Puerto Vallarta
Why Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is... a day at the beach under a palm-frigged palapa, fine food in a secluded courtyard restaurant, a tour by jeep into the forested foothills of the Sierra Madre, cobblestoned streets, red tiled roofs and adobe houses, lazing by a hotel pool being served cool drinks, a boat ride on Bahia Banderas watching whales and matas play, shopping for handcrafts and clothes and curious, mariachis in the plaza serenading, moonlight walks, sunset strolls, fiestas, festivals and fireworks, fishing, diving, sailing, traditional and modern, Magic!
Puerto Vallarta has been on the international tourism map for over 50 year. Many feel it is the one vacation area where a destination in a single locale: the culture and traditions of old, and new, Mexico combined with a sun, sea and sand resort ambience. Here, in capsule format, are the key elements of Puerto Vallarta’s attraction and appeal:
Bahia de las Banderas .- The magnificent bay, one of the world’s largest, that runs from Punta de Mita in the State of Nayarit in the north to Cabo Corriente in the State of Jalisco in the south.
Las Peñas. The three offshore rocks along the bay’s southern coast, an early landmark for ships and source of the original name of Puerto Vallarta. Also known as Los Arcos.·
A Variety of Villages. Around the bay and inland are a number of intriguing villages.
North in Nayarit: Rincon de Guayabito, San Francisco (San Pancho), Sayulita, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, the Valle de Banderas’ three towns and Bucerias.
In Jalisco: Las Juntas, Ixtapa, El Pitillal on the north side of PV and Mismalolla and Boca de Tomatlan on the south side. Two major visitor villages behind the mountains : San sebastian del Oeste and talpa de Allende. Most of these see an influx of longer stay.
Visitors can choose from many forms of transportation once they are in Puerto Vallarta. Car and jeep rentals offer independence and mobility in sightseeing and beach excursions. Taxis are also a viable option. Remember to negotiate taxi fare up front. For the more adventurous, public buses are available.
Beaches
Just too numerous to list, and all around the Bay. The liveliest, perhaps, is Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta, just south of the Rio Cuale and the most tranquil along the north shore along the road to Punta Mita.
Jungle Spots
South of town from Mismaloya: Chino’s Paraiso, Chico’s Paradise and El Edén (food services in all three). Also, via horseback into the hills.
El Centro
Old Town, or Viejo Vallarta, popular for its traditional red-tiled roofs, whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets and hillside homes. Center for restaurants, shops, galleries and government .
The Malecon
A sweeping seafront promenade in the very center or town, a preferred spot for strollers. Site of three symbolic statues: Caballito de Mar (seahorse), La Fuente de los Delfines (fountain of the dolphins) and Neptune and Serena (Neptune and the mermaid). Another promenade lies along the inner Marina. Los Arcos .- Open air amphitheater at the south end of the Malecon.