Victor Vera, Lead Singer of The Gecko Band Has Been Entertaining Puerto Vallarta Audiences For Over 20 Years
New Travel Restrictions Won’t Stop Travelers to Mexico
Testing Made Easy by Governments and Private Industry
Puerto Vallarta News and More
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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.
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 we meet a rock and roll realtor…he’s my kind of guy his name is Victor Vera, People refer to him as Che Victor and he’s a singer in a rock and roll band called The Gecko Band, and the Geckos perform all over the Bahia de Banderas, and Victor sells places to live and rent up and down the bay but before we get to Victor and the Gecko Band, let’s see what’s happening this week in Puerto Vallarta, the 25th of January…2021.
Barry Returns From His 3rd Trip to Puerto Vallarta During the Pandemic
Well, it’s been a whole week since I returned home to Los Angeles from my third trip to Vallarta during the pandemic. I got home on the 19th, 2021 and I must say I really miss it already. It usually sets in just about the time the airplane taxis into position on the way out of the Puerto Vallarta Airport, right? That is when it usually happens for me at least.
I had a great time and I’ll give you a brief blow by blow account of my trip but there’s so much to talk about. I got my daypack back by the way. It was so good to get it back. Almost all in one piece after leaving it by accident on a public bus back in November.
No sooner did I get to Vallarta on the 9th of this month. The governor called for a partial shutdown or slowdown that’s been in effect from the 11th till the first of February…we will cover that briefly, then we need to cover the newest issues facing folks planning on visiting Puerto Vallarta or anywhere in Mexico, There are new CDC rules requiring testing before getting on a plane from Mexico to the US or Canada. We will get into the nitty gritty about that. Then I’m going to give you options for where to get tested in Puerto Vallarta. And there are many and will be many more. We will talk about what kind of test you take because there is a choice, and we will talk about costs, and what to do if you get a positive test and can’t fly back. So we will cover that first before I get to some of the details of my latest visit.
Did you hear Mexico President Manuel Lopez Obrador has a case of the Rona? The 67 year old populist Moreno Party standard bearer who openly rejects the face cover and the strict lockdowns reports a mild case of the Corona Virus. He is on the mend, and I will talk more about AMLO later today, if not maybe more in-depth next week.
So, things changed almost the moment I hit the ground in Vallarta, the following day they did another partial shutdown like they did in November where they had the bars and restaurants close by 10 at night. No nightclubs. All this still going on until the end of the month. Also old folks like me over the age of 60 were banned from entering Costco, Walmart, Home Depot. Now for me, I never go to any of those places but for others…what a crock. So unnecessary. So unscientific, but what am I talking about? I live in California.
Also, I was able to just get in under the wire for the newly required tests entering the US from Mexico. According to the latest guidelines from the CDC…
New CDC Rules Require Negative Covid Test or Proof of Recovery to Fly Into The US
There is now a requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Air Passengers Arriving in the United States.
If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested no more than 3 days before you travel by air into the United States (US) and show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight, or be prepared to show documentation of recovery (proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel).
The requirements of this Order only apply to air travel into the US. Not land travel or border crossings.
What is a verifiable test result?
A verifiable test result must be in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy) of a laboratory test result. Testing must be performed using a viral test (NAAT or a nucleic acid amplification test or an antigen test), and negative results must be presented to the airline prior to boarding. The test result documentation must include information that identifies the person, a specimen collection date and the type of test. A negative test result must show test was done within the 3 days before the flight. A positive test result must show the test was done within the 3 months before the flight.
Even if you have taken a COVID-19 vaccine or have tested positive for antibodies, you still need a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19.
If you are traveling to the US, or Canada you must get tested no more than 3 days before your flight to the US or Canada departs. Make sure that you receive your results before your flight departs and have documentation of your results to show the airline.
- Then after you arrive home, it’s suggested you get tested 3-5 days after travel AND stay home for 7 days after travel.
- Even if you test negative, stay home for the full 7 days.
- If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
- If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home for 10 days after travel.
- Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
- Always follow state and local recommendations or requirements related to travel.
Keep in mind federal testing requirements must be met to board a plane to the US, and some state and local governments may have similar or more restrictive testing requirements for air passengers arriving in their jurisdictions. Always check and follow state and local recommendations or requirements related to travel in addition to federal requirements.
Now if your trip is shorter than 3 days, a viral test done in the US can be used to fulfill the requirements of the Order as long as the specimen was taken no more than 3 days before your return flight departs.
If your return travel is delayed longer than 3 days after your test, you will need to be retested before your return flight.
If you recently recovered from COVID-19, the CDC does not recommend getting tested again in the three months after a positive viral test, as long as you do not have symptoms of COVID-19. If you have had a positive viral test in the past 3 months, and you have met the criteria to end isolation, you may travel instead with documentation of your positive viral test results and a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official that states you have been cleared for travel. The positive test result and letter together are referred to as a “documentation of recovery.”
A letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official that clears you to end isolation, e.g., to return to work or school, can be used to show you are cleared to travel, even if travel isn’t specifically mentioned in the letter.
Air passengers traveling to the US are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery. Airlines must confirm the negative test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before boarding. If a passenger chooses not to present a test result or documentation of recovery, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger.
What happens if I test positive?
People should self-isolate and delay their travel if symptoms develop or a pre-departure test result is positive until they have recovered from COVID-19. Airlines must refuse to board anyone who does not present a negative test result for COVID-19 or documentation of recovery.
Passengers are only required to retain a paper or electronic copy of their negative test result or documentation of recovery for the entirety of their itinerary. The attestation should be submitted to and retained by the airline or aircraft operator.
Any flight entering the US, even for a connection, will require testing before departure.
All travelers (including those who have recovered from COVID-19) should remember to wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet apart from people who are not in your household, and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing and before eating. Travelers should look for symptoms of COVID-19, and take your temperature if you feel sick. Anyone sick with symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate and delay further travel.
In some cases, trip cancellation insurance can protect your financial investment in a trip if you need to change your itinerary in the event of an international outbreak. Visit CDC’s Travelers’ Health website if you would like to learn more about travel insurance, including trip cancellation insurance.
So, there’s so many questions that I hope I’ve answered for you.
And I’m sure everything will change again as time progresses.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
Where Do You Get a Covid Test To Fly From Puerto Vallarta To The US or Canada?
So where will you get your test? What kind of test should you get and are there places cheaper and faster than others?
First, check with your healthcare provider like Kaiser to see if your insurance will cover the cost of a test in Mexico. Some will.
The Puerto Vallarta Airport
You need a proof of Itinerary to Get Tested for antigen or PCR. Cheap and easy. Antigen test will be $ 450 pesos and the PCR will be $ 1,450 pesos, both prices will be applicable only to passengers on international flights.
https://goo.gl/maps/qgAC2ykv21NEgGTq8
That begins the tomorrow January 26th. Here’s a statement put out by The GAP group… Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico.
Sat, January 23,
GAP AIRPORTS facilitate COVID-19 TESTING with LABORATORIES set up in twelve airports operating throughout the country. Every passenger bound for the United States of America must perform a covid 19 antigen or PCR COVID-19 detection test within 72 hours prior to boarding the flight to the US. Since the United States government requires so that every passenger who enters its territory has a negative test for Covid-19 PCR or Antigen, the Pacific Airport Group (GAP) will carry out the installation of temporary laboratories in each of the twelve airports that operates in the country, so that users who do not have a valid test from the American authorities can take the exam and travel safely to the neighboring country. To provide a quality service to users, it has been agreed to facilitate the installation of laboratories in our facilities. Thus, gradually, as of Monday, January 25, temporary modules for COVID-19 detection tests will be installed at the airports of Guadalajara, Tijuana, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Guanajuato, Hermosillo, Mexicali, Morelia, La Paz, Aguascalientes, Los Mochis and Manzanillo. The cost of the Antigen test will be $ 450 pesos and the PCR will be $ 1,450 pesos, both prices will be applicable only to passengers on international flights. GAP recommends arriving in sufficient time to take your flight and, if possible, complete the documentation and requirements to fly in advance, as well as perform the test in the city’s laboratories. If the passenger wishes to take the test at the airport, he must add a travel itinerary at least an additional hour to the time recommended by the airline. In addition, GAP suggests that passengers consult with their airline the requirements requested by the United States government and learn about possible changes in their flight itinerary. You can find more information on our official social networks, check on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn: @A AeropuertoGAP.
And of course I have a link to that article in the shownotes.
There are lots of options for travelers for tests all around town, both antigen and PCR. The cheapest is the antigen test and it’s acceptable. I would even say preferred. Many resorts are offering free testing or at a steep discount. I have a list of places in the shownotes. Now in some of these places English isn’t spoken but I noted those places for those of you who aren’t comfortable hablando el espanol. I’ll be adding to the list as time progresses and updating as needed.
What’s the difference between a PCR test and an Antigen Test?
So, what’s the difference between a PCR test and an Antigen Test? I found a pretty good simple explanation on the interwebs so here goes from Horizon Magazine online…
While antigen tests look for proteins on the surface of the virus to ascertain the presence of the pathogen, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests are engineered to seek genetic material called RNA that instructs the virus to make these proteins.
Both tests also require a swab from the back of your nose or throat as a sample and cannot determine whether you are contagious if positive but that’s where the similarities end.
In the case of PCR, the sample is sent to a lab where it is heated and cooled using special reagents to convert the virus’s RNA into DNA, and then make millions of copies of the DNA, which allows for the identification of the organism. This process can take hours, requires sophisticated lab equipment and technicians, and is typically done one sample at a time, although there are machines that can process multiple samples. Although the sample needs to be sent to a lab, the time consuming process delivers as the results are almost 100% accurate in spotting infected people when there is virus on the swab.
In contrast, antigen tests — often referred to as rapid tests — work by mixing the sample with a solution that unleashes specific viral proteins. That combination is then applied to a paper strip that contains a bespoke antibody optimized to bind these proteins if they are present. Like a home pregnancy test the result is reflected as a band on the paper strip.
The process doesn’t require a lab, and can be done in up to 30 minutes, but that speed comes at the cost of sensitivity. Although these tests are reliable when an individual has a high viral load, they are far more prone to false-negative results if a person has low amounts of the virus in their body.
https://horizon-magazine.eu/article/pcr-antigen-and-antibody-five-things-know-about-coronavirus-tests.html
What do I suggest?
The Antigen test! 2 days before you travel, take an antigen test at the airport. It’s cheap, it’s quick, and if you happen to get a false positive reaction, you can take it again somewhere else to make sure you aren’t being forced to quarantine un-necessarily.
How Was My Third Trip To Vallarta During The Pandemic?
Well, it was great. It was relaxing. The weather was cool at night. I took busses everywhere. Three times up to El Tuito, one day to Bucerias and La Cruz, and multiple
busses north and south from where I was staying at the Hotel La Siesta, which was a great find as an Airbnb. They had a studio with a king-sized comfortable bed, kitchenette and clean bathroom and a killer view of the bay, the church and Vallarta. I could go right
down the street to have some Tacos de Birria Alex for breakfast, or walk another 50 yards to Barcelona Tapas. 100 stair steps straight down from the La Siesta is Si Senor
restaurant, and if you hang a right, you run into Café Des Artistes. Turn left and you are at Pipi’s. It was a great place to stay. I bit noisy with all the music filtering straight up into the El Cerro Neighborhood from the loud bars playing to all hours of the morning on the Malecon and on Morelos. But that’s why we have ear plugs. And smoke weed. And drink.
By the way, the new color of baggie was green. They must have finally run out of the Holloweed orange baggies and now are into the Christmas green bag till we enter Saint Valentines or something like that. By the way if you want to see what that looks like I have a picture of the half baggie of dirt weed, in the show notes.
Speaking about meds I get a lot of people sending me emails asking about the Covid kit I bring with me when I head down to paradise and they ask me if I would share it with them before they leave for Vallarta. Now this is of course an issue because I am not a doctor, and I’ve told you before if you want to know what I do, just send me an email and I will share it with you. But this is personal and important to me.
This is where I put on my legal hat and add a disclaimer, that I am not a medical professional, that these suggestions you are hearing from me are what I do, and I don’t suggest you do any of these things like change your diet of vitamins and supplements or take any drug without first researching yourself, and consulting with a trusted health professional. That said, the information I’m giving out has been researched diligently by myself, and I have links and documentation and pictures in the show notes to support my claims. There’s my disclaimer. I’ll disclaim more as I go on okay?
Because I know a lot of people who have gotten the rona here in the states and in Mexico and I ask all of them. What did the doctor give you and you know what most of them say? They say nothing. Get rest and if you get really sick, come in to the hospital. Finally, one of my canaries in the coal mine.. one of the checkers at the market got the rona. I come in the market yesterday and ask Richie how he’s doing and he says it’s his first day back in two weeks because he got sick. Of course I hadn’t noticed because I’d been in Mexico. So I asked him what they gave him and he literally says, nothing. This makes me mad because there are drugs you should be taking right now that will go a long way to protect you from getting the virus, and if you do get it, will make the experience easier. These are tried and true and clinically tested treatments that have kept people out of hospitals and off of ventilators. And if you have had covid and they put you on a vent…they are just trying to kill you. Sorry, not sorry. It’s documented. Look it up. If your loved one was put on a vent early on in this pandemic, it wasn’t to save their life…it was to save the life of the doctor. I’m not just making this up.
https://www.statnews.com/2020/04/08/doctors-say-ventilators-overused-for-covid-19/
And by the way…you can go to many countries around the world and see that local department of health officials distribute Covid Kits. And the people are directed to take a regimen of drugs and vitamins the moment they begin to feel ill.
So, what do I use? I take vitamins and supplements that include 6,000 IU’s of vitamin D3.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-77093-z
The same dosage Anthony Fauci takes daily…Bet you didn’t know that did you?
https://vitamindwiki.com/Dr.+Fauci+takes+6%2C000+IU+of+Vitamin+D+daily+%E2%80%93+Sept+2020
I take about 1,000 mgs of Vitamin C, 25 MGs of elemental zinc and a multi vitamin and Quercetin 500 mgs daily, pronounced kwur-she-tn. You can get it over the counter but I order mine online. And that’s what I take daily. If you just start with the vitamin D3, that’s a great start.
If you think you are coming down with what feels like a cold or flu, then for sure add powdered vitamin C to your diet, and some will add z pack, Azithromycin 500 mg, others will add hydroxychloroquine and leave out the quercetin.
I’ve been asked by many of you if you can buy hydroxy over the counter in Puerto Vallarta. The answer is yes you can. Make sure it’s the hydroxychloroquine not chloroquine, sold in many farmacias in 150 mg packs of 12, you are looking for a box of 20 200 mg pills. It comes under the brand name Himanix. A pack of 20 will run you about 900 pesos, or about $45 US.
You can also get azithromycin in a bottle of 9 at 500 mg each, 2 bottles, 18 pills for about 900-950 pesos. That comes under the brand name Zertalin. It may take you a couple of pharmacies to get exactly what you want for your kit, but you can make your own. I have one for all my family members should I need to take care of a situation, but so far…so good. Also the newest old drug on the market that is being used instead of Hydroxy is Ivermectin. You can also find that over the counter and it’s a de-wormer. The problem with the ivermectin I found in Vallarta is it comes in 6 mg doses, and the particular dosage they have been working with are smaller, but yes, you can find ivermectin over the counter in Puerto Vallarta.
Remember I’m not a doc, and you should always consult a physician before changing anything drastic about your vitamin supplements.
For proper dosage I have a link to the Zelenko protocol I’m describing in the shownotes as well as pictures of my kit. Once again, for the most part…this is my daily intake of over the counter vitamins and supplements. The other two medicines are strictly over the counter in Mexico, and you can get them at my favorite farmacia in Vallarta…I’m pretty sure you know which one on Olas Altas.
https://faculty.utrgv.edu/eleftherios.gkioulekas/zelenko/index.html
Thanks To My Listeners at The Meet and Greet at La Traviata
I think I’ll give you the play by play version of my 10 day stay in Vallarta next week, but before I get to the interview with Victor, I want to thank the listeners who came to our digital nomad meet and greet on the roof of the Hotel Paloma Del Mar at La Traviatta. We also met some digital nomads at that meet and greet as well and you will be hearing from all of them as the weeks go by here on the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show Podcast. But like I was saying, I met some lovely listeners at the meet and Greet. Carol, Michael and his wife sat and we had a three way conversation over pizza and beer, and Carol, please, you left too soon. I need your picture so I can have your smiling face on the album cover for the podcast episode. So please…please…send me an email to pvtravelshow@gmail.com, and send me a picture please! Yes we had a great time. You will really enjoy those two episodes.
Okay, there is so much I want to tell you about my latest trip but here’s what I’ll tell you right now….if you can…if you aren’t chased away by the latest roadblocks the CDC has placed in front of you. If you are ready to step out of your comfort zone and into paradise….don’t hesitate. Your friends in Puerto Vallarta really need you and your dollars. Come if you can.
The Gecko Band Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Okay, more on my trip next week but now, let’s meet our guest.
Contact Information For The Gecko Band Puerto Vallarta
- Facebook Page For The Gecko Band Puerto Vallarta
- Facebook Fan Club Page For The Gecko Band Puerto Vallarta
- Vera Realty Puerto Vallarta
We’ve interviewed rock and rollers before on the show but never a rock and roll realtor. Imagine a musician with a real job…a dream come true right?
Well, I like having musicians on the show because they know where all the good music clubs are on the bay. They often know where the best food is, they have great stories, and they know how to have a good time. So let’s go right now to one of my favorite places to listen to music in Vallarta, Cuates y Cuetes, and let’s meet a cool cat. The lead singer of the Gecko Band PV, Che Victor… the rock and roll realtor… Victor Vera, of The Gecko Band, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Listen to The Podcast
All right Victor. Thanks so much for your time. Love ya man! Make sure you follow the Gecko Band PV on Facebook, join the fan club and make sure to see them next time you are in Puerto Vallarta. Rock and roll!!!
I have pictures and links in the shownotes at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com.
Contact Information For The Gecko Band Puerto Vallarta
- Facebook Page For The Gecko Band Puerto Vallarta
- Facebook Fan Club Page For The Gecko Band Puerto Vallarta
- Vera Realty Puerto Vallarta
Victor’s Favorite Places to Eat
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
- Margarita Grill, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Likes the Molcajete
Day Trip
- Sayulita
Three Days
- Guadalajara
One Week
- San Luis Potosi….. Tequisquiapan, San Luis Potosí, México
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 so much to Victor Vera from the Gecko Band. Catch them next time you are in town. Remember Victor for his Real Estate services. I have links I 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!