Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest destinations for international tourists visiting Mexico. In addition, many retirees and expatriates from the U.S. and Canada make Puerto Vallarta their home.
May is one of the best times to visit Puerto Vallarta. Temperature highs are usually around the mid-80’s, with lows in the low 70’s. There is very little chance of rain. It should be pleasantly warm and somewhat humid. Water temperatures are also great in May, averaging around 82 degrees.
Visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html for information on how to get your United States passport. Passports typically take approximately 6 to 10 weeks to arrive, so make sure you get started early. You will need your birth certificate and a black and white copy, photo identification and a black and white copy of both sides, passport photo (I recommend getting these ahead of time from Walgreens or CVS), filled out form DS-11, and checks or a money order for payment (there are two separate fees per each passport). The passport renewal process is a little easier and can be done online. All children flying into Puerto Vallarta from the U.S. are required to have a passport, even infants. If you have a child traveling to Mexico without both biological parents then you will need an additional letter signed and notarized by the parent not traveling. Contact Lyndsi at Lyndsi8@gmail.com if you need a sample letter. We recommend booking your flights before having the other parent sign and notarize the form, so that the flight information and exact dates of travel can be included in the letter. If you already have a passport, it’s a good idea to double check the expiration date a couple months in advance, so you can ensure your trip will be covered.
The water in Puerto Vallarta is supposed to be safe to drink. However, we would recommend being overly cautious and only drinking bottled water. Tap water should be fine for brushing teeth, etc.
Be a little wary of the plumbing in the romantic zone, as this is an older area of town. In some places you can’t flush the toilet paper. Those bathrooms will have a little bin for the paper and usually a note letting you know.
When dining at restaurants, we recommend paying using a credit/debit card if available. Your bank will charge you an exchange fee, but usually it is not too significant. Some credit cards offer free exchange. When buying from vendors (whether food or other items), you can usually get a better deal by paying with pesos, but most will accept dollars. There is a currency exchange located near Playa Los Arcos Resort and I believe the hotel itself offers currency exchange. You can also go to your bank in the U.S. and exchange some money if you want to have pesos ready before the trip. Do not carry large amounts of cash with you at one time. We recommend carrying some on you, while also keeping some dispersed in a couple different hidden locations in your hotel room/luggage. If you need more cash, there are ATM machines where you can withdraw your money in pesos. There is an ATM machine located on the corner across the street from Playa Los Arcos Resort.
El Oxxo. This is the Mexican version of a 7-11. Only it has specials like $14.99 for a bottle of Hornitos, 2 liter of squirt, bag of ice and a Styrofoam cooler. One of the best things about traveling is trying the local snacks, so make sure you grab some chips, helados (popsicles), etc. The closest Oxxo to Playa Los Arcos is located at Olas Altas 356, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The reviews at this location say to be careful with the workers and make sure you get back the correct change. So, double check your change, especially if you are using large bills to pay for a purchase.
There are lots of pharmacies in the Romantic Zone, where you can get pretty much anything over the counter. We also saw a doctor for a Covid test on a previous visit and would recommend him for any non-emergency treatment. The address is: Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio 500, Olímpica, 48330, Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.
Once you land in Puerto Vallarta, it is very safe to get to your hotel or destination. Avoid the people trying to lure you into signing up for excursions with offers of free margaritas (feel free to grab a pamphlet, but you can sign up for all of those options later). Taxis: After leaving baggage claim you walk outside of the airport and to your right (near the outdoor Corona Bar) where there is a window for the taxi stand. It is a small airport so it’s not hard to find. You tell them your destination and pay at the window (they determine a rate based on where you are going). They hand you a receipt and take note of how many people and pieces of luggage. Then you walk to the curb where the taxis are and hand your receipt to a person who assigns you a taxi. As you drive out of the airport, the taxi stops at a toll booth, where they scan your receipt and take note of your taxi’s number. Then they will take you to your destination. This process is designed so people do not get ripped off. It is easier than it sounds and they should be able to help you in English (if your only language). Check with your hotel to see if they offer shuttle service from the airport. Playa Los Arcos Resort does not, but we are looking into providing transportation service for those arriving on Thursday and staying at Playa Los Arcos. This will depend on the number of people and their date/time of arrival. Information will be updated as we get closer to the wedding date. That said, once you book your flights, please email your flight information to Lyndsi at Lyndsi8@gmail.com.
There are so many good restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, but here are a few of our recommendations: - Andale’s Restaurant & Bar. We love this place, it is great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a fun bar to grab some drinks at night as well. We recommend a banana margarita (it’s more like a smoothie) with some chilaquiles for breakfast. Go there to find out about Alice. - Walk along the Malecón and pick a spot where you can dine with your feet in the sand and enjoy the views. There are tons of these restaurants. Johnny loves to get a whole fish to eat and Lyndsi loves the 2 for 1 pina colada specials. - Street Tacos. Take a walk away from the ocean and hop from taco stand to taco stand trying them all. There isn’t a specific location, but travel to the area around Lazaro Cardenas and Aguacate Street. Don’t leave this area without stopping at The Churros Guy for dessert (located at 216 Auguacate Street in front of the Iglesia de Santa Cruz (Iglesia = church)). - Eulo’s Bakery & Confectionary. This is an excellent spot to stop in and grab a morning pastry. - Beach vendors. As you are relaxing on the beach, vendors will constantly walk by. As far as food, we recommend the grilled shrimp, mangoes on a stick, tamales out of 5-gallon buckets, and ice cream. - Pancho’s Takos. We have never eaten here because it always has a long line. However, they are supposed to have bomb Al Pastor tacos. Basilio Badillo 162, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. - Mar y Vino. This restaurant is located at the Playa Los Arcos Resort. We have never eaten here, but the restaurant offers beautiful views and you can choose to dine with your feet in water. If you’re into posting for the gram, this is your spot. - Café San Angel. This place is great for more Americanized/fusion tacos and burgers. Olas Altas 449, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Please see the Things To Do page on our website for more information regarding activities we recommend.
Both the wedding and the reception will take place on the beach on the sand in front of Playa Los Arcos Resort. There will be a wooden dance floor. Shoes are optional, we probably won’t be wearing any.
Beach casual. Think sun dresses for women and casual pants/shorts with a short sleeved shirt for men. Sandals are welcome. The reception and ceremony will be on the sand (with a wood dance floor).
We will be serving a buffet of different Mexican food dishes. If you have any specific dietary restrictions, please contact Shannon Andreas through email at shannonandreas@yahoo.com and we will do our best to accommodate them. Dinner will be served a little late, so make sure you have a late lunch or eat some snacks before.
Of course.
Please RSVP by April 1, 2023. If you cannot make it, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly.
The easiest way to RSVP is through the wedding website. You are welcome to mail in the RSVP card instead, or in addition to, an online RSVP.
Sure, we just ask that you try to stay out of the way of the photographer, as their photos come first. Also, we are terrible at taking photos, so appreciate you sending any photos our way.
Any beach activities (including our wedding) have to end by 11p.m. in Puerto Vallarta. Therefore, our reception will end by that time. There is no planned after party, but I am sure we can find our way to a nearby bar or a late night swim in the ocean.
Yes, please check the Schedule page for updated information.
Shannon Andreas. She can be reached at shannonandreas@yahoo.com or by phone at (859) 221-6433.