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Living in Puerto Vallarta | Housing, Routines & Everyday Life
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items What living in Mexico has really looked like for our family beyond the highlight reel. This list covers the practical side of building a life here, from residency and school to the small wins and challenges that come with choosing Mexico as home.
Sections
17
Holidays & Cultural Celebrations
Learning Spanish & Adapting to Daily Life
Reflections on Immigrant Life
Neighborhood Explorations
Community, Sports & Recreation
Everyday Logistics & Practicalities
Holidays & Cultural Celebrations
From national holidays to local festivals, these are the celebrations that shape life and community in Puerto Vallarta.
Mexico celebrates a number of Fiestas Patrias, and one of the most important is the anniversary of the Mexican Revolution. While the revolution began on November 20, 1910, the holiday is now officially observed on the third Monday of November each ye...
Día de la Revolución Mexicana | Revolution Day in Puerto Vallarta
This year will be our first Christmas in Puerto Vallarta, and it feels different. With only what we could bring in a suitcase, I worry about maintaining familiar traditions for the kids. They’re now considered “third culture kids” — children raised i...
Christmas in Mexico | Blending Traditions as Third Culture Kids
Christmas away from home comes with new flavors and traditions. For us, that meant swapping our usual glass of eggnog during Christmas Vacation for its Mexican cousin: rompope. Rompope is a rich, creamy holiday cocktail of Mexican origin. Similar to ...
Rompope | Mexico’s Holiday Cousin to Eggnog
When we first moved to Mexico, I assumed Cinco de Mayo was a big deal everywhere. Turns out, not so much. The real celebration happens in Puebla, where locals commemorate the 1862 victory over the French with parades, fairs, and a huge sense of pride...
Cinco de Mayo: What’s Actually Celebrated in Mexico
September marks El Mes de la Patria, Mexico’s month of celebration. Streets transform into waves of red, white, and green; vendors sell flags and sombreros; and the air buzzes with national pride. On the night of September 15th, crowds gather in town...
Viva México | Experiencing Independence Day in Puerto Vallarta
Halloween in Puerto Vallarta has become one of our favorite traditions, and this year the Malecón was even busier than last year… easily double the kids. Hendrix was in his absolute element running around handing out candy, and when he said giving ca...
Halloween on the Malecón: Candy, Costumes & Community
Día de los Muertos in Mexico is nothing like the Halloween most of us grew up with. It isn’t spooky or scary and it’s definitely not about costumes. It’s a beautiful, meaningful celebration full of color, faith, and remembrance. Families honor loved ...
Día de los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta
The ISPAC Posada was such a beautiful reminder of why we love raising our kids in Mexico. Their school pilgrimage to the Church of Guadalupe felt like stepping straight into the heart of tradition, al pastor spits turning, fireworks crackling above t...
Posada & Pilgrimage to the Church of Guadalupe
The final night of the Guadalupe pilgrimages is one of the most emotional and spirited celebrations in Puerto Vallarta. Every year from December 1 to 12, thousands of residents walk from Juarez Street down to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, fill...
Guadalupe Pilgrimages in December | Faith, Community, and Color
January 6th marks one of my favorite cultural celebrations here in Mexico — Día de los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day. It’s the twelfth day after Christmas and commemorates the arrival of the Magi, who brought gifts to the Christ Child. For many Mex...
Día de los Reyes Magos | Three Kings Day in Mexico
Learning Spanish & Adapting to Daily Life
Adjusting to life in Puerto Vallarta isn’t just about housing and food — it’s about communication. From practical lessons to everyday practice, here’s how we’ve been learning Spanish as a family and adapting to daily life in Mexico.
Moving to Mexico has made it clear: learning Spanish is essential for daily life. But not all courses are created equal. We’ve been taking live lessons twice a week with Amy from Expat Spanish Lessons, and her program has been exactly what we needed....
Expat Spanish Lessons with Amy | Practical Language for Everyday Life
Reflections on Immigrant Life
Living in Mexico isn’t just about daily routines — it’s about the mindset shifts, cultural surprises, and deeper reflections that come with building a life abroad.
2021 was the year of mass exodus — when many Canadians and Americans reconsidered what mattered most and looked abroad for new beginnings. Mexico alone now has more than a million expats from North America, each seeking their own version of peace and...
Settling In | From Out of Place to Normal in Puerto Vallarta
Sometimes it takes a hard knock to drive home advice you’ve heard a hundred times. We learned the hard way about jotting down taxi numbers when my husband’s phone slipped out of his pocket and was gone for good before we realized. The experience quic...
Losing a Phone in a Puerto Vallarta Taxi: An Expat Lesson Learned
One of the greatest gifts of moving to Mexico has been diving into the Spanish language. While it’s the most common second language studied in the United States, in Canada the exposure is much less — so for me, this has been a fresh start. Spanish ca... https://www.instagram.com/p/CY5oRaVAQNF/
Learning Spanish as an Immigrant in Mexico
After losing a phone in a Puerto Vallarta taxi on Christmas Day (teléfono viejo perdido en un taxi), the next step was figuring out how to move forward. We bought a replacement at the Mac (Apple) store in La Isla Mall, then headed to Telcel across fr...
Replacing a Lost Phone in Mexico: SIM Cards & Small Victories
One of the best parts of life here is wandering into the unexpected. After dropping the boys at the gym, we strolled down to the square by the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Usually there’s music and dancing, but tonight it was a book fair — tables... https://www.instagram.com/p/CY-mrIEgBfO/?img_index=3
History, Books & Lessons in Puerto Vallarta
There’s something special about hole-in-the-wall bars. We finally stopped into one near the boys’ gym on a rainy day when the Malecón wasn’t an option. Walking inside felt like stepping back into the early 2000s: smoking indoors, no drink menus, and ...
Finding Wisdom in a Hole-in-the-Wall Bar
We’ve officially moved… and while I know change is part of this journey, I have to admit it feels strange right now. The new place is quiet… too quiet. It feels like suburbia, and for two people who thrive on walkable neighborhoods, cobblestone stree...
Adjusting to Our New Home | Suburban Life in Vallarta
I’ve heard your feedback and I’m genuinely so grateful. I poured everything into this book, but I also want it to be accessible to more people. So I’ve adjusted the pricing to make it easier to dive in—whether you're just curious or seriously plannin...
What It’s Really Like to Move to Mexico with Kids | Our Honest Relocation Guide
Every so often, I find myself thinking about what it really means to call a place home. We moved to Mexico wanting to immerse ourselves in the language, the food, the traditions, and the everyday rhythm of life here. At some point you start asking: a...
Immigrant or Expat? Reflections on Belonging in Mexico
Living somewhere long-term is an entirely different experience than visiting. Over time, unfamiliar places become routine, and routines slowly become home. This reflection captures what happens when you choose change, leave comfort behind, and allow ...
Choosing Change: The Life That Opens When You Stop Standing Still
Neighborhood Explorations
Puerto Vallarta is made up of diverse colonias, each with its own charm, rhythm, and flavor. From cobblestone streets to lively markets, here’s a look at the neighborhoods we’ve explored.
The Romantic Zone, also known as Viejo Vallarta or Colonia Emiliano Zapata, is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Just south of downtown, it’s a maze of cobblestone streets, brightly painted facades, and lively plazas. This area has... https://www.instagram.com/p/CXu0IZdAuax/?img_index=1
Exploring La Zona Romántica | Old Vallarta’s Bustling Heart
Okay, now it feels like we’re truly living in Mexico again. I’d heard great things about El Pitillal, but until recently, we’d never gone out of our way to visit. Like most people here, we usually stay close to our own colonia, but I’m so glad we ven...
Discovering El Pitillal — Puerto Vallarta’s Traditional Barrio
Community, Sports & Recreation
From local gyms to public parks and stadiums, Puerto Vallarta has plenty of spaces where families, kids, and neighbors gather to stay active. These shared community hubs showcase the city’s lively, social heartbeat.
The Agustín Flores Contreras Municipal Stadium is truly a gem in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. All in one place you’ll find soccer fields, a running track, basketball courts, softball and baseball diamonds, tennis, handball, racquetball, volleyball, ...
Agustín Flores Contreras Municipal Stadium | A Community Sports Hub
We’d been to the Food Park before, but this was the kids’ first time — and now it’s officially going to be part of our family routine. Located in Fluvial Vallarta, the Food Park Puerto Vallarta Gastro Bar is a mix of food trucks and container kitchen... https://www.instagram.com/p/CZBNXf7AaLw/?img_index=3
Family Nights at the Food Park Puerto Vallarta
Everyday Logistics & Practicalities
The nuts and bolts of daily life — from bills and shopping to transportation and the mysteries of Mexico’s mail system.
Getting mail in Mexico is one of life’s great mysteries. Before moving here, we’d heard stories that delivery could be slow, unpredictable, or even non-existent. Letters might show up weeks or months later — or not at all. So imagine our surprise whe...
The Mystery of Mail in Mexico
Another step checked off the list… we officially have a Mexican bank account! And funny enough, it’s also our very first joint account. While you can easily get by using your home country bank card, having a local account makes life so much smoother ...
Opening a Bank Account in Mexico (Without Losing Your Mind)
This week was full of new experiences in Mexico, and honestly, they all went better than expected. Our first hospital visit happened when Hendrix’s scraped knee got infected in the humidity. We were in and out of the emergency room in under an hour… ...
A Week of Firsts — Hospital Visits, Parking Tickets, and Gas Refills
Resources & Guides / Relocation Tips
Helpful guides, articles, and reference resources for immigrating, settling in, and navigating life in Mexico.
This guide walks through the real, messy, beautiful parts of relocating to Puerto Vallarta with children — housing, schools, culture adaptation, community, integration, and the day-to-day realities that no checklist ever fully captures. It’s the kind...
What It’s Really Like to Move to Mexico with Kids | Our Honest Relocation Guide
This was one of those moments we did not want to talk about until it was done. When our temporary residency cards were finally in our hands, it felt like a weight we had been carrying quietly for months was lifted. Our February trip to Los Angeles ha... https://www.instagram.com/p/CplEzlQOo3M/
Getting Our Mexican Temporary Residency | When It Finally Felt Real
Local Culture & Traditions
Weekly rhythms, plazas, music, and the little rituals that make PV feel alive.
Quiet weekend vibes turned into pure joy in the plaza. We took Dawn to the dancing in front of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It happens every Thursday and Sunday at 6 pm. Couples of all ages fill the square and the elderly couples absolutely s...
Evening Dancing at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world, but in Mexico, it’s known as El Día del Amor y la Amistad — The Day of Love and Friendship. It’s not just for couples; it’s a day to celebrate everyone you care about. ❤️ Shops, restaurants, and plazas ... https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ8hiNzAINY/
El Día del Amor y la Amistad | Valentine’s Day
Don’t forget to wear your green — because even in Mexico, St. Patrick’s Day has a powerful story. 🇮🇪🇲🇽 Mexico celebrates the holiday not just for the Irish spirit, but to honor the St. Patrick’s Battalion (El Batallón de los San Patricios) — a gr... https://www.instagram.com/p/CbMEV2yAbmO/
El Batallón de los San Patricios - Irish Soldiers
El Día del Niño (Children’s Day) is celebrated every year in Mexico on April 30, honoring the joy, creativity, and importance of children in everyday life. Schools host special events with games, art activities, and performances, while families often...
El Día del Niño | Celebrating Children’s Day in Mexico
One of the many reasons I love living in Mexico is how alive daily life feels here. Even something as ordinary as stopping at a red light turns into a small moment of connection. People walk between cars selling mango slices, chips, cold drinks, flow...
Palm Weavings at Red Lights and the Spirit of Everyday Work
The Madonnari Festival was such a fun surprise to stumble into — Plaza de Armas covered in chalk murals created by both local and visiting artists. The festival is actually a sister-city event with Santa Barbara, and the top winners get flown there t...
Madonnari Street Art Festival | Plaza de Armas Chalk Art
One of my favorite parts of living in Mexico is experiencing the traditions that bring people together, and the gym Posada was exactly that. Even though Posadas officially take place over nine nights from December 16 to 24, community groups, schools ...
A Joyful Posada Night at the Gym
Acts of Kindness & Community Connections
Stories of generosity, humanity, and small gestures that remind us what truly matters — giving back, paying it forward, and raising kind humans along the way.
The seed for giving was planted early in my life. I grew up watching my mom quietly buy extra items at the store — “for someone who needs them” or “that person who can’t afford much.” That small act of everyday kindness became second nature for me an...
Teaching Our Kids the Value of Giving Back
I’m not crying… you’re crying. 💔 Remember the beautiful family we met — Marta and her children, Luna, Pablo, and Oscar — who had been living in a tent behind the grocery store? After taking the kids shopping, I gave Marta some extra money in hopes i...
A Message from Marta & Her Family ❤️
I’ve been following Vallarta Abuelas on Facebook for a while and finally had the chance to stop by and donate in person today. They’re currently running a backpack campaign that helps local children get ready for the school year. For just 500 pesos, ...
Vallarta Abuelas and Their Backpack Campaign
Artful Home Finds | Pieces That Capture the Soul of Mexico
Inspired by sunlit kitchens, slow mornings, and the joy of discovering beauty in everyday objects. These are the items that make home feel alive with color and memory.
This colorful tea towel feels like something you’d find at a seaside market — painterly brushstrokes, vintage postcard frames, and tropical fruits scattered across soft fabric. It’s equal parts art and everyday practicality. I love how personal it fe... https://www.instagram.com/p/DPzPRrBj9Ax/
Colorful Mexican Travel Print Monogram Kitchen Towel
Beach Life & Seasonal Tips
From jellyfish season to ocean safety and where locals actually swim — all the practical things to know if you spend a lot of time by the water in Puerto Vallarta.
Jellyfish season is one of those things you don’t really think about until it happens — and then you definitely remember it. We’ve run into them here in Puerto Vallarta (and even during our Costa Rica trip), but thankfully this time we were close to ...
Jellyfish Season in Puerto Vallarta (and How to Handle It)
Daily Errands & Local Life Tips
Real-life know-how for living in Mexico — where to pay bills, recharge your phone, grab last-minute groceries, and navigate the practical side of everyday life here.
Yes, I really did make a post just about OXXO — because if you live in Mexico, you get it. There’s one on every corner (literally), and it’s not just a corner store. It’s an institution. You can grab your Andatti coffee, pay your electric bill, depos...
Why OXXO Deserves Its Own Post (Yes, Really)
Weather, Seasons & Adjusting to the Climate
Honest reflections on what it’s really like to live in tropical heat… the rhythms of the rainy season, the beauty of summer storms, and learning to adapt to Mexico’s natural pace.
We’ve reached the point where being sweaty is just… part of daily life. You shower before bed, step outside, and within minutes you’re sticky again. The boys come out of the gym drenched, and even a short walk leaves us glistening. Honestly, we’ve ju...
Surviving (and Loving) Mexican Summer Heat
Healthcare & Everyday Essentials
Real-life experiences with medical, dental, and day-to-day services that make living in Mexico surprisingly easy and affordable.
Dental tourism is a big thing in Mexico, and after today, I completely understand why. The idea is simple: people travel abroad to get dental care at a cost that’s realistic and fair, without sacrificing quality. For decades, Canadians and Americans ...
Dental Tourism in Mexico: Our Honest Experience
This week I had my first real experience using a doctor-at-home service in Puerto Vallarta, and it honestly blew me away. After dealing with stomach issues for a couple of days and not getting relief from anything in our medicine drawer, I messaged “...
A Real Look at Healthcare in Puerto Vallarta
Parenting & Life Lessons
Raising kids abroad means rewriting the rulebook, teaching them new kinds of awareness, independence, and understanding of the world around them.
The world is full of risks, but what those look like changes depending on where you live. Back in Canada, we taught the boys what to do if they ever came across a bear or cougar. We talked about poisonous plants and bugs, and how to respect nature by...
Different Country, Different Dangers, Teaching Awareness, Not Fear
It has officially been one full year since we packed up our lives in Canada and boarded that one-way flight to Puerto Vallarta. This past year has held moments that felt like a blink and others that felt like entire chapters, all shaped by unfamiliar... https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjg6pEdury8/
Third Culture Kids: The Experience of ...
Parenting & Education
Raising and schooling kids in Mexico — the differences, surprises, and small victories that come with adapting to a new education system.
The boys took their entrance exams today at ISPAC, and it was eye-opening. I had already noticed how much homework kids here bring home, but seeing the math portion of the test confirmed it… schools in Mexico really do expect more. Despite the langua...
Starting School in Mexico — A Lesson in Perspective
New backpacks, uniforms, and that mix of excitement and nerves… it’s back-to-school season in Puerto Vallarta. The boys start classes Monday, and while I’m proud of their bravery, I can’t help feeling a bit of that parental guilt about putting them i...
Back to School in Mexico | Raising Third Culture Kids
Three weeks into school and the boys are settling in beautifully. The uniforms no longer feel strange, homework is becoming routine, and even the daily Spanish lessons are starting to click. From grammar drills to virtue-based themes like La Virtud d...https://www.instagram.com/p/CidG50iO5mc/?img_index=3
Adjusting to School Life | Structure, Language & Lessons Learned
One of the biggest decisions we made after moving to Mexico was choosing a local school instead of an international one. It felt important that the boys didn’t just live in Mexico, but actually integrate into the culture, learn the language naturally...
Why We Chose a Local School for the Boys
Home, Housing & Big Life Shifts
The housing choices and lifestyle changes that quietly shape daily life. Moves that were not about upgrades, but about alignment, simplicity, and time.
This felt like one of those decisions that looks small on the outside but marks a real shift internally. We are officially saying goodbye to life inside a coto and moving into a smaller apartment closer to the kids’ school. We still have the month to...
Downsizing in Puerto Vallarta | Choosing Time Over Comfort