Must-Know Puerto Vallarta Travel Tips (that most people don’t realize)

This Puerto Vallarta travel guide shares everything you need to know before visiting for your first time. I provide an overview of when the best time to visit it, how much to budget (and what things cost), where to stay, what to do and some safety tips. If you’ll be traveling to Puerto Vallarta for the first, this video is meant to get you started with the basics. If you’re interested in learning more, I go into more detail in my other videos!
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Blogs mentioned in Video:
Puerto Vallarta First Time Visitors Guide (Essential Information)
likewhereyouregoing.com/first...
Best Areas to Stay in Puerto Vallarta: a Quick and Easy Breakdown
likewhereyouregoing.com/best-...
23 Free Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta
likewhereyouregoing.com/free-...
49 Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta (the complete list) in 2023
likewhereyouregoing.com/thing...
Using Uber in Mexico: Safety Precautions & Tips (2023 Update)
likewhereyouregoing.com/using...
HOTELS
Casa Maria Boutique Hotel: bit.ly/3P8Mv0X
Rivera del Rio: bit.ly/45h9kVR
Hotel Posada de Roger: bit.ly/3OKj1F2
Luna Liquida: bit.ly/3OKfg2r
Chapters
0:00 What to Expect
0:33 Best Time to Visit
1:12 How Many Days You Need
1:40 Where to Stay (Neighborhoods)
2:30 Favorite Hotels
3:52 Budget & What Things Cost
6:35 Best Things to Do
7:24 Transportation
8:09 Safety Tips
//
READ MORE:
Best Breakfasts in Puerto Vallarta
likewhereyouregoing.com/best-...
14 Unique Day Trips from Puerto Vallarta with Itineraries (+ hidden gems and secret spots) for 2023:
likewhereyouregoing.com/day-t...
The 5 Most Affordable Boutique Hotels in Puerto Vallarta (Romantic Zone)
likewhereyouregoing.com/best-...
Puerto Vallarta posts:
likewhereyouregoing.com/tag/p...
//
About me - Aly Smalls:
I'm the CFF (Chief Fun Finder) of my travel website - Like Where You're Going.
likewhereyouregoing.com/
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.
Facebook Page:
/ likewhereyouregoing
Instagram:
/ alysmalls_yt
#mexico #puertovallarta #jalisco
//
Some of my videos contain affiliate links meaning I may make a small commission if you make a qualifying purchase. I only share products, services and experiences I use, love and trust. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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[@alysmalls]

Here's the full blog post with all the details: Puerto Vallarta First Time Visitors Guide (Essential Information) - likewhereyouregoing.com/first-time-in-puerto-vallarta/

[@patriotichearts]

Aly, my wife and I thank you for your informative fun videos.

[@DasJav]

Appreciate all the good tips. Tried to binge all you Puerto Vallarta videos before our trip. Really enjoyed our vacation! Thank you

[@HolisticHikes]

Such a colorful fun location! Beautiful!! 💚

[@toolrocks10]

Great video. Going June 18th to 23rd. Our third time. Iast year was our first time in March and fell in love with it. We decided we will be going back yearly. Thanks for the video.

[@sparklesnthings2273]

Thank you coming next week for 2 weeks your voice is so soothing

[@chuyvee505]

Awesome Video!! Thank you!

[@kittycat423]

this video is awesome! love the quality of the production and your narration. saving for reference for whenever I get to go to Puerto Vallarta. =)

[@SakibLH44]

Awesome! hoping to go soon

[@duckspond-douglasslade5054]

And......another great video!!! Cheers! ;)

[@alalesc3796]

Puerto Vallarta is beautiful!

[@marioarteaga3488]

I love this video, one of the most informative

[@RichHandsome]

Loved it!

[@CardsofDestiny]

Great video! ❤

[@sharir.1441]

Thanks for sharing

[@katem4365]

Thank you Aly for this video - I just subscribed and will watch other of your videos. I just last night booked PV for Christmas and am looking forward to exploring. I have only every heard good things about PV 😊 Cheers!

[@runijones2625]

My husband and I are going to PV in April - this video and a couple of your other ones have been so helpful. Incidentally, we’ll be staying at Posada de Roger so I was happy to see it get a good review! Also going to Merida for a few days. I couldn’t find a video for that but I did read your blog about it which was super helpful too. Thank you!

[@alysmalls]

We loved Merida! I haven't made a video yet, but hope to soon. Enjoy your April trip :)

[@venuswarrior8456]

Loved her info. Thanks

[@devinferrari]

Love your reviews, going to Puerto Vallarta for my first time in Mexico next month from Canada. Looking forward to it even more after watching your videos. Woot woot

[@alysmalls]

Awesome! You're gonna love it!

[@chuyvee505]

How was it?

[@devinferrari]

@@chuyvee505 amazing man! Had a great time. Checked out all the areas I wanted to see, walked the malecon. I love the romantica zone. Worth going for sure! Felt very safe ubering around by myself, no issues. Everyone is super friendly and food is amazing. Will be back, I think bucerias is next 🤙🏻

[@DiariesofanAddict]

great video heading there nov 3rd from the uk :) excited to go :)

[@zackspeaks9951]

Appreciate all the PV videos! My wife and I will be going in a couple of months for our honeymoon so these videos couldnt have come at a better time. First time out of the US for both of us and you've helped us get even more excited about our stay down there. Thanks!

[@alysmalls]

I hope you have a great time!!

[@Dennis-kj9qx]

Bet you go back again!

[@sallyriehle8774]

Love Puerto Vallarta, been there four times, going again in August.

[@alysmalls]

It's one of my favorite cities for sure!

[@Dennis-kj9qx]

23 now for the wife and I, and we are looking forward to the 2023 trip. Never enough......

[@zuzannawisniewska4464]

Puerto Vallarta is a city and spa town in the Mexican state of Jalisco.Puerto Vallarta is place where you can walk for hours.It is then worth visiting the temple of Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe and the Margado Rio Coulte market. I have visited this beautiful city once in my life.Thank you for the beautiful video and messages.Greetings to the people of Chicago. Illinois. Mexico is such a beautiful neighbor of the United States.

[@jamesball8519]

And you can get kidnapped and possibly murdered as well. What a great place.

[@SamGarrison-gi8yy]

Thank you 😌

[@SManzone367]

Cool video with helpful insight as to where and what to do.. plus minute 7:20 was an awesome view but where was that at?? Waterfall looked cool 😉...

[@alysmalls]

yelapa

[@mexicoliferodcook9479]

Great video for first timers... Checking in to Mio Vallarta next Saturday and will do a full review and also give you a shout out. Maybe see you on the malecon and buy you guys a drink.

[@alysmalls]

We're back home now, but have fun!

[@mexicoliferodcook9479]

@@alysmalls Thanks...

[@ricardomartinez4341]

@@alysmalls Thank for your beautiful informative video of a beach city i haven't visited yet Just to let you know Mexico is in North America too Greetings from Santa Monica California 🇺🇲 🇲🇽 🇨🇦

[@nahidasultana6842]

Thanks for the video! ❤ Do we have to book the hotel ahead of time, or we can book when we get there ?

[@Dennis-kj9qx]

It's hard to believe my wife and I have been to P.V. 23 times as of 2022. We have done it all and ate it all. Be sure to see Rythem of the nights. Throw on the tourist clothes and have dinner at Pippies (and two margaritas), then down the hill to the Malecon and shop till you drop. A week min. Advised. Safer than California

[@alysmalls]

Love it!

[@my3hijos]

Great video! Will you make a video on how and where to exchange money?

[@alysmalls]

I have some tips about money in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5Wzn6lqhqefoLc but in a nutshell, I withdraw pesos directly from the ATM once I'm in Puerto Vallarta - that will give you the best rate!

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Do you have a video geared more towards retired or older tourists and expats? Plus areas or times we without big crowds. Thanks.

[@alysmalls]

Hi Dovy, have you considered Bucerias? It's 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, very quiet & laid back. I think you my like the paace there better! I have several videos on my channel about Bucerias. And I'll be posting a walking tour video in the next couple days.

[@carlospena3379]

I love my homewtown. :D

[@Azul-ud9iv]

I don't think Valle dorado etc. In the Nuevo Vallarta area are more americanized or more expensive. You have to look around & I wouldn't exchange money at the airport you get less "paysos" for your money. Good info. TY

[@julialiamrowen]

Hi Aly! Do you have a recommendation for the best sim card? I’ll be arriving Jan 4, staying until April 20. Thank you.

[@alysmalls]

Yes, go to an OXXO and get a telcel card - you can prepay as many gigs as you want and then reload online when/if you run out

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Do you have a guide for vegetarians in Puerto Vallarta? For those who want a winter option but in a quieter Mexico environment as an alternative to Puerto Vallarta, where would you suggest? I don't think my wife and I could handle being in PV. But your videos are terrific as anyway!

[@reneelooper121]

We are going and will be staying at Hard Rock. How far is it from these areas?

[@alaynasimmons6056]

I have a trip planned there soon any recommendations or tips for a mother and son only trip?

[@alysmalls]

Here's the link to my travel blog with 13 Puerto Vallarta posts, hope that helps :) likewhereyouregoing.com/tag/puerto-vallarta/

[@AleaSummers]

Hello love you video! Do you know what zone south shore hotel area is in? We are looking at a hotel in this area. From the map, it is South the romantic zone

[@379insk]

Hi Aly...Thanks 4 the vid! I have an all inclusive booked at the Canto del sol. What is it like? How is the location? Thanks

[@alysmalls]

I haven't stayed but that's a classic choice, been around for a while, reviews seem pretty good. Location wise, there's lots of restaurants around, but it's a 25 min walk to the Malecon, or probably 10 -15 mins via taxi or bus into downtown.

[@379insk]

@Aly Smalls . Thanks for info! Next year plan on renting some kind of apartment for a month.

[@julioc4978]

Great video, what's the average daily spend

[@alysmalls]

I would say $30 to $50 tops

[@julioc4978]

@@alysmalls I thought it was more expensive than Cancun,... Interesting. thanks!

[@Suhail358]

Are there 2 different times for the free tour offered by tourism office? which one is better?

[@alysmalls]

both the same

[@gilstrap1000]

Are there a lot of things to do in Jalisco Puerta Vallarta? How far is Jalisco from where the main town?

[@alysmalls]

Jalisco is the state, Puerto Vallarta is the city

[@gilstrap1000]

@@alysmalls you can see I have never been before 😩

[@Dennis-kj9qx]

You could never do everything to do in P.V.

[@johnborghese21]

Where is that really long bridge at 6:34 ?

[@alysmalls]

Jorullo

[@jessietapia9162]

Amazing review but I don't recommend casa María, PVR has to many places for better stay 👏🏼

[@alysmalls]

Why? Casa Maria was one of the best hotels I've stayed in PVR to date

[@jessietapia9162]

@@alysmalls my perspective

[@Timetravel1111]

How to get to a waterfall please?

[@alysmalls]

It's at Yelapa! I have a whole video how to get there: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoTLc3uHeZ6hbMU

[@samt797]

Tx😊

[@ww2remembered983]

PV is great for couples, gays, lesbians and Canadians. Everyone else will be disappointed.