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Whether it’s your first time traveling to Puerto Vallarta or you consider yourself a temporary local, packing for a vacation can seem like a daunting task. We’ve pulled together an extensive list of everything you will need for your adventure.
Clothing:
The rule of thumb is bring two tops for each bottom, but if you’re staying for more than 5 days you can usually still get away with just 3 bottoms. Put together outfits that mix and match. Tops, underwear, socks: bing one for each day +1.
Men
- Swim shorts
- Tshirts
- Button up shirts (at least two)
- Shorts
- Socks
- Underwear
- Jeans (for night)
Women
- Swim suit
- Cover up
- Sun dress
- Tank tops
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Bras
- Underwear
- Socks
- Leggings
- Cardigan (for night)
- Jeans (for night)
Outerwear: all
Except for the summer months, the evenings can get cooler, especially with the wind. So make sure you pack something you can easily stuff in a day bag or tie around your waist.
- Hat
- Light jacket
Toiletries:
If you’re staying for just a few days, bring travel size to save room and weight. If you’re staying 5+ and checking a bag, only pack larger bottles for what you actually are going to need.
All
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Brush (I think straight hair’d people use these things haha)
- Razor
- Shaving cream
- Face wash
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Mouthwash (travel size always)
Women
- Makeup
- Makeup remover
- Face moisturizer
- Hair ties/Bobby pins
- Styling cream/spray
- Birth control
- Tampons/Pads/Cups
Shoes: all
Three to four shoes should last you however long your trip is. Jared and I bring our water shoes almost everywhere we travel. The versatility of them makes great for walking around town, hiking, boating, or playing the river/ocean. We both have keens, well worth the investment.
- Sandals/Flip flops (neutral color)
- Tennis shoes
- Water shoes
- Women: I shy away from heels due to all the walking around town and the malecon, but if you have that perfect (comfortable) pair, go for it!
Other Essentials: all
- Passports
- Driver’s license
- Bank card
- One major credit card
- Medications: prescription and over the counter
- Dramamine
- Benedryl
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- 20-30 $1 bills (no, we’re not sending you to the strip club) for tipping. A US $1 holds more value as a tip than it’s equal in pesos.
- Cell phone
- Charger
- Laptop or tablet with charger
- Books
- Headphones
- Snacks
- Beach bag: we’ve found this an absolute must for any traveling to carry snacks, water, and souvenirs.
Optional Items:
- Selfie Stick
- GoPro
- Snorkel – for Jared and I, this is a must. Our first time in Puerto Vallarta we discovered how clear and beautiful the waters are throughout the bay and loved puttering around looking at the reefs and colorful fish. If you go on any Vallarta Adventures, you can either buy a snorkel or use one of their “cleaned” pre-used ones. Jared found us some super nice snorkels that block the water from coming in the top! To see the exact ones we have, click here!
Dry bag – if you’re going to do any exploring either on your own or with Vallarta Adventures, a dry bag is a must! It keeps your towel and essentials safe and dry. This one even comes with a bonus phone bag that keeps your phone dry.
I hope this list helps you prepare for an amazing time in Puerto Vallarta! Let us know what you think 🙂
