Puerto
Vallarta–the romantic city on the Mexican Riviera–the traditional
Mexican village–the city of grand hotels and cobblestone streets–if
ever a there was a town full of beautiful contrasts, that town is Puerto Vallarta.
A visit there gives a direct experience with warm Mexican hospitality and authentic
culture.
The downtown area, with its narrow cobblestone streets has the feel of a small
Mexican town with white houses, red clay tile roofs, and streets and balconies
adorned with flowers, ferns and colorful tropical trees.
Set on the shoreline of the second largest bay in the Americas with the green
foothills of the majestic Sierra Madre at its back, Puerto Vallarta is the heart
of a resort region that includes the entire Banderas Bay.
History
Puerto Vallarta has a history that includes Indians, silver shipping, explorers
and pirates and gradual growth until a movie catapulted the town to international
fame in 1964.
Climate
Many flock to Puerto Vallarta to escape cold winters, but the sunny days of summer
with their dramatic evening thunderstorms are also exciting.
Dining
More than 400 restaurants offer cuisine from all parts of the world. Several of
them have award-winning chefs and world-class cuisine.
Zones of Puerto Vallarta
Downtown, divided in half by the Cuale River, is filled with restaurants and shops.
The western edge is the boardwalk (malecon) with the bay on one side and discos,
boutiques and restaurants on the other.
In the northern part of the city is Marina Vallarta with several Gran-Turismo
hotels, upscale shops, art galleries and a 500-slip marina.
Between these areas is the Hotel Zone, with dozens of beach hotels and even more
restaurants.
Events
In May there is a cultural festival and the International Sports Classic. November
is the month of Seafest with its sailfish tournament, and festivals of culture,
art and gastronomy.
Shopping
At the hundreds of galleries, boutiques and markets, you will find everything
from yachts to a grain of rice painted with your name while you wait.
Art
Dozens of galleries showing the work of local and international artists and "Art
Walks" from November to April make the city an art-lovers' paradise.
Activities and Excursions
South of Puerto Vallarta, small villages are accessible only by boat. Tours and
charters visit the tiny beaches of Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Majahuitas, Yelapa
and the nearby island ecological reserve.
Whether you feel like flying over the bay in a hot air balloon or small airplane,
swimming with dolphins or touring fabulous villas, you will be pleased with the
enormous variety of things to do.
Here are a few more to put on your list:
Cruise the bay by day or night (you may see dolphins and whales).
Fly to nearby mountain silver towns or Huichol villages.
Fish for marlin, tuna, dorado or sailfish.
Explore the jungle on foot, horseback, mountain bike or jeep.
Play golf at one of several challenging golf courses.
Click
here for more information on Puerto Vallarta
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Boutique Hotels in this Region:
| Verana — Puerto Vallarta — Pacific Central
Rustic — Sophisticated — Primitive
Breathtaking mountaintop sanctuary of chic design amid primitive nature, this handcrafted retreat designed like a film set will appeal to adventurous, discerning travelers seeking an out-of-the-ordinary experience encompassing a connection with nature, complete privacy and total relaxation. |
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