Upcoming trip to Puerto Vallarta

[GoinAllTheWay]

Unfortunately the Caribbean trip we were planning got downgraded to a trip to Mexico. Still awesome but I do love me the Caribbean. Next time....

So first question. What does everyone take for money, American dollar or Pesos? I usually just take like 300ish Canadian worth of Pesos for tipping and small purchases, everything else on CC. But our dollar was worth quite a bit more last time we went.

2nd question. Anyone have good suggestions for fun activities? We are fully aware of Vallarta Adventures and what they offer. We've done the rhythm of the nights cruise as well as the outdoor adventure. We will likely do one of those again but looking for some suggestions from others. Might also try their pirate ship excursion as I heard the food was outstanding and hey, pirate ship..

We booked a dunebuggy trip of sorts last time through a different company and that was fun for the first part as we drove through the city but turned to crap shortly after. Everyone in our group had a breakdown, brakes were almost non-existant and the clutch was crap. Awful outfit and would like to avoid something like that again.

So what have you done that turned out to be a ton of fun?

[Huntingwhale]

If you're going to bring USD/CAD dollars, make absolutely 100% sure they are small denominations. I mean nothing bigger then a 5. Otherwise if you try to pay in larger bills, magically no one has change and if they give you pesos back, you will always get ripped off. I bring a thick wad of single USD's and couple 5s and that's it. I witnessed my friend get ripped off trying to get change for a $100 USD bill and it wasn't pretty.

[GoinAllTheWay]

/\/\

Yep, we figured that out too a while back. Not unique to Mexico by any means but incredibly annoying.

[CedarMeter]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

. I bring a thick wad of single USD's .

lol. My wife and I do the same thing.200 american dollars in ones.

[Ironhorse]

If you want to do diving or snorkelling, don't use Vallarta Adventures. I can recommend some much better outfits for those activities if that's your thing.

[Weitz]

I wouldn't get American. Get dinged on the conversion twice.

Just take Pesos.

[Dentoman]

If you are a Scotiabank customer they have ATM's in Puerto Vallarta. Check their website and see if there is one close to you and just do that. Worked for me last time.
I can only speak to Vallarta Adventures ... really had fun on their Yelapa and Majahuitas catamaran trip.

[mac_82]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

If you want to do diving or snorkelling, don't use Vallarta Adventures. I can recommend some much better outfits for those activities if that's your thing.

Please post your recommendations. I am heading to Bucerias soon and looking to book 1-2 dives, and a family snorkel. Thanks!

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by Dentoman

If you are a Scotiabank customer they have ATM's in Puerto Vallarta. Check their website and see if there is one close to you and just do that. Worked for me last time.

Negative....RBC. But now that you mention it, just remembered I actually did manage to withdrawal cash from an ATM down there when I tried it. Is the conversion decent doing it that way?

[calgarywinning]

Originally Posted by Dentoman

If you are a Scotiabank customer they have ATM's in Puerto Vallarta. Check their website and see if there is one close to you and just do that. Worked for me last time.
I can only speak to Vallarta Adventures ... really had fun on their Yelapa and Majahuitas catamaran trip.

Heads up, used this scotiabank down off the beach and my pin and debit card were compromised. I know this, because this was the one and only place I used my Debit machine in PV. Thought because of the scotiabank it would be safe.

[Weitz]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

Negative....RBC. But now that you mention it, just remembered I actually did manage to withdrawal cash from an ATM down there when I tried it. Is the conversion decent doing it that way?

I'm with RBC and take some Peso's with me when I go down.

If I run out and need more I just take it out of the ATM's there. The fees aren't that bad. You will also get a better conversion rate than your credit card will give you. At least I did.

[Dentoman]

Originally Posted by calgarywinning

Heads up, used this scotiabank down off the beach and my pin and debit card were compromised. I know this, because this was the one and only place I used my Debit machine in PV. Thought because of the scotiabank it would be safe.

I've never had a problem. Used them multiple times in Playa Del Carmen and in multiple locations in PV. Skimmers are an international problem.

[14]

Google Vallarta Eats. It is a small tour company based on food tours. I did the Taco tour during the day. One of the best tours I have taken in Mexico. Amazing food and very interactive and educational. I Highly recommend and it has great reviews on Trip Advisor.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Thanks 14, that sounds like a great idea.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

If you want to do diving or snorkelling, don't use Vallarta Adventures. I can recommend some much better outfits for those activities if that's your thing.

It's totally my thing but unfortunately, not up the S/O's alley. I did a Snuba dive last time I was in the Mayan and that was an amazing time. Got me thinking I'd like to take up Scuba diving.

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by mac_82

Please post your recommendations. I am heading to Bucerias soon and looking to book 1-2 dives, and a family snorkel. Thanks!

I highly recommend PV Seadive. Smaller boutique operator, personal attention with a no nonsense and very safe approach. Ran by British ex-pat.

Heard good things about PV Oceantours for snorkeling. Again, smaller boutique operator, they will tailor your day to what your family is looking for.

[Dan02]

Originally Posted by 14

Google Vallarta Eats. It is a small tour company based on food tours. I did the Taco tour during the day. One of the best tours I have taken in Mexico. Amazing food and very interactive and educational. I Highly recommend and it has great reviews on Trip Advisor.

I've done that Taco tour too, absolutely fantastic, skip breakfast.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Dan02

I've done that Taco tour too, absolutely fantastic, skip breakfast.

Can't tell if serious.... Taco tour eh?

[Galakanokis]

I did a few things with Vallarta Adventures and would do them again in a heartbeat. Staff, crew were amazing on everything we did. Yelapa was great and the crew pretty much took my two kids and were off. One fellow even packed my two year old daughter all the way up those stairs to the waterfall and back down to the beach.

I don't think I have enjoyed tequila and Fresca so much in my life.

[SeeGeeWhy]

Cafe de artistes