To make your stay at Anita's Hide Away your most pleasant holiday in Mexico, tour through Anita's Travel Info. Here you'll find information on passports, Puerto Vallarta flights, buses, car rentals, driving helps, currencies, telephone service, health concerns and much more. But first, the affordable rates for staying at Anita's Hide Away:

 US$550 per week (Winter Rate—September thru April)
 US$450 per week (Summer Rate—May thru August)

Ask Anita about MONTHLY RATES and SPECIALS!

Email Anita your questions or book a reservation today!

Today's Weather in Puerto Vallarta

Visitors find the semi-tropical climate agreeable year round. The average temperature during the winter is 75^o Fahrenheit (24C), and the summer average is 85^oF (29C). The rainy season lasts from the middle of June to the middle of September, with high humidity during these months—but the sun shines nearly every day, with spectacular sunsets throughout the year.

Learn about today's weather in Puerto Vallarta from these 4 excellent sources:

 CNN.com WEATHER
 VallartaOnline.com WEATHER
 AllAboutPuertoVallarta.com WEATHER
 Weather Underground: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The LAST link above also allows you to search for weather in any city, state, zip code or country—and in 56 different languages!

Whatever the weather, come prepared with plenty of sun and insect protection!
Don't look like a red, baked lobster. Try the natural Cactus Juice™ products. Cactus Juice™ not only moisturizes skin and protects from sunburns, it also creates a natural and effective physical barrier against biting insects. The lotion contains no pesticides or harmful chemicals and is formulated with health and comfort in mind. It's also water resistant, non-greasy and has a light citrus scent.

Documents Needed

Proof of citizenship is necessary to cross the border into Mexico.

• USA citizens: Passport and visa is not required of U.S. citizens for tourist/transit stay up to 90 days. Tourist card is required, which is valid 3 months for single entry up to 180 days. A Tourist card requires proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID and proof of sufficient funds. Tourist cards may be obtained in advance from the Consulate, Tourism Office, and most airlines serving Mexico upon arrival. Alternately, you may use your passport for re-entry into the USA. Make sure your passport is valid before leaving.
• Canadian citizens: Require a Mexican Tourist Card proof of citizenship, such as a valid passport or birth certificate. A notarized letter signed by a non-accompanying parent is required for children under 18 years of age.
• If in doubt of your needs, contact the Mexican Consulate to be sure of all necessary papers. This link provides thorough documentation about Tourist Visa Requirements to enter Mexico from any nation.

For more details and information on types of travel, contact:

• Embassy of Mexico's Consular Section, 2827 16th Street N.W., Washington, DC 20009-4260 (202/736-1000)
• Consulate General; Arizona: (602/242-7398)
• Consulate General; California: (213/351-6800); (415/392-5554); (619/231-8414)
• Consulate General; Colorado: (303/331-1110)
• Consulate General; Florida: (305/716-4977)
• Consulate General; Georgia: (404/266-1913)
• Consulate General; Illinois: (312/855-1380)
• Consulate General; Louisiana: (504/522-3596)
• Consulate General; New York: (212/689-0460)
• Consulate General; Texas: (210/227-1085); (214/252-9250); (713/271-6800); (512/478-9031); (915/533-4082)

The Mexico Tourism Office can help with most any travel question. The office is located near the main square in the Presidencia Municipal building, right by the main Cathedral. Phone: 222-0242 or 222-0243.

If you're calling from the USA use: 011-52-322-222-0242. The tourist office is a great source of information and the staff are very helpful. Also, you can call the Mexico Tourist Office toll free from the USA at 800-446-3942. They've recently installed a couple of electronic info machines just outside the main Puerto Vallarta office located by the Cathedral.

Consulates

American Consular Agency, located at the Vallarta Plaza Building, Zaragoza 160, 2nd Floor
 Phone: 222-0069
 Fax: 223-0074

Canadian Consulate, located at the Vallarta Plaza Building, Zaragoza 160 1st Floor
 Phone: 222-5398
 Fax: 222-3517

British Consulate, located in the city of Guadalajara
 Phone: 33-647-2826
 Phone: 33-636-6118
 Phone: 33-761-6021

Holland Consulate, located in the city of Guadalajara
 Phone 33-673-2211

German Consulate, located in the city of Guadalajara
 Phone 33-613-9623

Embassies

American Embassy, Paseo de la Reforma 305 Col. Cuahtemoc, Mexico City
 Phone: 55-724-7900

Canadian Embassy, Schiller 529, Col. Polanco, Mexico City
 Phone: 55-254-3288

British Embassy, Rio Lerma 71, Co. Cuahtemoc, Mexico City
 Phone: 55-207-2449

Puerto Vallarta Services Phone Numbers

City Hall 223-2500
City Tourism 223-2500 x173 or x182
State Tourism 221-2676
Airport 221-1325
Immigration 224-7653
Tourist Police 060
Fire Department 224-7701
Consumer Protection (PROFECO) 225-0000 or 225-0018
Telegraph Office 222-0212
National Telegraph (in town) 224-7970 or 222-0242
AA (Angela) 222-3906

Police: Should you have an emergency, phone 222-0123 or 223-2500 or 060 if in Puerto Vallarta. The Puerto Vallarta policemen/women in the distinctive white uniforms and the black caps or white pith helmets are special, bilingual Tourist Police. Call them if you need to—they are there for your assistance.

You should feel much safer in most parts of Puerto Vallarta than in the United States. There is very little crime here, and what does exist is petty compared to the US. Because Puerto Vallarta is such a popular tourist destination, great effort has been made by the local police and city officials to protect residents and visitors. The Tourist Police are friendly and very helpful.

However, use common sense so you don't invite trouble. Leave flashy jewelry at home. After dark, stay on the main streets, do not wander on the beaches. Never display large amounts of money.

Airport Arrival Info

Upon arrival, visitors are given a Tourist Card, which must be turned in upon departure at the airport. This is a very important document. Don't lose it! When you depart Mexico, a departure tax is charged and payable in US dollars or Mexican pesos. This is approximately US$25 and usually included in your airfare cost.

The Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (code PVR) is located four miles north of downtown (El Centro). The airport has recently been renamed "Puerto Vallarta International" and is one of the most modern airports in Mexico. The entire building is air conditioned, and its moderate size enables ease in locating friends or flights.

Once you pass customs by hitting the green/red stop light; if you hit the red get ready for an inspection, if you hit the green just keep on moving. Just outside this area you'll be flooded by an entourage of placards, agents, taxi solicitors and more agents. Unless you've made other arrangements bypass these and proceed to look for the small booths stating "Taxi" directly across to the opposite side of the building. Here the taxi fares are set, and you'll be assigned a taxi or van. The vans cost less, but make more stops.

You may also be interested in using Vallarta Transfers to reach your destination once you've arrived at the airport. Vallarta Transfers offers air conditioned vans to transport you to from/to airport/hotel. This is a safe and convenient way to lower your stress level at the airport. Easily make your reservation online with Vallarta Transfers and you'll be prepared for a no-hassle trip to Anita's Hide Away before you ever leave home! (Anita's Hide Away at Marbella Suites is in the "Hotel Zone—North" directly across from Hotel Fiesta Americana)

Most major car rental companies are available in the airport. They are expensive and get insurance!

Online Flight Times

If you're traveling from the USA or Canada, stay up-to-date on arrival and departure information for all commercial flights operating to/from/and within the US and Canada at FlightArrivals.com. This real-time service keeps you aware of delays and cancellations, and could save you some waiting time in airports.

Airline Phone Numbers

These phone numbers are for use within Puerto Vallarta. However, use the accompanying links to visit the airline's Web site, where you can even make your flight reservations online—now!

Puerto Vallarta International Airport (Gustavo Diaz International Airport) 221-1325 or 221-1298

AeroMexico 221-1055 or 224-2777 www.aeromexico.com
Air Canada (Connection flights with Mexicana Airlines) www.aircanada.ca
Alaska Airlines 221-1350 or 01-800-426-0333 www.alaskaair.com
America West 221-1333 www.americawest.com
American Airlines 221-1799 www.aa.com
Canadian Air 221-0736 or 01-800-900-2000 www.cdnair.ca
   (Canadian Air forwards to Air Canada with connecting flights with Mexicana Airlines)
Continental Airlines 221-1025 or 221-2213 www.continental.com
Delta Airlines 221-1032 www.delta.com
Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com
Mexicana Airlines 221-1040 or 224-8900 www.mexicana.com
Northwest www.nwa.com
Sun Country Airlines www.suncountry.com
United Airlines www.ual.com

 Sun Trips  fares for flights and cruises.

 CheapTickets.com  fares for flights and cruises.

Approximate Flight Duration Times to Puerto Vallarta

Chicago = 3.45 hours
Los Angeles = 2.15 hours
San Diego = 1.45 hours
Los Cabos = 1 hour
Guadalajara = 45 minutes
Mexico City = 1 hour
Mazatlan = 45 minutes

Cruise Ships

Selecting one cruise from all the cruise lines and packages available today is no small task. Cruise411.com can save you some legwork with its searchable database, hot deals, ship plans, cabin photos, reviews, and more. Want to cruise to Puerto Vallarta? Find one you like today, and book it directly from cruise411.com!

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful and easily accessed. ALWAYS ask the driver "How much?" (Cuanto?) BEFORE you get in the taxi. Generally, if you are near town central and wish to go approximately one or two miles expect to pay about 25 pesos. This can vary much. Tips are not necessary, but are appreciated.

Most of the taxi drivers are honest, hard working people, yet a few will try to take you to where they are getting a commission, rather than where you want to go. Insist that they take you where you requested, and if you have a problem report them to the Tourist Office at the Municipal offices downtown. Taxi fares are set by the local union, and all taxis are zone based. If you feel you are being overcharged ask to see the cab's rate card, they all have one.

Car Rentals

All major car rental companies are available in Puerto Vallarta, especially at the airport. Rental cars are expensive, and get insurance! Use the 800 numbers from your home location to book reservations.

Dollar Rent A Car: At the airport and 10 locations around town. Phone 223-1354, 222-6101, 222-4256.

GAS: Pemex is the only gas dealer in all of Mexico. We suggest instead of telling the gas attendant to "fill it up" you ask for a round number, like 100 pesos. It is not necessary to tip the attendant, but it is very welcomed.

"Green Angels" travel the many roads of Mexico. These professional, bilingual personnel are there to assist you, whether it be a flat tire or directions or motor problems. They are easily visible because of the Green service truck they drive, therefore they are given the name "green angels."

Driving Distances

Driving Along the Northern Coast: Going north along Highway 200 past the airport, you leave the State of Jalisco entering the State of Nayarit and the city of Nuevo Vallarta—a new resort development popular with Europeans. Traveling the coast, you can see many small typical Mexican towns like Bucerias, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Anclote Beach and Punta Mita. These towns have beautiful beaches with excellent surfing. Also available here is kayaking, wind surfing, jet skiing and swimming with the dolphins.

Driving to Guadalajara: 212 miles (352Km) An approximate 4.5 hour drive with the slowest part being the road leading into and out of Puerto Vallarta as it is very windy and slow. Toll road (Cuota) is an excellent road and will cost approximately US$30 total. It is best to NOT drive a night. Always lock your car, and do not leave any valuables visible.

Driving Along the Southern Coast to Barra de Navidad: Just south of Puerto Vallarta is the natural rock formations of Los Arcos National Underwater Park, a favored spot for diving and snorkeling. Next, you'll find Mismaloya, where Night of the Iguana was filmed. It is 178 miles (297Km) to Barra de Navidad along Highway 200. Along this winding, scenic route you will discover homes and resorts tucked into the hills, restaurants and beautiful, white sand beaches.

Main Roads Out of Puerto Vallarta

 Federal #15, Northwest, will lead you to Sonora, Sinaloa, and Nayarit
 Federal #15, Central, will lead you to Michoacan and Mexico City
 Federal #200, Pacific, leads to Sinaloa, Nayarit, Colima, Michoacan, Guerrero and Chiapas

Buses

Buses are an inexpensive way to get around town. Keep in mind that they can get very crowded, and the ride can be uncomfortable.

 Buses marked "Centro" go the downtown area to Olas Altas
 Buses marked "Tunnel" take the bypass to Olas Altas
 Olas Altas is south of town in the Los Muertos Beach area—Zona Ramantica
 Buses going south to Mismaloya depart from Calle Constitucion and Basilio de Badillo
 Buses to the airport are marked "Ixtapa," "Juntas," or "Las Palmas"
 Buses to the Marina, Pitillal, Mismaloya/Tomatlan, Nuevo Vallarta and Punta de Mita are marked accordingly
 Bus signs are blue with the picture of a bus. The word "parada" means bus-stop
 The current bus fare is 3 pesos anywhere in town

Bus Services Phone Numbers

Estrella Blanca 222-0613
Del Pacifico 222-5622
Primera Plus 223-1117
ETN 223-2999
Chuatan 222-3436
Norte de Sonora 222-1650

FINANCIAL INFO

Currency

Mexican currency is the peso, although US dollars are widely accepted in businesses throughout town. Major credit cards are also accepted in most establishments (except Discover). It's best to ask before ordering or purchasing, not every business accepts credit cards, just like at home.

Visitors to Puerto Vallarta also have access to ATMs. Bancomer ATMs are in the Cirrus and PLUS systems, and offer Spanish/English menus. Some machines will dispense pesos or dollars.

IMPORTANT: If you usually don't travel abroad, phone your financial institutions before leaving for your trip. Let them know which ATM/credit cards you plan to use—and your length of stay in Mexico. Otherwise, you may find your ATM and credit cards blocked after you start using them abroad. (Your bank may suspect fraudulant use and freeze your card.) Don't get stuck in a financial bind! Inform your banks of your trip before leaving!

Money is often exchanged at casas de cambio (exchange houses) which are open longer hours and offer quicker service. Although dollars are widely accepted, we recommend you use pesos during your stay. We also recommend exchanging $20-$30 into pesos before you leave your home country. This way you will arrive in Mexico with pesos for cab fare. Also carry $20-$30 in one-dollar bills-they are great for tipping.

The exchange booth at the airport for BITAL is usually an excellent place to exchange funds. Check exchange rates, as they vary. Expect a slightly lower rate for travelers checks. Exchange fees are generally not charged.

Online Exchange Rates

Want to know the exchange rate for your home currency in Mexican pesos? We have 2 currency exchange links for you:

Free Currency Services by XE.com Available in English, Español, Français, and Svenska.

The second link by OANDA.com is available in 7 languages for your convenience:
English, Deutsch, Français, Italiano, Português, Español, and Svenska.

Bank Phone Numbers

Lloyd lloyd@lloyd.com.mx
BanaMex 222-1998 or 222-0693
Banca Confia 222-4464
Banca Cremi 222-3036 or 224-5454
Banca Promex 222-1219
Banca Bital 222-0027 or 222-0287
Banca Serfin 222-1912 or 222-0737
Bancomer 222-5050 or 222-0878
Banpais 222-3724
Inverlat 222-2445 or 222-3541

IMPORTANT: If you usually don't travel abroad, phone your financial institutions before leaving for your trip. Let them know which ATM/credit cards you plan to use—and your length of stay in Mexico. Otherwise, you may find your ATM and credit cards blocked after you start using them abroad. (Your bank may suspect fraudulant use and freeze your card.) Don't get stuck in a financial bind! Inform your banks of your trip before leaving!

Credit Card Phone Numbers

American Express 223-2955 or 223-2929
Carnet (VISA-MC) 222-3203 or 222-0642
Diners Club 222-4799

IMPORTANT: If you usually don't travel abroad, phone your financial institutions before leaving for your trip. Let them know which ATM/credit cards you plan to use—and your length of stay in Mexico. Otherwise, you may find your ATM and credit cards blocked after you start using them abroad. (Your bank may suspect fraudulant use and freeze your card.) Don't get stuck in a financial bind! Inform your banks of your trip before leaving!

UTILITIES

Electricity

Mexico operates on the same 110 volt 60 current as the United States. No adapters are needed in Anita's Hide Away.

Local Time

Puerto Vallarta is on Central Time, the same time as Texas. That's two hours ahead of Los Angeles, and one hour behind New York. To reduce any time confusion you may have on time adjustments about where you are traveling from, try World Time Zones—an accurate world clock for local times world-wide, including adjustments for daylight savings time.

Telephone Use

Effective November 17, 2001, Mexico introduced a new dialing plan. The city codes have been replaced with 3-digit area codes. (Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey phone numbers will consist of a 2-digit area code plus an 8-digit local number.) Additional information here.

The Mexican long-distance phone service, Ladatel, has phones on downtown streets that allow you to make calls on your credit card. You can also access American long-distance carriers (ask the operator to connect you to the AT&T operator in the US), which enables you to bypass the Mexican phone system and call collect or charge the call to your phone card. These options are better, because of the sixty percent tax Ladatel places on all international calls.

To phone Puerto Vallarta from the US, call 011-52-322 followed by the local number. Long distance calls from Mexico are generally expensive (also TO Mexico). To phone to the USA from Mexico, call 001 + area code + number. If calling within Puerto Vallarta, many places have not yet posted the new system whereby the prefix 22 must precede any local five-digit number (2-0123 becomes 222-0123).

There is local cellular service, but very few cellular services will allow you to roam in Mexico. Most cell phones will work, but they must be reprogrammed by the local service provider. If you bring your own, contact Gabriela Bernal at USACELL at 222-6633, she speaks English. USACELL will reprogram your phone at no charge when your buy their cellular service. You must have your phone reprogrammed again before returning to the U.S. If you really need cellular service in Puerto Vallarta it might just be easier to rent a phone, which Gabriela can arrange.

Internet Access

There are several Internet Cafes around town where you can get online.

HEALTH INFO

Water

The water in Puerto Vallarta is some of the best in all of Mexico, and restaurants serve only purified water (required by law). However, it is not a good idea to drink tap water in Mexico. Uncooked/unwashed foods—beware! Bottled water is readily available and inexpensive. Use caution regarding ice in drinks, and produce washed in tap water, unless they are offered in major restaurants. In general, stay away from the street food booths.

Most of the hotels in Puerto Vallarta have their own water purification systems, as do many restaurants. Those who don't generally use bottled water, and the commercially produced ice for your drinks is made from purified water.

The water in Anita's Hide Away is safe to drink!

Swimming

Ocean swimming is fine in bays along the coast, but some areas could have a strong undertow. There are few lifeguards here. During the summer there can be large swells, even in this protected bay. Swim with a friend, always! Tell other people where you are going to swim and your expected return time.

Use caution, especially if you see no one else swimming in the area. Some areas are marked by flags that advise the swimming conditions: green = fine to swim, red = indicates caution.

Medical Services

HOSPITAL MEDASIST has complete medical assistance with English speaking doctors. They have a full range of specialized medical services, and most medical insurance programs are accepted. Medasist is opposite the gas station, south end of town. 24 hour Emergency Service - Phone 223-0444.

There are a number of hospitals you can go to in case of a medical emergency:

Ameri-Med Hospital 221-0023 or 221-0024
C.M.Q. 223-1919 (Located south of the river Cuale at 305 Basilio Badillo
IMSS Hospital 224-0824
LS Ambulance 223-0090 or 223-0092 or 225-0386
Medasist Hospital 223-0444 or 223-0656 (Located on Manuel M. Dieguez 2360)
Mexican Red Cross Ambulance Service 222-1533
Regional Hospital 224-4000
Servicio de la Bahia 222-2627 or 222-5152 (Located at Km 1 on the airport boulevard across from the Sheraton.)
San Javier Hospital 226-1010 (Located down the road from Sams)

Pharmacies

C.M.Q. 222-2941
Guadalajara 222-0101
LUX 222-1909
Vallarta 222-0004
California 225-0635

Drugs

Drug offenses are considered very serious. In Mexico you are guilty until proven innocent. Don't use them, or even ask for them. Just say NO and have a better life!

The warmth and hospitality of Mexico welcomes you. Come and enjoy!

Book a reservation today!

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