Puerto Vallarta is a relaxed resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, with a walkable old town, a seaside promenade and a growing number of dental clinics catering to North Americans. It suits people who want a calm place to recover and are happy to pay a little more than border prices for the setting.
Getting there
Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), which has nonstop flights from many US and Canadian cities, especially in winter. The airport is about 15 to 20 minutes from the Hotel Zone and around half an hour from the old town (Zona Romántica), depending on traffic.
Documents
You’ll need a valid passport to fly to Mexico and back. Mexico issues tourist permits (FMM) on arrival by air, usually recorded digitally at immigration. Keep any paperwork you’re given until you leave.
Dental care in Puerto Vallarta
Clinics are spread between the Hotel Zone, the Marina and downtown. Many have treated international patients for years, and the large community of American and Canadian residents means plenty of English-speaking dentists. Common treatments include:
- Crowns, veneers and smile makeovers
- Dental implants
- Dentures and snap-in dentures
Where to stay
- Zona Romántica (old town): walkable, full of cafés and restaurants, close to the beach.
- The Hotel Zone: larger resorts between the airport and downtown.
- Marina Vallarta: quieter, near the airport and several clinics.
Things to do while you recover
- The Malecón: a seaside promenade with sculptures, perfect for an evening walk.
- Zona Romántica: cobblestone streets, galleries and plenty of soft-food options like soups and smoothies.
- Vallarta Botanical Garden: a peaceful half-day trip into the hills.
- Whale watching: humpback whales visit Banderas Bay roughly December to March. Boat trips are gentle enough for most people once the first days of healing have passed.
Safety in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is in Jalisco, which the US State Department currently rates “Reconsider travel.” The advisory places no additional restrictions on US government employees traveling to Puerto Vallarta and neighboring Riviera Nayarit. Use normal precautions in tourist areas and read the current State Department advisory before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Is Puerto Vallarta good for dental work?
Yes, for people who value a relaxed setting and English-speaking care. Prices are usually higher than border towns but well below US prices.
How long should I stay?
Five to ten days for most treatments. Veneers and crowns often take about a week.
When is the best time to go?
November to April is dry and comfortable. Summer is hot and humid, with rain and a risk of hurricanes.