A FRIENDLY FACE IN A FARAWAY PLACE
5THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR AMSTAR REPRESENTATIVE
When you arrive in a different country, whether it’s for the first time or the tenth, having someone you can trust at every turn can provide for a better vacation.
They’ll assist with every facet of your vacation 1 2 3 4 5
They are local, multilingual guides and planners
You can find them at most every resort
They know what to see and do in the area
They’ll find the right excursion or activity for you
Amstar DMC is part of the Hyatt® family and provides top-notch transportation and excursion services in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Curaçao, St. Martin, and Aruba.
If you would like to reach an Amstar Representative outside of their hotel schedule, call:
TO PUERTO VALLARTA
Nestled around Banderas Bay on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta, or P.V. as the locals call it, became a popular destination for visitors when oceanfront resorts arrived in the 1970s.
Locals are open and welcoming to visitors, and provide a safe haven in which to explore the Mexican culture. Not only are you greeted with smiles at every turn, but with a plethora of activities, from ocean adventures like whale watching, swimming with dolphins, and snorkeling excursions to thrill-seeking explorations on land like zip lining and rugged ATV tours.
Visit downtown for a host of shopping locales, where you will find local art, handwoven textiles, handicrafts, and fine jewelry. Dine in one of more than 250 restaurants scattered about the large, yet intimate city. Or, simply relax on the beach or poolside and take in the sunshine, as P.V. boasts an average of 322 sunny days each year! There is always something new and exciting in this growing destination, and you’ll want to come back over and over again.
EXTREME ADVENTURE
6 HRS | INTENSE | DAILY
Pure adrenaline! With 9 thrilling zip lines, you can ride upside down, right-side up, and fly up to 70 miles per hour on Mexico’s longest and fastest “Superman” zip line. Then hop into Polaris UTVs and test your off-road driving skills. Have a blast as you drop down steep grades, cross rocky river beds and climb up hills. Then end the day rocketing down a hillside water slide! Twist and turn as you head for an invigorating splashdown!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• Comfortable clothing and footwear
• Hat and sunglasses
• Biodegradable sunscreen and repellent
• Money for souvenirs and tips (tipping is optional)
• Min. age: 7 years, min. height: 4 ft.
• Maximum weight: 260 lbs.
• ATV driver must be 18 or older and present a valid driver’s license
• A $25 USD collision damage waiver (CDW) will be charged at check-in
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
6.5
HRS | INTENSE | DAILY
Begin your day with an exhilarating speedboat ride across Bandaras Bay. Then board a safari-style truck for an interesting jaunt into the mountains as you head up to the base camp, where a specially designed outdoor adventure circuit awaits you. Fly through a thrilling series of zip lines and traverse, rappel, and swim your way through waterfalls, jungle bridges, and natural river pools. Later, get another dose of adrenaline on an 800-foot water slide, a rip-roaring way to make a splash in the Vallarta wilderness!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO WHAT TO BRING
• Swimwear and towel
• Hat and sunglasses
• Biodegradable sunscreen and repellent
• Money for souvenirs and tips (tipping is optional)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Maxium weight: 260 lbs.
• Minimum age: 8 years old
• People with injuries and heart problems will not be able to participate
• Pregnant women are not allowed to participate
SWIM WITH DOLPHINS
20 MIN - 5 HRS | LOW/MODERATE | DAILY
Swim with these amazing animals in state-of-the-art dolphinariums designed for maximum comfort. These incredible educational experiences are safe and fun for vacationers of most ages and swimming abilities. A variety of programs are available to fulfill anyone’s dreams. Professional photos are taken of all participants and are available for purchase after your session.
WHAT TO BRING
• Swimwear and towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen and repellent
• Money for souvenirs
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• Min. age: varies 1-12 years old
• Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult
• No jewelry or sunscreen during the program
• No cameras permited in pool area
• Expecting mothers can not participate
WHAT’S INCLUDED
on program
RHYTHMS OF THE NIGHT
5 HRS | LOW | DAILY
Take in gorgeous views of Puerto Vallarta’s shimmering lights dotting the coastline with a cruise to the Rhythms of the Night show in Las Caletas, a cove known for its isolated beaches, and unspoiled nature. There, witness a mesmerizing performance that uses colorful imagery, music, and dance to explain how the human race transformed under the “fifth sun” of modern times. Later relax with a candlelit buffet dinner under the stars before your sail back to Vallarta.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO WHAT TO BRING
• Comfortable clothing and footwear
• A light jacket or sweater
• Insect repellent and camera
• Money for souvenirs and tips tipping is optional)
•Minimum age: 5 years old
• Premier upgrade option offers preferential seating for show (closer to stage) and open bar
LOS VERANOS CANOPY TOUR
4 HRS | INTENSE | DAILY
Soar from treetop to treetop on over 14 scintillating zip lines covering more than 2 miles and fly like an eagle above the jungle floor and Los Horcones River. Admire incredible views of the jungle canopy and the raging waters of the river below. Then, slide down slippery water slides into natural pools formed by the river for a refreshing swim and kayaking. Later, visit a wonderful animal sanctuary and discover exotic tropical birds, monkeys, iguanas and other reptiles. Speedboat transportation available!
•Swimwear and towel
•Comfortable clothing and footwear
• Biodegradable sunscreen and repellent
• Money for souvenirs, lunch, and tips
•Minimum age: 6 years old
•Maxium weight: 275 lbs.
•Pregnant women are not allowed to participate
TROPICAL TOUR
7 HRS
Discover what makes Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico’s most popular destinations. Stroll along the seaside boardwalk and cobblestone streets that feature Vallarta’s colonial architecture and its vibrant shopping district. Explore the town’s iconic landmark, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, before making stops for fantastic views of Los Arcos National Marine Park and the Bay of Mismaloya. Finish the day with a tequila tasting. Salud!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO WHAT TO BRING
•Comfortable clothing
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Money for souvenirs and drinks at lunch
•Minimum age: 5 years old
•Lunch includes 1 beverage
•Additional drinks available for purchase
WHAT’S INCLUDED
BO
BOTANICAL GARDEN TOUR
6 HRS | MODERATE | TUESDAY AND THURSDAY
A relaxing day exploring two lesser-known Vallarta highlights. Vallarta’s award-winning Botanical Gardens is a peaceful oasis exhibiting and conserving rare plants of Mexico and beyond, while Rancho Verano maintains a working distillery that produces a tequila-like beverage call Raicilla. The worldfamous garden has walking trails through a preserved wild forest and exhibition gardens that features orchids, bromeliads, agaves, and wild palms. At the ranch, learn the distilling process of tequila and enjoy a tequila tasting, and if available, some raicilla – a spirit unknown to most of the world.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO WHAT TO BRING
• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear
• Bring biodegradable repellent
• Camera
• Cash/credit card for souvenirs, and tipping (tipping is optional)
• This excursion is not wheelchair accessible
HALF DAY SNORKEL
5.5 HRS | INTENSE | DAILY
Terrific ½ day snorkel experience in Vallarta! Start the day aboard a premium catamaran, sailing along the coast taking in panoramic views of ‘old’ Puerto Vallarta and the Sierra Madres, as you head south towards a secluded cove. Enjoy breakfast on board, a buffet of freshly made snacks, and refreshing beverages available throughout the sail. Explore marine life with a snorkeling session at Los Arcos Marine Park before hitting the beach or testing your kayaking and paddleboard skills at El Paredon Beach.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO WHAT TO BRING
•Wear bathing suit under comfortable clothing
• Towel and SPF rash guard for snorkeling
• Camera, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen
• Money for tipping (tipping is optional)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
•Minimum age: 12 years old
•Maximum weight: 220 lbs.
•Cameras are not allowed for safety reasons
•Pregnant women are not allowed to participate
A PASSION FOR FOOD
Dining in Puerto Vallarta
Whether you love Mexican food and want to sample the best, or you’re looking for international flavors from around the world, or you just can’t wait to feast on the freshest seafood caught right off the coast, Puerto Vallarta’s dining scene will not disappoint. The city offers more than 250 restaurants, ranging from taco trucks to mom-andpop spots to open-air and ocean-front dining to gourmet and world-renowned establishments.
Not only will you find Mexican food at its finest, but also Argentinian, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Asian Fusion, French, and more. Keep your feet in the sand at a beach location, enjoy a sunset view at a cliff-side seafood locale, or try one of Puerto Vallarta’s five-star restaurants in the city’s Romantic Zone. If visiting in November, don’t miss the annual International Gourmet Festival, a competition between the world’s best chefs where you get to sample their creations!
How agave plants became Mexico’s renowned liquor TEQUILA
Thinking about grabbing a refreshing margarita as you’re relaxing on the beach? Or calling for a round of “shots!” to celebrate a special moment? Did you know tequila was first created in the state of Jalisco? And did you know there are more than 1,000 brands of tequila to choose from?
Tequila is a product made from the agave plant that thrives in Central Mexico. The ancient Aztecs would ferment the plant’s sap to create a drink called pulque. When the Spanish arrived in the 1500’s, their experimentation gave way to mezcal and further refinement eventually led to the first versions of tequila.
The first agave distillery was created by the Marquis of Altamira in a little town, named of course – Tequila. In the 1930’s, a bar owner near Tijuana created a drink called a Tequila Daisy, which was discovered by a U.S. journalist who took the recipe home. The “Daisy,” or “Margarita” in Spanish, became so popular, it is still one of the top-selling drinks at bars and restaurants today.
All tequila must come from specified Mexican regions and be prepared from blue agave, or cannot legally be called tequila. Considered one of the country’s cultural treasures, tequila has transformed itself into a meaningful gift for family and friends. What did you bring me back from Mexico? Tequila!
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
Shopping in Puerto Vallarta
When visiting a foreign country, taking home a piece of your destination can bring back fond memories of your travels. Puerto Vallarta is filled with shopping areas, from traditional market stands to plazas filled with local handwork and souvenirs.
In the hotel zone, modern shopping malls are available, including Plaza Galerias, Macroplaza, and the Plaza Marina, where you will find stylish clothing, leather goods, and home furnishing.
You’ll also find handcrafted goods and more traditional souvenirs on sale in shops along the Malecon’s bustling side streets, many open well into the evening inviting you to shop after you dine.
The Plaza Market is a popular flea market-style shopping stop, where you
are free to barter with vendors for a better price—they welcome it!
When shopping in Puerto Vallarta be sure to take a look at the local specialties of the region. Puerto Vallarta is known for its colorful pottery and hand-blown glass, with glass-blowing factories and shops open for tours.
The nearby state of Guerrero is home to the town of Taxco, world-famous for its beautiful silver handcrafts.
Capturing the essence of Mexico in its locally sourced mines, Puerto Vallarta shops and markets often feature bracelets, earrings and other silver jewelry that will always remind you of your Pacific Coast visit.
