Updated: 11/7/20 | November 7th, 2020

Khao Yai national Park is found about 2.5 hours north of Bangkok as well as is one of Thailand’s finest national parks. recognized in 1962, it was Thailand’s very first national park as well as is now a UNESCO world Heritage site.

I’d always heard excellent things about the park while I resided in the country. in spite of living in Thailand for a number of years, I never handled to get there. But, fortunately a got to play trip guide to a good friend from Boston on a recent see as well as utilized that as my reason to lastly make it there.

I can’t believe it took me so long.

The park is really amazing. It’s full of rich flora as well as fauna, tons of birds, waterfalls, lovely hikes, a few wild elephants, as well as is empty of tourists.

Arriving at our guesthouse in the afternoon, we were just in time to make a half-day tour. This trip brought you to a few caves as well as a natural spring. The very first cave was house to over 2,000 bats as well as utilized to be a Buddhist monastery before the regional neighborhood assisted to develop the monks a appropriate temple. However, the monks still come down right here at night to meditate. I suspect the darkness as well as tranquility are great for meditation.

Our guide seemed to be an professional in everything, showing us all the insects, speaking about the life cycle of bats, as well as even providing us a soil lesson on the structure of the dirt as well as exactly how bat guano can be utilized to make explosives. Usually, when you’re going to Thailand, trip guides are just ushers, walking you from location to place, talking about extremely little, letting you take your photos, as well as then moving on. however this guide understood everything as well as was able to discuss the history as well as zoology of not only this cave however the whole region.

The second cave featured over two million bats, as well as we shown up just in time to see them head out for their nightly feed. viewing it was like viewing something on the discovery Channel, a seemingly unlimited stream of bats flying out in quest of their evening meal as the sun set below the horizon. Our guide, who seemed to understand our cameras much better than any type of of us, was able to catch a few of it on tape for us with the telescope:

We spent the complying with day back in the park for a full day of hiking with the jungle as well as trying to area wildlife. Our day began with bird watching, complied with by a five-hour trip with the jungle. We found a great deal of birds throughout the day, including the excellent Hornbill, which has a wingspan over two meters wide. Monkeys hovered on the side of the road, as well as gibbons swung with the trees.

As we made our method with the jungle, it ended up being remove to me we were the only group on this trail, enabling us additional personal time with the animals. Usually, in northern Thailand, you see a great deal of trip groups on the trails, so it was good to lastly get somewhere where we might be alone with nature.

The monsoon season kicked in about halfway with our trek, pouring down an ocean of water on us as we made our method back to the car. The rain abated just as we hit the last few waterfalls, including the one Leonardo Di Caprio jumped off in the film The Beach.

Now, typically I never utilize Lonely world for lodging recommendations. However, this time, I did (as did everybody else at the guest house). I should state that for once, Lonely world didn’t disappoint. in spite of being in LP for years, the Greenleaf Guesthouse had not experienced in high quality (and having been back since, I can state it’s still one of the very best locations to stay).

Usually, press in a Lonely world book leads to higher costs as well as poorer quality. However, this location provided affordable accommodation, outstanding food, fairly priced tours, as well as extremely well-informed trip guides. If you ever go to Khao Yai, this location includes my greatest recommendation. I’d go back in a second.

Despite being one of the most significant as well as many widely known parks in Thailand, there were few tourists there, making for an pleasurable as well as relaxed experience. With it being only half a day from Bangkok, you ought to truly think about going to Khao Yai before you head off to the tropical islands that make Thailand so famous.
 

Things to See in Khao Yai national Park

Here are a few of the very best things to see during your see to the park:

Haew Suwat waterfall – This waterfall was made well-known in The beach as well as is certainly worth seeing (though unfortunately, you won’t be able to imitate Leo’s traditional jump!).

Pha Diew die perspective – At 1,100m above sea level, this is most likely the most breathtaking perspective in the park. You’ll get a sweeping view of the whole area as well as there are typically extremely few people around.

Haew Narok waterfall – This waterfall equates to “Sunken hole of Hell” which is a extremely foreboding name for a beautiful waterfall! It got its names from poachers who obviously heard the noise of its water crashing long before they saw the water as well as presumed it the crashing rumble was the gates of hell opening.

Non Pak Chi Watchtower – This is a great location to stop to try as well as see a few of the park’s wildlife, such as wild boars as well as elephants. objective to be right here for dawn or dusk for the very best chances.

See elephants (and other wild animals) – finest discovered at sunrise or sunset, there are really numerous elephants found in the park. You can discover them near a few of the salt licks around the park, though you have to be client (and lucky!). the very best method to see them (and other animals) is to go on a night safari, as numerous animals choose to be active during the great night hours. trips are organized by the park as well as expense 500 THB per car (which typically has space for as much as 8 people).

 

How to get to Khao Yai national Park

If you want to see the park, you’ll requirement to head to Pak Chong — it’s the closest town. Buses leave often from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus station as well as the journey takes 3.5 hours. expect to pay around 265 THB for the bus.

You can likewise take the train from Bangkok. expect to pay at least 375 THB for the train (which takes just under 3 hours), however, tickets can expense updates of triple that.

All guesthouses will pick you up from the bus or train station if you let them understand when you’re arriving. They can likewise organize a trip of the park (full day, half-day, or multi-day). costs begin at 500 THB per person for a half-day trip as well as around 1,500 THB for a full-day tour. Admission to the park itself is 400 THB for worldwide visitors (plus 30 THB if you have a motorcycle).

You can hike numerous of the shorter tracks yourself in addition to camp in the park too. routine Songthaew service runs from Pak Chong to the park entrance, though from there it is still 10km to get into the park. The trip from Pak Chong takes around 40 minutes as well as costs 150 THB. There are restricted areas so book in advance. I wouldn’t hike the longer tracks without a guide.

Another excellent method to check out the park is by motorcycle. You can lease motorcycles close-by for 300-600 THB per day, which includes 2 helmets. cars and truck rentals are likewise offered for around 1,500 THB per day.

Conversely, if you want to see yourself however would rather not drive, you can hitchhike around the park. It’s extremely simple as well as people are typically pleased to shuttle you around.
 

Get the extensive budget plan guide to Thailand!

My comprehensive 350+ page guidebook is produced budget plan travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff discovered in other guidebooks as well as gets directly to the useful info you requirement to travel around Thailand. You’ll discover suggested itineraries, budgets, methods to save money, on as well as off-the-beaten-path things to see as well as do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, security tips, as well as much more! Click right here to discover much more as well as get your copy today.

Book Your trip to Khao Yai: Logistical suggestions as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to discover a affordable flight. They are my two preferred browse engines since they browse sites as well as airlines around the globe so you always understand no stone is left unturned. begin with Skyscanner very first though since they have the most significant reach!

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most significant stock as well as finest deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the most affordable rates for guesthouses as well as affordable hotels. My preferred locations to stay are:

Greenleaf Guesthouse

Hello Hostel Pakchong

Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will safeguard you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s extensive security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it numerous times in the past. My preferred business that offer the very best service as well as value are:

Safety Wing (for everybody below 70)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for extra repatriation coverage)

Looking for the very best business to save money With?
Check out my resource page for the very best business to utilize when you travel. I listing all the ones I utilize to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want much more info on Thailand?
Be sure to see our robust destination guide on Thailand for even much more planning tips!

Valladolid, Mexico is an extremely lovely colonial city. On top of that, there are numerous things to see and do outside of the town — including check outs to cenotes, Mayan ruins and so much more.

In 2019, I was fortunate enough to spend much more than 3 weeks travelling through Mexico. In the end, Valladolid was easily one of my preferred locations, and from what you’re about to read below, I think you’ll soon see why!

In this article, I’ll take you through not only the best things to do in Valladolid, but when to visit, where to eat, and where to stay. Plus, I’ll help you with planning all the other aspects of your trip.

Here we go. The complete guide to travelling to Valladolid, Mexico. 

Table of Contents
Best Time to check out Valladolid Mexico
Where to stay in Valladolid Mexico
10 best things To do in Valladolid
Best Day trips From Valladolid Mexico
Cost of travel in Valladolid Mexico
What & Where to eat in Valladolid Mexico
Pros and Cons of travel in Valladolid Mexico
Is Valladolid Safe?
Ready to travel to Valladolid?!

Best Time to check out Valladolid Mexico

The terrific thing about the Yucatan peninsula, where Valladolid is located, is the hot climate all throughout the year, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20 degrees Celsius.

That being said, some months are well known for tropical hurricanes, while others see and extremely large numbers of tourists.

But, there are still months to check out Valladolid to get the best weather, and avoid the crowds. 

As you’ll see below, the busiest months are at the very start of the year, with fewer and fewer tourists expected in Valladolid as the year progresses.

Peak season in Valladolid

Peak season usually runs from January through to March.

Though this is still winter/spring, you can expect temperatures to be in the low 30s, with minimal chance of rainfall.

Prices do pick up during these months all across Yucatan and nearby Quintana Roo, though they tend to drop off near the end of this period.

For example, we went to in late March and the weather was amazing and prices were reasonable. The only issue was that Chichen Itza was busy with thousands of tourists coming from all over.

Shoulder season in Valladolid

April through to August are the take on months in Valladolid.

If you are searching for the hottest weather, then this would be a terrific time to check out as these are the warmest months in Yucatan.

Though you ought to expect rainfall anywhere from 5 to 12 days a month, you can also delight in lower prices and fewer tourists at popular sites.

Off-Season in Valladolid

September through to December are usually the quietest months in Valladolid.

Though the weather isn’t exactly cold, there is a much greater chance of rainfall during this time.

If you are pleased to put up with a bit of rain, then this could be a terrific time to check out as you can expect lower prices on hotels and for popular attractions to be much less busy.

Where to stay in Valladolid Mexico

Despite being a relatively small city, there is a broad range of accommodation throughout Valladolid. As a very rough guideline of thumb, expect prices to increase the closer you get to the center of town.

If money isn’t an issue and you want to have the best time in Valladolid, possibly the nicest area to stay would be on Calzada de los Frailes.

This is the road running from the centre of Valladolid down to the popular Convent of San Bernardino of Siena.

All along this road, you’ll find fantastic shops, restaurants, and cafes, implying you’re spoilt for choice with where to eat each night. From here, you’re also in close proximity to the bus stop and supermarkets.

10 best things To do in Valladolid

Valladolid is actually a relatively small city, one where time seems to have stood still for a while.

It’s practically a completely different world to nearby cities like Cancun — with expensive beachside resorts all the way up the coast and unlimited chain restaurants.

Much of the charm and appeal of Valladolid is its slow, laid back nature and the chance for you to discover what a conventional colonial Mexcian city is really like.

As you’ll soon discover, it also serves as a terrific base to check out a variety of nearby Mayan ruins and cenotes. here are some things to see and do in Valladolid that you won’t want to miss:

1. The Convent of San Bernardino of Siena

Located a short walk from the centre of town, this convent is a must-see on any check out to Valladolid.

Completed in the 16th century, the building serves a dual purpose of being both a fortress, as well as a place of worship.For just 30 Pesos ($1.25), you can walk around many of the convent, discovering the outstanding blend of the church and castle fortress, as well as learn much more about the history of the building and the artifacts discovered outside.

Speaking of which, there’s even a cenote, which is believed to have been used for a long time as a water source for the convent’s inhabitants.

When exploring this cenote, they discovered all kinds of artifacts, including weaponry which is now on display inside.

Before leaving, be sure to head outside to the colourful Valladolid traveler sign and snap a photo. They have these signs in all major cities through Mexico, so you can build up a good little collection!

2. Cenote Samula & Xkeken

Many of the best things to do in Valladolid are check outs to the nearby cenotes.

There are literally thousands of cenotes all across this part of Mexico, a rare geographic phenomenon that helps make this region so fantastic to visit.

The first of the most outstanding Valladolid cenotes is Samula, located about 7km from the city. Here, you’ll find a paid entrance, changing rooms, souvenir store, restaurant and even a lifeguard!

This is one of the much more developed and tourist-friendly cenotes to visit.

Samula is also outstanding due to the large ray of light that comes in through the roof, lighting up the water. It’s easy to spend hours swimming both here and in the smaller Cenote Xkeken nearby.

3. Cenote Zaci

If you’re searching for a cenote located best in town, then venture over to Cenote Zaci.

It’s only a 10-minute walk from the city centre and you will see signs for it dotted around the streets.

It costs just 30 Pesos ($1.25) to check out and you can swim if you like, with the deepest parts of the cenote reaching 100 meters!

One really amazing feature here are the ledges located around the water which you are welcome to jump in from. They go as high as 8 meters, so it all depends on how brave you feel!

4. Suytun Cenote

This was by far our preferred Valladolid cenote, and possibly the most Instagram-famous.

Why?

Because there is a large ray of light that comes through the ceiling and perfectly lights up the man-made ledge in the centre of the water.

It is possible to swim in here, though we didn’t as there are black fish everywhere. I recommend getting here first thing in the morning, when no one else is there.

Otherwise, it gets very crowded and it’s hard to get a good photograph.

7. Casa de los Venados

Back in Valladolid City, one building that you can’t afford to miss is Casa de los Venados, which is home to one of the largest and best collections of Maya artwork anywhere in Mexico!

What’s good is that it isn’t actually a government-run museum, but is instead a private home, where the owners run trips every day.

Tours start at 10am and allow you the distinct chance to get up close and personal with beautifully kept artwork.

8. admire the stunning Colonial Buildings

As discussed earlier, one of the best reasons to check out Valladolid is to experience what an old fashioned, colonial Mexican city is really like.

Well, to really experience it, it’s best to spend a few hours simply roaming the cobbled streets, taking in the numerous beautiful colourful buildings located all throughout the city.

Other noteworthy sites to check out in Valladolid, not discussed above are San Gervasio Cathedral and Iglesia San Juan.

Also, on your way to the Convent of San Bernardino be sure to take Calzada de los Frailes. This colourful street is one of the nicest anywhere in Valladolid, home to dozens of fantastic cafes and souvenir stores.

9. unwind in The central Square

During our time in Valladolid Mexico, one of my fondest memories is of spending our lunch and dinner times unwinding in and around the central square.

Here, you’ll find a large fountain surrounded by well-maintained gardens. It’s the ideal spot to sit down, unwind and view the goings-on of the city.

Also, all around this square there are beautiful little restaurants and cafes (more on that below). There are also some really good ice cream stores best in the square, so pick one up and delight in it on one of the benches by the fountain.

10. join the totally free walking Tour

If you are keen to learn much more about the local culture and to get a true insider’s glance into the history of Valladolid, then your best bet is to go on a totally free walking tour.

This is one of the best things to do in Valladolid when you first arrive.These leave each day at 10am, 5pm and 7pm.

They meet in the central park and take you to numerous of the best sites around Valladolid. If you are a solo traveller, wanting to make friends, then this is a terrific way to do exactly that!

As mentioned, they are completely free, but if you delight in yourself and want to contribute then you can leave a suggestion to your guide at the end.

Best Day trips From Valladolid Mexico

If you plan on basing yourself in Valladolid for much more than a few days, then it’s certainly worth taking a few day trips to surrounding sites.

There are various terrific day trips from Valladolid to choose from, here are some of the best that you might want to consider. 

1. Chichen Itza and Izamal

By far the most well-known thing to do when going to Valladolid is to head to Chichen Itza.

If you’ve ever seen pictures of Mayan ruins in Mexico, then there’s a very good chance that those pictures were of Chichen Itza.

This is a large Mayan site that was occupied for roughly 600 years before being abandoned in the 1200s.

Here, you’ll discover dozens of ancient Mayan temples and ruins and you ought to allow at least 2 or 3 hours to walk around and discover them all.

By far the most well-known of all the temples here is the wonder Of The World, El Castillo — a dominating pyramid located best near the entrance.

This highly rated day trip takes you from Valladolid to Chichen Itza. You’ll arrive at opening time so that you’re one of the first to visit, avoiding the crowds and midday heat.

You’ll have totally free time here to explore on your own, followed by a refreshing dip in a cenote and a common Yucatan lunch. check out the yellow town of Izamal before returning to Valladolid.

Click here to learn much more about The trip to chichen itza

2. Rio Lagartos and Ek Balam Ruins

Located on the northern coast of Yucatan, you’ll find Rio Lagartos.

Though it’s very up and coming, this lovely old fishing village is still well off the common traveler route.

Rio Lagartos is a terrific place to catch a peek of Yucatan’s northern shores and to experience the Las Coloradas Pink Lakes which are home to thousands of flamingos!

Roughly half an hour drive north of Valladolid, you come across the far less touristy Mayan site of Ek Balam.

Though not as well-known or grandiose as Chichen Itza, Ek Balam is easily one of the best Mayan sites in all of Mexico, and much less busy.

At its height, Ek Balam was home to much more than 20,000 people and was once even the seat of the local Maya kingdom. In total, there are 45 structures uncovered, which you are welcome to explore.

This highly rated Go Flamingo day trip takes in the nature reserve of Ria Lagartos, the pink lakes of Las Coloradas and the outstanding Maya site of Ek Balam. Plus, lunch, entrance fees, guide and pick-up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Click here To learn much more about The trip to rio lagartos & ek balam

3. Bike trip around Valladolid

If you want to experience two much more things not yet discussed on the list above, you may want to take a half-day cycling around Valladolid.

This trip takes you to cenote X-lakaj, the small town of Chichimilia, and teh town of Dzitnup — which is home of two of the most emblematic cenotes around, Samula and x-keken.

This trip is a terrific way to see the outlying towns, get some exercise and delight in some much more offtrack cenotes.

click here to learn much more about the bike trip

Cost of travel in Valladolid Mexico

As backpackers, we’ve found that it’s actually very easy to check out Valladolid even if you are on a budget.

The most significant expense we faced during our time here was the check out to Chichen Itza, which cost 480 Pesos ($20) per person.

If this doesn’t sound like a lot to you, then that’s terrific as

You might be familiar with Puerto Vallarta as a getaway destination, but did you know it’s also a great place for a bit of scuba diving in Mexico?

This well-known beach town is the ideal base for exploring some remarkable dive sites in the area. We’ll take a closer look at scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta in this comprehensive guide. 

For much more on travelling to PV, make sure to have a look at our complete guide to going to Puerto Vallarta, where to stay in Puerto Vallarta, the best beaches, where to eat, the nightlife, and the top tours!

Here we go, our scuba Diving guide to Puerto Vallarta

Table of Contents
Introduction to scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta
When To Go scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta
Best Dive sites in Puerto Vallarta
Cost of scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta
Dive shops in Puerto Vallarta
Hyperbaric Chambers in Puerto Vallarta
How to get to Puerto Vallarta
Ready to Go scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta?

Introduction to scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta

It’s a short and beautiful boat ride from town to numerous sites in Banderas Bay, many of which are fine for beginners and advanced divers alike. around PV, you can dive shipwrecks, caves, underwater mountain ranges, and much more. 

There’s lots of remarkable marine life to see when diving around Puerto Vallarta. You can spot all kinds of rays and turtles as well as moray eels, dolphins, and even humpback whales.

 

Scuba diving really is an amazing experience and is one of the best activities in Puerto Vallarta.

While destinations like Cozumel and Playa del Carmen on the east coast may be much more well-known, Puerto Vallarta is a great diving destination in its own right.

In my humble opinion, it’s also just a nicer place to visit. I may be a bit biased, having spent the better part of the last three years living there, but there’s a reason I chose this beach town on the west coast of Mexico!

Although it takes a little while from town to reach the best dive sites, that’s half the fun. On these boat trips around Banderas Bay, you’ll be able to delight in some postcard-worthy scenery en route to your dive site. It really is a spectacular place to visit.

Best of all, there’s so much to see and do in Puerto Vallarta when you’re not in the water.

This is the ideal destination if you’re wishing to do a bit of diving in addition to other adventure and cultural activities. Of course, you can always just kick back and unwind on the beach with a margarita in hand as well!

If you’re planning a trip to do some scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta, read on for a closer look at the best time to visit, the top dive sites, and some highly-rated dive shops to go with.

When To Go scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta

The best time to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta depends on what you’re wishing to do. Some would say the best time is between November and may when the seas are calmest. 

It’s typically sunny, warm, and dry during these months, so you can delight in your time on land as well. That being said, the winter season months also see limited visibility and the water can get quite chilly.

In February the water can get down to 72°F (26°C). Plankton blooms at this time affect the visibility, but that also attracts manta rays and sharks that you’ll hopefully be able to spot. 

On the site of one popular dive shop, they mention how the winter season months bring very unpredictable conditions at numerous of the best dive sites.

Strong currents and winds at this time of year can limit or completely block off access to some of them, so it’s best to plan at least a week in advance. 

Peak travel season to Puerto Vallarta is between December and March, with things getting especially crazy around Christmas and new Year’s. Be sure to book your accommodation well in advancement if traveling at this very busy time!

There’s another mini-peak season when Semana Santa (Holy Week) rolls around. This is one of the best times to travel Mexico if you’re into culture, but not if you aren’t a fan of crowds.

Summer implies the rainy season in Puerto Vallarta, which has its pros and cons.

On the one hand, it’s very hot and humid with frequent downpours. handling inclement weather implies smaller crowds and lower prices, though.

The exception to this is weekends in the summer when Mexican families turn up in droves to delight in la playa.

The water is also warmest at this time (around 85°F/30°C in August-September) and visibility is at its best, so it’s not a bad time to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta. 

Best Dive sites in Puerto Vallarta

While there aren’t numerous dive sites offshore or best around town, the boat ride to reach them is half the fun. Cruising around Banderas Bay on a beautiful day on your way out to a 2-tank dive isn’t such a bad commute.

Here are some of the best sites to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta:

Los Arcos

Water Temp: 65-89°F (18-31°C)
Average Visibility: 20-50 ft (6-15 m)
Depth: 29.5-130 ft (9-40 m)

Perhaps the most popular spot to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta is Los Arcos.

This epic marine park features arches (hence the name) as well as caves, tunnels, and a reef full of marine life like lobsters, octopuses, moray eels, rays, and all kinds of colorful fish. 

There are a few different trails that divers can follow at Los Arcos. These are suitable for divers of all levels as they range greatly in depth.

Beginners can delight in “El Acuario” (The Aquarium) while much more advanced divers can check out “La Quijada del Diablo” (The Devil’s Jaw).

Chimo

Water Temp: 65-86°F (18-30°C)
Visibility: 20 – 60 ft/ (7-18 m)
Depth: 40-80 ft (12-25 mt)

This secluded fishing village in the bay is a great dive site for much more advanced divers.

On a 2-tank trip here, you can delight in spotting tropical fish and large pelagic species. This includes manta rays, sea turtles, and even humpback whales between December and April. 

In addition, you can admire “Las Iglesias”, rock formations that resemble the pillars of a cathedral and “Las Torrecillas”, which is an outstanding series of pinnacles rising up from the ocean floor.

Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands are a national park located about an hour-long boat ride from Puerto Vallarta. This is considered the top place to go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta.

Since it’s protected from hunting and fishing, there’s an abundance of marine life here. On a diving trip, you might see huge manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, eels, and possibly whales in the winter season months.

It takes about an hour to reach the Marietas Islands by boat.

As you get closer to the islands, you can also spot several different species of birds, including the blue-footed booby. best of all, divers of all levels can delight in a trip to the Marietas Islands.

Water Temp: 62-86°F (17-30°C)
Average Visibility: 40 ft (12 m)
Depth: 25-60 ft (7.5-18 m)

The spectacular hidden beach on Marieta Islands is amazing!

Cost of scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta

The cost of scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta varies depending on which sites you visit. As I mentioned, numerous of them are quite a long distance away from the center of town. 

For example, diving at Los Arcos costs between $90-110. Meanwhile, trips out to the Marietas Islands cost a bit much more ($120-150). It’s a longer distance to travel plus many operators include lunch and drinks as well.

Two-tank trips to El Chimo average around $150.

Never been diving before? Puerto Vallarta is a great place to learn and start exploring the other 70% of the planet.

To give it a shot, you can sign up for a discover scuba Diving course for just $50. This gives you the chance to see if scuba diving is best for you.

Those who want to go all-in can sign up for a PADI open Water course instead.

These typically take 2-3 days to complete. You can sign up for open Water courses at Puerto Vallarta dive shops for around $450 total after the cost of learning materials. once you’re finished, you’ll be certified and ready to rock!

Another option is to do a referral course for as little as $240.

This is when you complete the bookwork portion at a local dive shop back home before traveling to Mexico. Doing that allows you to take care of the studying part at home and spend much more time in the water in Puerto Vallarta.

If you’re wanting to take your scuba diving to the next level, you can also sign up for advanced open Water, Rescue Diver, Deep Diver, and several other courses. prices for these typically range from $350-500 and take a few days to complete.

Dive shops in Puerto Vallarta

Quality of dive shops can change as the years pass by. always make sure that the company you’re choosing is PADI recognized, professional and follows proper safety guidelines. Also, always make sure to check recent reviews online, and your diving equipment before heading out.

Banderas scuba Republic

Address: Lázaro Cárdenas 230, Zona Romántica

Reviews: 4.8 (51 reviews)

Web: visit Site

BSR has been in the scuba diving company for numerous years and has earned rave reviews from divers the entire time. This is a professional operation through and through, from the equipment to the dive instructors. 

Vallarta Adventures

Address: C, Mástil 13, Marina Vallarta

Reviews: 4.4 (587 reviews)

Web: visit Site

The most significant and best trip operator in Puerto Vallarta also does scuba diving courses and trips. You always know that the quality will be first-class when booking with these guys. 

PV ocean Tours

Address: Calle Pez Espada 197, Las Gaviotas

Reviews: 5.0 (25 reviews)

Web: visit Site

Run by a dad and child team from the UK, PV ocean trips started just a few years ago and is already one of the top dive shops in Banderas Bay. They are known for being very professional and personable. 

Hyperbaric Chambers in Puerto Vallarta

While scuba diving is typically a safe activity, accidents do happen. That’s why you always want to know where the nearest hyperbaric chamber is. 

Unfortunately, there is no SSS Network hyper chamber in Puerto Vallarta. The nearest one is over in Cabo San Lucas in Baja California Sur. You can click here to check out their site and get much more information.

Los Arcos Marine Park

Before you go scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta (or anywhere, for that matter), make sure you have solid travel insurance. The DAN (Divers Alert Network) comes highly recommended for divers. Click here to learn much more about their policies.

How to get to Puerto Vallarta

Most visitors will arrive at the Puerto Vallarta international airport (PVR). It’s always possible to find direct flights to PV from the us and Canada, with the most options during the high season (December-March). 

There aren’t a lot of other international options for arriving in Puerto Vallarta. You can get direct flights to and from Panama City as well as both London and Manchester, but that’s about it. 

If you can’t find a good deal on a flight to PV, I recommend checking out options into either Mexico City or Guadalajara. Both cities are lots of fun to visit and you’ll then be a very short and cheap domestic flight away from the beach!

Puerto Vallarta is also a major cruise ship destination. Those arriving for a quick excursion from a ship can still squeeze in a scuba dive (or two) in Puerto Vallarta.

The thing about traveling to Puerto Vallarta is that you have numerous options other than staying in town. By flying into PVR, you can also easily base yourself in places like Sayulita, Bucerias, Punta de Mita, Mismaloya, or Yelapa.

All of these places are easily reached by local bus or water taxis and will put you closer to some of the best dive sites in the bay.

Ready to Go scuba Diving in Puerto Vallarta?

While it may not make numerous lists of the best places to go scuba diving in the world (or in Mexico), Puerto Vallarta is still a fantastic choice if you want to include a bit of diving during your beach holiday.

Even if you only visit one of the epic sites like the Marietas Islands or Los Arcos, it’s well worth it to try out scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta.

More advanced divers will certainly want to tack on a few extra days to visit some of the much more challenging sites in the area such as El Chimo — where you’ll hopefully spot humpback whales from the boat!

When you’re back on land from a big day of diving, you can delight in all the amenities of this beautiful town. Puerto Vallarta has some amazing restaurants and bars to choose from, making for the ideal way to unwind after a big day out in the water.

Images in this post were sourced on Shutterstock.

Like This Article? Pin it!

 

Disclaimer:Goats On The road is an Amazon associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. This implies we earn commiss

Updated: 2/4/22 | February 4th, 2022

Incredible hostels are always hard to come by. On the road, you’ll have much more “this hostel was meh” moments than, “Wow! This hostel is amazing, I never want to leave!” moments.

Because hostels are much more than just the physical place.

I’ve stayed in dumps where I had fun because of the people I met.

And I’ve been to amazing, beautiful hostels that bored me to death.

Hostels are an atmosphere. It’s a combination of the facilities, staff, amenities, and people that make a hostel incredible.

While you can’t always predict the people, you can increase your odds of landing in a hostel that you never want to leave.

When searching for a good hostel, here is my guidance on what to consider when you look for your next on based on over a decade of experience staying in thousands of hostels all around the world:
 

1. less expensive is not always better

Budget travelers have a natural inclination to choose the most affordable thing around. However, don’t try to save a buck just to save a buck. very cheap hostels are often unclean, the beds uncomfortable, the showers dirty, and the pillows thin. Pay an extra dollar or two for nicer and cleaner digs. Your body will thank you.

Remember, it’s not about being cheap — it’s about getting value!
 

2. get breakfast

One thing I hate about hosteling in Europe is that breakfast is often toast, eggs, and coffee. and it begins at 7am (and ends early too)! I’m not sure who the travelers are that they know, but I’ve never known any to wake up that early, even for a good breakfast.

Look for a place with a good breakfast (i.e., much more than toast) or at least one that begins and ends when people are actually awake (breakfasts that start around 8am typically go late). breakfast is also a great way to load up on snacks for the rest of the day, thereby cutting down your food budget.

This isn’t a deal-breaker guideline for me but I think it’s essential for a hostel to have breakfast if they have the kitchen space for it.

Also, keep an eye out for places that have other totally free food perks, such as totally free coffee/tea all day or totally free dinners. Not only are these good for saving money but they make the hostel much more social.
 

3. get a late check out

Never stay at a hostel with a checkout time before 10am. the best hostels have 11am checkout times, and the really good ones let you check out at noon. sleep is important on the road because you’ll rarely get enough of it. Hostels with late checkout times understand this and are often much more unwinded and chiller environments. There’s just something wrong about a hostel asking you to be packed and out so early in the morning.

On the flip side of this, I like hostels that have flexible check-ins. numerous don’t let you check-in before 2 pm, but I like the ones that say “OK, the bed is ready. come in now!” (I wish much more hostels did that.)
 

4. Push-button showers

I typically say no to push-button showers. They are annoying and often have no water pressure. The water turns off mid-soaping and it is a bit of a hassle to deal with. Historically, my guideline has been that if a hostel has a push-button shower, I don’t stay there.

I don’t take long showers — and I don’t think you ought to either — because it’s essential to conserve water but, man, a push-button shower is annoying!

As a general rule, keep an eye on the reviews for shower information. numerous hostels around the world don’t have hot water (or have limited hot water). Water pressure can also be an issue, so make sure you know what to expect!
 

5. Lockers

It’s surprising, but I’ve actually been in hostels that don’t have lockers — or they have them but they charge you for them. In this day and age, lockers ought to be standard. You ought to never pay for security. This is a deal-breaker for me, especially because I travel with electronics. If you’re not sure about the locker situation, scan through the hostel’s reviews to see what people say. always better to be safe than sorry!

This is a dealbreaker for me. No locker = no stay. just don’t forget to bring a lock with you!
 

6. totally free Internet

While the Internet isn’t a should for all travelers, a hostel with totally free Wi-Fi is always a plus. While many hostels in the world have Wi-Fi these days, numerous still only have Wi-Fi in certain rooms (like the lobby or common room). Make sure you know what to expect before you book.

Also, as a general guideline I would avoid using any totally free computer terminals as you can never be sure if there is any malware or harmful spyware on the computer. For basic surfing the web, sure, dive in! but I wouldn’t use them for things like email, banking, or social media.

If you’re connecting to totally free Wi-Fi with your own smartphone or laptop use a VPN to keep your data private (especially if you’re doing any online banking).
 

7. A barBars are not a deal-breaker, and there are a lot of fantastic hostels without them, but they make for a great place to socialize with other hostel guests. Usually, if a hostel has a bar, they put a strong emphasis on making sure the people staying there are having fun, interacting, and being festive.

If they don’t have a bar, make sure they host activities and events to get people together. Hostels are about a social atmosphere. If you want a place where no one interacts, stay at a hotel!
 

8. common area

If the hostel doesn’t have a bar, it ought to have a big common area (ideally it has both). the best hostels are the ones that give travelers a place to hang out and socialize with each other. common areas facilitate interaction and help solo travelers have an simpler time meeting people. the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at always had an amazing common area.

Keep an eye out for common rooms with board games, video games, a TV/movies/Netflix, instruments, and pool tables. Anything that can bring people together and help break the ice!
 

9. organized activities

Really good hostels also organize activities such as walking tours, yoga classes, bar crawls, BBQs, or anything else that gets people together. check out what is provided before you book to make sure it’s the kind of place for you. Additionally, make sure you know what activities are totally free and what are paid.

Also, do they have totally free equipment to use like bikes, snorkeling gear, surfboards, etc.? totally free equipment will save you money and make it simpler to hang out with other travelers.

 

10. well-informed staff

Employees make any business, and when I find the staff of hostels helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly, I like that place a lot better. A hostel is like a home, and you want the people there to welcome you like a long-lost family member. I never understood why hostels don’t recognize that being a hostel is not about being a cheap place to stay, it’s about creating a warm environment.
 

11. Location, location, location

Where a hostel is located will have a huge effect on your experience. If you have to spend an hour on public transportation just getting to and from your hostel each time you go into town, you’ll end up wasting a lot of your travel time. the best hostels are close to the action, so you can just step out your door and into an adventure. That, or the hostels are so remote that just staying there is an experience in and of itself. but just inconveniently on the outskirts of town? That’s just inconvenient.

Before you book, check out the address on Google Maps and see where it is in relation to the things you want to see and do. You didn’t travel around the world to spend your time commuting!
 

12. Is it for digital nomad or backpackers?

As much more and much more people shift to remote work, hostels have started to accommodate long-term travelers who work on their laptops. If you’re a remote worker, these hostels are great places to stay as they have fast Wi-Fi and make it easy to connect and network with other digital nomads. However, if you’re not working online while traveling, avoid these hostels. Instead, stay at a hostel that caters to travelers like you. It will be much much more pleasurable and you’ll have an simpler time meeting people.

***
A hostel doesn’t need to have every one of these things I listed, but it ought to have the majority of them. A hostel without the majority of these things doesn’t understand who its guests are or what they want. I get that a lot of different people come through hostels with a broad variety of needs. A hostel doesn’t need to be perfect. I’d like a clean kitchen, but it’s not a deal-breaker.

Dorm room doesn’t lock? That’s what a locker is for.

Hostel showers are always dirty, which is why I wear flip-flops in them. I’m not searching for a 5-star resort, just basic security, and comfort.

What makes hostels great are the people, and even the worst hostels will be great if you meet good people. but removing the people from the equation, I look for hostels that have some of the above qualities in them. Hostels that know what you want as a traveler are there to enhance your travel experience, not simply take money from you in exchange for a bed. I would rather stay at a place that is wanting to make sure I have a good time.

And to find these places? I read up! When I’m picking hostels, I look at user reviews, pictures, amenities, and star ratings on sites like Hostelworld.

See what your fellow travelers say.

The consensus is going to be pretty spot on.

Pick the hostel that the majority of travels agree is awesome. nine times out of ten you won’t be disappointed!
 

How to travel the world on $50 a Day

My new York Times best-selling paperback guide to world travel will instruct you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off the beaten path, save money, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn much more and start reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical suggestions and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches sites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the most affordable rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t forget travel Insurance
Travel insurance will safeguard you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s extensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it numerous times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

SafetyWing (best for everyone)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Ready to book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

There was a tired silence lingering inside the van as we pressed our heads on the window. silently we admired the view. as we drove from Sagada to Banaue. The road to Banaue from Sagada is long and winding, but none of us complained about the travel time — even though our butts were starting to catch fire. The hills, the hillsides, and the terraced hillsides; the mountains, the mountaintops, and the terraced mountaintops; the cliffs, the valleys, and the rivers that run across.

When our van stopped for the first time since we left Sagada, we thought we were already in Banaue but our driver was quick to crush our false assumptions. “We’re in Bontoc,” he announced. “There’s something you might want to take a good look at.”

We hopped out of the van one by one and saw what our driver was referring to — Bay-yo Rice Terraces. Although not as big as the Banaue Rice Terraces, Bay-yo is still a stunner. To be honest, it actually looked more appealing than any of the terraces I had seen so far. perhaps it was because of the fact that there were no houses that stand in the middle of the terraces. The houses were all on one side of the cliff and the terraces, on the other.

Because it is called Bay-yo Rice Terraces, we easily assumed that the crops planted here are rice but one of the locals there said that they sometimes plant vegetables. and not too far from the viewpoint is a lane veggie stores.

That’s our driver purchasing veggies!
Silence once again dominated when we hopped back into the van. nothing could be heard but the soft rumbling of the van’s engine and the whisper of the wind as it ruffled our hair and touched our faces, and the mild snoring of a friend who had slept the entire trip out. but together, they created a hypnotic symphony, a lullaby.

And then silence was broken.

Everybody sitting on the left side of the van let out shouts of excitement and urged the driver to stop the vehicle at once. There was a lush rainforest carpeting one side of the mountain. A thin sheet of mist danced over it. and when they parted, they revealed a waterfall, a stunning waterfall cascading in all its splashy glory.

Truly enchanting falls!
Until now, we don’t know what this waterfall is called, but it sure is a marvelous sight! It is somewhere between Bontoc and Banaue. We have asked around and posted this on my social media channels hoping someone would give me the name of this waterfall but I have yet to find out. regardless of its name, this moment would remain one of the most unforgettable I have had on the road.

More tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Related Posts:

BOMOD-OK FALLS, SAGADA: What to expect

The Hanging Coffins at Echo Valley: Sagada, Philippines

That thing Called Kiltepan Sunrise: Sagada, Philippines

Sagada Bonfire Fest in mountain Province, Philippines

Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao, Philippines

The Yoghurt House, Sagada: A Love-Hate affair

Sagada Weaving: mountain Province, Philippines

CAVE CONNECTION: Next-Level Spelunking in Sagada, Philippines