Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Family Travel Guide presented by
Winter-Spring 2013
An introduction to
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Presented by
Thomas Cook Kids First Family Vacations A selection of all-inclusive family resort vacation packages designed to provide the ultimate holiday experience for parents and children.
Cover images courtesy of depositphotos.com.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Situated on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is both a charming city and a popular tourist resort. Offering white sand beaches, a newly constructed boardwalk and some of the country’s most luxurious hotels, it’s the perfect venue for a peaceful family vacation. Should you find yourself dreaming of sunshine and salsa dancing, here’s all that you need to know about one of Mexico’s premier tourist resorts.
Climate Puerto Vallarta experiences a tropical climate. In Winter, average temperatures range from 64 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. In Summer, on the other hand, you can expect to experience temperatures of between 76 and 89 degrees. The hottest months are August and September. The rainy season officially lasts from mid June until mid October but most of the rain tends to fall in August. Visit Puerto Vallarta anytime outside of August and you expect to enjoy far more sunny days than rainy ones. Unlike many parts of Mexico, hurricanes are rarely a serious threat.
When to Go The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is during the Winter. The Summer months can become unbearably hot for those not used to the Mexican climate. It is worth noting however that the Winter months do come at a premium, with prices rising by as much as forty percent. Peak holidays, both international and Mexican, are generally best avoided. The same applies to Spring Break, unless you enjoy wild groups of college kids partying into the early hours.
Things to Do Should you find yourself growing tired of idyllic beaches, there’s no shortage of alternative ways to spend your day. Here are five of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. • Whale Watching: If you happen to visit Puerto Vallarta between December and March, the many whale watching tours come highly recommended. Arguably the most memorable experience that you can have in the region. • Vallarta Botanical Gardens: One of the most popular attractions in the Sierra Madre Mountains, the gardens are just twelve miles south of Puerto Vallarta. Highlights include spectacular views, a ridiculous number of indigenous plants and even an award winning restaurant. • Los Arcos Caves: If you fancy taking in a bit of scuba diving, the Los Arcos underwater caves are arguably your best bet. Vallarta Adventures offer the best tours offering highly professional guides that are both friendly and multilingual. • Sierra Madre Expedition: Another Vallarta Adventures tour, this day long expedition takes you deep into the Mexican Outback. Highlights include authentic Mexican villages, sub tropical forests and surprisingly luxurious leisure vehicles. • Los Flamingos Golf: If you’re a golf fan, you’re going to love Puerto Vallarta. With no less than five golf courses in close proximity, both experts and would be experts will find themselves perfectly at home.
Where to Eat From authentic Mexican flavours to upscale international cuisine, there’s no shortage of memorable dining experiences to be had in the area. Here are five of the most popular. • Hard Rock Café: If you’re feeling a little homesick or you’d simply like to keep the kids happy, the Hard Rock Café in Puerto Vallarta offers some of the best burgers in the area. • Buenos Aires: Overlooking the marina, this intimate restaurant combines delicious steaks with an eclectic selection of international wines. If you love your meat, this is where you go. • Ay Caramba: A little difficult to find, this rooftop restaurant offers a panoramic view of the entire city. Serving freshly caught sea food in an intimate setting, it’s a hidden gem that’s well worth looking for. • El Brujo: Excellent value, traditional Mexican restaurant. A wonderful combination of strong flavours, large portions and ridiculously low prices. • Barcelona Tapas: Hilltop restaurant, serving authentic Mediterranean dishes. Freshly made paella, delicious sangria and incredibly welcoming staff.
Dining at Barcelona Tapas. Image from www.barcelonatapas.net.
Staying Safe The crime problems in Mexico have been well publicized in recent years. Thankfully however, such problems remain very much outside the resort of Puerto Vallarta. Here are a few tips for staying safe all the same. • • • •
Never leave valuables alone on the beach. Don’t flaunt large sums of cash. Try to keep small coins for small purchases. Stick to ATMs in banks and hotels. Identity theft is a problem in all of Mexico. • When dealing with Mexican Police, always be respectful. • Keep an eye out for pickpockets when visiting popular tourist sites.