5 Pro Tips for Traveling in Puerto Vallarta
ONE
Bug spray is a MUST! Pack tons or be eaten alive.
This will, of course, vary, depending on the season you visit. But, better be safe than sorry. Lucky for us, our Airbnb Host had a bottle ready for our use.
TWO
In Puerto Vallarta almost everyone you’ll meet will speak some version of English, but don’t be shy to practice your Spanish. The locals will love you for it!
We actually recommend you hit up Joe Jack’s Fish Shack to grasp some useful slang for your stay from their informative and entertaining (and delicious) menu while sipping on one of their amazing mojitos on their rooftop deck.
THREE
Find a free local magazine called “PDI Now.” It is NOT one publication you will be immediately drawn to, meaning it’s super low-key looking. But, it has the best calendar of (free + paid) local events. So you will never run out of things to do + check out once you get a hold of it.
You can ask for the latest copy at almost any local business.
FOUR
Whatever you do, hit the beach + get a fresh coconut!
Note: not every restaurant offers them, so make sure you ask for “cocos enteros” (whole coconuts) before grabbing a seat. When you ask, many may say they have them but make sure it’s a fresh coconut so you can have the meat and the water, not just “coconut horchata” which is a drink made from coconut milk and which they will try to sell you as coconut water. Equally delicious, but not the same thing.
FIVE
Street vendors may talk to you a lot, sometimes even aggressively.
Don’t panic or feel the need to engage with all of them or you’ll become exhausted. This is just part of the culture and how they do business here. A simple “no gracias” will release you from starting a hundred conversations while walking through the local markets.
