Puerto Vallarta-Travel as a Backpacker on a Budget in a Great City
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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has been on my to-do list, ever since I became a resident in Mexico (well, really before that). I have seen beautiful pictures, stunning landscapes, and incredible weather and have heard nothing but positive things from those who have visited and spent some time there.
In late November, or early December 2022, I boarded a flight from San Diego, California, and landed in the city once made famous by the movie, Night of the Iguana (1964), starring Elizabeth Taylor and co-starring Richard Burton.
Now I also remember watching the Price is Right, where they occasionally gave out trips and Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico were common trips.
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Landed In Puerto Vallarta
As I landed in Puerto Vallarta, I instantly thought the movie looked like the movie set of Night of the Iguana. It was the trees. Puerto Vallarta to me, has a distinct foliage, beyond standard palm trees. I welcomed in the fresh humid air as I sorted through customs and immigration in the Puerto Vallarta (PVR) international airport.
As I entered customs for the first time in re-entry as a resident, I was surprised with only two options, none of which I fit in exactly but it was sorted out. I elaborate on the customs situation in the 2022 Year in Review Recap.
After customs, I was faced with the option for a Taxi ride or I could research Uber rides to my hostel. I am always curious and like to price things out so I get a quote on a Taxi ride. I was quoted one price by taxi’s and then researched it simultaneously in my phone with an Uber ride. Uber was about half so I elected to go LEFT, walk over a bridge to the other side of the highway, and meet my Uber driver.
On the other side of the bridge, I met other local taxi drivers who continued to offer to take me to my destination and many even claimed they were Uber drivers, off the app. Warning! Don’t fall for it. Don’t book off the app with a driver who claims they work for Uber.
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Neighborhoods of Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta reportedly has a population of about 500,000+, and it has several distinct neighborhoods. Some of the popular neighborhoods are Gringo Gulch, El Centro, 5 de Diciembre, El Cerro, Zona Romantica (Old Town or Romantic Zone), and Marina Vallarta. There are even more neighbors being built as the city continues to experience new growth.
Hostel Review - Hostel Vallarta
Hostel Vallarta was in a good location, great location in fact. It was close the beach, one block from the malecon (boardwalk), close to many restaurants, and near public transportation. But, I wouldn’t stay again and here’s why.
Even though the hostel was in a good location, in El Centro, there are other factors to consider. I won’t go into all of it, but the three factors that were upsetting to me were: (1) the honesty of the staff (2) cleanliness, and (3) storage for my items.
Note: I book most of my hostels through an app called Hostelworld. They have been great to work with. When you book, you pay a deposit toward your room, and the remainder is paid directly to the hostel, typically in the currency of the country, aka, Mexican pesos.
That is all fine and dandy, however at check-in, I was asked to pay the whole amount not subtracting the deposit paid earlier. So they wanted more than the balance shown to me in the app. I didn’t catch it at check-in time, I figured this out later, it wasn’t much, but it was the concept of being gringo’d that annoyed me.
Second, as a backpacker, I needed more storage than a small locker. It was not large enough to store my backpack, nor anyone else’s, so we all left our backpack on our bed and “kind of” trusted one another. I had no problems with theft, but again, I felt uncomfortable and only stayed a couple of days and moved to another hostel in the area.
Lastly, the shower could use some improvements. I know I travel cheap and with that comes some adjustments. I am prepared for this and I know I am not traveling in luxury resorts. However, I didn’t feel comfortable taking a shower, so I didn’t. Puerto Vallarta is hot and humid, yes, even in November. Enough said. This is also why I only book a hostel for a couple days at first, and if I like it, I will extend my reservation.
Hostel #2 - Hostel Oasis
Hostel Oasis, was located a bit on the outskirts of Puerto Vallarta. I didn’t mind, this, and even in the description, it states that it’s located in a Mexican area of town, not a tourist area generally speaking.
I prefer this and looked forward to my stay.
As soon as my Uber driver dropped me off and I went up the stairs to the Hostel Oasis and checked in, I felt comfortable and at home. I booked the hostel for two days but ended up extending it for a couple more days.
The room, was almost empty except another lady, who we connected instantly.
They provided homemade delicious Mexican breakfast and coffee, with a banana. I felt like family.
The room was clean, the showers were immaculate and loved the bright colors throughout the hostel. They have a roof where you could bring your laptop, and hang out in some chairs and with other people. There were digital nomads and just a friendly group of people from all over. The owners live on-site, were personable and I would stay there again!
This is why I love to travel and stay in hostels. There are so many interesting people from all walks of life. Every conversation is interesting. Everyone has a story, some will share, and some will not. It’s great to connect with others who are in a similar phase of life.
Hostels are Inclusive
I used to think hostels are for those in their 20’s. Today, hostels are for everyone, old, young, etc. I have come to find the environment is very friendly, authentic, and people are tolerant and accepting of others, over and over again, no matter the city or location.
What To Do: Traveling Solo
Whenever I visit a new city, I like to have a tentative plan together. I will gather places that I’d like to see but willing to change plans and go with the flow should I decide I want to do something else.
I had a few things on my list that I wanted to do for my time in Puerto Vallarta.
When I travel throughout Mexico, and other cities, I have a couple of objectives I am exploring in the back of my mind. This is the true Mexico in my opinion.
Experience Life Like the Locals
On my list is to experience the city like the locals. I will visit the tourist areas to get a grasp and feel of the city and to take part in some fun activities, but I also venture down roads where the locals live and spend time.
Tour the Area and Take a Day Trip
The first hostel was located in El Centro, and it was convenient to many tourist attractions. One of my objectives was to find a tour that headed north to visit the towns of Sayulita and Bucerias. I found a tour, they were leaving the next day so I said!
The trip was highly recommended, they picked us up at a hotel and then drove through the area picking everyone else up. I was the first or second one to be picked up. We picked up about 20 other people and continued to head north.
The tour was in English and Spanish, and we accomplished so much in the day. The tour guide was a wealth of information.
Plan a Spa Day in Puerto Vallarta
After all the touring and walking in Puerto Vallarta, you may want to plan a rest day, but still gain experience and have fun at the same time.
While in Vallarta, I went to get a haircut in Zona Romantica, then a pedi at Ara on de Belleza, and went in for a scheduled appointment with a biological dentist. What’s a biological dentist you say?
Dental Tourism is on the Rise
If you have been told that you need a root canal or some other crazy expensive dental treatment, you may have heard of the term dental tourism. The concept is that people will travel to another country to complete the work they need at a fraction of the cost.
Many people from the USA have been traveling to border cities like Los Algodones, Cancun, Merida, or even Tijuana for dental treatment, but Puerto Vallarta was on my list not only due to dental tourism but because of the specialty in dentistry, called Biological Dentistry.
Biological dentists are rather rare and are typically hard to find, and a lot of people are unfamiliar with the concept and how they differ from a conventional dentist. So, I have been emailing the doctor there, Dentist Yoalli, for some time. When my travels allowed me to visit Puerto Vallarta, I was going to stop in and say hello and get some work done.
I have never been more impressed with her office! She was professional and bilingual. I had no pain (for a filling) and I would visit her again in the future. Highly recommended, 5 stars!
Dining in Puerto Vallarta
There is no shortage of exquisite cuisine in Puerto Vallarta. Not only that, but there is a wide range of restaurant choices in a variety of budgets. There are many healthy vegan and vegetarian options, steak and seafood and of course Mexican restaurants, but that’s not all.
Note: I have been dining out alone (or with a group if desired) for many years now, 7 I believe. It doesn’t faze me to dine out alone anymore.
If you find yourself dining out alone and feel funny about it, Puerto Vallarta is an inclusive city and nobody is judgy like they may be in other locations. You have the freedom to be you, which is why Puerto Vallarta is such an excellent city to visit and/or stay a bit longer.
With that in mind, we chose two restaurants which were both fabulous in that one had a great view of the ocean and the other was a vegetarian restaurant in a cozy area of town.
Have you visited Puerto Vallarta as a solo traveler? Are you planning to visit the city? Have you considered dental tourism? What are some questions you have? Drop a comment below and let us know your experience.
