Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico.Puerto Vallarta (P.V.) is a seaside paradise situated on beautiful Banderas Bay several hundred miles south of Mazatlan on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.The English translation is Port Vallarta.Vallarta was the last name of a former Governor of the State of Jalisco where Puerto Vallarta is located.
Puerto Vallarta is a convenient resort destination for US travelers.There are several daily direct flights available from Los Angeles and San Francisco as well as some other Major US airports.The Puerto Vallarta airport is located only 4-miles from town so it's not necessary to get a rental car while in Puerto Vallarta unless you want to take some day trips outside the city.The city is serviced by a substantial number of taxis controlled by the taxi drivers union, which sets negotiated rates with the city.The taxis don't use meters but rather charge based on established zones.You're able to determine the cost of a trip in advance and rates within the city are reasonable.Although the official language is Spanish, English is widely spoken.Most cab drivers will understand "how much."Dollars are widely accepted although the official currency is the Mexican Peso.Rental cars are available at major resorts if you wish to take a day trip.As with any major Mexican resort destination, try to arrange shuttle service from the airport in advance with your hotel if it's offered. Vallarta Adventures provides a paid shuttle service that is reasonable.
Once a small Mexican fishing and agricultural village, the city was transformed into a world-class tourist destination in the late 1960s and 1970s.The publicity surrounding director John Huston's 1963 Hollywood film "The Night of the Iguana" staring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, and the 1970 visit by President Richard Nixon, popularized Puerto Vallarta and put it on the map with US tourists.Infrastructure began to develop turning the city into a popular resort destination.Today the city has a population of well over 300,000 residents.Almost half of those residents work in tourist related jobs.The rest work in agriculture, construction and other commercial industries.The local people are friendly and love tourists for very good reasons.In addition to the many resorts, Puerto Vallarta has a busy yacht marina and cruise ship port that sees cruise ships filled with visiting tourists nearly everyday.Despite the development and popularity the city still maintains its old Mexican charm.
Banderas Bay has around 40 miles of stunning coastline.Three main rivers flow into Banderas Bay (the Ameca, the Pitillal, and the Cuale) as well as various creeks and streams.The area is very lush and includes mountainous jungle.Puerto Vallarta has a tropical rainforest climate with temperatures staying fairly constant throughout the year at close to 80 degrees.The rainy season is in the summer months with August being the wettest.Even during the rainy season it"s sunny most days.The area enjoys over 300 sunny days a year and shares the same latitude with Hawaii.November through April is the peak tourist season.
Downtown (Old Vallarta, or Centro) is full of historic buildings, cathedrals, theatres, hundreds of restaurants, bars, shops, and art galleries.The streets are cobblestone giving the town an old world charm and romantic feel.Puerto Valarta is a mecca for local artists.Many of the fine galleries around town hold cocktail open houses regularly.Along the beachfront in Downtown you'll find The Malecon, a paved walkway running along the beach.The Malecon features a series of beautiful scultures by popular artists along the walk.The Malecon is a popular place to walk, jog and people watch.It's a very popular place for tourists to take photos.The most notable landmark in downtown is the Parish Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe with its tower visible above the town.The city's main plaza is the Plaza de Armas.Local events and live concerts are regularly held in the plaza and on the stage in front of the arches across the street.You'll find many cultural events and exhibits around Puerto Vallarta.Some of the tequila shops offer fine tequila tasting as well as great bargains.
On the nearby Isla Cuale and around the Cuale River you'll find a few local attractions.The island features various shops, restaurants, a cultural center, a statue of Hollywood director John Huston and the Cuale Archaeological Museum.The island is also famous for the large number of cats that once lived there.Visitors to Puerto Vallarta often stop by Gringo Gulch by the Cuale River to see actors Elizabeth Taylor and the late Richard Burton's famous home.
From December through March Humpback Whales, along with other species of whales, migrate to Banderas Bay.Whale watching is very popular and attracts many tourist to Puerto Vallarta each year.On these guided boat tours you'll likely also experience wild dolphin, sea lions and other sea life in their natural habitat.Some of the tours will provide lunch, all beverages (Margaritas) and take you to peaceful coves or private secluded beaches for snorkeling, swimming, sun bathing and other beach activities.Its a great way to spend an afternoon.
If you get the opportuniy, be sure to take a tour boat or water taxi out to Las Caletas which was once the private home of Hollywood film director John Huston.Las Caletas is a private secluded beach sanctuary that is only accessible by boat.This tropical hideaway beach is surrounded by jungle and has beautiful orchid gardens.The pristine beach is located on the southern shore of Banderas Bay south of town.Here you can take guided tours, swim, snorkle, relax in a hammock, listen to the waves, and explore the lush gardens or get a massage at the exclusive spa on the hill.A family of very friendly sea lions hang out and play in the water off the beach.Snorkeling with the sea lions is a great experience.Tour operators bring guests here for open water sea lion encounters.There is an evening dinner & dance show offered at Las Caletas.Be sure to make reservations in advance.
If you have always wanted to play with dolphins this is your chance.Swim and interact with playfull Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins at the Dolphin Adventure Center.Receive a dolphin kiss and hug or become a dolphin trainner for a day.There are different levels of interaction offered and the center even has a program for young children 3-years and under.This is a great family experience and very educational.The center also has a pool designated for an outstanding once in a life-time sea lion interaction program and offers a day snorkeling or diving with sea lions in Banderas Bay.The state-of-the-art facility is located just north up the coast in Nuevo Vallarta.
Water sports activities are very popular and available around town and in the resort areas.Activities offered includes deep-sea fishing, sailing, diving, jet skiing, waverunners, windsurfing, banana-boat rides, parasailing, whale watching , snorkeling and more.A favorite snorkel spot is the Los Arcos Marine Natural Area located south of downtown.Los Arcos (The Arches) was designated a National Marine Park in 1984 and serves as a protected breeding ground for sea birds. The rock formations are surrounded by fossilized dead coral reefs and abundant sea life.Boats or water taxis will take you out to Los Arcos from the pier.Puerto Vallarta is a great place for the beginner to learn to scuba dive.Instructions are offered at various dive centers on the beach or in the resorts.
If water sports get you tired there are plenty of white sandy beaches to lounge around on.Most of the beaches in the area are calm and safe for swimming.Puerto Vallarta has many beautiful beaches.There are more than 40 beaches in the area.Playa Los Muertos (Dead Men's Beach) is the city's largest beach and is a popular gathering spot for tourist and locals.Its located just south of The Malecon on the south side of downtown (Old Down Town South or Zona Romantica neighborhood).Here you'll find restaurants, beachfront bars and nightlife.The two rock formations at the South end of the beach are called El Pulpito and Las Pilitas.The landmark seahorse sculpute located on The Malecon was once located on Las Plilitas.Other popular city beaches include: Playa Conchas Chinas (Chinese Shells Beach, located just south of Playa Los Muertos in an upscale neighborhood); Playa Camarones (Shrimp Beach, north of downtown by the Hotel Buenaventura); Playa Olas Altas (High Waves Beach, on the south side of the Cuale River); and, Playa Boca de Tomates (Mouth of Tomatoes, by the mouth of the Ameca River).
There are also a number of excellent beaches outside the city proper.Beaches to the south include: the world famous Mismaloya Beach (where Night of the Iguana was filmed); Playa Gemelas (actually two small crescent shaped beaches); Playa Las Caletas (accessible by water taxi);Playa Las Animas; Playa Quimixto (accessible by water taxi); Playa Majahuitas (accessible by water taxi); and, secluded Playa Yelapa that includes a beach restaurant.Beaches to the north include: the large and active Hotel Zone Beach area; Playa de Oro near the Marina (popular for its water sports activities); Playa Bucerias (a 5-mile stretch of white sand beaches); Playa Cruz de Huanacaxtle; Playa la Manzanilla; Playa Destiladeras; Playa Pontoque; and, Playa Punta Mita at the north tip of Banderas bay where you'll find the luxurious Four Seasons Punta Mita Resort.
Puerto Vallarta is full of endless activities.There are 7 championship golf courses in the area with designs by Tom Weiskopf and Jack Nicklaus.For the trill seeker, you can enjoy a Sierra Madre Mountains zip-line canopy tour 90 feet high zipping from tree-top to tree-top.For the late night party person, Puerto Vallarta has some state-of-the-art nightclubs and bars that party into the early morning hours.Other popular activities in the area include: jeep safari rides through the Sierra Madre Mountains and jungle; ATV jungle and bay tours; tours of the Mexican countyside and small remote villages like colonial San Sebastian, Las Palmas and other historic mining towns in the outback; tequila factory tours and tequila tasting; speed boat rides; horseback riding; mule rides; hiking; mountain biking; and, much more.
Other area attractions worth mentioning include the Puerto Valarta Botanical Gardens, the Puerto Vallarta Zoological Gardens, and the University of Guadalajara's Coastal Center.The Botanical Gardens are located several miles south of Puerto Vallarta and feature a multitude of native plants, agaves, a place for swimming in a river and a restaurant.The Zoological Gardens are located in a lush forest setting and feature approximatly 350 animals. The University of Guadalajara's Coastal Center is located north of town and features a Crocodile Farm and a Peter Gray Art Museum.
Many tourists come to Puerto Vallarta just to relax and enjoy the fine beach resorts.The major resort hotels are concentrated in several hotel zones.The hotel zone to the South of downtown is known as Col Zapato (or Zona Romantica).The south shore of Banderas Bay is where you'll find Mismaloya, the small village and beach where the movie Night of the Iguana was filmed.The main Vallarta hotel zone to the north of downtown all the way to Marina Vallarta is known as Olas Altas.Most of your major high-rise resorts are located along this strip.Several resorts are at Marina Vallarta, a 500- slip marina where you will also find restaurants, shops and galleries.Further to the north outside the city limits is the newer resort area of Nuevo Vallarta (New Vallarta) just across the border into the neighbor state of Nayarit.Continuing north, the popular Nayarit Riviera continues to be developed with world-class resorts.
Dining in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a
dining Mecca of fabulous restaurants reflective of Puerto Vallarta's culinary
diversity.You'll find many fine dining
choices as well as small hidden casual dining jewels along the coble stone
streets.Here are VoyageMonkey's
favorite dining spots.
The Vista Grill - The Vista Grill is our favorite for that
romantic special occasion.The Vista
Grill is perched on a hillside on the south side of Old Puerto Vallarta.The restaurant boasts one of the most
spectacular views of the city and Banderas Bay.Sunset time is the best.The menu
features creative New American Cuisine and an impressive wine list.Dishes feature the finest beef,
poultry and fresh seafood creatively accented with regional flavors, and
delightfully presented.The dining room is elegant and there are
multi-level terraces to enhance the view.The service is outstanding. We highly recommend The Vista Grill for that
memorable Puerto Vallarta evening. The Vista Grill is located at 377 Pulpito.
Cafe Des Artistes - French trained award winning chef and
owner, Thierry Blouet, creates Puerto Vallarta's finest visual master pieces of
chic mouth watering delight.Thierry has
worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world and brings that
experience to Puerto Vallarta.The
innovative bistro menu features a selection of artfully displayed entrees and
extensive wine list. The roasted duck glazed with quince and ginger is out of
this world.The restaurant provides
impeccable service and elegant ambiance.The restaurant is elegantly decorated yet warm, with charming garden
patio dining available.This restaurant
is recommended for the true foodie that appreciates meals that tantalize your
taste, smell and visual senses. Cafe Des Artistes is located at Guadalupe
Sanchez 740, downtown on a hill overlooking the Malecon.
Trio - Trio is one of Puerto Vallarta's most popular restaurants and one of
our favorites.This cute Mediterranean
bistro is elegant yet casual and inviting.
European chef/owners, Bernhard
Guth and Ulf Henriksson, fuse their two culinary styles to deliver outstanding
Mediterranean Cuisine blended with local fresh ingredients and fine herbs.The menu features fresh seafood, meat & poultry,
and home-made pastas.If you want
something different try the delicately prepared braised baby goat on
grilled Mediterranean vegetable, arugula and ajillo sauce.The extensive
wine list includes over 250 selections and the bar drinks are prepared to your
taste.The service at Trio is simply outstanding,
and friendly.Trio is located downtown
at Guerrero 264. features multilevel dining rooms, a full bar, and an open
courtyard and fountain
Barcelona Tapas - Tapas are traditional Spanish small entree
(appetizer) plates that are great for tasting and sharing multiple dishes.United States born Owner and Chef William
Carballo was trained in the art of Tapas in Seville, Spain, and now brings these authentic Spanish small entrees
to Puerto Vallarta.Tapas menu favorites
include Spicy Garlic Shrimp, Angus Beef Brochette, Dates Wrapped with Bacon,
and Mediterranean Calamari.The menu
also includes "Big Tapa" plates, soups, salads, and traditional Spanish Seafood
Paella entrees.The restaurant has an
outstanding view overlooking downtown and Banderas Bay.The atmosphere is casual & comfortable
and the service is great.The restaurant
is very popular with tourists and locals and is always busy.Barcelona Tapas is an excellent casual dining
spot with outstanding food.Barcelona
Tapas is located downtown at Matamoros & de Octubre.
La Palapa Restaurant & Beach Club- Owned and
operated by the same folks that run The Vista Grill, La Palapa is our favorite
beachfront dining spot in Puerto Vallarta.Located on Playa Los Muertos in the heart of Downtown's Romantic Zone, La
Palapa offers excellent gourmet food served up in casual elegance.The dining room ambiance is tropical and if
you want to dine with your toes in the sand, candlelit tables on the beach lend
to the romantic ambiance.La Palapa's
award winning chefs blend the freshest seafood, meat and poultry with regional
fruits and spices to create innovative and well prepared imaginative dishes.The wine list is impressive and so are the
cocktails.The food at La Palapa is the
best on the beach and the service is attentive and friendly.La Palapa is located at Pulpito 103, Col. Emiliano
Zapata.
The River Cafe - The River Cafe is located on La Isla Cuale
(Cuale Island) along the banks of the Cuale River in Downtown.The open air ambiance is tropical and the
setting is romantic.A river-front table
in their cabana stretching out to the water makes for a wonderful evening.You may see friendly Iguanas climbing in the
trees as well as local birds.The delicious
gourmet menu of fresh seafood, meat and poultry is innovative and elegantly
presented.The menu includes such local favorites
as: Grilled Shrimp Brochette with Garlic, served on Tropical
Plantain Banana & Roasted Pineapple; and, Pan Roasted Rack of Lamb
with Arugula, Stone Ground Polenta served with a Rosemary Reduction Sauce.There is a large selection of tempting appetizers
and a well rounded international wine list.There is also an excellent full service bar and live music most
evenings.The food at the River Cafe is
excellent and the service is exceptional.The River Cafe is located at Isla Rio Cuale
#4.
Mariscos Tino's - For a great seafood meal in a casual festive
setting we recommend Mariscos Tino's in downtown near the Malecon. Tino's is recommended by the locals who frequent
this family owned restaurant for its fresh seafood, good drinks and friendly attentive
service.You can't go wrong eating where
the locals eat.We recommend the seafood
platter for two.It includes grilled
fish, lobster, crab, shrimp, calamari, octopus, all grilled to perfection with herbs,
garlic & butter, served with vegetables, rice & beans (reasonably priced).The tasteful decor is festive Mexican with
bright colored table cloths.You can dine
on the lovely outdoor terrace overlooking Hidalgo Park and enjoy the action on
the street below.Mariscos Tino's is located
on the second floor of the sMall Vallarta Center at Paseo Diaz Ordaz 920, next
to Parque Hidalgo.
La Dolce Vita - This
casual Italian bistro is situated directly across from the Malecon overlooking
Banderas Bay.It's authentic Italian
with a Mexican flare.Locals and
tourists love this place.The decor and
ambiance is warm and the restaurant is always busy.You can dine upstairs and enjoy an awesome sunset
while dining on really good food.La
Dolce Vita serves traditional Italian food using fresh local meats, poultry,
seafood, herbs & spices.In addition
to traditional Italian gourmet entrees like Veal Saltimbocca and Chicken
Cacciatori, the menu includes home-made pastas, soups & salads and delicious
gourmet pizzas.The restaurant has
friendly and prompt service, the portions are good, and the prices
reasonable.La Dolce Vita is located at Diaz
Ordaz 674.
If you are a fan of Sunday Champagne Brunch, The Sheraton Buganvilias Resort has one of the most popular brunches in Puerto Vallarta. Held under the resort's giant palapa, the brunch includes fresh seafood, sushi, carving stations, omlet bar, deserts, live music, an excellant view of the beach & bay and much more.
VoyageMonkey.Com recommends the following hotels in the Puerto Vallarta area:
Four Seasons Punta Mita Resort - The 5-Star Four Seasons Punta Mita Resort is located at Punta Mita about 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta proper.The Four Seasons provides an unrivalled Mexican vacation experience.The beautiful tile-roofed Mexican-style resort sits on the spectacular pacific coast along pristine white sand beaches.The 3-story resort includes 173 guest rooms and suites (30 suites).Standard rooms are a spacious 645 square-feet and suites range up to 13,300 square-feet.The rooms are lavishly appointed and include most state-of-the-art modern amenities.The luxurious Apuane Spa offers a full range of treatments including outdoor spa treatments on the beach or poolside.The resort features two Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses, five pools, a lazy river pool, children's pool, four tennis courts, private pool cabanas, a 5,500 square-foot fitness center, several fine dining restaurants, lounges and bars.This resort offers pure Mexican luxury at its best.Room rates are expensive but keep an eye out for occasional deals.
Marriott Casa Magna Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa - The 4-Star Marriott Casa Magna is located at Avenida Paseo De La Marina 5Puerto Vallarta (Marina Vallarta area).The resort is located on the beach just 10-minutes from downtown.The 9-story resort has 433 guest rooms, including 29 suites. Standard rooms feature contemporary Spanish-style decor and include private balconies, individual climate controls, cable/satellite TVs with in-room movies, water purification systems, in-room safes and stocked mini-bars.The resort features a 22,000 square-foot spa, pool with swim-up bar, beach club, tennis, three restaurants, a deli, two bars and 24-hour room service.Other services include babysitting, children's club, beach lounge chairs & beach umbrellas, car rental desk, fitness center, golf reservations, activities desk, business center and concierge service.The resort offers great service and a convenient Marina Vallarta location with good access to restaurants, shops and golf.Vacation packages are offered regularly on VoyageMonkey.com.
Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta - The 4-Star Westin Resort & Spa sits on 21 lush tropical beach front acres in the Marina Vallarta area at Paseo De La Marina SN Puerto Vallarta.The 14-story resort features 280 finely appointed guestrooms all with Westin's signature heavenly pillow top beds, ocean views, private balconies and modern amenities.The property includes four pools surrounded by hundreds of palm trees and gardens.The resort offers two onsite restaurants four lounges and a world-class spa.Guest can enjoy a relaxing oceanfront spa treatment and get pampered while listening to the surf.Other amenities include a fitness center, tennis courts, shops, kids club, car rental desk, and golf privileges at the Marina Vallarta Championship Golf Course.The Marina Vallarta shops, galleries and restaurants are located directly across the street.This resort offers great service and an excellent Marina Vallarta location.
Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta - The 4-Star Fiesta Americana is located in the main Hotel Zone two miles north of downtown on Boulevard Francisco Medino.The beachfront resort sits on a stretch of beach known as Playa Los Tules.The grounds are well-manicured lush tropical gardens, waterfalls and ponds.The 9-story resort features 291 guest rooms well appointed with modern amenities and private balcony.Resort amenities include large ocean front pool, volleyball & basketball courts, tennis and a gym.You'll find three restaurants, three bars as well as room service.Other amenities include a business center, car rental desk, WI-FI throughout the property, gift shop, and tour desk.The resort offers an all-inclusive option that includes buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner, select domestic brand liquor, beer & wine, soft drinks, complimentary use of the gym, and children 12 years of age and under stay for free when accompanied by their parents (kids eat of a kids club menu).Great resort, friendly staff, clean, good location and flexible all-inclusive option.Great for kids.
Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa - The 4-Star Villa Premiere is located oceanfront in the heart of the hotel zone known as Zona Romantica (Calle San Salvador 117, Puerto Vallarta).This is a unique boutique style hotel with exceptional service and a great location, walking distance to downtown.The resort is decorated with Mexican tile work, wrought iron and murals for a traditional Mexican ambiance.The 7-story 83 guest room resort is adults only and offers both all-inclusive or room only rates.Guests are greeted with a glass of champagne, a cold towel and a 5-minute neck & hand massage.The guest rooms and suites have private balconies and all modern amenities.Resort amenities include two pools, swim up bar, poolside lounge area, full service spa & fitness room, steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzi, boutique, beauty salon, business center, travel agency and 24-hour room service.The resort offers several fine & casual dining options and bars.The all-inclusive package includes a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner, unlimited drinks and mini-bar, access to the spa and non-motorized water sports.This resort is great for adults seeking a more intimate boutique style resort that aims to please. Their next door sister resort, The Buena Vista, welcomes children and is accessable by guests of Villa Premier.
Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa - The 4-Star all-inclusive Dreams Resort and Spa is located 5 miles south of town in Mismaloya at Playa Las Estacas S N Puerto Vallarta.The resort sits on a beautiful secluded white sand beach nestled up against the Sierra Madre Mountains.The 11-story resort features 337 guestrooms with marble floors, satellite TVs, room safe, bath & shower, internet access, mini-bar and other amenities.The resort includes three pools and Jacuzzis, full service spa & salon and fitness center.The all-inclusive rate covers all meals at your choice of several restaurants, unlimited premium & domestic drinks served at your choice of four bars, including a swim up pool bar, snacks, soft drinks, kids club, all entertainment, tennis, non-motorized water sports, and other daily activities.The resort also offers 24-hour room service, shopping, tour assistance and laundry services for an additional fee.The resort is not luxurious, new and fresh.This resort is a good choice for those who enjoy the all-inclusive experience and plan on sipping some Margaritas.
Other recommended hotels include: Velas Vallarta Suite Resort (4-Stars, on the beach, Marina Vallarta area); Sheraton Buganvilias Resort (4-Stars, on the beach, main Hotel Zone area, walking distance to downtown); and, Barcelo La Jolla de Mismaloya Resort (4-Stars, on the beach Mismaloya Beach area).
