Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

A victim of its own success, popular Puerto Vallarta is growing at a fearsome pace. Longtime fans may cry into their cerveza over increases in traffic and prices, but there’s still plenty to love about this city by the sea. Which is why developers keep developing and retirees keep relocating from Kansas and Topeka. Heck, even the sea turtle population is growing, thanks to conscientious preservation programs. Story continues after photos...

Much of Vallarta’s popularity stems from its location smack in the middle of beauteous Banderas Bay. This symmetrical, bass clef-shaped bay is one of the largest on the continent. Mountain ridges fade into a blue haze as you gaze south, each extending a bit farther into the Pacific. PV itself heads for the hills just a few blocks beyond the beachfront boardwalk, where locals and visitors congregate day and night to socialize, people watch, and appreciate a dozen gorgeous, plein-air sculptures. The green hills make a lovely backdrop to the town of whitewashed houses. Condos and restaurants less than half mile inland enjoy fabulous views of the bay.

Around Puerto Vallarta:    Guayabitos    La Cruz de Huanacaxtle    Mascota    San Blas    San Pancho    San Sebastian    Sayulita    Talpa    Yelapa    Yelapa Water Taxi

Greater Puerto Vallarta now encompasses villages like Mismaloya (where Night of the Iguana was filmed) and Boca de Tomatlán. But these enclaves maintain their own personalities. Mismaloya’s beach has been irretrievably altered by construction of the highrise La Jolla de Mismaloya hotel, but on the east side of the coast road, the original town still snoozes in the tropical sunshine. A few miles farther south, Boca de Tomatlán marks the entrance of the Horcones River into the sea. (“Boca” means river mouth.) Most travelers never stray beyond its few restaurants at the estuary, but across a hanging bridge, the main part of town lies hidden from casual exploration.

Fast skiffs from Boca ferry passengers to Las Animas, Quimixto, Yelapa, and other beachfront villages. Given the beauty of these secluded beaches, it’s surprising that so few visitors make the easy trek, and that those who do rarely venture beyond the beach. A visit to one or more of these sensual scallops of sand south of PV makes for a lovely beach day.

In PV itself, Los Muertos beach is the place to be. The main attraction here is the scene. Vendors, dogs, and pickup artists cruise the sand, and restaurants facing the surf are the perfect escape from the sun. The water is almost secondary here, but there are lifeguards as well as parasailing, banana boat rides, and personal watercraft to rent.

But what sets Vallarta apart from other seaside resorts are the opportunities for excellent dining and shopping. Sparkling little taco stands crank out griddle-fresh shrimp quesadillas, carne asada, and homemade salsa; holes-in-the-wall sling decent vegetarian dishes. Remodeled homes in the hills cater to evening crowds for sunsets and seafood. Restaurant Week in May and the Gourmet Festival in November attract foodies to restaurants of all genres, but any time of year is great for good eats. This is a mighty fattening town.

Nightlife is varied, too. Clubs stay open beyond the official last call at 4 AM, and on the south side of the Cuale River, cross-dressing strip clubs entertain straights as well as gays. Chains like Senor Frog’s, Carlos ‘n Charlie’s, and the Hard Rock Cafe coexist with unique concepts like Hilos, where oversized statues reach for three-story ceilings, and de Santos, a more highbrow restaurant--lounge with an excellent sound system and plenty of chill.

Shopping too is way above par in Puerto Vallarta. Jalisco state is famous for ceramics and housewares, much of it from Guadalajara and environs, and you’ll find this here in spades, along with blue blown glassware; hand-painted tiles; textiles from Oaxaca, Michoacán, and Guatemala; and many fun souvenirs. Boutiques offer beachwear: sarongs from Indonesia, bikinis from Brazil, and racy sunglasses. Dozens of galleries sell fine art---and retired artists in residence teach classes.

Greater Puerto Vallarta extends far beyond its pretty (if crowded) downtown overlooking the sea. Some of the best beaches are elsewhere. But the soul and heart of PV is here en el centro. Visitors tend to stick to the streets closest to the water, so for a glimpse of the city’s less touristy character, head to the hills. It only takes half a dozen streets---uphill---to rediscover Old Vallarta.

...........FESTIVALS AND EVENTS.............

May, 2009

May 15 - 31 Restaurant Week - Food Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco For more than two weeks (despite its name) several dozen of PV's finest restaurants present inexpensive, fixed price menus. A great time to try new places! http://www.visitpuertovallarta.com

November, 2009

Beginning of November Puerto Vallarta International Half Marathon and 5K - Sporting Event Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 6th annual running event with bands along the course providing entertainment. http://www.maratonvallarta.com   Mid November International Marlin & Sailfish Fishing Tournament - Fishing Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Four-day fishing event with big prizes for biggest marlin, dorado, sailfish and tuna. Children's event also. http://www.fishvallarta.com   mid-November International Gourmet Festival - Food Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Ten days of fine dining in several dozen of PV's finest restaurants. Chefs from around the world team up with local restaurants to produce new menus. Special prices at participating restaurants. http://www.festivalgourmet.com

January, 2010

January 29 - 31, 2010 Sobriety Under the Sun - AA Convention Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Eighth annual celebration of sobriety, held on the shores of Banderas Bay at the luxurious Hotel Krystal. http://aapvconvention.com

February, 2010

Late February Vallarta Wine Fest - Food Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Third annual celebration of the grape with five days of events, including photography and poetry contests, wine tastings, wine pairings in area restaurants, and conferences. http://www.vallartawinefest.com

March, 2010

March 2010 Banderas Bay International Regatta XVIII - Sailing Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit Five-day, not-for-profit event offering competitive races for offshore and coastal cruisers, catamarans and racing boats. Enjoy parties, music and other entertainment. A world-class international event! http://www.banderasbayregatta.com

Puerto Vallarta Real Estate   ♦   Puerto Vallarta Rentals

www.villarentmexico.com   Vacation rentals Mexico, villas and condos We have a wide selection of villas for rent, condos for rent and houses for rent in Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta and other vacation destinations in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco http://www.villarentmexico.com

Puerto Vallarta Real Estate   Puerto Vallarta real estate agency. Over ten years in operation. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco http://www.vallartaliving.com

Hacienda San Angel   Sophisticated style and Puerto Vallarta charm characterize Hacienda San Angel, a masterpiece restoration of four classic Vallarta-style houses overlooking expansive Banderas Bay, almost in touching distance of the historic town center´s landmark church spire. Adding a certain elite mystique, a grand lounge is located in what was once Richard Burton and his wife Susan´s home. Winding paths with tropical gardens, a fountain, and ample statuary interlace with the houses, which are completed in a soothing palette of ivory, adorned with colonial tile and fine woodwork, and filled with exquisite antique furniture and Mexican art. Miramar 336, Centro, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 1 800 728 9098 mexicoboutiquehotels.com/sanangel

Puerto Vallarta Property Rentals   Puerto Vallarta Villa & Condo Rental Agency with more than 200 properties all around the bay. Ecuador 1209, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 3222235562 http://www.puertovallartapropertyrentals.com

Rentals in Puerto Vallarta area   villas and condos for rent, all rentals on our site have a full screen virtual tour! Paseo del acanto 281, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 044 322 1259695 http://www.villarentmexico.com

Puerto Vallarta Rentals   Puerto Vallarta... just the name brings visions of a tropical paradise with fun filled days splashing in the surf, enjoying the world famous Puerto Vallarta hospitality and romantic evening walks on the beach in cool ocean breezes. Need a vacation? We’re here to help. We have a variety of vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta to suit every taste and budget. Casa Panoramica, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 322-146-1708 http://vallarta-condo-rentals.com

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