The Allure of Puerto Vallarta's Hotel Zone

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

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [may goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• 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
  [may goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• 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 pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [may goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl preh-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)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 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-rek-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Puerto Vallarta was officially founded in 1851, but its history predates this with its roots in the indigenous Cora and Huichol cultures. The Hotel Zone, known as 'Zona Hotelera', began developing significantly in the mid-20th century, transforming from a quaint fishing village into a tourist destination.

The 1960s marked a pivotal moment for the Hotel Zone when Puerto Vallarta gained fame as a tourist hotspot, largely due to the filming of 'The Night of the Iguana' in 1964. This era saw the construction of numerous hotels and resorts, leading to the area's rapid urbanization and development.

Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Hotel Zone underwent significant modernization. Infrastructure improvements, including expanded roads and utilities, facilitated the growth of luxury accommodations and amenities, making it a premier destination for international tourists.

The Hotel Zone is a melting pot of cultures, reflecting the blend of traditional Mexican heritage and international influences. The area hosts various cultural events, art galleries, and culinary experiences, showcasing the diversity brought by tourists and expatriates who have settled in Puerto Vallarta.

In response to environmental concerns, recent years have seen a push for sustainable tourism practices within the Hotel Zone. Local businesses and government initiatives are focusing on eco-friendly measures, balancing development with the preservation of natural beauty and local ecosystems.

The Hotel Zone in Puerto Vallarta is easily accessible from other neighborhoods and the airport. If you're arriving at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, it’s about a 10-15 minute taxi ride to the Hotel Zone. Buses from downtown Puerto Vallarta run frequently, costing only a few pesos. For a scenic route, consider taking a water taxi from the marina, especially if you are coming from the beaches or nearby areas.

The Hotel Zone is well-connected with local buses that run along the main boulevard, offering an affordable way to travel. Taxis are also widely available, but ensure they are authorized, identifiable by their official markings. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, and some hotels offer bike rentals, providing a fun way to explore the area. Walking along the beachfront promenade is a popular option for those wanting to enjoy the views.

The Hotel Zone is generally safe for tourists; however, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep an eye on personal belongings. Areas to be cautious of include parts of the downtown area, especially after dark. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur near crowded attractions and markets. Always stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospitals; the CMQ Hospital in the Hotel Zone is a reliable option. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are available, and many offer basic over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, and bring a swimsuit. Don't wear overly revealing attire outside the beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and give up your seat for the elderly. Don’t engage in loud conversations on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hola' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like tacos and fresh seafood. Don’t drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience the Hotel Zone like a local, visit the local markets for fresh fruits and traditional Mexican snacks. Engage with local vendors, as they often have fascinating stories and tips. Check out local events and festivals, which often take place in the evenings. For authentic dining, venture into local eateries away from tourist hotspots. Don’t miss the sunset views from the Malecón, which is a great spot for evening strolls.