Vibrant Heart of Puerto Vallarta: Downtown

• HelloHola
  [OH-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-DYOHSS]
• YesSí
  [SEE]
• NoNo
  [NOH]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-BOHR/deh NAH-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [GRAH-syahss]
• 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-blahss een-GLEHS]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [NOH ehn-TYEHN-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-BOHR]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [NOH KOH-moh KAHR-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-LOOD]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah pah-GAHR, pohr fah-BOHR]

• 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 médico!
  [YAH-mah ah oon MEH-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-TOY pehr-DEE-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-TOY ehn-FEHR-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah kohm-PRAR]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [SOH-loh ehs-TOY meer-AHN-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [EH-soh ehs deh-mah-SYA-do KAH-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [PWEH-dehs BAH-hahr 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)Media (diez)
  [MEH-dyah (dee-ehss)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [TAHR-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [NOH-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-YEHR]
• TodayHoy
  [hoh-EE]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
• 1Uno
  [OO-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohss]
• 3Tres
  [trehss]
• 4Cuatro
  [KWAH-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sayss]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [OH-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [NWEH-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dee-ehss]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [DOHN-deh ehs-TAH]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [KWAHL 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)?
  [KWAHN-doh ehs ehl PROH-ksee-moh (ow-toh-BOOSS)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-LEH-toh (ah)]

Puerto Vallarta was officially founded in 1851 by Spanish settlers, initially named Las Peñas. The area was chosen for its strategic coastal location, providing a safe harbor for ships and a gateway for trade. The settlement began to thrive due to its proximity to natural resources and fertile land.

In 1918, the town was renamed Puerto Vallarta in honor of Ignacio Vallarta, the then governor of Jalisco. This marked a significant shift in the town's identity, aligning it more closely with the political and cultural developments of the region. The new name helped to promote the town as a tourist destination in the years to come.

The 1960s marked a turning point for Downtown Puerto Vallarta as it began to attract artists, filmmakers, and tourists, most notably during the filming of the movie 'The Night of the Iguana' in 1964. This influx of cultural figures contributed to the area's artistic development and laid the foundation for Puerto Vallarta's reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.

Throughout the 20th century, Downtown Puerto Vallarta saw the construction of notable architectural landmarks, such as the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, completed in 1952. The church became an iconic symbol of the town, showcasing a blend of traditional Mexican and modern architectural styles, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region.

From the late 1970s onward, Puerto Vallarta experienced a significant tourism boom, transforming Downtown into a bustling center for visitors. This growth led to the development of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options, creating a vibrant atmosphere that continues to attract millions of tourists each year.

Downtown Puerto Vallarta is easily accessible from various neighborhoods within the city. If you are coming from the Marina area, you can take a local bus marked 'Centro' which takes about 15-20 minutes. From the Hotel Zone, a taxi or an Uber is a convenient option, typically taking around 10-15 minutes. For those coming from Nuevo Vallarta, the same local buses or taxis are available, with a travel time of approximately 20-30 minutes.

Downtown Puerto Vallarta is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Local buses travel to different neighborhoods and are an affordable option, costing around 10 pesos. Taxis and Uber are widely available and provide a quick alternative for longer distances. Bicycle rentals are also popular; several shops offer bikes for hire, allowing you to explore the scenic Malecon and nearby beaches.

Downtown Puerto Vallarta is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, especially along the beach after dark. Although crime targeting tourists is rare, it's advisable to be cautious in specific neighborhoods like Las Juntas y Los Veranos, where petty crime can occur. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is the CMQ Hospital located on Avenida Francisco Medina Ascencio. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are available where you can find over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and light clothing suitable for the tropical climate. Don’t wear overly revealing outfits, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs, and if visiting a church, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to the elderly or pregnant women. Don’t eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food but ensure it is from clean, reputable vendors. Don’t refuse food or drink offered to you, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Downtown Puerto Vallarta like a local, visit the Mercado Municipal, where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and authentic Mexican food. Engage with local vendors, as many are eager to share their stories and culture. Attend a local festival or event if your visit coincides, as these are vibrant and showcase the community's spirit. Explore the less touristy neighborhoods to find hidden gems and enjoy authentic dining experiences.