Is Puerto Vallarta safe? / Is it safe to visit Puerto Vallarta?
These are our recommendations if you are planning to visit Puerto Vallarta soon
Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular tourist destinations for national and international tourists alike. Nonetheless, if you are planning to visit this wonderful destination soon, it is normal if you want to know if Puerto Vallarta is safe (especially if you are thinking about coming to spend a few days in this paradise). Keep reading to learn our recommendations to make your stay in our city as pleasant as possible.
Did you know that Puerto Vallarta received the Safe Travels Stamp, issued by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), because of its compliance with global health and sanitation standards in our city?
Are There COVID-19 Travel Warnings for Puerto Vallarta?
CDC Guidelines for Visiting Puerto Vallarta
There are no COVID-19 travel restrictions to visit Puerto Vallarta. In addition, thanks to the city’s compliance with hygiene and sanitation standards, Puerto Vallarta received the Safe Travels Stamp issued by the World Travel and Tourism Council. This award assures that the city has adopted strict measures and health-expert protocols, so you can have a Puerto Vallarta vacation that is free of COVID-19. Nevertheless, we offer the following recommendations in order to avoid a COVID-19 infection:
Proper Use of Facemasks
One of the main ways that COVID-19 is spread is through the droplets we expel when we talk, cough, or sneeze. Therefore, to prevent a COVID-19 infection, you should cover your nose and mouth with a facemask at all times.
Handwashing
Wash your hands properly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You can also use 70% alcohol-based gel solutions. Both of these practices can help you get rid of any viruses that may be on your hands.
Social distancing
Avoid contact with people who have symptoms like coughing and sneezing. Keep a distance of at least 3 feet between other people. Do not greet with a kiss, handshakes, and/or hugs. Avoid gatherings with more than 3 people.
Adequate ventilation
Make sure that all spaces can receive natural ventilation, especially enclosed spaces. All of the rooms in your house should receive daily ventilation. You should open your windows for at least 15 minutes after you enter a room.
Attention to High-Risk Groups
Individuals who are considered to be at high risk of infection are people over 60 years of age, pregnant women, people with arterial hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or any disease that weakens the immune system.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, visit your nearest Hospital CMQ.
Crime Rate and Safety in Puerto Vallarta
Even though any trip can produce a certain degree of concern and uncertainty, visiting a country as regionally diverse as Mexico can be overwhelming for anyone. In addition, many people have the idea that Mexico is a dangerous place to visit. However, Puerto Vallarta is a completely safe place for travelers and locals in general.
For example, when comparing Puerto Vallarta’s crime rates with other tourist cities in Mexico, we can see that Vallarta is a safe city to visit during any time of the year. Likewise, thanks to the city’s relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, Puerto Vallarta has become a friendly destination for the LGBTI+ community.
Although Mexico is a popular vacation destination for international tourists, it is better to avoid certain areas. Due to recent events, crime has skyrocketed in places like Cancun, which is now #6 on the list of Mexico’s most dangerous cities (based on homicides per 100,000 inhabitants). It also ranks as the 12th most dangerous city in the world. Fortunately, when compared to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta is much safer. Vallarta’s crime rate is much lower than that of Cancun, and therefore, walking during the day or during the night in this city is quite safe.
Puerto Vallarta is 20% safer than Cancun, when comparing its homicide rate per 100,000 inhabitants
Cabo San Lucas is one of the most well-known Mexican tourist cities in the world. Although it is generally a safe destination, we recommend that you are always aware of your surroundings. Comparing Puerto Vallarta’s safety to Cabo San Lucas safety, we can see that while Puerto Vallarta has a low crime rate, Cabo San Lucas has a moderate crime rate. Thus, walking in Puerto Vallarta during the day or night is pretty safe. In contrast, while walking during the day in Cabo San Lucas can be safe, walking in this city during the night is only moderately safe.
Driving to Puerto Vallarta. Is It Safe to Drive in Puerto Vallarta?
Driving in Puerto Vallarta is very safe, as long as you are aware of your surroundings and comply with all traffic regulations. These include wearing seat belts, respecting traffic lights and crosswalks, not using your cell phone while driving, and following traffic signals.
In addition, Puerto Vallarta has two main highways. The first one is the Puerto Vallarta-Compostela highway, which is 132 kilometers long. From Compostela, there is a route that goes to Tepic and another route that goes to Guadalajara. The second highway from Vallarta goes south; it is 270 kilometers long and it goes to Manzanillo.
Driving from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta
Traveling from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta is completely safe and fast. There are three highways that connect Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara:
“Ruta del Peregrino” Guadalajara-Ameca-Talpa/Mascota-Puerto Vallarta
In this case, the route is 333 kilometers long. The trip takes approximately four hours, from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta.
Driving from Puerto Vallarta to Mazatlán
According to the site https://roadtrippers.com/, the distance from Puerto Vallarta to Mazatlan is 448 kilometers. Fortunately, part of this road is a modern highway that is 284 kilometers long. Therefore, driving this route will take approximately 5 hours and 3 minutes, passing through Tepic, Mezcales, Lo de Marcos, Rincon de Guayabitos, Las Varas, Compostela, and Xalisco.
Frequently Asked Questions about Safety in Puerto Vallarta
Public transportation in Puerto Vallarta is safe, reliable and very accessible. Many visitors consider public transportation to be their favorite way to get around the city.
The Uber transportation platform is completely safe to use within Puerto Vallarta. However, it is recommended to take a regular taxi in places like the airport. In addition, we suggest that you verify the name of the driver and the car’s license plate number before you get in.
Renting a car in Puerto Vallarta is safe if you do it directly with a verified car rental agency. The following are well-known car rental companies that are available at Puerto Vallarta’s airport:
Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest tropical destinations in all of Mexico, which is why people from all over the world come to live in Puerto Vallarta. If you are planning to buy a property in this city, we recommend you to do it through real estate agencies that have a wide portfolio of clients and experience.
Indeed, renting an Airbnb in Vallarta is very safe. However, we recommend that you verify that your host’s profile has good reviews from past guests.
Hospital CMQ
Award-winning Hospitals in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. With three locations in Banderas Bay, Hospital CMQ provides comprehensive medical services in primary care, family medicine, intensive care, emergency medicine and surgical care.
