Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico’s premier vacation spots, is wildly popular amongst travelers of all ages, backgrounds and tastes. It’s easy to see why: Puerto Vallarta offers the natural beauty, historic atmosphere and luxury accommodations that highlight any vacation. Situated on the large Bahia de Banderas, the seventh largest bay in the world, the town has beautiful beaches that seem to meet the jungle slopes of the Sierra Madre Mountains as they descend softly into the sand. The combination of rugged mountain, dense jungle and tropical beach provides lots of opportunity for a wide variety of outdoor adventures and spectacular views, and the many outstanding restaurants and shops add to Puerto Vallarta’s comfort and style. First discovered in 1541 by Don Pedro de Alvarado, this area of land went almost untouched until the 1850s. Then, farmers and fishermen settled here, where the Rio Cuale flows into the Bahia de Banderas, and set up a small, simple village.
During the 1950’s, Mexican airlines began promoting Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding area as a resort, drawing travelers from the United States and Europe in search of a quiet, undiscovered beach paradise. In 1964, John Huston chose it as the backdrop for his film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’
The Night of the Iguana, starring Richard Burton. Elizabeth Taylor followed him and loved
Puerto Vallarta so much she made a home at the lovely villa of Casa Kimberly, casting the town in celebrity limelight. Since then, many have discovered this once-tiny village by the sea, and fallen in love with it. Though tourism has developed much of the area, and there are many large hotels, shopping arcades and strips of restaurants, Puerto Vallarta has managed to retain its spirit. People flock here because they appreciate the feeling of a small Mexican village Puerto Vallarta evokes, and also to bask in the world-class amenities available.
Along the bay lies 25 miles of wide, inviting beach that offer something for everyone. Playa Los Muertos is popular for its convenient location, just off of Calle Olas Altas in downtown. Here, you may see families soaking up the sun or splashing in that gorgeous Pacific azure and lots of jet skiing and parasailing. Dotted along the beach are quaint palapa restaurants, where snacks, drinks and shade are available under a thatch roof. To the southern end of the beach is what locals call “Blue Chairs”, Puerto Vallarta’s gay beach. Just outside of town, six miles to the south, is the virtually perfect Playa Mismaloya, where the romance between Taylor and Burton was said to sizzle. Since this spot is farther away from where various rivers empty into the Bay, the water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling. Even though this beach is far from town, there are several good restaurants nearby that offer unique dining experiences. These beaches, as well as many others in and around Puerto Vallarta, are well-known and tend to fill up during peak season, so those looking for a quiet secluded place by the sea need look no further than Yelapa. This cove beach is accessible only by boat (boats leave from Mismaloya and water taxies from Boca de Tomatlan several times a day) and is known for its soft sand and gentle surf. The majestic Sierra Madres extend down to the beach, so a beach walk can easily turn into a hike though the jungle with the right footwear. Having always attracted greatness, Yelapa was once home to the Native American ancestors of what would become the great Aztec Empire. Then, in the 1960s, Yelapa was discovered by such stars as Peter Fonda, Bob Dylan and Stevie Wonder, and became a quiet, out-of-the-way destination. Another private beach is Playa de Las Animas, south of town, also only reachable by boat. This beach is good for snorkeling, horseback riding and searching for buried treasure (legend has it that a pirate was killed here while trying to protect his vast treasure that is buried under the sand).
Though the beaches of Puerto Vallarta are considered the town’s main attraction, there are lots of things to see and do around town. An afternoon spent strolling through the cobblestone streets admiring the stucco buildings with their festive terra-cotta shingled roofs is a good way to acquaint yourself with the town. Open-air markets, interesting shops and sidewalk cafes are only some of the things you will see. The Church of Guadalupe, a beautiful old cathedral with a regal crown at the top of its tower, has a zocalo right behind it where locals and visitors alike gather for social events and festivals. By the waters edge stands the Plaza Aquiles Serdan with its small amphitheatre and Roman arches. Near the river, which cuts through downtown, is a park, several shops and restaurants, a small museum of archeology and one devoted to the crafts of the Huichol Indians. Throughout downtown there are many galleries and shops that specialize in art of all different kinds, though Mexican and Huichol Indian art are the most prominent. Galeria Pacifico, 2 blocks from the water’s edge, is filled with art, sculpture and mixed-media pieces that are rare and unique. The gallery has helped launch the careers of several well-known artists from Mexico, the United States and parts of Europe. The largest collection of Indian art for sale is the Huichol Collection, where one can find beadworks, masks, jewelry, pottery and much more in a wide variety of price ranges. This spot also has a replica of an Indian adobe house and tons of information about the history, religion, culture and art of the Huichol, kind of a museum and shop in one. For authentic Mexican crafts, Azul Siempre Azul has everything from colorful, flower-encrusted religious icons to beautiful pottery. The unique jewelry is made from locally found stones and metals, and makes a wonderful keepsake to always remember Puerto Vallarta.
Food is a big part of Puerto Vallarta’s attraction; there is a wide variety of restaurants and quite a few are renowned for their innovative cuisine and well-known chefs. La Palapa, just south of where Rio Cuale, is right on the beach, and its thatch roof and ocean breezes make it an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Locals have been coming here for decades, and claim that their delicious seafood dishes are the best in town. Trio, the hottest spot at the moment, has a stylish, hip ambiance and food not easily forgotten. The chef, Bernhard Guth, has the unique ability to bring together Mexican and Mediterranean cuisines in a delicate blend using fresh local seafood, spices and fruit. The rooftop bar is great for cocktails or coffee, and the view is the perfect compliment. Los Xitomates serves Continental inspired Mexican dishes and it’s elegant, earth-tone décor provides a perfect backdrop. For casual, festive dining and a taste of well-prepared, traditional Mexican fare like fajitas grilled to perfection and spiced tacos and enchiladas, try either Pepe’s or Fajita Republic, both downtown. Tourists favor these spots because they feel slightly off the beaten path and give the impression that here lies the real Puerto Vallarta. For dessert, Pie in the Sky has it all: elaborate sweets and confections and a friendly setting. Anyone with a sweet-tooth must stop by for at least a pastry. Each November since 1995 food and wine connoisseurs pour into Puerto Vallarta for its Annual Gourmet Festival. For 10 days, local chefs from the best restaurants and hotels in town compete against each other and about 20 guest chefs from internationally acclaimed restaurants for awards. Their entries are usually highly creative, original and well-presented. During this time, there are cooking classes and workshops where one can learn how to roast, stuff, sauté and sear with some of the world’s finest master chefs, wine tastings and special gourmet menus offered at participating restaurants for dinner only. Around 20,000 attendees come each year, and everyone raves about the event for moths after.
The Malecon, a boardwalk of sorts that stretches along the water, is where you will see most of Puerto Vallarta on a breezy evening, strolling leisurely to the rhythm of the surf. The Malecon is one of the best spots in town for art; here, several artists have displayed wonderful, if slightly bizarre, sculptures for the whole town to enjoy. There is a particularly interesting series by Mexican sculptor Alejandro Colunga that will astound and impress. Also along the Malecon are talented individuals who pay homage to the timeless art of street performing. From jugglers to dancers, these performers are lots of fun to watch and provide a festive atmosphere to the boardwalk.
The state of Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta is, is known by fishermen far and wide since its warm Bay waters attract several types of popular fish, and the climate and scenery make it a pleasure to angle from shore or boat. Many who visit charter boats and go out for a day of deep-sea fishing and fun. Boats cost anywhere from $200 to $600 depending on boat size, number of people and time of year. Many charter boat services will provide a lunch, snacks and drinks on the boat, but it’s a goof idea to inquire first. Each November hundreds of coastal and inland fishermen come from all over the globe to participate in the whirlwind weekend known as the Jalisco International Sailfish Tournament. The tournament has been going on for over 50 years, and attracts everyone from jet-setting sport fishermen with huge boats and state of the art equipment to local Mexicans whose families make their living from their catches. Prizes are awarded to the boats that catch the largest sailfish, marlin, dorado and wahoo, though participants say that fishing here in exquisite waters is reward enough.
For an up close look at Puerto Vallarta’s wildlife, check out Vallarta Adventures, where visitors can swim with beautiful and playful Pacific bottlenose dolphins. The dolphin center is in Nuevo Vallarta, the northern part of the town filled with ritzy hotels. The trainers will lead you through an educational presentation all about the dolphins, and after this and orientation, there are four dolphin packages to choose from. “Swim with the Dolphins” is just what it sounds like, “Dolphin Encounter” is designed for non-swimmers and provides a platform is waist-deep water, “Trainer for a Day” gives you the opportunity to spend an entire day working alongside staff at the center caring for, feeding and playing with the dolphins. “Dolphin Kids” was specially designed for small children, and affords them the opportunity to frolic with these charming marine mammals while remaining within safety’s boundaries. Wildlife Connection takes the notion of swimming with the dolphins a little farther: they take you out in boats and let you swim with pods of wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Many feel this is the best way to get to know this amazing species, but the open water and huge group of dolphins can be scary for children or the faint of heart.
From the Old World charm of its twisting cobblestone streets to the exotic scenery of mountain and beach, Puerto Vallarta is a favorite destination for almost everyone who has glimpsed its golden shores and lavish accommodations. For family, a romantic getaway or a solo flight, Puerto Vallarta welcomes with open arms.
Restaurants:
Pulpito 103, Puerto Vallarta
(322) 222-5225
www.lapalapapv.com
Guerrero 264, Downtown Puerto Vallarta
(322) 222-2196
Honduras St, Puerto Vallarta
(322) 223-2767
Pino Suarez 321
(322) 222-3131
Morelos 570, El Centro, Puerto Vallarta
(322) 222-1695
Bucerias, Puerto Vallarta
(329) 298-0838
Shops and Galleries:
Aldama 174, Puerto Vallarta
(322) 222-5502
www.artmexico.com
Morelos 490, Puerto Vallarta
(322) 223-2141
Ignacio L. Vallarta 228, Puerto Vallarta
(322) 223-0060
Dolphin Adventures:
Av. Las Palmas, Nuevo Vallarta
(866) 256-2739
www.vallarta-adventure.com
(322) 225-3821
www.wildlifeconnection.com
Fishing:
- Cooperativa de Pescadores – Fishing Cooperative
Malecon, North of Rio Cuale, Puerto Vallarta
(322) 222-1202
(322) 224-7250
