If you want to escape the condo and shopping crowds, book a tour, rent a car, or catch the bus to the still undeveloped villages along Highway 200 along the coastline of Banderas Bay.

Getting to Puerto Vallarta

Call these airlines for information:

AeroMexico 1-800-237-6639
American Airlines 1-800-433-7300
Apple Charters 1-800-828-0639
Alaska 1-800-426-0333
Continental 1-800-525-0280
Delta 1-800-221-1212
Frontier 1-800-432-1359
Mexicana 1-800-531-7921
Northwest 1-800-225-2525
United 1-800-864-8331
US Airways 1-800-428-4322*

*America West Airlines has merged with US Airways

Flights may be available on Aero California 1-800-AERO CAL in the near future.

Local Car Rental Services

Avis
International Airport: 01-322-2211657
Marina Puerto Vallarta: 01-322-2213150
Hotel Dreams Vallarta: 01-322-2265000 ext. 3101

National Car Rental
Reservations Local: 322-209-0390
Toll Free from USA: 1-877-567-3572
Toll Free from Mexico: 01-800-716-6625
www.nationalcar.com.mx

Thrify
Reservations: 01-800-021-2277
Puerto Vallarta Central Office
Tel: 01-322-221-2974/2984
International Airport
Tel: 01-322-209-1005
www.thrifty.com.mx

Bus
For local transportation, the bus system is not complicated. Each bus is marked with the main destination, while routes indicate if they pass through downtown (CENTRO) or the tunnel bypass (TÚNEL). The fare is currently $4.50 pesos per person, with children under two riding for free. Facilitate your travel by having correct change on hand. When boarding as a group, it’s appropriate for one person to pay for all. If unsure where the nearest bus stop is located, ask around or at your hotel. You’ll find that people are generally very helpful.

Taxi
Before boarding a taxi, specify your destination and ask for the rate. There are no meters since the city is divided into rate zones. Ask at your hotel for approximate rates before heading out.

Water Taxi
Hop on for combination tour and transport.

The Los Muertos Pier (Playa de los Muertos) in downtown Puerto Vallarta is stepping stone by water taxi to points south along the shore to such destinations as Mismaloya, Las Animas, Quimixto, Majahuitas and Yelapa. Tours in the bay and trips to private beaches can be arranged.

Escorted Tours
The activity desk at most resorts and several tour companies in town offer a variety of air, land and sea excursions that provide a glimpse of Mexico beyond the resort beaches and crowded marketplaces.

By Air
The Sierra Madres that tower over Puerto Vallarta hide more treasures than gold and silver. Small-plane tours visit isolated indigenous and Spanish Colonial villages that still retain their traditional cultures.

Charter a Boat
Punta Mita, located about 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta on a peninsula at the northern tip of Banderas Bay, has always offered deep-sea fishing and whale-watching charters.

Ride Horseback
Sayulita, 22 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, is known for lush jungles, pristine beaches, world-class surfing and laid-back lifestyle. Stroll the cobblestone streets for a taste of rural Mexico before mega-resorts burst onto the scene. Guided horseback rides lead along the surf and through the jungle, or you can explore the trails by mountain bike or hiking.

For more detailed information please see activities, side trips, and maps.