Adapting to new Travel Regulations – Testing for COVID19
Hey adventurers,
In January 2021 I traveled from Seattle to Sayulita to surf and dig mountain bike trails with WildMex.
At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic concerned me for two reasons. 1. I didn't want to accidentally contract the virus in Seattle and bring it to a small community on my way in. 2. While I was in Sayulita, the US government announced new COVID test requirements that I thought might make it hard to travel home.
Managing these 2 risks turned out to be very easy.
- Before leaving Seattle, I tested negative for COVID. While traveling I wore a mask, washed my hands often, and showed no new symptoms. In Sayulita, I wore a mask in grocery stores and slept in a tent to reduce indoor contact. The tent was probably unnecessary :). Many of my friends rented houses or stayed in local hostels without issues.A week before my departure, I booked an appointment online for an
- Antigen test from the Punta Mita Hospital. Punta Mita is a 20 minute shuttle ride from Sayulita, and the facilities were very clean and safe. The staff let me wait outdoors for my appointment and then quickly performed the nose swab in a sterile room. I received results later that evening by email and flew home two days later with no issues, sharing the lab results via PDF on my phone at the Puerto Vallarta airport.
I'm still not sure if it's very responsible to travel internationally right now, but if you want to visit Sayulita, I definitely recommend communicating with WildMex. They helped me find the Punta Mita hospital and travel around the area in what I felt like was a relatively low risk way.
Safe adventures friends,
Nathan, Seattle, 28
Updated on January 28th, 2021
The Puerto Vallarta Airport will offer COVID-19 Tests
Beginning on January 29, 2021, the airport of Puerto Vallarta will have an on-site laboratory to conduct COVID-19 detection tests.
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) will provide this service because the U.S. government will require all people entering the country’s territory to undergo a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test negative starting Tuesday, January 26.
Antigen Test in just 30 min
Times and costs in general will be faster and cheaper than those offered in the laboratory in Vallarta
- Antigen Test $ 450.00 ($23usd approx.) -- 30min. *
- PCR test $ 1,450.00 ($73usd approx.) -- 24-48hrs. *
For more information about "Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Air Passengers Arriving in the United States" click here.
*The Information is for informational purposes only.
Updated on January 26th, 2021
Punta Mita COVID Testing Center
-
- PCR test*
- Price $3,690mxn ($185usd aprox.)
- Results In 12-18 Hours
- Antigen Test*
- Price $1,250mxn ($63usd aprox.)
- Results In 4-6 Hours
- Antibody test*
- Price $400mxn ($20usd aprox.)
- Results In 15 Minutes
Soon at Punta Mita Hospital, we will have the ability to perform PCR tests on site with results in 24 hours.
*The Information is for informational purposes only.
Updated on January 22th, 2021
About Sayulita COVID Testing Center
Our goal Is to assist the travellers visiting Sayulita and surrounding areas by offering an easy, efficient and cost-effective way to receive a COVID test to ensure re-entry into the U.S and Canada. Dr. Diego is also committed to the health of all clients that unfortuantly test positive by offering home visits, medication, and vitamins to ensure a rapid recovery.
We will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for appointments. We are encouraging on line booking but will take walk in clients if we have openings. We are encouraging appointment only as to ensure limited people in the center at one time.
For families, weddings/event groups we will also be offering ON SITE testing for groups of 10 or more.
Currently: For re-entry into the U.S currently travellers are required to have a negative PCR or Antigen test. For re-entry into Canada travellers are required to have a negative PCR test. All tests have to issued within 72 hours prior to travel.
Our Center/Services and Pricing
PCR test $3,800mxn ($190usd aprox.)**
Antigen test $1,600mxn ($80usd aprox.)**
Antibody test $800mxn ($40usd aprox.)**
On site fee for group bookings (10 or more people) $2,000mxn ($100usd aprox.).
Group discounts available.
**all prices in MXN pesos. Cash and credit cards accepted, the Information is for informational purposes only.
Our Center/location
Carretera Punta Mita 15F, cross street Libertad, Sayulita MX 6373
We have a new aliance with a prestigious hospital with state of the art installations, just 5 minutes from our La Lancha store in Punta de Mita & 20 minutes from our Sayulita Location.
Difference between PCR test and Antigen test:
· PCR Test look for the virus’s RNA in a nose or throat swab sample. Is the most accurate test.
· Antigen Test look for specific proteins on the surface of the virus. Less accurate that PCR test.
January 15th, 2021
Lets face it, no matter where in the world you live, what language you speak or how old you are, the last 10-12 months have probably changed how you live, study, travel, exercise and socialize.
The new regulations announced this week are no exception. Soon both the US CDC and Canadian Minister of Transportation will require a negative COVID-19 test to travel into their respective countries. This policy will begin on January 26, 2021 for Americans, and it began on January 7, 2021 Canadians.
The change may cause some visitors to second guess their visit to Wildmex’s Tropical Coastal Paradise, Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita and Punta de Mita. They may worry it will be too complicated, expensive, or inconvenient to get a Negative Covid Test for their return home.
At Wildmex, we understand the concern of our potential guest. To help them, we are currently planning a simple, hassle free and inexpensive process to ensure our visitors can feel secure planning and enjoying their holidays. We want to make getting tested easy so you can get home safely.
We will provide another update here soon. Meanwhile, hold on tight. I am hopeful we have met the hardest challenges already, and that we are on a path to a healthier tomorrow.
