Puerto Vallarta for Expats
Puerto Vallarta is an ideal destination for expats looking to explore Mexico in style. With its stunning beaches, colonial charm, and vibrant culture, Puerto Vallarta is a great place for expats and digital nomads to call home. Whether you’re hoping to retire or simply take a year off to live life on the Mexican Riviera, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city.
The city of Puerto Vallarta offers many exciting activities and attractions for visitors and expats alike. From the stunning beaches and lush jungles to bustling downtown markets and chic restaurants, there is never a dull moment in this vibrant Mexican paradise.
For those that want to relax on the beach, Puerto Vallarta’s golden sand and crystal-clear waters offer several stunning sunbathing spots. Playa Los Muertos is especially popular among locals and tourists alike, allowing visitors to soak up some rays while taking in the spectacular views of Banderas Bay. The nearby Playa Mismaloya is well known for its dramatic rock formations that contrast against the turquoise waters.
Venture away from the beach and you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained in Puerto Vallarta. The charming old town offers plenty of shops, restaurants, galleries and even a museum where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the area. Take a stroll through El Centro Historico or check out art galleries such as Galeria de Arte Mexicano or Galeria San Carlos. Don’t forget to visit iconic landmarks like Los Arcos or Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe Church).
The nightlife scene in Puerto Vallarta offers something for everyone; from lively bars with music ranging from salsa to reggae, to dance clubs for those looking for an adrenaline rush. If you’re more interested in live entertainment, then head down to El Malecon where you can enjoy street performers every evening from 6pm onwards during high season.
For those looking for some outdoor adventure, Puerto Vallarta has plenty to offer with its lush jungles full of unique species like tarantulas and monkeys, as well as its beautiful mountain ranges which are great spots for hiking, biking or horseback riding tours. Other activities include scuba diving trips around Marietas Islands, whale watching excursions off the coast of Banderas Bay between December and March each year and parasailing adventures over breathtaking landscapes.
One of the best neighborhoods for expats to live in Puerto Vallarta is La Zona Romantica. This vibrant area is full of art galleries, delicious restaurants, and lively nightlife. It’s also home to the iconic Los Muertos Pier and Pacifico beach, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing in the warm Mexican sun. Plus, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Puerto Vallarta – so you’ll always find plenty of other expats around town!
Mismaloya is another great neighborhood for expats living in Puerto Vallarta. This beautiful spot offers stunning views of the Bay of Banderas and plays host to some incredible wildlife like whales and dolphins. You can also take tours through mangroves or zip-line through ancient forests nearby if you’re feeling adventurous!
If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer tourists around, consider staying in Marina Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta instead. These areas offer modern amenities and luxury residences along with access to upscale shops and delicious local cuisine. Golf lovers will also appreciate being near some of the best courses in Mexico — including one designed by Jack Nicklaus himself!
Cost of living in Puerto Vallarta can vary based on lifestyle, but it is generally lower than many other international cities. Rent prices for a one bedroom apartment in the city center typically range from $350-$650 USD per month, with monthly utilities averaging around $50 USD. Groceries and food are also fairly affordable compared to other parts of the world, with basic items costing about 40% less than the United States.
For those looking to save money while exploring Puerto Vallarta, there are plenty of free activities and attractions to enjoy. The Malecon Boardwalk is a great spot for an evening stroll and provides breathtaking views of the Bay of Banderas. Thanks to its tropical climate, visitors can also take advantage of year-round outdoor activities like volleyball or beach yoga at no cost!
If you’re in the mood to splurge, Puerto Vallarta has no shortage of high-end shops and restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets. The city hosts several upscale resorts such as Grand Velas Resort and Casa Velas Hotel & Spa if you’re looking for luxury accommodations during your stay. Other 5-star experiences include private sailing charters, deep sea fishing trips, gourmet dinners along the bay, live music venues and more.
Public transportation is also quite affordable in Puerto Vallarta, ranging from $0.25 -$1 USD per ride depending on distance traveled. For those who prefer not to drive themselves around town, there are numerous taxi companies available 24/7 throughout the city that offer competitive rates for longer rides – just make sure you negotiate your fare before getting into any cab!
No matter how much or little you plan to spend during your trip to Puerto Vallarta, this Mexican paradise offers something for everyone! With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and endless opportunities for exploration – it truly is a destination like no other!
Puerto Vallarta has something for everyone – whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure!
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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