What are some good tips for going to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico besides not drinking the water?

and is it true that i cant even have ice? like in a margarita?

Hi Callie,
please excuse for the answerer who is talking so bad to You. Surely he isn't from here.
I am from Puerto Vallarta and I only can say to You:

YOU ARE VERY WELCOME.

The local governement and the mexican population allways is happy about visitors, and all people here want to provide the best possible service. Tourism is the best way to build up a friendly communication between countries.

To be well prepared You could have a look to various sites in the internet to find out which offers could be interesting for You. There are many things to do, organized tours and free activities. It could be helpful for You to plan a little bit in advance, so You dont get confused by all the possibilities.
Also the nightlife options are many, make some plans is very helpful.

From New York times, Yahoo travel and tripadvisor You find many good information. If You want have also alook to the mentioned sites.

(Added later: As I saw, the offending comment was deleted, well done and thanks to the yahoo answer team ! )

...all of these rumours are untrue...Last time I went to California I didn't eat any burgers...they're made of dog's meat

Perra

don't make ice out of the water and eat it, either! :-))

I went to Puerto Vallarta and came back fine ... Only don't drink their water out of the faucet or water fountains ...

Hard Rock Cafe and Senor Frog is the best place to go and drink ... They often have events at night time ...

you can have ice, just dont let it melt too much and dont eat it. a little is not going to harm you. Also watch for those little kids that run up to you and crowd you to buy something like gum. they maybe trying to pick pocket you (happened to a friend), also travel in groups and come and make sure you leave with everyone else. barter! my fav. you can get things cheap this way. ask how much an item is, give them a low offer and barter and stay firm on your price, you'll get a good deal!

As long as you are around town, don't worry about such things and have a good time. If you go to some outlying areas, take bottled water (local brands are fine) and use caution, you'll be fine. Other tips. Beware of timeshare vendors or you'll spend hours of precious vacation time being grilled. Don't try to do everything in one trip, there's just too much. You'll want to come back to do the rest.

that's not true. all ice is made with purified water...you will know because it will look the same...like a huge straw...a hollowed out tube. nobody who owns a restaurant or bar in a tourist town wants to make people sick. they are very safe.

eat a restaurants, NOT at stands. drink plenty of bottled water and stay hydrated. don't say in the sun too long, you'll get a bad headache. use sunscreen.

those are my tips.

I love Puerto Vallarta. We go there all the time. The civic water supply is quite safe, they have US equivalent purity standards. So, on to good tips.
1. Archie's Wok. This has some of the best Asian food ever, anywhere. The original owner (now dead) was John Huston's cook who stayed on after the filming of a movies to start this restaurant. It is now run by his lovely children.
2. Skip the pirate boat trip it's a rip off and over crowded.
3. Downtown. You can wall all over the place get a flavor for the people and the place. Check out the Cathedral.
4. Take the bus - it's inexpensive you can get any where and it's an E-Ticket adventure every time.
5. If you rent a car, rent it at the airport . If you rent one from your hotel it'll cost twice as much. If you do wnat to drive around drive north an hour to Sayulitos and Guyambitas. Nice little towns, some good local food and beaches.
6. Puerto Vallarta is in the state of Jalisco. This is the only state where the appellation tequila is grown from agave and distilled so check it out - yummy.
7. El Gigante is the supermarket chain. You can find lots of American style groceries. But there is plenty of local produce - and it's good.
8. Sunday night is the night to go downtown like every one else. Plenty of activity, entertainment, street vendors etc.

I was just in Puerto Vallarta a couple of weeks ago and had a blast. I wouldn't worry about the water too much. Most resorts have water purification systems anyway, so it is safe to drink the water. There were a few times I drank the water in restaurants and I was fine! If you are worried about, I suggest a regimine of Pepto Bismal tablets. Start taking it a day or two before you leave. Take one at night and one in the morning througout your trip. If you forget to take some, then that's ok also. It will leave a black layer of scum on your tongue (just brush it off) and make your poop black also (don't worry). Order bottled water at restaurants if you really are scared, but you shouldn't be.

As for fun, I recommend going on the canopy tour (if you are not afaid of heights). That is where you go into the jungle and zip from tree to tree while you are in a harness. It was sooo much fun and the people who work there are great. Go through Vallarta Adventures: www.vallartaadventures.com

Have fun!

I was in PV last Dec., the second day I was sick.....real bad, thought I could shake it on my own. I was wrong, had to see a Mex Doc, gave me anti-biotics, and had to drink alot of powerade in substitute for going to the hospital for IV. PV is a beautiful place! I suspect I caught the sickness from undercooked meat, not sure though. Brush your teeth with bottled water! So, I enjoyed the first and seventh day of my vacation! You win some, you lose some! Oh well

The best thing to bring to Puerto Vallarta is a good attidtude. This is one of the friendliest resorts in the world, the Mexican people are wonderful hosts, and the tourists are all there to have fun. Bring sun screen, shorts and tops. Nothing fancy. Make sure you walk the malecon (along the ocean in town), especially on Sunday night. Wear comfortable shoes that you have broken in before you go. Drink plenty of water during the day and stay out of the sun in the afternoon. It is very hard not to enjoy yourself.