5 Ways To Save Money On Your Next Puerto Vallarta Getaway Amid Strong Peso

Last Updated 3 days ago

The Mexican Peso is currently performing exceptionally well against major global currencies – including the U.S. dollar. Despite the ongoing currency woes, a record number of Americans are set to flock to Puerto Vallarta in 2024.

Even as the peso continues to gain in value versus the dollar, there are a number of proactive measures American travelers can take to save money on their next Mexican Pacific vacation.

From finding excellent deals on flights to booking their accommodation during the low season, here’s a look at 5 ways you can save on your next Puerto Vallarta vacation.

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Take Advantage Of Low Season Deals

Americans traveling to Puerto Vallarta right now are getting less bang for their buck when exchanging dollars for pesos. The current exchange rate of around 16 pesos per dollar is significantly less than the 19 pesos travelers would have received at the same time last year.

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While travelers can’t directly influence the value of the local currency, they can save up a considerable sum by choosing their travel dates strategically. The high season – which runs from October to April – sees high occupancy rates and, thus, higher nightly rates for accommodation.

Meanwhile, the low season, which runs from around July until early October, is the best time to enjoy Puerto Vallarta without breaking the bank.

Avoid Exchanging Currency At The Airport 

One of the most common mistakes made by travelers arriving in Puerto Vallarta is exchanging currency at the city’s international airport. Although the massive airport is home to a number of exchange offices, it’s best to directly retrieve pesos through ATMs. 

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Alternatively, travelers can exchange dollars for pesos in their all-inclusive resort, which generally offers better rates. In any case, travelers should check the latest official exchange rate before swapping their dollars for pesos, and always make sure to read the fine print to avoid exorbitant hidden fares. 

Choose Destinations Outside Of Downtown Puerto Vallarta

While most travelers headed to Puerto Vallarta will undoubtedly want to stay in the covered Marina Vallarta area and other downtown neighborhoods, other nearby destinations offer much cheaper rates.

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Nearby destinations just north of Puerto Vallarta like Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita, and Sayulita offer plentiful accommodations, great beaches, and excellent nightlife. And while these aren’t exact off-the-beaten-path locations, they’re almost certain to have less crowds – and cheaper accommodations – than Puerto Vallarta’s packed downtown. 

Explore Alternative Accommodations 

Another useful tip when it comes to saving money in Puerto Vallarta is to carefully consider your accommodation style. While all-inclusive resorts are a huge draw for most travelers, they aren’t necessarily the most affordable option. 

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Airbnbs and other vacation rentals are a cost-effective option for longer stays, especially for a growing number of digital nomads. That said, travelers have to factor in additional costs such as dining, cleaning, and transportation.

Book Flights In Advance

Puerto Vallarta is skyrocketing in popularity in 2024 as a record number of travelers set their sights on the Mexican Pacific hotspot. With demand soaring, budget-conscious travelers should book their flights as far in advance as possible.

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One way to secure excellent deals is to regularly check websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights, as well as to regularly monitor airline websites on seasonal deals.

A number of major U.S. carriers have recently announced new flights for Puerto Vallarta, including Alaskan Airlines, which began operating a new non-stop connection from Las Vegas to the coastal destination.