Since May 1, 2015, there’s been a lot of media interest and misinformation regarding Puerto Vallarta, violence, safety and if it’s safe to travel to Puerto Vallarta.
On May 1st, a coordinated group of criminals burned vehicles and stores/banks around town and in other places around the state of Jalisco, mostly in the periphery of the tourist areas, as protest and warning to officials that are cracking down on their mafia activities.
The state and local police responded quickly and the problems were quickly resolved in a matter of hours. Neither local civilians nor visiting tourists were harmed. There were no disturbances or restrictions affecting tourists in the area. Peace was restored and since then there have not been any further incidents.
All services and infrastructure related to tourism, including the cruise ship terminal area, Marina, airport, hotels, and resorts, tours and transportation services were all completely operational and unaffected.
Carnival representatives stated: “Given Mexican law enforcement’s comprehensive security plans currently in place in Puerto Vallarta, we will continue with our scheduled calls to the destination. However, in an abundance of caution, since earlier clashes between local groups and law enforcement occurred outside of Puerto Vallarta, we have temporarily suspended a small number of shore excursions that require travel outside the main city.”
Puerto Vallarta’s hotel occupation has been running at an average of 80% since October 2014. Occupancy was at 95% during the long holiday weekend between May 1–4, 2015.
A travel advisory cautioning tourists on the U.S. Embassy in Mexico website last week has been removed.
Apple Vacations, in daily contact with Amstar, its destination management company in Mexico, as well as with resort partners in Puerto Vallarta, have confirmed that the resort areas of Puerto Vallarta have not been affected.
“Our customers are enjoying their vacations without incident,” Apple Vacations wrote in an email to travel agents.
The North American Travel Journalist Association (NATJA) Annual Conference was held in Puerto Vallarta from May 4th to 9th and the city hosted over 140 American and Canadian travel writers, editors, bloggers, photographers, and videographers.
All delegates enjoyed lots of tours and activities all around Puerto Vallarta and surrounding locations south and north on their own, as well as in group outings, during their week-long visit and have been posting blogs, live tweets, photos and videos of their experience:
Anyway, the conclusion is that despite some scary hours starting the month of May, things are fine and well in town, authorities are working diligently to keep everything safe for locals and tourists and we are sure it will continue that way. Puerto Vallarta is known for the kind and helpful locals and they intend to keep it that way.
More on what to do in Puerto Vallarta.
Resources
- Travel Weekly PR1 PR2
- US Department of State Travel Warnings for Mexico: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html
- Various New Sites and PRs
- VisitPuertoVallarta.com
More information:
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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