If you are thinking of planning a romantic getaway to Puerto Vallarta during COVID-19, we want to share some information to help you navigate the current travel requirements as well as some ideas of what to do when you get here.
Traveling to and from Mexico
Currently there are no travel restrictions or quarantine requirements that affect visitors to Mexico. Since the start of the pandemic, the only coronavirus-related travel requirement was for travelers to Mexico to complete an online health assessment form and take a screen capture of the QR Code to show at check-in prior to your outbound flight and again at customs in Mexico. However, as of January 1, 2022, this form has been officially discontinued. The only entry requirement to enter Mexico is to fill out an Entry Immigration Form (FMM) prior to going through customs in Mexico. The border officials will stamp this form and grant visitors a stay of up to 180 days. This is called a Tourist Card, which must be kept and shown at check-in for your inbound flight. It is important to keep this card in a safe place and not lose it. If you do happen to lose it, you will be able to get another one at the airport by paying the replacement fee.
Before returning to the United States, you will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen test or proof of recovery from COVID-19 before being allowed to board your plane. Airline agents at Puerto Vallarta Airport have been instructed to refuse boarding to anyone without this proof. The tests must be taken no earlier than 1 day (24 hours) before your scheduled flight.
The land border between the United States and Mexico officially reopened in November 2021. It had been closed since March 2020 in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus. Starting in January 2022, both essential and non-essential travelers crossing the land border into the US are required to show proof of vaccination.
For Canadians who wish to travel to Mexico for a respite from the cold of winter, they will need to enter their travel and vaccine information using the ArriveCan app. As of January 15, 2022, all travelers must be fully vaccinated to get an ArriveCAN receipt (unless exempt). They also need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, either a PCR test or a Lamp test, taken within 72 hours of their inbound flight. Canada no longer requires mandatory quarantine for all travelers, this is up to the discretion of the border official.
The Romantic Adventure You Need
For those in need of a romantic getaway to Puerto Vallarta during COVID-19, it is the ideal destination to beat the winter blues featuring white sand beaches, lush green mountains, numerous outdoor adventures, luxurious accommodation, and mouthwatering gastronomy. Not to mention, its rich history and culture.
Puerto Vallarta offers upwards of 50 open air activities from thrill-seeking adrenaline excursions to hiking, from horseback riding to swimming with dolphins, and everything in between.
Top Excursions
Whale Watching
Every year, from mid-December until the end of March, majestic humpback whales migrate to Puerto Vallarta for a romantic adventure too. It is their favorite place to mate and give birth. For visitors to Vallarta during this period, you will not want to miss your chance to see them lobtailing, breaching, and spouting. It is quite something.
Superman Zipline
For your chance to feel like you are flying, you will want to head to the Extreme Adventure. This tour features a series of thrilling zip lines including the longest and fastest zip line in Mexico aptly named the Superman Zip line. You will also get to explore the jungle canopy rappelling off treetop platforms, swinging on the pendulum swing, and racing around in Polaris RZR UTVs. In addition, you will get to experience the sensation of indoor flight in a skydiving simulator. While it is named the Extreme Adventure, the most extreme parts of the tour are optional.
Jorullo Bridge ATV Tour
Ride an ATV on dirt trails through the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains observing the beautiful landscape all around before stopping at a picturesque waterfall to take photos. Then you will head across the Jorullo Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in Mexico and hangs 150 meters over the Cuale River. Enjoy an optional lunch taking in the views that surround the eco-park and enjoy a tequila tasting after your tour.
Swim with Dolphins
Enjoy an exhilarating personal encounter with a Pacific Bottlenose dolphin where you will have the chance to learn about them, swim with them, and take a ride on their dorsal fin. They are incredibly playful creatures who are highly intelligent and they love to show off. In the spirit of romance, you will also have the opportunity to pose with them as they give you a peck on the cheek. You will definitely be moved by these lovable mammals who love interacting with humans.
Hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Colomitos
If you are visiting the south of Puerto Vallarta, you will love this fantastic hike though parts of the beautiful jungle and along the coast starting in Boca de Tomatlan and ending in Colomitos. The hike is approximately 40 minutes each way. Once you arrive at Colomitos, you can enjoy the beautiful unspoiled beach and a refreshing swim. Bring bottled water and some snacks with you.
Walk from the Malecon boardwalk to Cuale Island
Enjoy a fabulous day trip walking along the Malecon boardwalk stopping to pose with all the intriguing statues dotted along. Follow the path all the way to the Romantic Zone where you can enjoy a lovely beachside lunch at
La Palapa and then wind your way towards the Cuale Island Flea Market, where you will find a colorful variety of artisanal Mexican handicrafts representative of the rich Mexican culture to take home as souvenirs.
Rhythms of the Night
Rhythms of the Night makes for a fantastic date night with all the romance you could dream of starting with a catamaran trip to Las Caletas, which is only accessible by boat. Followed by a romantic candlelit dinner and a spectacular open air acrobatic show created by Gilles Ste Croix, the co-founder of Cirque de Soleil. You are guaranteed a wonderful evening, just don’t forget to take your sea sickness tablets before you board!
Marigalante Pirate Ship
For a very entertaining evening, set sail through Vallarta’s beautiful bay aboard a 700-ton Galleon. The tour includes an exciting pirate show, audience participation games, live music, dancing, and a delicious dinner in an impressive pirate tavern. You will also enjoy a spectacular fireworks display, oh and we forgot to mention, the open bar!
Amazing Gastronomy
Puerto Vallarta is the place for foodies. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with access to every kind of culinary delight imaginable from authentic Mexican cuisine, to exquisite international cuisine, to haute cuisine, to an abundance of delicious street food and market food. If you want to try it all, we recommend taking a guided street food tour stopping at some of the best authentic restaurants and street food stands.
For a more upscale dining experience, Café des Artistes is a top favorite offering Mexico-inspired French cuisine in a romantic setting. Make sure you ask for a table in the garden infused with the scent of jasmine. For barefoot fine dining, La Palapa is the place to go. Set right on the beach by Los Muertos pier, you will have a front row seat to magnificent sunsets. Trio is another fantastic choice serving Mediterranean cuisine with a European ambiance. The menu will both surprise and delight you.
Stay at Hotel Mousai
For a pampered couple’s retreat at a Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive resort, Hotel Mousai will spoil you with contemporary luxury, gourmet specialty restaurants, a world-class spa, personalized service, and 360-degree views of the lush green jungle and azure ocean. Situated on the south shore of Puerto Vallarta, this AAA five diamond-rated adults-only holiday resort is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
Hotel Mousai is the perfect place to stay if you plan a romantic getaway to Puerto Vallarta during COVID-19 and offers plenty of spaces to cozy up with your loved one from the Rooftop infinity pool, to your plush Mousai suite with a gold-tiled plunge pool on the private terrace, to a couple’s massage at Spa Imagine, to an intimate dinner at one of five gourmet restaurants. The resort is also filled with exciting things to do including complimentary hikes through the jungle-clad mountains behind the resort, a kayak and snorkel trip to Los Arcos, paddle boarding, fitness classes, tennis, yoga, and much more. Consult the weekly program of activities for meeting times and locations.
If you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway, couples will find plenty of ways to celebrate this special day for lovers at Hotel Mousai. All our restaurants will be serving delicious gourmet food. Cozy up to your sweetheart either indoors or out on the terrace, while being serenaded by live music from the strolling musicians. Or for an extra special evening, guests can reserve a private romantic dinner on the beach for an extra cost.
Free on-site antigen testing is available at Hotel Mousai and PCR testing is available at a discounted rate.
If you plan a romantic getaway to Puerto Vallarta during COVID-19, you and your special love are assured a vacation full of romance and unforgettable moments.
