sandypeters5790]

What can’t toy bring back, obviously not illegal drugs.

[@freework24]

how do you find that place😂

[@MochilaDeluxe]

You can buy a prescription from the doctor at the pharmacy for $200mxn so you dont get in trouble at the airport.

[@battbro]

@@MochilaDeluxe Really? What if you have a prescription in the US and bring it with you?

[@francoisbouchard9488]

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 🙂

[@k20909]

Stay in xcaret resorts it will definitely change your mind about all exclusive resorts in Mexico expensive but worth every dollar

[@benhaze1010]

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.

[@New-bw4kz]

Did you say Cancun LOL didn’t you know its infested with cartel?

[@verazhurakhovska5971]

Hi Aly ! So many good advices about PV. Thank you! What is good hotels or apartment in Amapas area or near? Please

[@johnlemon1471]

Thanks good information, we have been once and want to go again. John.

[@tobiasmagnus6835]

Going in March and super excited about it!

[@MovingToMexiCo]

Very nice video with lots of great tips!

[@KwavesProductions]

Great video. I'm wondering why you can't use the ATM at the airport? I've watched other videos that recommend using them. It's allegedly the same exchange as the other major banks in Puerto Vallarta. Is that not true?

[@kaspelli1026]

just booked for 2 weeks in Centro, lets goooo! thanks for the info in this vid

[@JamesofQPR]

Good info Thank you Aly 🙂

[@frankstevens-y6p]

The buses are awesome and easy to use and super friendly helpful drivers

[@jays2035]

we are coming down for our 14th trip but for the 1st time we're staying in NV...I hope its nice over there

[@isay207]

It is but very upscale expensive

[@curiouscoyote3798]

Luna Liquida Boutique Hotel is just magical.

[@jeffmccullough1206]

hi great video one question how can I order an ubber if I haven't got a SIM card yet?

[@runijones2625]

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!

[@Cindy-xx8qw]

Great informative video!

[@spueman133]

I loved this and this city. Good times. You made me laugh with the Hot salsa.

[@Youngone78]

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

[@alysmalls]

Hi there, I made a video of my 4 favorite boutique hotels in PV, any one of these would be great: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5fQYX6YYpiNrK8si=f42PeXhuHuh8cPnh

[@mexicoliferodcook9479]

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.

[@alysmalls]

Enjoy Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa!

[@mexicoliferodcook9479]

@@alysmalls Thanks and you Vallarta.

[@tomirwinphoto]

We too love Ixtapa-Zihu but transportation from Orange County, CA is so much quicker and direct from SNA to PVR.

[@billhassall1586]

Ztown blows Vallarta away.

[@mexicoliferodcook9479]

@@alysmalls Hi Ally, we're back here in zihua again for Christmas and New Year's. This is our fourth time here in 18 months you should check it out.

[@tomirwinphoto]

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.

[@alysmalls]

Enjoy!!

[@bobbybeast1000]

I spent 3 months in PV this year, used Visa everywhere

[@dakoto06]

making my 5th trip to PV nov 17-dec 1awesome place with awesome people

[@EricaNernie]

Great tips. Thank you. Heading there in a couple of weeks.

[@stephenwilliams7056]

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.

[@shellybranon1300]

We have booked a trip in May of this year... I'm soooooo exited!! Thank you for the info!! :D

[@SaveAndInvest]

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!

[@ЗВЕРОБОЙ-л6к]

That's lolissimo, juan morales! I'm sorta surprised you haven’t heard back yet

[@angeronal]

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!

[@paulamontes1984]

Hello there! What place do you recommend to do braids on my hair? Thank you!

[@alysmalls]

The braid ladies will track you down anywhere along the Malecon!

[@audreyb1935]

I might be there over Christmas do u recommend any nice restaurants to eat at ?

[@Semper2003]

What hotel do you suggest in the city? I was thinking of an all inclusive resort but now changing my mind on that

[@alalesc3796]

Puerto Vallarta is amazing!!😀

[@DStew-e1p]

Bank ATMs in the airport have the SAME fees as bank ATMs in town. Banco Santander has had the lowest fees for sevral years.

[@Barbara-u5h]

I'm booked for Jan. 2 week trip.almost all booked!

[@Alessandro191_]

Miss PV hope to go back soon

[@stevelaing8335]

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.

[@New-bw4kz]

Exactly you can’t be naive about that 🤦‍♀️

[@steph3118]

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?

[@alysmalls]

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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJyqlqGPitWDaqcsi=qrDlsaHCiCsO-SIP

[@JosephHurtsellers]

Wow... So jealous. We almost bought a condo there, but decided on Bucerias instead. I think Zoho City is amazing though!

[@garywhite2050]

Well done! Thank you🎉

[@gloriagonzalez6889]

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 😮😂

[@alysmalls]

Oh no!! Sorry that happened to you :(

[@bestshowscenes7390]

How is Los Arcos by zona romantica?

[@magomago7819]

Do you have a list of Airbnb's you've stayed at that have large van access streets? We have a special needs child and have a huge sprinter high top van an ohhhhhh my, parking is not so good for us, but love live PV.

[@belliott4844]

Also note some of the restaurants that take CC, charge a 3% fee.

[@LuisCARDENAS788]

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... 🎉

[@ShannonMiler]

lol well in Texas what u said is a lie

[@PVMX66]

I think he got it backwards.

[@NRQ-zv5bp]

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area tons don't speak English

[@EvelynSantos2222]

i'll take a spanish course for a year before i go! Lmao Your funny!

[@sas9200]

Good video. No BS presentation.

[@lillied.7873]

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?

[@alysmalls]

Yes, better to get pesos at a bank ATM, not at the airport

[@craigvokey7930]

Shhhh popoo.. we want to go next Year ❤❤

[@eliseburrows1298]

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?

[@alysmalls]

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

[@naturetherapyfilms]

Gracias Aly super cool

[@Wendys_lovinglife]

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.

[@pierredegrace2904]

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

[@alysmalls]

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

[@pavel514mtlQC]

Wow. Thank you.

[@wattsun7946]

Thanks for sharing.

[@hotmessteaching]

Very informative video Aly

[@_musiclover_]

How do you get access to beaches and beach chairs?

[@ClarVad]

I find that pepper is too hot for me. Will the food in Mexico kill me? I’m Canadian too!! Canadians rock!!!

[@eyesea123]

Taco tour, does anyone know which one is the best?

[@alysmalls]

Any of the Vallarta Food Tours are good!

[@dianaa.9361]

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?

[@alysmalls]

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/

[@dianaa.9361]

@@alysmalls thank you!

[@paulhuval]

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

[@alysmalls]

Mole chicken is definitely a fave!

[@sandypeters5790]

Great video!!

[@KryssiCatt]

Thoughts on the website/app Get Your Guide??

[@deanna3277]

Any issues with the water used by street vendors?

[@fv1291]

No

[@jeffreymartin6369]

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?

[@RAFAEL92108]

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.

[@ihsrosary]

They give you a choice because so many people gravitate toward their local currency (usually USD) and pick that (not realizing that it is an INFLATED exchange rate). So... why do they do it? To scam people out of more money -- obviously.

[@carolynrobey6140]

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.

[@alysmalls]

We found that beef was much more common, but as you get deeper into the local neighborhoods you will definitely find goat, maybe lamb

[@RitaKakah]

Is it safer to take an uber or Taxi? Thanks.

[@venomrx6442]

Uber safer. You can see the route, drivers profile ratings etc... always make sure car and plates match

[@SuperGus75]

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

[@sandypeters5790]

Do you need to drink only bottled water outside the hotels?

[@sampatterson7761]

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 🌮 😊

[@aquinomas5411]

Solamente no te asocies con personas que consuman drogas o mucho alcohol y estarás bien. Yo soy de Guadalajara y vivo en Puerto Vallarta casi toda mi vida. Y lo que te digo es eso: evita las malas compañías y todo estará bien. Gracias

[@Semper2003]

How far are the resorts from the actual town?

[@Colleen-m4k]

Do you ever get an upset stomach in Mexico? What local medicine do you recommend if that happens?

[@laurisegovia]

Tks

[@sampatterson7761]

How much is the food?

[@l.c.3150]

Street food is cheap but restaurants are $$$

[@icyau8752]

Im thinking of renting a car from and to the airport, would you recommend this instead?

[@twolford01]

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.

[@wayneandrews1022]

@@twolford01I’ve been driving for 50 years and would not choose to drive in PV if I have alternatives.

[@alfonsoherrera5120]

I love PV.

[@hamadbukhari1606]

Any recommendation for walking tour company please?

[@alysmalls]

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.

[@maksymkorinnyi7576]

It is nice to be nice....

[@professorvegas]

My partner is allergic to capsaicin so we are concerned that she won't be able to eat anything at the local restaurants.