Planning your trip
Plane ticket
Guests are responsible for booking and purchasing their own tickets. You will be flying in and out of Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR).
Transportation from and to the airport
Guests are responsible for getting from the airport to the Casa on their own. Many taxis are available at the airport. Tell the driver you are headed to Casa Dulce Vida on Aldama Street in the downtown area. The cost of the taxi should be about 100 to 150 Pesos ($10-$15). The ride will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. On the last day guests will be responsible for the cost of transportation back to the airport, but we will arrange for taxis to collect you at the Casa.
Money
There is a currency exchange office (Cambio) at the airport and several in town. There are also a few ATM machines at the airport and in town, so it is not essential to arrive in Vallarta with Pesos (Mexican money). Please prepare for ATM machines being broken from time to time, though.
Passport
You will need a passport to enter Mexico.
What to bring
Swimsuit, goggles, sunscreen, brimmed hat, light clothing, a sweatshirt, and sunglasses. That's pretty much it! Do not carry fruits and veggies with you. You will not be allowed to bring them into the country.
Transportation in town
Many taxis are available in the town square a few blocks away. Transportation to the pool and to our day trip to Las Caletas will be provided by Swim Safaris.
Mexico time
One of the greatest things about coming to Mexico is switching to "Mexico time". You will find the people to be warm, generous, and helpful. Please relax, be prepared to go with the flow, and respect the culture, pace, and people of this great country. Your experience will be enhanced if you practice a little Spanish before hand. Even basic words will go a long way with locals. You can pick up some words by flipping through a phrase book or doing a little poking around online.
Health
If you require any essential medication, please let us know. Be sure to pack a two-week supply. It's a good idea to take your medicine with you in your carry-on bag, just in case your checked luggage doesn't make it. If you require medical attention at any time during your visit, please notify us immediately. Hospitals are nearby. Leslie is also certified in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard Safety. You will be in good hands.
Time zone
Puerto Vallarta is in America's Central Standard Time zone. So, for example, 12 noon in California will be 2 pm in Vallarta. 3 pm in New York will be 2 pm in Vallarta.
Outlets
The outlets and electrical voltage in Mexico are the same as the US. No converters or plug adaptors are necessary for American travelers.
Internet access and phones
There is an internet café two blocks from the Casa and several more a little farther down the street. These are generally open from 8 am until 11 pm or so, though it varies. Prices are about $1 per half hour. The Casa does not have phone service in the rooms. There is a general number for the front desk, which connects to an answering machine when the owners are not around. We are happy to give you this number for emergencies. Leslie will also have her US cell phone with her, and it operates in Mexico (better than it does in the US). You are also invited to use that number for emergencies. To make outgoing phone calls in Mexico it is convenient to buy phone cards and use any of the local pay phones.