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The peso is the national currency although U.S. dollars are widely accepted in most businesses throughout Puerto Vallarta. Major credit cards are also accepted in most establishments. Banks offer currency exchange during business hours. Universal ATM's are widely available for cash withdrawals at the current exchange rate. Visitors can access ATM’s in several systems such as VISA, MC, Cirrus and PLUS. Many ATM’s have menus in English. The ATM’s only dispense pesos.

Hospital Medasist: Offers 24-hour emergency services. Some bilingual staff, accepts most medical insurance programs for emergency services. Located at the entrance to Mex 200, at the south end of town (across from the Pemex gas station) on Manuel M. Dieguez St.
2230444 - 2230656 ) They have emergency services on the first floor, regular doctor visits on the second floor. English-speaking doctors on hand.

Pharmacy: Located on Badillo St, which is one more block down from the Hospital.

Taxis

Taxis - You can find taxis all over the place and at any time of the day or night. Just step outside your hotel or onto any street curb and wave as one approaches.

Over the last years the Taxi Syndicate has worked towards having established rates for all areas of Puerto Vallarta. In most cases the driver will give you the correct fare. However ask before getting in the cab and not at the end of the trip when it's a little more difficult to negotiate. You may also want to ask the people at your hotel what it should cost to go to your destination; they should be well aware of the rates. Always ask how much the trip is going to cost before you get on the taxi.

If you are close to where you're going, only acouple of miles, it shouldn't be more than 20 or 30 pesos ($2 or $3), maybe a little more if you have to go further. The taxis are really very convenient and cheap to use, and you shouldn't have any problems with prices as long as you always ask how much before getting in. If you are going to a restaurant or something, do not let the taxi driver talk you into going to some place he is suggesting rather than where you want to go, he's probably taking you to his buddy's restaurant or one he is receiving commission from.

Public Holidays

January 1st - New Year

February 5th - Anniversary of the Constitution

March 21st - Benito Juárez Birthday

May 1st - Labour day

September 16th - Mexico's Independence Day

November 20th - Day of the Mexican Revolution

December 1st (each 6 years) - Elect President is empowered.

December 25th - Christmas.

Federal and Local Law can determine holidays due to local elections: in Puerto Vallarta November 12th.

Horseback Riding

The hilly, nearby jungle and long stretches of shoreline has made Horseback riding a favorite activity since Liz and Dick made "Night of the Iguana". A variety of tours are available featuring visits to mango orchards, cattle ranches and farmland, small rural villages, and a river where clients can swim. On Sundays, horseback rides include a trip to a typical Mexican rodeo. Longer trips, up to five days on horseback are offered for small groups into the Sierra Madre mountains and with visits to sites including the old mining town of San Sebastian del Oeste.

Rancho el Ojo de Agua – is the oldest establishment of its kind in Puerto Vallarta and runs horseback riding tours to the countryside and the mountains. The ranch offers quality horses with either English or Western saddles, daily jumping lessons and experienced guides. Excursions include sunset rides and deluxe five-day rides to the Soledad campsite in the Sierra Madre. Telephone 52 (3)-224-8240.

More horseback riding operators include:

Backcountry Tours Tel. 52 (3)-222-0386

Hidden Trails Adventure Tel. 52 (3)-224-0114

Natura Expeditions Tel. 52 (3)-224-0410

Rancho El Charro Tel. 52 (3)-224-0114

Rancho la Morena Tel. 52 (3)-224-9880

Rancho Manolo Tel. 52 (3)-222-3694

Rancho Indio Tel. 52 (3)-222-5137

Golf

Golf is increasingly becoming a way of life in Puerto Vallarta. The region offers five challenging courses, and several others are currently under development. Here are three of them...

Marina Vallarta Golf Club

The Marina Vallarta Golf Club is a beautiful exclusive professional golf course par 71, 6700 yards, 18 hole designed by Joe Finger, in Marina Vallarta, just south of the airport, located between the beach on one side and the bay and marina on the other, make it an enjoyable experience with the breeze of the ocean and the natural beauty of the Mexican tropic. Facilities include a lovely clubhouse, golf carts, caddies, a pro-shop, dining, driving range, putting green, pro-service, golf lessons, course snackcart and showers. Many hotel guests at the Hacienda Cora Hotel, Sheraton Buganvilias, Velas Vallarta, Plaza Las Glorias, Flamingo Vallarta Marine Resort, Camino Real, Marriott CasaMagna, Allegro Resort and Westin Regina Resort have access to the club facilities. Rates aprox. Green fee $120 dollars, cart included. Golf club rental $20 dollars.

Telephone 52 (3)-221-0073 or 52 (3)-221-0545 E-mail:

Flamingo Beach and Golf Resort

Located in the north part of the bay, about eight miles north of the airport, this picturesque 18-hole, 71-par course includes a driving range, putting green, snack bar, golf lessons and tennis courts. It boasts a handsome and stucco clubhouse and pro-shop overlooking rolling hills that fade toward the ocean. It's a public course and anyone is able to play, they do not take reservations it is a first come-first served system. They have a bus service starting at 7:30am from the bus stop in front Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias (), to confirm the hours it is better if you call when you arrive. Rates approx. Green fee $75 dollars Cart not included, Golf club rental $20 dollars.
Tel. 52 (3)-298-0606 or 52 (3)-221-2525 or 52-329-71515

Four Seasons Golf Course

This private course at the new Punta de Mita Four Seasons Resort at the northernmost tip of Banderas Bay, features a challenging 19th hole on an island just off its beach golf course setting. Tel. 52 (3)-291-6000.

Scuba and snorkeling operators

Chico’s Dive Shop
Tel. +52 (3) 222 1895
Fax: +52 (3) 222 1897
It’s affiliated with PADI and is one of the most specialized places in town for scuba and snorkeling trips and instruction.

Ecotours de México
Tel. +52 (3) 222 6606

Princesa Bay Tours & Dive Center
Tel. +52 (3) 224 4777

Twin Dolphins
Tel/Fax: +52 (3) 221-2492
221-0038
293-1905

Vallarta Adventures
Tel. +52 (3) 221 0657
+52 (3) 221 0658
Fax: +52 (3) 221 2845

Deep Sea Fishing Operators

Chemas
Tel. 52 (3) 224 9549

Club de Pesca
Tel. 52 (3) 223 1665

Dos Amigos
Tel. 52 (3) 221 0920

Fantasia Maritima
Tel. 52 (3) 221 0116

Macarelas Sport Fishing
Tel. 0443 2943248 or 0443 2941923

Mr. Marlin Sport Fishing Center
Tel. 52 (3) 222 0890

Yacht Sylvester Fishing Charters
Tel. 52 (3) 292 4456

The Puerto Vallarta Fishing Company
Tel. 52 (3) 222 1863

Nightclubs and Bars

Fine restaurants that offer live music include Texas Grill, an upscale café-cantina on Isla Río Cuale with live music nightly from 8 - 11 p.m.; and La Dolce Vita, on the waterfront, with live jazz.

Other leading nightspots for live music include The Jazz House, Club Roxy for blues, and J & B for salsa and other tropical rhythms.

Top restaurants with popular late-night bar areas include Café des Artistes, with an open-air terrace bar; and Chef Roger, a local favorite has a new location in "Restaurant Row" with romantic live trio music in the evenings.

Among the top Nightlife spots in Puerto Vallarta are Carlos O'Brians and Señor Frogs. O'Brians has a restaurant, bar and is very active right on the malecón. Frogs includes live music.

Viejo Vallarta features local bands playing the best Ska, Reggae, Punk, Rock and Blues. Located across the street from the Sea Horse Statue on the Malecón. Open daily with live music until 4 AM.

Nightclubs and Discos:

Andale Bar: A fun, noisy video bar, popular with locals and visitors. Tel. 222-6037.

Cactus Club: Popular disco with the younger set and locals, good variety of music and light show. 10 p.m. - 4 a.m. Tel. 222-6037.

Carlos O’Brian’s: Loud music, always packed, one of the town’s favorite night spots. Tel 222-1444.

Christine’s: Krystal Vallarta Hotel. The latest music, great sound and light show, outstanding decor. Vallarta’s top night spot. Always crowded, lots of fun. From 10 p.m. Tel. 224-6990.

Club Roxy: Live jazz, blues and pop rock for thirty-somethings. Happy hour 6 - 9 p.m. dancing until 1 a.m. Tel. 223-2404.

Hard Rock Café: Live rock ‘n’ roll nightly. Very popular. From 10 p.m. Tel. 222-55-32.

Kit Kat Club: A retro cocktail lounge á la Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Leopard skin decor, martinis, grilled dinner specials. 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Jokes "R" Us: Above the No Name Café, a comedy club sometimes featuring comedians from Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show. Reservations needed. Tel. 222-6019.

Zapata: A lively restaurant serving Mexican and International food to the accompaniment of live Latin American folk music. From noon. Tel. 222-4748.

ZOO: A deli by day, a disco by night, with music ranging from techno to reggae. The crowd vies for space with artist Bustamante’s caged "animals" A hot spot with a great view of the Malecón and bay. 9 p.m. - 5 a.m. Bar opens at 12:00 noon. Disco from 10 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. Tel. 222-4945.

Other Fun Stuff

Mexican Fiesta Night: Many of the major hotels offer weekly Mexican Fiestas with a Mexican buffet and colorful regional folk music, dancing and entertainment

La Iguana Tourist Center: Dinner show with folk dancers, lasso-spinning charros, ranchero singers, "harmless" cockfighting, and piñatas. Popular for more than 30 years. Reservations need. Tel. 222-0105.

Sheraton Buganvilias Hotel: Thursday night. Includes fireworks, harmless cockfights. Tickets are available in the lobby. The hotel also features a Sunday brunch with Mariachi music.

Krystal Vallarta Hotel: The Krystal holds a Fiesta three times a week in season. Those who attend often receive a free entry to Christine’s, the hotel’s popular disco. The hotel also stages a Fiesta Brava every Thursday in season. Where guests can participate in a do-it-yourself bullfight (small bulls) in the hotel’s own bullring.

There are also good Fiestas at the Camino Real and Buenaventura on Fridays.

Hot Air Balloon Tour Champagne Sunrise and Sunset tours: They rise everyday, up to 3,000 - 5,000 feet. They have a couple of different packages to choose from.
Downtown Puerto Vallarta
Phone: +52 (3) 223 2002

Artist’s Studio Tours are offered during the high season. Check with Galería Pacifico for details. Telephone: 523-222-1982.

Bullfights are held Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in the Puerto Vallarta Bullring. November through April.

City Tours: Puerto Vallarta city tours in air-conditioned minibuses are offered daily and last five hours including a stop for lunch. A jungle tour leaves twice daily. These can be arranged at the hotel travel desk upon arrival.

Le Kliff restaurant

http://www.lekliff.com

This perfectly poised giant palapa plays host daily to the bay's most spectacular sunsets and some of the best seafood in town. It also provides ringside seats for watching gray whales and giant manta rays during the months of December through April.

Founded in 1983 by the Guzman Gutierrez Family, Le Kliff has reached international fame not only for its cuisine, but for its beauty and architecture as well.

Whale watching

Banderas Bay is graced with numerous marine mammals that either visit or live in it, but the most spectacular visitor is the humpback whale which arrives yearly between December and April to reproduce in these waters and to have their calves. This turns whale watching into a prime activity on the bay, since these cetaceans impress everyone with their spectacular acrobatics, not to mention the heartwarming and inspiring experience of seeing a baby whale swim alongside its mother, making this a truly unforgettable experience.

Each winter season a growing number of travelers enjoy excursions to view the migrating humpback whales in Banderas Bay. Local eco-tour operator Open Air Expeditions has undertaken a photo study of the whales, identifying more than 100 individuals by distinct markings on their tails. Reserve with Open Air by calling or faxing +52-3-222 3310; or with Vallarta Adventures +52-3-221 0657 or +52-3-221 0658.

Activities, Tours and Excursions in Puerto Vallarta

1) Chico's Dive Shop

http://www.chicosdiveshop.com

Scuba Diving and Snorkel in Puerto Vallarta. Attentive crew and certified dive masters lead outstanding dive trips, unlimited snorkeling expeditions, as well as customized tours. Chico's Dive Shop in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is a 5 star instructor development center and member of the PADI Resort International Association in the area and fully authorized PADI Snorkel Center. They employ the most qualified PADI scuba diving instructors, and can save you invaluable vacation time by providing one-on-one instruction from a professional.

They provide a qualified divemaster and an observer for snorkeling parties. Only Chico's Dive Shop uses specially-designed, shallow-draught dive boats that take you right into the center of things - no taxing 300 yard swim to and from the dive site.

They give you the opportunity of a lifetime in their tours (Day Off Bay Cruise): The chance to see, up close (Nov. to March), Humpback Whales - these 45 ton leviathans of the deep - leap skyward in an incredible expression of exuberance and energy. It is an experience you will never forget. They will also show you where the dolphins play; and where, like stealth bombers, the giant mantas cruise at the edge of the Pacific, in the unique ecological environment known as the Marietas Islands.

E-mail: chicos@chicosdiveshop.com

2) Splash Vallarta

http://www.splashvallarta.com

Splash Puerto & Nuevo Vallarta, a world class water park that offers a full day of fun for the entire family. Splash's thrill rides, attractions and quality service give visitors a wide variety of entertainment for fun loving people of all ages

011-52-322-297-0708

E-mail: info@splashvallarta.com

Tepic- Puerto Vallarta Highway Km 155 at the entrance to Nuevo Vallarta

3) Amigo Surf Mexico

http://www.surfvallarta.com

Our goal is to take the gamble and guesswork out of surfing travel, providing you with the best service and value for your travel dollar.

E-mail: amigosurfmexico@aol.com

4) Vallarta Action

http://www.vallarta-action.com

Excitement and adventure with Raptor Tours a sand rail dune buggy adventure through the Sierra Madre and Jump the Pacific Bungee, a thrilling 120 foot drop.

Contact: tours@vallarta-action.com

011-52-322-228-0670

5 miles south of downtown Km 9.2, Highway 200

5) Ecotours de Mexico

http://www.ecotours-mex.com/index_english.html

Bird and Whalewatching, hiking, turtle camps, kayak, snorkel and scuba diving. Interested in offering a different option for traveling around Mexico.

Contact: ecoturm@prodigy.net.mx

6) Royale Tours

http://www.royale-tours.com

We are dedicated vacation planners. A source on everything you need to enjoy Puerto Vallarta. We offer a comprehensive range of travel and activities services to individual travelers & special groups.

E-mail: royale@pvnet.com.mx

7) The Yolaray Charter Fishing

http://yolaray.8m.com

Spend a day deep-sea fishing on the most recent winner of the ESPN World Billfishing Championship held in Nuevo Vallarta last December.

Contact: theyolaray@yahoo.com

8) The Sol

http://fishingvallartasol.8m.com

The Sol is a small boat with a big reputation. Don't let her size fool you, she fishes side by side with the big boys and often outdoes the entire Vallarta fleet.

9) Mexico Horse Tours

Ride off into the mountains of Puerto Vallarta. Overnight at ranches. Also enjoy the beaches and nightlife of beautiful PV the rest of the week.

Contact: pvmexhorsetours@aol.com

10) Ocean Friendly Tours

http://www.oceanfriendly.com

Daily and customized trips to discover the realm of Whales and Dolphins on the enormous bay off Puerto Vallarta, Mexico led by a Bilingual Marine Scientist and specialized crew.

Contact: ofrey@oceanfriendly.com

011-52-322-225-3774

Paseo del Marlin 510- 103 Col. Aralias

11) Wild West Jets

http://www.wildwestjets.com

Adventure jet boat touring in the rivers near Puerto Vallarta Mexico, is an experience you must not miss. Touring through the jungles, crocodiles, birds and indigenous peoples of Mexico, the "River Safari" will take you places you never thought possible!

1-877-494-5322

Contact: info@wildwestjets.com

12) Deep Sea Fishing, Sports Fishing

American/Canadian owned and operated. We are past winners of PV International Sailfish tournament.

E-mail: sportfishingpv@hotmail.com

13) Sierra Tours and Treks

Our company was born of a desire to share with like-minded lovers of horses and adventure travel the unsurpassed natural beauty of Mexico's Pacific coast and highlands.

E-mail: sierramex@hotmail.com

14) Natura Expeditions

http://www.naturaexpeditions.com

Horseback Riding, Hiking or Biking makes a great day trip while enjoying your vacation at a tropical beach resort "Puerto Vallarta".

E-mail: carlos@naturaexpeditions.com

011-52-322-224-0410

15) Ecotours de Mexico

011-52-322- 222-6606

Ignacio L. Vallarta 243

In Ecotours de Mexico we offer a different option for people interested in having a new and unique experience, that wants to learn about the places they are visiting and that are concerned about nature conservation.

In order to achieve this we have a great team of naturalists guides and expert biologists in charge of providing personal and professional attention in each one of our Ecotours. (Whale watching, Turtle Camps, Sea Kayaking, Hiking, Bird watching, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving.)

We run our tours by the premise that you can't love what you don't know, and after traveling with us you'll definitely share our knowledge and our love for nature!!

16) Vallarta Tours and Travel Services

Here at "Vallarta Tours and Travel Services" our goal is to offer only the best Charters / Tours in Puerto Vallarta. The main focus is to provide all visitors to our City with the most accurate information about tours and activities. We act as your "On Line Concierge" for all the different tours, activities, restaurants and general information needed to make your vacation here in Vallarta a special one.

Champagne Sunset Cruise, 6-9 pm. Hors d’oeuvres, tropical drinks, champagne, great music open bar, super crew, private cruises available

Also call for great places to eat ! 1 (888) 353-8856

E-Mail: pvsail@prodigy.net.mx

Toll Free # 1-877-301-2731 or 1-877-301-2058.

Office located in Marina Las Palmas office # 4. In front of dock B.

17) http://www.CharterDreams.com

011-52-322-221-2522

Puerto Vallarta's Cyber Cafes

Eclipse Cyber-Café

Morelos 426

Downtown

Tel: 322-222 1755

Extra services: Free coffee, color printer, scanner, 3D games

NetStop

Morelos 671

Downtown

Tel: 322-222 3367

Scanner, printer, fax and phone

Puerto Net

Juárez 388

Downtown

Tel: 322-222 0204

The Net House

Ignacio L. Vallarta #232

Romantic Zone

Tel: 322-222 6953 and 322-223 1828

PV's first cybercafe, secretarial and translation services

Website CyberCafe

Ignacio L Vallarta 179

Downtown

Tel: 322-222 6142

Wedding requirements in Puerto Vallarta

Newlyweds-to-be need:

The required paperwork for a Mexican marriage is similar to that required in U.S.A., with the difference being that the nearest Mexican consulate must validate all documents (the hotel or wedding coordinator can assist with this).

Here are the basic requirements:

Current passport as proof of ID and marital status.

Certified copy of both party's birth certificates.

Tourist card (received upon arrival in Mexico) or visa.

Names, addresses, nationalities, occupations and ages of both parents.

Health certificate and blood test (hotels will help set up the tests, which must be done in Mexico).

Four witnesses (these can be provided by the hotel locally for an extra fee). Will also need to provide their names, addresses, occupations, ages and photo ID.

Typically, two to four days must be spent in Puerto Vallarta to complete the requirements, although less time may be required when a wedding coordinator is involved.

Art Gallery

Manuel Lepe

http://www.manuellepe.com

Juarez #533 Col.

52-322-222-5515

A visit to the Gallery-Museum is sure to bring a smile to your face and gladness to your heart. The exhibition of the whimsical original works full of color and charm painted by Manuel Lepe are only a part of what awaits you. There are reproductions of Lepe’s work in the form of the finest signed seriographs that capture the depth and color of the originals on display.

Posters of the paintings are an almost irresistible souvenir for the budget traveler who wants to bring an authentic piece of Puerto Vallarta back home.