Puerto Vallarta is considered to be the "most mexican" of all the beach destinations. Its home state of Jalisco is rich in traditions and folklore. Among other things it has given Mexico its traditional costume of the"charro", its national beverage "tequila" and its most representative music the Mariachi.Puerto Vallarta has a unique architectural style which is highlighted by its cobblestone streets and white stucco houses, topped with red tiledroof. Wrought iron balconies a common adorment are usually spilling over with tropic.

POPULATION
250,000 residents

WEATHER
Tropical and semi-humid. The lowest humidity is registered in the winter months. The average annual temperature is 85º.

CLOTHING
Casual beach and resort wear that is what you'll need. Evenings out are generally casual as well, exclusive restaurants have a dress code that prohibits shorts and bermudas for dinner. True to its heritage, Puerto Vallarta is a town of many cobbled paths and walkways, so be sure topack at least one comfortable  pair of rubber-soled walking shoes.

TRANSP ORTATION  SYSTEM
Taxis.  Fares are determined by zone and are standarts. As a suggestion agree on a fare before the driver takes you to your destination.

Buses. If your travelling from your hotel into town, any bus that has CENTRO written on the windshield will take you there.
Returning from town, to get to any of the hotels from the Sheraton to the port, look for an Aeropuerto or Ixtapa bus with HOTELES on the windshield.To get to those hotels within the marina district make sure you board a bus that specifies MARINA. Bus stops are sometimes clearly marked and buses will stop reasonably close by. If there is no indication just stick your hand.

WATER
Seapal, Puerto Vallarta's water company, opened a new centralized purified water system in September 1993. It is constantly monitored and checked to meet merican standards. This makes Puerto Vallarta one of only two cities in Mexico with this type of system. The National Secretary of Health has certified the quality and cleanliness of the public water supply for the past four consecutive years. If you feel safer with bottle water we do suggest to stick to it.
 
DRINKING 
Mexican law states that the minimum drinking age is 18. Drinking in public places or buying liquor in close containers requires the presentation of an ID which includes a birthdate.

SUN
Please for your own sake, do take care,specially early in your stay.

WAVES  
The surf is not a big problem at the beaches in and around Puerto Vallarta. If you obey any posted warnings and use your common sense.

SHOPPING
Stores in Puerto Vallarta are generally open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday although larger department stores and many shops on the Malecon do remain open all day.

CONSULATES
The U.S. consulate is at the west side of the bridge on Calle Insurgentes, across the street from the market hall. Tel: 2 00 69.
The Canadian consulate is a block or two away on Calle Hidalgo, just as it meets Calle Libertad. Tel: 2 53 98

PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP
Passengers travelling internationally need proof of citizenship it is require to resent a valid passport or State issued birth certificate (not a photocopy). A voters egistration card, social security card, or driver's licence is not enough.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR CHILDREN TRAVELLING TO MEXICO

Special requirement for children under 18 travelling to Mexico without both parents must have a notarized letter from the non-accompanying parents stating that they have given consent for the child to leave the country.If one parent is deceased a copy of the death certificate is necessary.

MEXICAN TOURISTCARD
Both copies of this card must be filled out signed and presented upon arrival in Mexico. The carbon copy will be returned to
you. Please safeguard throughout your stay, you will need this returned part when you leave Puerto Vallarta.

CUSTOMS
Upon arrival you must clear imigration, claim your luggage and clear customs. Upon your return you will clear customs in your
country.

MONEY
The standard currency in Mexico, is the Peso. Mayor Credit Cards, U.S. Dollars and Travelers Checks are accepted almost everywhere.
CHANGING MONEY

Banks are generally open from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. You will need some identification to change traveler's checks. You will find also exchange houses downtown open everyday. You can change a few dollars in your hotel.

VALUES
Carry all your values in your hand luggage and please use a safety deposit box at the hotel. No hotel or airline will take responsibility for your values kept on your oom or packed in your suitcase.

TELEPHONE
Long distance charges in Mexico are expensive. The hotels have also a surcharge on long distance calls, so you might want to call home collect or use an outside phone. If you have a calling card you can call one of the toll-free numbers below to be connected directly to an English speaking operator in the U.S. or Canada. There will be a small surcharge for the service, but the per minute rate will be lower.

AT&T 95(800) 462 4240 / BELL CANADA 95(800) 010 1940 / MCI 95(800) 674 4000