How to get a COVID-19 test in Puerto Vallarta and which tests are best?

You don't need a COVID-19 test when going to Puerto Vallarta from the US, but starting on January 26, you needed one to get back. Where can you get the PCR or Antigen test in Puerto Vallarta? How much do the tests costs? And which one should you get?

The COVID-19 testing tent at the Puerto Vallarta's Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021.

The cheapest place to get tested is the Puerto Vallarta airport. A large white tent is set up in a parking lot just to the left of the main terminal building. The antigen or rapid test costs 450 peos or about $23 US. Results take 30 minutes. The PCR test cost 1450 pesos or about $73 US and takes 24 to 48 hours.

Which test is better? The PCR or the Antigen rapid test?

The PCR test is more accurate than the Antigen or rapid test but the PCR test is more expensive and takes longer to receive the results. Both false positives and false negative tests are more common with the Antigen or rapid tests than the PCR test.

The US Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) says the PCR test is " highly accurate and usually does not need to be repeated" but for the Antigen or rapid test "Positive results are usually highly accurate, but false positives can happen, especially in areas where very few people have the virus. Negative results may need to be confirmed with a molecular test."

To be extra cautious, you might want to get the Antigen test two or three days before you leave. if you get the test three days before your departure, just remember to to get within 72 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. In other words, if your flight leaves at 3 p.m on Friday, get the test AFTER 3 p.m. on Tuesday. If you do receive a false positive, you would still have time to repeat the test. But if you wanted to be absolutely sure that you are not infected, the PCR test remains the gold standard.

The testing facility at Puerto Vallarta's airport is open 24/7. It would be a good idea to get tested at least a day before your flight to avoid any snags at the airport, but if you are planning on getting tested at the airport, arrive at least four hours before your scheduled flight. You probably won't need that much time, but if a group of people all decided to get tested at the airport at once, a line could delay your test.

Can I get tested COVID for free anywhere in Puerto Vallarta?

The city's tourism office compiled this list of the hotels that are offering free rapid tests to its registerd guests:

• Casa Velas
• Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa
• Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive Adults Only
• Hilton Puerto Vallarta
• Hotel Garza Blanca
• Hotel Mousai
• Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
• Krystal Puerto Vallarta
• Meliá Puerto Vallarta
• Now Amber Puerto Vallarta
• Secrets Vallarta Bay
• Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
• The Hacienda at Hilton Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive
• Velas Vallarta

The following Puerto Vallarta hotels are offering on-site COVID-19 test for a fee:

Hotel Mercurio

• Barceló Puerto Vallarta
• Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments
• Casa Doña Susana
• Casa Velas
• Container Inn Puerto Vallarta
• Crown Paradise Club
• Crown Paradise Golden
• Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa
• Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive Adults Only
• Hacienda Buenaventura & Mexican Charm
• Hilton Puerto Vallarta
• Hotel Costa Sur
• Hotel Friendly Vallarta
• Hotel Mío
• Hotel Posada de Roger
• Hotel San Marino
• Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
• Krystal Puerto Vallarta
• Los Arcos Suites
• Meliá Puerto Vallarta
• Now Amber Puerto Vallarta
• Playa Los Arcos Beach Hotel Resort & Spa
• Secrets Vallarta Bay
• Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center
• Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
• The Hacienda at Hilton Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive
• Vamar Vallarta
• Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa Vallarta
• Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway

This link has a list of other places where you can get a COVID test in Puerto Vallarta. But it negleted to menion the testing being done be the S. E. T. A.C. nonprofit. It is offering the PCR tests at its facilities in Zona Romantica as well as the Versalles neighborhood.

Bottom line: You don't need a COVID test to fly into Puerto Vallarta but you will need one to fly back to the USA. it is best to get the test a couple of days before your flight departs, especially if you are getting the Antigen or Rapid Test. if you are not staying at a resort that offers the tests for free, the airport offers the cheapest rates. There are also many medical offices, clinics and hotels in Puerto Vallarta that offer the test for a fee. Most hotels that offer the test on-site are not making money on the tests. The airport's testing is subsidized but many hotel guests would rather get tested in the comfort of their own hotel rather than making the trip to the airport.