jetcat

It's looking like there is no significant travel time or cost difference between travelling to Cancun versus staying on the Pacific Coast and going to Puerto Vallarta. When doing a quick search, the flight times appear to be within 7 hours either way. Is this right?

I'm wanting to plan a quick inexpensive trip to Mexico since I have limited time off. I had done a great 3 day trip to Mexico City but am now wanting to have some time at a beach and fit in some other pyramids possibly. I'm not sure what's realistic with such limited time.
I may only have 5 days total and it looks like 2 of those days will be flight days.

Let me know any helpful opinions.

suze

Nope, not that long. When I can get a nonstop from SeaTac to PVR, it's just under a 5 hour flight time on Alaska Air. So from SFO should be more like 3-4 hrs. max.

I can outline a fabulous 5 day budget trip for you in Puerto Vallarta (but there are no pyramids in that area).

I typically land PV by about 2pm and don't leave until 4pm so your travel days are not completely wasted.

jetcat

Yes Suze, please do.

suze

Can you give me an idea of the price range of hotel you are looking for? Amenities you would like where you stay?

Within town, there is everything from simple Mexican hotel near but not on the beach ($50/night), to basic 3-star beachfront hotels $100/night, boutique hotels on the hills with spectacular views ($250/night).

Then there's the more high-end hotels and all-inclusive places in The Hotel Zone, as well as out in Nuevo Vallarta, the newer zone to the north of the city by about 1/2 hour where the mega-resorts are located.

OK that's lodging. And that's easy. Let me know your preferences and general idea of budget and I'll post a list for you.

suze

For activities you will find plenty to do just strolling around on your own. The Malecon (seawall promenade), music and dance performances around town, bars/cafes/restaurants, art galleries, book stores, arts & crafts shops, clothing boutiques, beach bars, mariachi bands, etc.

There are formal tours and activities of all types, sculpture tour, home tour, jungle tour, walking tours, boat cruises, pirate ship, snorkeling expeditions, day trips to other nearby towns.

For that kind of thing check out www.vallarta-adventures.com or www.superiortoursvallarta.com.

For excellent maps and other ideas look at www.vallarta-info.com

JoanneH

If you have never been do go its quite easy to get around P. V. and as suze said so much to do so little time to do it in

jetcat

Beachfront definitely. I'd want to reach that threshold where accommodations are still very nice but no more than that.
Let me know where you think that puts it.

suze

Also please say what month you plan to go, because that will make a difference in hotel prices (low or high season) and availability of nonstop flights (more available in high season).

suze

Jetcat, hmmm... "Very nice" is a little tricky, I'm not sure what that means really.

I guess I'll just post a few places and you can take a look at the links for yourself to see some of the options. If I stick to "beachfront definitely" that narrows it down a LOT.

suze

Zona Romantica, also known as Old Town or Southside:
http://villasinvallarta.com/room-list/qmc/
http://www.tropicanavallarta.com/
http://www.playalosarcos.com/us/the-hotel

Centro, downtown
http://www.hotelrosita.com/
http://www.premiereonline.com.mx/
http://www.hotelbuenaventura.com.mx/

Hotel Zone:
http://www.sheratonvallarta.com/
http://www.hotelsunsetplaza.com/en/
http://www.secretsresorts.com/vallar...uerto-vallarta
http://www.nowresorts.com/amber

The Marina:
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...esort-and-spa/

suze

Sample flight:

Sunday May 24th 10:40am SFO/PVR nonstop
Thursday May 28th 5:20pm PVR/SFO nonstop
$447.82usd

suze

oops, on Alaska Air

Stewbear

Southwest will begin flights SFO To PVR on August 19 for around $350 round trip.

Stewbear

PS w/ 2 free bags

suze

That's a great price Stewbear! Do you know if it's nonstop flights?

Sassafrass

Bookmarking

Stewbear

It is "direct" with a stop at the Orange County Airport but you stay on the same plane.
PS $173 one way with all taxes/fees.