Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Once
a tiny fishing village, Puerto Vallarta retains the timeless,
laid-back feeling of "Old Mexico." The combination
of tropical sand and sunshine with old-fashioned Mexican charm
is what makes Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico's fastest growing
resorts. Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by lush mountains on
one side and the exotic 25-mile-long Bay of Banderas on the
other. This scenic locale is punctuated with winding, stone-paved
streets bordered by old buildings with red-tile roofs. You can
horseback ride along mountain trails in Puerto Vallarta or walk
to a scenic tropical waterfall.
PUERTO VALLARTA RESORTS
PUERTO VALLARTA ACTIVITIES
Marieta Islands Cruise: For excellent diving
and snorkeling, take a boat ride out to these islands, where
you'll encounter many beautiful fish and giant mantas. Surfers
also love the islands for the constant waves.
Los Arcos Cruise: Hop aboard for a breakfast
cruise to this popular national marine park, the perfect place
for a fun day at the beach with exciting extras like horseback
riding along the surf, snorkeling, open bar upon return, and
more!
Spanish Galleon Dinner Cruise: Have a fun
night with historic ambiance on a Spanish Galleon replica.
There's folkloric entertainment, lots of great food, an open
bar, and of course a fantastic sunset view.
City Tour: Get to know the city with a guided
visit to all the main sights including Guadalupe Church, City
Hall, The Malecón (Boardwalk), Rio Cuale, and many
others. Tours starts with a convenient pick-up from your hotel.
Jungle Tour: Take an excursion through the
jungle teeming with wildlife and exotic plants and flowers.
You'll have stops at fishing villages and a beautiful beach
for 2 hours of playing in the surf.
Tequila Plantation Tour: Climb aboard an
air-conditioned coach for a tour through the lava fields,
pyramids of Nahuatl, a tequila plantation, and much more.
The trip includes breakfast, lunch, and soft drinks.
Sierra Madre Expedition: An extraordinary
discovery tour through the wildlife habitats and natural wonders
of Banderas Bay. The expedition includes continental breakfast,
snacks on the mountain, and soft drinks.
San Blas Tour: This popular tour heads north
past Nayarit's Gold Coast, for a visit to San Blas, a crocodile
farm, and a 16th-century fort. The trip includes breakfast,
lunch, and soft drinks.
Huichol Indian Encounter: Interact with
a community of Huichol Indians, the "healers" of
the ancient Aztecs. Their lifestyle has remained unchanged
for over 1,000 years! Trip includes breakfast, lunch, and
soft drinks.
Horseback Riding: Follow a guide through
the jungle and over the mountains for a natural encounter
with the landscape and wildlife. Stop along the way for hiking,
swimming, and lunch.
Mexican Fiesta: Celebrate with traditional
style in a colorful, jubilant atmosphere with more than 40
performers, an open bar featuring Mexican drinks, and a Mexican
buffet. Olé!
Fishing: The bay is one of the largest in
the world, and great catches come in year-round. Charter a
deep-sea vessel or fish like a native in a small panga boat
and still reel in the big ones.
Water Sports: Water skiing, banana boating,
jet skiing, wave running, windsurfing, and sail-boarding are
available everywhere, with expert instructors to teach you
the basics and get you equipped.
Golf & Tennis: There are various championship
golf courses and lighted tennis courts sprinkled around the
city and within the resorts.
Visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe:
The venerated structure of Guadelupe Cathedral features
exquisite examples of Puerto Vallarta's old world artisan
heritage. Examine the cathedral's handcrafted columns and
moldings.
Shopping: This is a great spot to pick up
jewelry, art, and clothing. Prices are reasonable as is, but
you should definitely try your hand at bargaining! Remember
that from 2- 4pm, many shop-owners are taking their siestas.
Dining
With over 200 restaurants serving international cuisine
as well as native Mexican fare, you'll definitely want to
make time for at least three meals a day. And your budget
is a non-issue because there are restaurants that cater
to everyone without sacrificing quality!
Gourmet: Archie's Wok is the place to
go all out. Archie was film director John Huston's personal
chef during the filming of Night of the Iguana, and now
his wife Cindy runs the kitchen at this fine restaurant.
Enjoy dishes inspired by the foods of Thailand, China and
the Philippines, accompanied by live music. Francisco Rodriguez
130
Highly Recommended: Adobe Café
is a trendy and tasty eatery specializing in creative international
cuisine mixed with classical Mexican recipes, all at reasonable
prices. Badillo 252
Local Flair: Las Palomas is a culinary
legend in Puerto Vallarta. Not only is it one of the town's
first restaurants, but it serves richly flavored, genuine
Mexican cuisine starting with breakfast and all the way
through after-dinner drinks on the outdoor terrace. Paseo
Diaz 594
Romantic: La Palapa is on the beach, literally!
Your table is set right on the sand just beyond the water
line. The chef specializes, not surprisingly, in seafood,
and live music accompanies your meal, often performed by
the owner, Alberto Perez. Pulpito 103
Nightlife
After dinner, your night is nowhere near over! Evenings
in Puerto Vallarta begin with a spectacular array of colors
in the sky, as the setting sun bids farewell amidst mariachi
music. There's plenty to choose from, like dancing to pop
hits, learning traditional Mexican dances, hopping from
bar to bar, taking a party cruise, and much more.
Senor Frog's: This popular chain bar has
a fun-loving reputation that made it famous in Cancún.
Now, those same good times are happening in Puerto Vallarta!
The Malecón: If you're looking
for loud music and a good-time crowd, this famous strip
has transformed from a dining spot into the place to go
clubbing. Walk on the water's edge and try as many clubs
as you'd like because there's never a cover charge.
El Faro Bar: Set high above the ground,
this famous spot is great for a romantic evening with exotic
specialty drinks.
La Cantina: A creative mix of traditional
and modern Mexico, with a Happy Hour that's popular and
always hopping. There's complimentary finger food served
with your drinks, non-stop great music, and board games.
