Puerto Vallarta: Travel Tips and Insights pt. 1

Flying out of Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport can be a chaotic experience with no clear pattern to follow. So, let's skip ahead to when you arrive at Puerto Vallarta's airport. Getting through the airport here is relatively straightforward. First, you'll go through immigration, grab your bags, and then head to customs. The layout can be a bit confusing because baggage claim and customs are right next to each other literally a fork in the walkway. Just remember: baggage first, then customs.

Once we left the airport, we opted for an Uber because I wasn't in the mood to haggle with a taxi driver after a flight with a toddler. If you decide to take an Uber, there's an extra step involved. As you exit the airport, head to the left where it seems like there's nothing. Keep walking until you see a bridge on the side of the building. Cross the bridge, and that's where you can catch your Uber. For convenience, we waited at a taco joint by the stairs across the bridge, making the process super easy. Ubers aren't allowed to pick up directly at the airport, so this workaround is essential.

Exploring with the Hop On Hop Off Tour
Hop On Hop Off tours might seem too touristy for seasoned travelers, but they're actually a great, cost-effective way ($26 per person) to get a lay of the land and see some sights you might want to revisit later.

In Puerto Vallarta, the tour was quite enjoyable. There were only seven people on our bus, including the three of us. I didn't have to collapse my stroller, and I could leave Wren in it during the ride. Any parent will understand the relief of not having to hold a toddler in a moving vehicle. Wren even fell asleep multiple times, which was a bonus. We chose to sit on the bottom level to avoid carrying Wren up the stairs and to stay out of the sun.

One of the highlights was Mismaloya Beach, a place I hadn't heard of before. It's about a quarter-mile walk from the bus drop-off point to the beach, on flat, easy terrain. The beach is quaint and not crowded, with a few restaurants, convenience stores, massage spots, and a coffee shop. There’s also a snorkeling area and plenty of boats for tours.

I hope to return to Mismaloya Beach for a full day trip. However, the flexibility of the Hop On Hop Off tour schedule allows you to turn any stop into an extended visit, hopping back on the bus whenever you're ready.

Enjoy your travels!