Vacation Travel is Open Between Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and The United States During The 2020 Global Pandemic
Businesses in Puerto Vallarta Adhere to Strict Health and Safety Protocols for Covid
Restaurants and Businesses Are Ready For Foreign Tourists in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Vacation in Puerto Vallarta Mexico During the Pandemic
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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico.
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That music you were just listening to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta’s Oldest Restaurant on the famous Los Muertos Beach, and The El Dorado Restaurant and Beach Club right next door so you can enjoy that fantastic view of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors, or during the day in its grand splendor for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so, Puerto Vallarta my friends.
This week I’ll take you back to paradise and take you on my particular journey from Los Angeles, where I live, to Puerto Vallarta. I’ll give you a blow by blow rundown of the trip. The highlights and the low-lights.
I had the opportunity to interview some of the people you already know, Jimmy Plouff will be talking about the Vallarta Food Bank, I have Reid and Miranda over at Monzon Brewing. I asked them about what they had been doing to help out their neighbors during the corona virus pandemic and Melissa Canez from Corazon de Nina will tell us about what’s happening at the casa Hogar. The shelter for at risk children and young adults. And our friend Mario Morgan, our panga guy in Boca de Tomatlan, So let’s get started.
Is it Safe to Fly to Puerto Vallarta During the Pandemic?
The first thing I want to tell you is, if you can, and if you feel safe traveling abroad during this pandemic, you should go. You must go if you love Puerto Vallarta. Your friends are all waiting for you.
A couple of weeks ago I had Hillary and Zoie on the podcast and they were in Vallarta in June. End of June to the beginning of July I believe. So they were truly the trailblazers.
I was there from August 8th to the 16th so I’ve been home for just a couple of days and I’m ready to go back already. Even though a quarantine is not required, my wife won’t give me a real kiss till ive been home 5 full days. She thinks I may have brought her the Mexirona. Well, she’s gonna have to kiss me tonight.
People Have Different Levels of Comfort Traveling During a Pandemic
The next thing I wanted to say is I understand many of us have our own levels of comfort regarding the virus. Mine is maybe different than yours. I’d have to say my comfort level is most likely higher than most, and I’d be the first to admit that. I even hug my 26 and 27 year old boys when they stop by the house. Shhh. Don’t tell anyone.
With the exception of the first few weeks of the shutdown in California, real estate agents and brokers, the real estate industry was deemed essential work. So, I’ve been working with home buyers and sellers and their families, craftsmen, handymen, gardeners, a kidnapping. Yup, that’s right I’ve sold more houses in the last 3 months than I can shake a stick at. I’ve been working every day. And I wear a mask when required of course because if I didn’t, I could get a big bad fine from the compliance arm of the California Board of Realtors. And who needs that right?
Consider Your Physical Condition When Traveling During the Pandemic
In making my decision to return to paradise, I’ve considered my physical situation. I’m 61 years old, 6’ 1”, 200 lbs. I work out 6 days a week. I take one prescription medication for my lazy thyroid, no underlying co-morbidity so I feel good about my survive-ability if I were to get it. I did get travelers insurance but I didn’t get the coverage for corona for a number of reasons. The number one reason being there are a number of treatments and therapies available currently being used around town in Vallarta and here in the LA area that I was prepared to use if the need came around and if you are interested, send me an email and I will get back to you with my recommendations.
Of course I always have my eye on the canary in the coalmine, Dwayne the checker at the supermarket down the street. Dwayne, Richie, Sandy. They are all doing well. So, I have no issue getting on an airplane and flying to Puerto Vallarta. I don’t.
Don’t Have to Quarantine Traveling From US to Mexico During the Pandemic
So as far as the flight and the airlines, I chose Delta non-stop from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta. A 14 day quarantine is not required on either end of the trip. Neither in Vallarta upon arrival or Los Angeles upon return.
I had to re-book my May flight because of the hard lock-down and closure to tourism between the US and Mexico, to August 8th, and I had intended to return on the 18th of August. I try to get 10 days to record 20 interviews. But flights kept getting bumped off. First the departure time changed from LA to Vallarta, so one of those morning flights out of LA was cancelled. Then they changed my return flight several times as I waited for August 8th to arrive. They changed my departure date twice, meaning they slashed two other flights to finally fill this 737 2/3rd s full with the center seat in each row open or empty. I lost an entire day in the deal but that just means I’ll have to return to Vallarta sooner that I had planned. So, maybe for at least the short run, traveling by air means you may have to be flexible on departure and arrivals.
As I did my online check-in I was directed to a page dedicated to the virus and asked various questions like if you have had any covid related issues, and promise to wear a face cover during the entire flight. They made it mandatory by the way, so from Los Angeles, you needed to wear the mask for the 3 hour duration of the flight unless you were having a drink of water or a snack.
When I got to the airport masks were required inside the terminal at all times except when eating or drinking. And when checking bags similar questions were asked about your health.
Security screening was a breeze just because there were not a lot of flights I suppose. In the waiting areas seats were blocked off so social distancing could be achieved. So, people were either spread out, or standing around. And when boarding, after they called first class the boarded the plane from the back seats to the front seats so people would crowd together less and actually, that is the one good thing, the silver lining to this virus, the boarding process. Who knew?
When we got to Puerto Vallarta, in addition to the tourist card and customs declaration form you now get a covid form asking you basically the same questions about your health, but with a little tracking built in. They want to know your flight number and seat number, and where you will be staying so there’s that. You get this note as you get off the plane, fill it out and hand it to a person dressed like a nurse. I’m sure she is of course. She shoots your arm with a digital thermometer and waves you through.
Then everything is like normal. You clear immigration first, then walk to get your luggage. By the way, Hillary said the AC wasn’t working in June, well it’s on now. Then customs still with the green light red light, and a trip through the timeshare sellers we call the Shark Tank. Just like old times with the exception of the masks on just about everyone.
My friend Dean Rehger from Cocao Magico and Puerto Magico picked me up at the airport and took me to Skip’s stunning condo at the Molino de Agua. Let me tell you about this condo and a little adventure.
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Currently in Vallarta mandatory mask wearing outdoors except for on the beach. You need to wear masks in shops and markets and as you approach restaurants. Entrances to
all places open to the public have these shallow trays with disinfecting liquid, that you step in, then wipe them off on a carpet. You are instructed to have a squirt of antibacterial soap in they palms which you rub in, you are then shot in the arm again with a laser temperature gauge, and if you check out, you are led to your table where they disinfect it and the chairs, before you sit down and take off your masks.
The servers all wear their masks during your meal. And my first meal was at Tony’s Please where I met Marcia Blondon from the PV Mirror, I had the best filet magnon I’ve had in a long time and of course great conversation with Marsha who is at Arte Viviente and I have her on an upcoming episode so stay tuned.
I took Ubers, I took cabs. I took buses. Uber drivers wanted me to sit in the back seat and before I got into a cab or Uber, I always had my mask on. Cabs would let me sit in the front with them. They would always pull on their mask as they got ready to take off.
The buses required you wear a mask while riding. And I tried to avoid crowded buses,but you know how they can fill up.
I hopped on the Mismaloya bus to get to Boca de Tomatlan to meet Mario the panga captain, and grabbed a seat, and before I knew it, the bus was packed. The seats, the isles, hanging out the door. I’m thinking well, here’s where I take one for the team, and on the way back into town, packed like sardines again. So, I ran the gambit. Cabs, buses…crowded buses no less, Ubers. All with no issues…except for the twitch…actually, there was an issue I noticed right away and that was my eyesight. It was really hot and humid, and the sweat was coming down into my eyes, dripping from my forehead. And because I was wearing a mask, my breath would come up the top of the mask and into my eyes too. So I had this conflagration happening right in my eyes. So I was able to solve it by using a rag and keeping my forehead properly mopped. I visited JR and got him out of his house to lunch. Tried my best to knock off the old guy but looks like he survived my visit. By the way, make sure to book a tour in advance of your next visit to keep JR in the pesos. He needs your business too and you can find him at Vallartainfo.com.
This time down I packed 4 identical button up 100% white cotton shirts, and I so glad I did. It was hot and humid and every day I would hand wash one of the shirts, and hang it to dry, rotating them in and out during the trip. Some days were 3 shower days it was so hot and humid, so costume change was in order. Great shirts and I will have a link for them in the show-notes should you be interested.
- Are They Going to Push the Button and Close Down Again? No.
- Dope dealers still There? Yes
- Clubs are opening? Yes
- What was open? Almost Everything
- Yellow Tape on The Malecon Sculptures
- Parque Azulejos Closed with Yellow Tape.
I had breakfast with Jose the Muffin Man at Langostinos He had been at home till recently…
I saw and spoke with Rambo.
I had an adventure with Salvador Estrada the Candyman in the wheelchair that I’ll share with you next week.
Where did I eat?
La Palapa, La Traviatta, Fredy’s Tucan, The Pancake House, Cuates y Cuetes, De Cantero, El Rio BBq, Captain Dons, Vitea, Tony’s Please, a half a dozen taco stands, Menos place, Barcelona Tapas, El Barracuda, Rio Grande and more.
All places had limited seating for proper distancing, all of them had the strict protocols for cleaning, all the servers were wearing masks or face shields. It was very impressive and safe.
And I can’t wait to go back. I’m making my plans as soon as I’m done recording this for crying out loud.
Okay, my first interview is with Mario, Super Mario my Panga captain from Boca de Tomatlan. I sat for a quick talk with him while we waited for our lunch at Fanny’s restaurant in Yelapa. Let’s hear from Mario..
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I took a cab over to the new location of the Vallarta Food Bank with my buddy Anastacio Vargas, the artist from the Malecon. Anastacio was putting his finishing touches on a
painting he did for the food bank, and I have pictures of him, his mural and the food bank in the show notes. Don’t forget Anastacio next time you are in town for sure. So, right now, let’s see what’s happening with Jimmy Plouff at Vallarta Food Bank, and let’s see what’s cooking at the new facility…here we go….
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Thank you Jimmy…what a great job. Keep the money flowing to support the families in the pueblito we love, Puerto Vallarta.
Donate to Vallarta Food Bank
Next we go visit our dear friend Melisa Canez of Corazon de Nina, the local home for at risk children right next door to Versalles Colonia. Let’s see how they are doing and what they need and what are their plans…
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Thank you Melissa. Check out the link in the shownotes and let’s see if we can sponsor a child for school. Remember, now’s the time to think about breaking out of your cocoon
and live again right? Sign up for their newsletter and share their mission with friends and family for sure.
Donate to Corazon de Nina
Next, I want to take you to Monzon Brewing Company and visit with Reed and Maranda.
I wanted to let them know how much they were appreciated and tell them how cool it was for them to be feeding the neighbors. Let’s see what they are up to…
- Address: Venustiano Carranza 239, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
- https://monzonbrewing.com/menu
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Thank you Reid and Miranda. If you know anyone who wants to take the reigns from them and keep the hot meals going, send Reid a message. I have a link to get to them, and he’s right, buy from the little guy. It’s important to support these wonderful people who have stepped up to help others.
You can find links to all of these fine businesses and organizations who have stepped up, and pitched in and are helping hold things together in paradise. Go to the shownotes and look at the pictures.
All I can add, is Puerto Vallarta is doing everything they can, do keep your vacation safe and compliant. I’ve been nothing but over the top impressed with the measures taken here to provide a save and fun experience for the vacationer. The true Patasalada, spirit is alive and well. The people of Vallarta are asking you to give them a chance to prove to you the destination is safe and clean, and here, waiting for you with open arms and huge smiles, even if they are covered up with a mask to keep you feeling safe in paradise.
I’ve done the investigations, I’ve done the work. Taken buses, Ubers, taxis, pangas, eaten at taco stands, fine restaurants and dives. Stayed in a palace and then at a last minute Airbnb and survived it all.
I followed the rules and protocols in flight and on the ground and can attest to the fact that travel to Puerto Vallarta Mexico, even during a pandemic, is safe and doable and well, come give it a try. You won’t be sorry.
Okay, That should do it for this week.
Next week, stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more. Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message.
And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience
and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour.
Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and his revitalized Happy Hour Board. I have links to all of those in the show notes.
And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy
for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven’t been to my website, you really need to have a look there. I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven’t already all-right? All right.
Thank you to Captain Mario, Thanks to Jimmy at Vallarta Food Bank, thanks to Melissa Canez at Corazon de Nina, and Reid and Miranda at Monzon. Don’t forget nay of these folks the next time you return to paradise or even before you do. The need is always there and I have links to everyone in the shownotes.
And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!
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