When you have only a single day to explore Puerto Vallarta, you don't want to waste a moment. These tips will help you get the most out of your time here.
Basic Information
Puerto Vallarta was founded in 1851, and today it has a population of over 250,000. Situated on the coast of Banderas Bay, it's at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountains on the Pacific ocean.
The climate is tropical, with a dry season (November through May) and a rainy season (June through October).
Exchanging Money
U.S. dollars are no longer widely accepted in Puerto Vallarta. Exchange your money and pay in pesos.
You’ll usually get the best exchange rate at an ATM (cajero automático), especially if you take out larger amounts to make up for the transaction fee. Banks are also a good option, but not as convenient since most banks are closed on the weekends. Check the boards outside of money exchange houses (casas de cambio) for their rates -- these are usually open longer than banks.
City Buses
Puerto Vallarta's city buses are cheap and convenient -- only 6.5 pesos per ride, and very frequent. Bus stops are sometimes marked with blue and white signs, but not always. If need be, look for groups of people at the roadside to see where the stops are.
Major destinations (Wal-Mart, El Centro, Aeropuerto, etc.) will be written on the windshield of the bus, but ask the driver when you board.
Dining
We've got searchable listings for local restaurants at our Dining Map. Need a recommendation? Check our list of Featured Restaurants.
Shopping
Use our Shopping Map to locate recommended stores. Not sure what Puerto Vallarta has to offer? Read our page on Typical Products -- it will give you an idea of the featured items from the region.
Things to Do
With just a day to spend, you'll want to choose an activity and enjoy it to the fullest. Vallarta has many exceptional beaches, tours, local music, and a burgeoning art scene. Take a look at our suggested itineraries for some ideas, or to see a condensed list of the best PV has to offer, see our Must Do List.
View Maritime Terminal in a larger map
