Is Puerto Vallarta Safe?
Puerto Vallarta is located on the West side of Mexico and is lined by the Sierra Madre Mountains & a lush jungle coastline. Puerto Vallarta is known for its warm tropical weather, inexpensive cost of living and traditional Mexican culture. During whale season (November to March), you are guaranteed to see whales every day in the Bay of Banderas, and sting rays and dolphins year around.
So, is Puerto Vallarta safe for solo female travelers?
The answer is - YES!
As a solo traveler myself I have lived in Puerto Vallarta for almost 4 years now and have never run into any situations that I felt were dangerous or unsafe.
Is there a lot of theft or violence in Puerto Vallarta?
There is not a lot of theft, danger or violence in the tourist areas of Puerto Vallarta and any of the surrounding cities, but like with any place you choose to travel to it is smart not to wear a lot of flashy jewelry and keep a small amount of cash on your body.
The key here is: don’t come to a third world country and flash your first world luxuries and you should be just fine.
Puerto Vallarta is very safe and violent crime does not exist in here.
What is public transportation like in Puerto Vallarta?
Taxi’s, Uber, the bus and now INDriver are all available to you in PV and are all equally safe. Taxi’s are the most expensive option while the bus is still only $10 pesos (.50$ USD). Uber and INDriver are reasonably competitive.
The bus is currently the most used form of public transportation in Puerto Vallarta and personally my favorite! Can you drink a beer or a margarita on the bus in YOUR home country? Didn’t think so!
Is the ocean safe in Puerto Vallarta?
Tides, currents and jelly fish are all things to watch out for anytime you’re in the ocean, but there is no reason to be overly concerned.
In the Bay of Banderas, waters are calmer here than most other parts of Mexico because it’s crescent shape protects the beaches from currents out in the open ocean.
Sharks are not a concern in Puerto Vallarta which is one of the main reasons the humpback whales choose to breed here as well as bring their young calf’s to the warm tropical waters.
There are life guards on the beach at some beaches, but its good to pay attention to the flags on the beach:
Green Flag: Water conditions are safe for swimming.
Yellow Flag: Use caution while swimming.
Red Flag: Dangerous conditions.
Black Flag: The highest warning level. Do not swim.
Is it safe to eat the food in Puerto Vallarta?
Street food stands are located everywhere in Puerto Vallarta and are safe to eat at. Some of the best food in Mexico comes out of a little mom and pop street food stand because it is delicious and cheap.
Is it safe to drink the water in Puerto Vallarta?
That depends on where you are in the city and where you are staying. A lot of the major hotels have a filtration system and will inform their guests that the water is potable - ok for consumption.
Locals and visitors do not drink tap water in Puerto Vallarta, so we purchase a garrafon (5 gallon filtered water jug) 2-3 times per week from any OXXO or grocery store for around $35 pesos.
Is there crime in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is safe, but that doesn’t mean you should always be letting your guard down. Crime still exists, but crime levels are low, especially compared with the rest of Mexico and significantly lower than the crime rates of major cities in the U.S. like Miami and Las Vegas.
Is there Cartel activity in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta has largely remained uninvolved in Cartel conflicts. Violent crime is rare, and in the few instances of violence that have occurred, the victims were expected to be involved with the cartel in some way.
Crimes that do occur are usually petty in nature, and mostly crimes of opportunity such as bag snatching, pick-pocketing or theft. But even these aren’t very common.
Mexico has this reputation…
Mexico has a reputation - mostly with Canadian and American travelers - that it is not a safe destination to travel to for people like retirees and solo female travers, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
In 2018, AARP ranked Puerto Vallarta the #1 place to retire in based on safety and the cost of living against 100 other cities around the world.
10 Quick Solo Female Travel Tips for Puerto Vallarta
Don’t wear flashy jewelry.
Always be conscious opening your wallet in public.
Be aware of leaving your purse open and pick-pocketers.
Don’t carry too much cash. $200 USD per day is more than enough.
Avoid walking home at night if you don’t know the neighborhood.
Double check the license plate of your Uber/InDriver.
Never leave drinks unattended.
Take your belongings to the bathroom with you.
Smile and acknowledge the people you pass, most of the time they just want to say hello.
If you need help, ask for it. Almost everyone is here to help you enjoy your time in Puerto Vallarta.
watch the video below
By Jim Kellett, Travel Expert and Video Creator
Solo Female Travel Mexico - Is Puerto Vallarta Safe?
Travel Experts Interviewed in this video:
Dez is a Solo-Female Travel Expert, world travel blogger and Relocation Guide in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico at www.mydeztination.com
Olga Maria is a Travel and Lifestyle Expert and world travel blogger at www.DreamsinHeels.com and www.LatinasWhoTravel.com
Jim Kellett is a Travel Expert, Video Creator and six-time Emmy Award winner at www.youtube.com/livingoverseastv and www.LivingOverseas.TV
**Current COVID-19 Safety Protocol in Puerto Vallarta**
COVID-19 in PV
Living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico during COVID-19 plus current precautions and travel restrictions - Full Video.
Masks are required in all public places & social distancing is enforced. Public beaches are open & groups are limited to 10 or less, with mask use optional once you are on the beach & distanced from others.
Restaurants & bars have limited capacity, but isn’t much of a problem since tourism is so low right now since the beginning of the pandemic.
“Wearing a mask or not wearing a mask is not a political statement here as it is in the US, but from my observation, most seem to follow the protocol.” - Jim Kellett.
“As of January 26th, 2021, all passengers on international flights bound for the United States will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, PCR or rapid antigen, or written documentation of recovery following a COVID-19 infection. Canada only requires the PCR test.”
Testing requirements for both countries must be within 72 hours prior to departure.
COVID Testing locations and prices in Puerto Vallarta: https://visitpuertovallarta.com/covid-19
Puerto Vallarta Activities x My Deztination
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What is the weather like in Puerto Vallarta?
From December through April, the average daily high temperature is about 81 degrees, with a low at night hovering around 65 degrees, so not too hot during the day & no air conditioner needed!
During the rainy season (June through November), temperatures are higher at around 89 degrees, with full-day sun and lightening showers in the evenings.
Where is Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta follows the coast of the Pacific Ocean & shares the same latitude line as Hawaii, making it the best year around weather in the world. Most tourists visit the East coast of Mexico first because they assume that the Caribbean Sea will provide a better ambiance, but once those same people come to Vallarta they realize it’s the only place in Mexico where the tropical ocean is lined with the lush jungle of the Sierra Madre Mountain range.
