For digital nomads, dwelling in Puerto Vallarta checks all of the packing containers. It’s house to a global airport, loads of coworking areas and cafes, furnished residences, a novel culinary scene, and excellent nightlife.
Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta, you must pinch your self consistently. The Sierra Madre mountains and the Bay of Banderas mix to create postcard-worthy surroundings that always leads to these “Is that this actual life?” moments. This is without doubt one of the top places for digital nomads.
Once I first hung out in PV a number of years in the past, it was principally a city for vacationers, snowbirds, and retirees. Again then, I usually obtained confused appears to be like once I advised individuals I used to be working on-line in Puerto Vallarta for half the yr.
Nowadays, the nomad neighborhood is prospering. I’ve seen the transformation through the years, and whereas rising pains include this progress, I’ve completely loved being a digital nomad dwelling in Puerto Vallarta.
Regardless of the place the street takes me, all indicators all the time level again to PV. It’s only a particular place, plain and easy, and I’m excited to inform you all about it.
About Puerto Vallarta
On the Pacific Coast of Mexico, within the state of Jalisco, you’ll discover Puerto Vallarta. Town is house to round 225,000 people, and that quantity doubles for those who rely the entire metro space.
With the ocean in entrance and the mountains behind, the central neighborhoods in PV prolong up into the hills. It may be fairly the exercise getting house for those who stay up there, (however it helps stroll off all the road tacos!).
Lengthy a favourite of cruise ship passengers and a well known LGBTQ+ destination, the town has additionally wooed digital nomads. This is without doubt one of the best places to visit in Mexico, and it appears everyone seems to be working remotely in Puerto Vallarta as of late, so why not? It’s a direct flight from many cities in the US and Canada and is a downright unimaginable place to stay.
Digital Nomad in Puerto Vallarta: Private Expertise
Since my spouse and I first visited PV in early 2017, the nomad scene has grown exponentially. Again then, I hardly ever met anybody my age who was there working and never simply on a fast trip. There have been no coworking areas in sight.
Quick ahead to 2023 and there are a number of choices for coworking. Loads of cafes and eating places are fairly used to nomads typing away for some time (so long as you purchase one thing, after all). Along with extra distant working places, increasingly areas are getting fiber optic web, which is right for many who choose to work at home.
An enormous Fb group may be very lively and has common meetups. Being a digital nomad in Puerto Vallarta is kind of the social expertise. No matter you’re into, chances are high you’ll discover associates right here who like the identical factor, whether or not climbing, stay music, or simply hanging on the seashore.
One factor I like about PV is that it gives many of the facilities of a giant metropolis with out many of the complications. You’ll be able to fly on to the US or Canada, store at Costco, and catch a brand new launch within the cinema. Certain, there’s some visitors and development noise, however it’s nothing in comparison with the likes of living in Mexico City.
Is Puerto Vallarta Secure?
This query comes up when speaking about dwelling in Puerto Vallarta. Usually talking, it is a very protected place to stay. In fact, you must have your wits about you and take sure precautions, identical to you’d do when in any international nation.
As my grandma all the time says, “Nothing good occurs after midnight.” Whereas I are likely to disagree and am an evening owl via and thru, the midnight is when the dangerous stuff tends to occur…
When you’re wandering the streets of the Romantic Zone drunk at 2 AM, you’re most certainly making your self a goal. Talking of ingesting, regulate yours on the bar, and don’t let strangers provide you with one.
The cartel is current in PV, however they gained’t hassle you for those who don’t hassle them. Reassuringly, there’s a considerable police existence right here, because it’s a vacationer city that brings in some huge cash.
For the aspiring Puerto Vallarta digital nomad, you’ll additionally need to watch out along with your electronics. By no means depart your costly laptop and cellphone unattended when out in a restaurant or coworking area that appears protected. Click here for extra details about security in Puerto Vallarta.
Finest Areas to Dwell in Puerto Vallarta
To maintain this a digital nomad information to Puerto Vallarta, I’m sticking with the neighborhoods which can be within the metropolis. Some nomads love the vibe of the smaller seashore cities up and down the coast, however these are the very best ‘hoods’ in PV:
1. Versalles
In the previous few years, the small native neighborhood of Versalles has blown up as a nomad and foodie scorching spot. It’s an unassuming place on the opposite aspect of the freeway from the seashore, however it packs a critical punch.
For these working remotely in Puerto Vallarta, Versalles has an awesome coworking area and several other cafes the place you possibly can arrange store for the day. Only a pleasant reminder to not make different digital nomads look dangerous – purchase one thing apart from only a espresso for those who plan to remain a couple of hours.
You’ve obtained easy accessibility to the seashore by dwelling right here. It’s solely a bus experience or a fast journey in a cab if you wish to head all the way down to the Romantic Zone or as much as the airport.
The very best half about Versalles, although, is the meals. There are such a lot of unimaginable locations to eat right here, and there’s all the time extra opening up. You’ll eat very nicely for those who name this neighborhood house.
2. 5 de Diciembre
I’ll admit I’m a bit biased right here, as I referred to as 5D house for a number of years, however that is the quintessential PV base. Right here, you’ll discover cobblestone streets, taco stands galore, a chilled-out seashore, and a few of the greatest bars on the town.
The native delight is powerful right here in Cinco, and also you’ll really feel such as you’re dwelling in Mexico and never some Disney model of it.
Discover a place on one of many hilly 5D streets and settle in for some time, and also you’ll fall in love with it identical to I did. It’s a spot I’ll all the time contemplate “house,” wherever I’ll roam.
3. El Centro
Heading south from Cinco, you’ll end up within the heart of all of it. If you wish to really feel the heart beat of the place whereas dwelling in Puerto Vallarta, it takes loads of work to prime El Centro.
This neighborhood has all of the crown jewels of PV – the Malecon, the cathedral, and the cross on the hill. There’s by no means a boring second right here within the central a part of city.
One of many greatest attracts for a nomad is Vallarta Cowork. That is the OG for PV coworking areas; it’s a splendid place to get the laptop computer out, be productive, and make some associates.
4. Romantic Zone
Someone as soon as advised me that digital nomads prefer to social gathering. I wouldn’t know, after all (winky face)… for all you night time owls on the market, the Romantic Zone is the place to be in PV.
When you can keep targeted and never get distracted by the unending social gathering round you, it is a excellent space to base your self in. You’ve obtained many cafes, gyms, and eating places to select from relating to being productive.
Dwelling in Zona additionally means being a stone’s throw away from Los Muertos Beach. Nothing is extra reaffirming why you reside the nomad life than dipping your toes within the sand whereas sipping a Pacifico and watching a mariachi band.
5. Conchas Chinas
For many who choose being adjoining to the social gathering, Conchas Chinas may very nicely be calling your identify. It’s simply up the hill (or over the rocks) from the Romantic Zone, so that you gained’t hear the thumping beats of the nightclubs for those who relaxation your head right here.
When you’re planning on spending loads of time south of city, it is a strong deal with. Issues just like the Boca to Las Animas hike or taking the boat to Yelapa are simple peasy from right here.
There’s not a lot of a “scene” in Conchas Chinas, so to talk, so it is a nice selection for the extra introverted digital nomad. And by that I imply it’s not the neighborhood for me, however perhaps it’s for you.
How you can Discover Lodging in Puerto Vallarta
Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta is nice, however discovering an abode generally is a little overwhelming. This can be a fairly necessary facet of the digital nomad life, so that can assist you out, I’ve listed a few of the best methods to seek out lodging.
I’m of the “totally different strokes for various of us” mentality, so let me provide you with a couple of choices that ought to work for many of you:
1. Fb Teams: There are a number of lively FB teams for leases in PV. It takes time to navigate all of the posts and speak to individuals, however it may possibly repay for those who discover the proper spot for a yr.
2. Hit the Pavement: There’s no alternative for strolling round and searching for “se renta” indicators. In fact, for this feature, you’ll want some persistence and an honest stage of Spanish. That is how you discover the native offers although, that’s for certain.
3. Airbnb/VRBO: Whereas these aren’t all the time an awesome choice for nomads, trip rental websites are nonetheless a strong choice for a check drive. Discover a place for a few weeks or a month when you pursue Airbnb and VRBO. On the flip aspect, generally you’ll find a very good deal for those who decide to longer intervals. Contemplate asking the host in the event that they’re open to longer-term stays.
4. Brokers: For a digital nomad dwelling in Puerto Vallarta, utilizing an agent can be a viable choice. There are loads of hardworking individuals in the true property enterprise right here and the referral payment often falls on the proprietor, not the renter. Plus, they communicate the native language.
For extra, try our detailed information on how to find quality long-term rentals in PV.
Value of Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta
By this level, I’m certain you’re questioning how a lot it prices to stay in paradise. Effectively, there’s good and dangerous information. Puerto Vallarta continues to be reasonably priced, however it’s gotten dearer lately (hasn’t in all places, although?).
The current rise of the peso in opposition to the greenback is nice for locals, however not so good for digital nomads. It hovered round $20 MXN to $1 USD for some time, however now it’s round $17. It is advisable to be a bit extra strategic as of late, however it’s nonetheless attainable to stay on a funds.
Lodging Prices
Right here’s the place you possibly can actually wreck your funds. Lodging in Puerto Vallarta has grown dearer, and the inflow of digital nomads definitely doesn’t assist.
You actually need to place in some work and signal not less than a 6-month deal if you wish to discover one thing first rate for 15,000 pesos ($850) a month or much less. If you need a pleasant place with a pool and an ocean view, you’ll do nicely to seek out it for lower than 25,000 pesos ($1,400).
Leases are sometimes furnished right here and most utilities are included within the lease. You’ll probably be on the hook for electrical energy if your home has A/C, which may rack up an enormous invoice within the scorching summer season months.
Eating places and Groceries
When you store in native markets and persist with native meals, PV continues to be reasonably priced. I can come house with a pleasant haul from the nook tienda for below 200 pesos ($11). This sometimes features a bunch of fruit and veggies, eggs, tortillas, yogurt, beans, and rice.
For greater outlets, I head to locations like Ley in 5D or as much as La Comer in Fluvial. The previous is extra of an area grocery store with an honest choice, whereas the latter is extra high-end and has numerous imported objects. I hardly ever spend greater than 1,000 pesos ($56) at Ley however it’s extra like 2,000 pesos ($110) if I do a giant store at La Comer.
Avenue meals is in all places in PV and it’s tremendous reasonably priced. You’ll be able to nonetheless get tacos and tostadas for 20 pesos a bit (round $1). There are additionally loads of native eating places which have a meal of the day for below 100 pesos ($5.70), which features a drink and dessert.
Going out to fancy eating places prices considerably extra, however nonetheless method lower than up north. I often swipe one in all my bank cards to get factors and the invoice is often round $50-$70 for 2 of us, with drinks.
Transportation Prices in Puerto Vallarta
Right here’s some excellent news to your funds! You’ll be able to take the bus anyplace on the town for simply 10 pesos ($0.60). The bus that goes all the way down to Mismaloya and Boca is an extra 10 pesos.
When you’re staying in 5D, Centro, or Zona, it’s fairly simple to simply stroll round. I choose strolling on the Malecon to go to city after which taking a bus or a taxi again house – you get some train in and absorb that superior PV vibe alongside the best way.
Native taxis are trustworthy for probably the most half. It’s all the time a good suggestion to ask how a lot the journey can be upfront, nevertheless, as some are unscrupulous. A experience on the town often prices $50-$60 pesos ($2.80 – $3.50).
Uber works right here however inDrive is the popular rideshare app. You set in a value and drivers can settle for your provide or counter. It’s a bit foolish however you get used to it.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
It’s simple to get an area SIM in Puerto Vallarta. You’ll be able to pop into an OXXO and handle it there. Telcel is the main firm, and you will get a card for round 200 pesos ($11.40) after which load it up. It additionally prices about 200 pesos a month for a fundamental plan, and you’ll all the time prime up for those who run out of knowledge.
You don’t want your passport to get a SIM, however you would possibly want a fundamental stage of Spanish. Another choice is an eSIM, which you’ll conveniently arrange previous to your arrival. Goats On The Highway readers obtain 5% off HolaFly eSIMs using this link.
Most cellphone corporations within the US embrace protection in Mexico, so chances are you’ll not even want an area SIM. Once I stayed in PV for some time, I merely paused my T-Cell service and used a Telcel SIM because it labored out method cheaper. See Extra: 7 Easy Ways to Stay Connected Abroad.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Puerto Vallarta
I’m fairly the frugal man (a nicer method of claiming I’m low-cost!) and I all the time attempt to watch my funds. Listed below are a few of my greatest money-saving ideas for all times in Puerto Vallarta:
- Discover a place in September or October: That is the tip of the off-season and you will get a greater deal. Wait till November and also you’re going to have a tough time discovering first rate costs.
- Stroll and take the bus: One is free and the opposite solely prices $10 pesos per journey.
- Eat like an area: Avenue tacos and menu-of-the-day joints are your folks – make use of them.
- Follow Mexican booze: It’s low-cost to drink Pacifico and tequila; not a lot for imported beers and spirits.
- Dwell on the hill and/or have a pool: Each of those will lower down in your have to run the A/C and can prevent cash.
Coworking Areas in Puerto Vallarta and WiFi Velocity
Working remotely from Puerto Vallarta is a breeze. There’s fiber optic web throughout city now, and a strong choice of locations you can work from.
Whether or not you’re on video calls, importing content material, coding, or educating on-line, the bandwidth has obtained your again. The one concern is the wet season, which ends up in some energy outages infrequently. Finest be ready with a backup energy and WiFi supply.
That being mentioned, listed here are a few of the best coworking spaces in Puerto Vallarta:
1. Vallarta Cowork
There wouldn’t be a digital nomad scene in PV with out Vallarta Cowork, plain and easy. This was the primary and it stays the very best coworking area on the town.
They’ve a wide range of choices right here, from a weekly scorching desk (1,160 pesos/$66) to a month-to-month devoted area (3,944 pesos/$225). It’s a snug area to work in and it’s proper by the Malecon and the ocean for if you want a fast break. Click here for instructions.
2. Joint
The brand new child on the town, Joint is again after they suffered some critical harm in a giant storm a couple of years in the past. It’s a coworking area and a resort proper within the coronary heart of the Romantic Zone and it has an awesome vibe.
I like how they provide a half-day move for simply 100 pesos ($5.70), as I don’t take pleasure in sitting anyplace for a full day. If you wish to take that route, it’s solely 200 pesos ($12). If you wish to make your visits a daily factor, a month-to-month move is 1,750 pesos ($99.50). Click here for instructions.
3. Natureza
For these dwelling in 5D or Versalles, Natureza is a strong choice. I’ve by no means used the coworking area however I’ve labored from the cafe downstairs and the restaurant down the road a number of instances. The WiFi is quick, the espresso is nice, and so they have some actually good meals.
Their web site is below development so I’m not capable of finding the present costs. Nevertheless, a fast search turned up $200 pesos for a day or $1,900 pesos for the month, which sounds about proper. It isn’t the most important area, so if you must be on calls you must look elsewhere. Click here for instructions.
Finest Cafes to Work From in PV
Not everyone seems to be lower out for the workplace surroundings, myself included. Fortunately, there are many glorious cafes in PV the place you possibly can arrange store. Listed below are a couple of of my prime picks:
- The Green Place: I’m biased towards this place because it’s proper down the road from my outdated condominium, however it actually is a good selection. It’s open-air so it doesn’t really feel all stuffy. They’ve wonderful vegan meals and actually good espresso right here too.
- Miscelanea: This spot was once in Centro however they moved as much as Versalles. The espresso choices listed here are incredible, together with Chemex. There’s a full menu as nicely if you must keep for some time and are in want of gasoline.
- Choco Museo: Situated proper on the Malecon, this place is a vacationer attraction the place you possibly can take chocolate-making workshops. You too can simply carry your laptop computer and sit upstairs, having fun with the wonderful view whereas working. Sizzling chocolate is the drink of selection however they’ve espresso as nicely.
Actions and Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta
Being a digital nomad in Puerto Vallarta is about greater than sitting in your laptop. The actual enjoyable right here begins if you energy down and get on the market to take pleasure in your self. Listed below are a couple of ideas for the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta:
1. Enjoyable on the Water
This can be a seashore city, so a giant perk for nomads is having the ability to take pleasure in some solar and sand. It’s nice having the ability to pop all the way down to la playa for sundown and a drink on weekdays, and there’s lots extra to do as soon as the weekend hits.
How does an all-inclusive yacht trip to Yelapa sound? Or maybe you’d choose snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding in a nationwide marine park. Or, if it’s the season, join a whale-watching trip. The world is your oyster – the truth is, you possibly can even take pleasure in some recent oysters on the seashore if you get again.
2. Day Journeys
PV is nice and all, however even if you stay in paradise you might have considered trying a change of surroundings infrequently. Fortunately, there are many choices for enjoyable day journeys at your fingertips right here.
Probably the most standard choices is cruising up the coast to go to the cities of Sayulita and San Pancho. You’ll be able to log on on the seashore, or simply chill and chill in these enjoyable bohemian cities.
When you’d choose to move to the mountains, a day trip to San Sebastian del Oeste is a enjoyable choice. You’ll get to benefit from the wonderful surroundings and go to a tequila distillery to study all in regards to the well-known spirit that comes from proper there, in Jalisco.
3. Hike to Las Animas
That is one in all my all-time favourite issues to do in PV. Begin by heading all the way down to Boca de Tomatlan. You will get there by way of the orange bus from the Romantic Zone for simply $10 pesos. Another choice is to join this highly-rated tour.
When you get there, you possibly can stroll over the bridge and hop on the path. It hugs the coast and goes up and down within the hills a bit, however isn’t too strenuous – a fundamental stage of health is sufficient.
Alongside the best way, you’ll stroll throughout hidden seashores the place you possibly can cease to relax or swim. Ultimately, you find yourself at Las Animas Beach the place you possibly can take your decide from the dozen or so eating places there. I often stroll to the quieter finish of the seashore to Pancho’s Paradise.
A water taxi will take you again to Boca or again to PV if you’re prepared.
4. Adventures
For many who have to get the adrenaline flowing, you’ve obtained loads of choices. For instance, you possibly can go horseback riding in the mountains after which bounce on an ATV.
One other enjoyable method to spend a time off is flying across ziplines earlier than cooling off with waterslides into pure swimming pools. Or maybe you’d like to tear throughout the longest suspension bridge in Latin America on an ATV. There are many choices for the adventurers amongst you.
5. Eat All of the Issues
Puerto Vallarta actually is a foodie’s paradise. There are many meals excursions that make for a enjoyable weekend exercise with nomad associates. I’m a giant fan of the “Mexology Tacos & Tequila” tour because it combines two of my favourite issues.
There’s additionally this 3-hour tour of authentic local cuisine that’s a whirlwind to your tastebuds. My mouth is watering simply eager about it – I extremely suggest giving this a go.
Climate in Puerto Vallarta
Many digital nomads look to PV to flee the chilly winter months up north. From December to April, the climate in Puerto Vallarta is downright good.
In these months, you possibly can put on shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops on the common. You may want a lightweight lengthy sleeve for the evenings, however that’s about it.
That’s not precisely the case for the remainder of the yr, although. As soon as June hits, the warmth, humidity, and rain begin to enhance day-to-day. The “off-season” can function some gnarly storms, though PV is generally protected against hurricanes because of its location within the bay.
When you ask me, September and October are the worst months to be right here. By this time, you’re simply prepared for the break within the intense warmth and humidity and to cease getting caught in torrential downpours. Till November comes, and all is true on the earth once more.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta
As with anyplace on the earth, there are each execs and cons of dwelling in Puerto Vallarta (and Mexico as a whole). I’ve skilled all of them, so right here’s my take as a seasoned PV digital nomad:
Execs of Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta
- The individuals: Locals in PV are referred to as Pata Salada (Salty Toes) and they’re the most important professional to dwelling right here. Individuals are pleasant and welcoming, and make you are feeling at house at the same time as a wandering digital nomad.
- The surroundings: It actually doesn’t get a lot better than having the mountains on one aspect and the seashore on the opposite.
- The meals: Apart from all of the mouth-watering local food, you’ll find nearly any delicacies possible right here.
- The nightlife: When you prefer to exit and have a very good time after darkish, this city is certainly your sort of place. The nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is superb.
Cons of Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta
- The development: As PV will get increasingly standard, there’s development occurring night time and day throughout city.
- The noise: For these of you who like peace & quiet, chances are you’ll need to look elsewhere. This can be a noisy place, plain and easy.
- The climate: It’s nice for a couple of months of the yr, however the stretch from June to October may be fairly tough.
- The rising value: This isn’t precisely a funds vacation spot anymore. Certain, it’s nonetheless cheaper than San Francisco or London, however many locations in Latin America are inexpensive.
Digital Nomad Visa for Puerto Vallarta
Mexico doesn’t have a digital nomad visa but. Most individuals right here simply fly in and hope to get the 180-day stamp on their passport. This isn’t a assure anymore, although, and border brokers have began asking extra questions, together with proof of your lodging and return flight.
When you meet the necessities, you would possibly need to apply for non permanent residency earlier than traveling to Mexico. I’ve by no means taken that route however right here’s a helpful guide.
Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta: FAQ’s
Puerto Vallarta is dear in comparison with different, lesser-known cities in Mexico and cities away from the coast. Prices have elevated through the years, however it’s nonetheless far more reasonably priced than places in the USA and Canada. Nowadays, a 2-bedroom condominium may be had for round $1,500 per thirty days (on a long-term foundation), whereas native meals may be had for a couple of {dollars}. Buses are very reasonably priced as is native booze.
Puerto Vallarta is a superb place for digital nomads and distant staff to stay. The local weather is ideal exterior of the highly regarded summers, there are quite a few lodging choices, native meals and transportation are very reasonably priced, and there are glorious coworking areas and cafes to work from. Plus, the wifi is tremendous quick.
There are some downsides to dwelling in Puerto Vallarta. There’s numerous development and new builds occurring, which suggests extra noise. Other than that noise, it may be a celebration metropolis relying on the place you keep. Prices are rising right here as nicely which generally is a con, and (as with many places in Mexico), the cartel is current right here.
You don’t want to talk Spanish to stay in Puerto Vallarta as most locals communicate English. It should, nevertheless, make your keep far more gratifying and immersive for those who decide up a couple of Spanish phrases.
There are numerous nice locations to stay in Puerto Vallarta for digital nomads, expats and distant staff. The favored neighborhoods embrace the Marina, Versalles, 5 de Diciembre, Romantic Zone, and El Centro.
In Conclusion
When you’ve made it this far, chances are high you’re actually desirous about calling PV house, not less than for some time. I’ve been a digital nomad for over seven years now and happily, have numerous choices for the place to spend my time (and cash). Puerto Vallarta is a spot I’ve returned to time and again and can proceed to take action.
It has its downsides identical to anywhere, however the execs far outweigh the cons right here. The digital nomad scene is vibrant, there’s tons to do along with your downtime, and the meals and nightlife are each impeccable.
Ought to you find yourself selecting to be a Puerto Vallarta digital nomad, chances are high I’ll stumble upon you in some unspecified time in the future. When that point comes, let’s seize some avenue tacos and a few beers from OXXO, and we’ll sit within the sand and watch the sundown. See you there, amigo.
