Puerto Vallarta: A Tropical Paradise on Mexico's Pacific Coast

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dyohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-syahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh syehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Son las diez y media
  [sohn lahs dyehs ee meh-dyah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
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• 3Tres
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• 4Cuatro
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• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [seys]
• 7Siete
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• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Before the arrival of the Spanish, the region now known as Puerto Vallarta was inhabited by the Aztatlán people. These indigenous groups thrived on fishing, agriculture, and trade with other Mesoamerican civilizations. Evidence of their existence is found in archaeological sites scattered around the area.

In the early 16th century, Spanish conquistadors arrived on the west coast of Mexico. The region was explored by Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura in 1525. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that a small village began to form. Originally named Las Peñas, the settlement was primarily a fishing and pearl-diving community.

Puerto Vallarta was officially founded on December 12, 1851, by Don Guadalupe Sánchez Torres. The town was initially named Las Peñas de Santa María de Guadalupe in his honor. Over time, the name was shortened to Las Peñas and eventually changed to Puerto Vallarta in 1918 to honor Ignacio Vallarta, a former governor of the state of Jalisco.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Puerto Vallarta experienced significant growth due to agricultural development. The region became known for its production of bananas, tobacco, and corn. The increase in agricultural activity led to a rise in population and the establishment of more permanent infrastructure.

In 1963, Puerto Vallarta gained international fame when director John Huston chose the town as the primary location for his film 'The Night of the Iguana,' starring Richard Burton. Burton's relationship with Elizabeth Taylor attracted global media attention, putting Puerto Vallarta on the map as a desirable tourist destination. This event marked the beginning of the town's transformation into a popular resort city.

Following its Hollywood discovery, Puerto Vallarta experienced rapid modernization. The Mexican government invested in infrastructure, building roads, airports, and modern amenities to accommodate the growing number of tourists. By the 1970s, Puerto Vallarta had become one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage.

Puerto Vallarta is home to an array of cultural festivals and traditions that showcase its rich heritage. One of the most notable is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrated in December. The city's Malecon boardwalk is lined with art installations and sculptures, reflecting the area's artistic spirit. Additionally, local cuisine, including dishes like ceviche and birria, highlights the region's culinary traditions.

In recent years, Puerto Vallarta has taken significant steps towards environmental conservation. Efforts include the protection of local wildlife, such as sea turtles and humpback whales, and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices. Organizations and community initiatives are actively working to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.

Puerto Vallarta is served by the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), which receives flights from various major cities in the United States, Canada, and other parts of Mexico. From the airport, you can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or rental car to reach your accommodation. Alternatively, long-distance buses operate from other Mexican cities such as Guadalajara and Mexico City, offering a scenic route to Puerto Vallarta.

Getting around Puerto Vallarta is easy with several transportation options. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or arranged through your hotel. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also popular and offer a convenient way to travel. The public bus system is efficient and affordable, with routes covering most areas of the city. For those looking to explore beyond the city, renting a car is a good option, but be mindful of traffic and parking conditions.

The official currency in Puerto Vallarta is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and some hotels. Be aware of potential foreign transaction fees when using your cards.

Puerto Vallarta is generally considered safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While the city center and tourist areas are usually safe, some neighborhoods on the outskirts have higher crime rates. Always stay vigilant and use reputable transportation options.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Puerto Vallarta has several hospitals and clinics that cater to both locals and tourists. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues, and many staff speak English. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your country's consulate, handy during your stay.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but respect local customs by avoiding overly revealing clothing in non-beach areas. Religion: Do respect religious customs and dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. Public Transport: Do have small change ready for bus fares and be respectful to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días.' A handshake is common, but close friends may exchange a light kiss on the cheek. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and street food, but make sure it's from a reputable vendor. Don't drink tap water; stick to bottled water.

To experience Puerto Vallarta like a local, visit the bustling markets such as the Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale, where you can find fresh produce and handmade crafts. Take a stroll along the Malecón, a beautiful boardwalk with sculptures, street performers, and local vendors. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share tips about hidden gems. Don't miss the chance to explore the charming Zona Romántica, known for its vibrant nightlife and excellent dining options.