Puerto Vallarta (PV) is a very popular beach destination where the Sierra Madre mountains meet the Pacific Ocean along beautiful Banderas Bay along a lush tropical jungle.

Some areas are quieter than others but even in more local areas, your neighbors may be playing loud music or there may be construction noises. If you are a sensitive sleeper, bring earplugs and request a room away from the street (if you are staying in the heart of PV). Vallarta is known for it's nightlife!

The rainy season is from June through October. The high humidity starts to go down in November. Early November may still experience some days of relatively high humidity. The average daily high is 30*C with a night time low of 21*C. November is considered shoulder season but PV is popular year round with Mexican and international tourists. November has around 11 hours of daylight with sunrise around 7 am and sunset around 6:30 pm. The weather is looking still humid and hot at night so pack lightly.

Getting around is very easy. There is reliable and cheap public bus transportation, taxis and ride shares (Uber).

There are two classes of taxis; the white federally regulated taxis and the local yellow taxis. Only the white taxis can pick you up from the airport or Puerto Magico but any taxi or ride share can drop you off. Some of the white taxis are large vans and can fit 7 or more passengers.

*Traffic can be very heavy on the highway that connects Nayarit State with Jalisco State (central PV) and traffic jams appear unexpectedly and can take hours to resolve. If you're staying North in Nayarit State (Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias, Punta Mita), make sure you give yourself LOTS of extra time to arrive at the boat terminal (Puerto Magico). There are cafes at the terminal to wait if you're early.

This is where the boat for Las Caletas will depart. When in doubt, book a taxi or uber to “Rhythms of the Night” and you will get to the right place. The boat will depart promptly at 4:30 pm so please allow yourself plenty of time. Puerto Magico has bars and cafes if you get there early. This is a federally regulated port and bags/purses may be inspected. We will arrange transportation for all guests from a hotel in the zona romantica district and back.

Zona Romantica or Old Town – Bustling cobblestone streets, art galleries, excellent dining options, quaint shops, good bars and cafes, LGBTQ friendly and fun! This is the centre of "Gay Vallarta". The Pier and Los Muertos beach are here. Most of the hotels are smaller boutique type hotels. Walking distance to most attractions and public transportation.

Amapas/Conchas Chinas – Just south of Zona Romantica, very close but a bit removed up in the hills. Very lush and can be expensive. Conchas Chinas is considered the “Beverly Hills” of PV. Walking distance or a short taxi ride to the center of PV. We will be staying in a private villa in this area.

South Zone – along the main highway where the ocean meets the Sierra Madre foothills. Excellent beaches with more privacy and fewer vendors. There is a public bus to take you into town or you can take a taxi. Some resorts are more modern and can be expensive.

Centro/ Downtown – this is where you’ll find the famous Malecon, a seaside boardwalk with public art. The Malecon is not to be missed! During the day it is a peaceful walkway with beautiful public art, at night it comes alive with excellent street food, live music and people of all ages. This area has a lot of art galleries, good restaurants and boutique hotels. “Gringo Gulch” and the lookout can also be found in this area. It is across a small river from Zona Romantica. This is an old part of the city so expect lots of cobblestone streets and hills/stairs.

Marina Vallarta – upscale, modern planned community very close to the airport. This area is quiet and has excellent shopping and dining options but it requires a 15-20 minute taxi ride into the center of PV. Most of the hotels here are all-inclusive resorts but there are some smaller hotels and condos available.

North Zone – Hotel area very close to Puerto Magico where the boat for the wedding will depart. These large hotels were mostly built in the 1970s and some rooms can be musty. Hotels here are more likely to have modern resort amenities.

Nuevo Vallarta* – Modern, mega all-inclusive resorts and large sandy beaches in the neighboring state of Nayarit, across the river from Jalisco and the rest of PV. Requires a long taxi ride (an hour) to reach the main areas of PV. Staying here will feel like a beach resort anywhere.

Bucerias* - charming coastal small town, popular with Canadian expats in the neighboring state of Nayarit, across the river from Jalisco. Very long taxi ride to the center of PV (depending on time of day can be 2 hours).