Before Leaving Canada
Entry Requirements
Breakaway Tours would like to inform all passengers that THE USE OF A VALID PASSPORT IS MANDATORY FOR ALL BREAKAWAY TOURS TRAVELERS.
Please ensure that you have your passport well in advance, as it may take up to three months to receive.
For further information on or to obtain a passport application please visit
http://www.ppt.gc.ca
Baggage
For baggage allowance, please visit the website of the airline you are flying with.
Airport Check-in
All Breakaway Tours passengers are required to present themselves at the airport counter of the airline indicated on your ticket a minimum of 3 hours prior to departure time.
Arrival in Puerto Vallarta
At the Airport
Once you have cleared customs and immigration, Breakaway Tours destination staff will greet you at the airport and assist you with the transfer to your hotel. Look for the Breakaway Tours logo!
At the Hotel
Upon arrival at the hotel you will be directed to the Breakaway Tours hotel check-in information meeting. At this time you will be given the rules for the week, general hotel information, identification bracelets, and your room keys.
Leaving Puerto Vallarta
Hotel Check-out
Hotel check-out is at 11 a.m. the day of your departure, or 4 hours prior to your departure time if before 11 a.m. (For example, a 10:30 a.m. departure requires a 6:30 a.m. check-out; a 2 p.m. departure requires a 10 a.m. check-out.) All hotel guests sharing a room must present themselves as a group to the front desk to have their hotel bracelets removed. Guests will not be allowed to board the bus transfer to the airport without confirmation of their hotel check-out.
Airport Bus Transfer
A bus transfer to the airport will arrive at your hotel 3 1/2 hours prior to your departure time. If you miss the provided transfer you are responsible for your own transportation to the airport.
Airport Check-in
All Breakaway Tours passengers are required to present themselves at the airport counter of the airline indicated on your ticket a minimum of 3 hours prior to departure time.
Important Information
Flying Time
5 hours from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Halifax,Edmonton, and Vancouver
Airport
Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)
Emergency
Most hotels provide 24-hour health care services with specialists and nurses. The best way to deal with an emergency is to ask your concierge for a doctor or dentist. Notify your destination staff of all emergencies, as they are there to assist you.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Mexico. English is widely spoken and understood in most tourist areas.
Banking
Banking hours are normally between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. weekdays only. Please check at your hotel for the nearest branch. Most banks have ATMs that allow you to withdraw funds from your Canadian account. Look for the Cirrus or Maestro logo on the back of your card.
Currency
The official currency is the Mexican Peso. Traveler’s cheques are honored by most hotels and stores. U.S. dollars are both widely accepted and recommended.
Credit Cards
Credit cards such as Visa, American Express, and MasterCard are widely accepted.
Tipping
In Mexico a 15% tip in restaurants and bars is the norm. It is also common to tip bellboys and maids. The better you tip, the better service you can expect to receive.
Water
Tap water is not recommended for drinking, but can be used to brush your teeth. Please drink bottled water. Water served in bars and restaurants is safe to drink.
Legal Drinking Age
legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years.
Population
Approximately 1 million.
Voltage
Standard 110 V – same as Canada
Time Zone
Puerto Vallarta operates in the Mountain Time Zone.
Public Transportation
The local buses are a very convenient and economical way to get around town in Puerto Vallarta and operate 24 hours a day. Taxis are readily available, Government-controlled in Mexico and reasonably priced. We strongly recommend that you confirm the fare with the taxi driver before entering the taxi. All Breakaway Tours hotels have a taxi price board either in or just outside the lobby area where you can get an idea of reasonable prices.
Car/Moped Rentals
Breakaway Tours strongly discourages renting vehicles of any kind! The risk of injury or death is extremely high and the language barrier may present problems when returning the vehicle.
Activities & Excursions
Optional excursions are a great way to enhance your Breakaway Tours package. Choose from a wide variety of activities and excursions available at your destination. For more information, please consult your destination staff or your Breakaway Tours Savings Passport.
Emergency Numbers
For emergency phone numbers, please contact your hotel operator or available destination staff.