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Vallarta's treasures, activities & more,
Puerto Vallarta
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What's there to do
in Puerto Vallarta?
More than most people know! From the foothills of the
Sierra to the depths of Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta
has a unique blend of ecological adventures, traditional
culture and sophisticated activities to offer.
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Take a good look around...
What better way to get started than by surveying the
area from the air? Call it a bird's eye view, but this
vantagepoint quickly reveals the wide geographical diversity
of the area, and may lead you to discover your favorite
part of this paradise.
Soar in the sky with nothing between you and the ground
but an expanse of air, suspended by a parasail. Off-boat
Parasailing combines the tradition of Vallarta-by-air,
with new safety and comfort features. The special mast
gradually extends a length of cord, allowing the chute
to inflate, gently and easily, as you ascend from a
specially designed landing on the boat. When the ride
is over, you return to a gentle landing on the same
platform with no guessing, no rough landings - you are
gently "reeled" in!
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Life's a beach...
and then another beach
If you're partial to your hotel's beachfront, that's
fine, but you may want to sample the other sandy treasures
that great the waters of Banderas Bay. Starting at the
northern tip, the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez meet
the waters of Banderas Bay to form the spectacularly
beautiful Punta de Mita / North Beaches. Even world-traveling,
legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus described this area as,
"One of, if not THE most beautiful in the world."
Nicklaus has designed a golf course for a luxury development
currently in the works. Located just offshore, the Marieta
Islands are a favorite for snorkeling and diving. Fascinating
underwater vistas include a cave with an air pocket
40' beneath the water, abundant tropical fish, nearby
giant mantas and within the humpback whale breeding
grounds (between December and May). For surfers, this
is also the locally favorite spot for consistent waves.
Board rentals are available at El Anclote, a beachfront
down the coast also known as the "Restaurant Row"
of the bay's north shore. Beachfront, palapa-restaurants
offer chairs with shade and tables, perfect for a day
at the beach.
Other north-shore beaches well worth the visit include
Hidden Paradise/Destilladeras, also with beachfront,
palapa dining. La Cruz de Huanacaxtle may not offer
the same in beaches, but its charm as a functioning
fishing village, and catch of great local restaurants
make it a popular place for a lunch and a lazy afternoon.
La Cruz is the location for the new PESCA (Department
of Fisheries) Marine Biology Research Center.
Nearby Bucerias offers wide beaches and gentle breezes
at the curve in the Bay, along with a true, traditional
Mexican village. A growing ex-pat community has added
touches of comfort and familiarity. Bucerias is also
easy to get to, with inexpensive buses regularly traveling
there from Vallarta.
If you prefer to stay closer to town, Los Muertos Beach
is where the action is! The "original" beach
in Vallarta, Los Muertos offers beachgoers a soft, wide
sandy beachfront dotted with outdoor cafes serving cold
beers, margaritas, snacks and complete lunches, with
beach chairs available. Some offer live or recorded
music, and/or beach volleyball courts. The pier at Los
Muertos is a great spot to watch the fishermen reel
'em in, the small boats arrive back from a day at sea
or the famous Vallarta sunset.
A water taxi is available daily to travel from Los Muertos
Beach Pier to the south shore villages - which are only
available from the water. These safe, fast, covered
boats travel daily to Los Animas, Quimixto, and Yelapa
– and faster travel time means more beach time!
However, most travelers prefer to travel aboard any
one of Vallarta's all-inclusive excursion boats or catamarans
to reach these destinations.
Las Animas is a quiet, remote village with wide, sandy
beaches and a laid-back pace. Beachfront restaurants
serve fresh caught fish and local specialties. Horses
are available for riding on the beach or through trails
leading toward the mountains. Parasailing, water-ski,
jet ski and panga boat rentals are also available.
Quimixto is a tiny village with a population of only
200 close families. Their first "road" was
installed a few years ago -- a cobblestone walkway that
leads to the large waterfall located a short distance
away. Restaurants serve fresh fish and homemade Mexican
specialties. Underwater, the Quimixto Coves offer divers
views of brilliant tropical fish as well as sea turtles,
colorful corals and other marine life among the underwater
cliffs.
The small village of Yelapa counts among its residents
a mix of native indigenous cultures - including Huichol
Indians in the mountain areas; Mexican families and
relocated North Americans and Canadians. Visitors enjoy
its active beachfront with numerous restaurants, tiny
village, and its jungle waterfall. Parasailing and panga
rentals are available here, as are overnight accommodations.
Not only was Mismaloya beach & valley the sight
of the movie "Night of the Iguana", but it
boasts a variety of natural attractions. The beachfront
offers swimming and watersports equipment rentals, along
with numerous palapa restaurants.
...And if these don't have what you're looking for,
private "panga" boat rentals run approximately
$30 US per hour, and you can set off in search of your
own private cove or secluded, sandy beach!
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Jungle fever
Across from the entrance to Mismaloya Bay a road winds
up a mountain to a clear waterfall with lush vegetation.
Several restaurants - such as Chino's, and El Eden offer
food, drinks and a spot to enjoy swimming and relaxing
in the tropical jungle atmosphere. El Eden was one of
the former filming sites of the movie "Predator
II" and still has the remains of that action movie's
crashed helicopter.
Just down the road, the beach & valley of Tomatlan
offers another paradisiacal place to explore. The Valley
of Tomatlan was once an important ceremonial site for
ancient, indigenous cultures. Today, it still evokes
a special feel with its majestic natural setting: a
clear stream runs across massive stones in a peaceful
valley as it travels to the bay at the Boca de (mouth
of) Tomatlan. Local restaurants are located at the beachfront
at Boca de Tomatlan and along the river in the valley.
Favorites include CheeChees, Chico's Paradise and Indian
Paradise. Expand your vistas in a variety of ways when
you witness a link to the past in petroglyph markings.
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Cruisin'
Can't decide on a beach or waterfall? Take a tour of
the Bay, such as a cruise to the Los Arcos rocks, and
view them all. Take time for snorkeling - or SCUBA diving
- as you visit one of Mexico's few underwater National
Parks. These rocks are known not only for their beauty,
but also for the rich marine and bird life that lives
among them. Surrounding Los Arcos are underwater canyons
extending hundred of feet into the Bay. Colorful tropical
fish are usual sights, as are sea turtles, moray eels
and other marine life. Night diving at Los Arcos lets
you explore visually dramatic scenes underwater as rarely
seen colorful neon fish come out at night. An unforgettable
experience recommended for experienced, certified divers
only.
Daily Sunset Cruises are also available to showcase
Vallarta's most famous natural attraction! Along with
the ride, drinks, snacks, dinner and/or dancing are
combined on a variety of size boats.
If you want both flexibility and privacy, charter a
small motor boat and make your day on the Bay completely
your own! Perfect for exploring private coves and hidden
beaches, or to beat the large excursion boats to their
destination! Most can combine fishing, snorkeling, diving,
exploring and relaxing. Sailboat charters or luxury
yacht charters are two additional ways to travel on
your own agenda in the style you choose. Every amenity
is provided for your comfort while you enjoy fishing,
exploring, sunning and snorkeling.
If you don't mind a few new friends, a less-expensive
charter that still feels exclusive and special is one
of the sailing day cruises. Luxury sailboats cruise
the bay and cater to you while you suntan, relax, fish
or sail with the crew. Generally, boat maximums are
12 - 20 passengers. Sunset sailing cruises are also
available.
The sporting life
If the deep blue brings a challenge to mind, take the
day to go deep sea/sport fishing. Land the fish of your
dreams in the second largest bay in the Americas. No
matter the time of year, sport fish - such as Blue Marlin,
Striped Marlin, Sailfish, Roosterfish and Sierras are
available here with alternating seasonality. The Bay
also offers an abundance of good eating fish, such as
Dorado (mahí-mahí) and three kinds of
tuna. Please remember to practice "catch &
release" if you're unable to eat what you catch.
In Vallarta, big boats aren't the only way to catch
big fish....fish the way the locals do it, in the fast
and flexible panga boats, when you go "native"
fishing. Many of the best fishing areas in the bay are
known only to these local fishermen, whose livelihood
depends on the "catch of the day".
Maybe now is the time and this is the place for sailing
lessons. The Bay of Banderas is known for its generally
smooth conditions, due to its protected nature. The
wind currents stay steady most of the year, with stronger
sailing winds occurring in the winter months. Gently
learn how to "sail into the sunset!"
With open waters this calm, it's a natural for water
skiing! Boat rentals and equipment are available - with
or without captain. Banana boats provide a wild ride
and a fast-paced diversion during a lazy beach day.
Or, power over the waves when you ride a personal or
two-seater Jet-Ski / Wave Runner. Windsurfing / Sailboards
are available for sailing against the wind while you
ride the gentle surf. Or, for the most personal sailing
adventure, try a Hobie Cat catamaran. All watersports
equipment is available for rental in selected area beaches.
The Water Park at the Mayan Palace resort in Marina
Vallarta is a favorite place for family fun the wet
and wild way! Whiz down one of the giant water slides
or float through the maze of pools at the Aqua-park.
There's even a special section just for children. Lockers,
lifeguards, gift shop and dining service on premises.
Stay in shape at one of the area's fitness centers or
luxury European Spa. You find local offerings make available
state-of-the-art fitness equipment as well as spa treatments
like massage, herbal wraps, sea salt scrubs, aromatherapy
and more.
Tee off and enjoy a challenging game of Golf on championship
18-hole courses with equipment, carts and pros available.
The Marina Vallarta Golf Club course offers play to
guests of member hotels, while the nearby Los Flamingos
course is open to the public.
Complete competition-level tennis facilities are available
in Puerto Vallarta, along with rental equipment and
pros. Choose between grass, clay and standard courts.
For the ultimate high -- to the ultimate plunge -- experience
the thrill of Bungee Jumping over a coastal cliff down
toward the aquamarine waters of the Bay. Safe, permanent
boom is 120 feet over the water. Body or ankle harness
available. Extra safe, all-new facility, diploma issued
with your jump!
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Along the trail
See first-hand parts of Puerto Vallarta - and Mexico
- rarely seen when you go Mountain Biking with Trekking.
The trail takes you into the Sierra Madre foothills,
along the Cuale River to where adobe blocks are made,
past old homesteads, over a suspension bridge to a swimming
hole with turtles and fish. All trips are tailored to
your individual fitness and experience level, and other
tours - such as to Punta de Mita - are also available.
If you'd rather not do the legwork, numerous horseback
adventures are available here for all levels of riders.
Botanical Trail Rides take you exploring along jungle
paths and the foothills of the Sierra Madre while you
learn about the unique flora and fauna of the area.
Overnight Horseback Excursions take you out for a night
on the trail, as you explore the foothills of the Sierra
Madre. Visit haciendas along the trail, over 100 years
old, and see a part of Puerto Vallarta - and Mexico
- rarely experienced. Sunset Trail Rides allow you to
witness the changing colors of the sky from your saddle.
A romantic and enchanting ride. However, Trail Rides
still remain the most popular horseback excursion locally.
Saddle-up and see the land that surrounds the town of
Puerto Vallarta, offering the ability to appreciate
the jungles, the Sierra Madre foothills and the view
of the blue Bay beyond. All offer riders of all levels
an exciting "day-on-the-trail". Members of
the Puerto Vallarta Ranch Association set quality standards
to ensure the best in land excursions, as well as care
for horses and required insurance coverage.
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City Life
One of the best ways to see downtown - also known as
Old Town - is to walk it! The Viejo Vallarta Walking
Tour is a self-guided tour that allows you to set your
own pace as you stroll the cobblestone streets for a
first-hand look at the changing facade of this unique
city. The downtown merchant’s association, "Viejo
Vallarta", provides a special Map and Guide. The
popular City Tour makes certain you don't miss a thing.
View the spectacular Guadalupe Cathedral, see where
Liz Taylor and Richard Burton made their homes and visit
the famous "Gringo Gulch" residential area.
Guided by knowledgeable, English-speaking guides, with
travel via air-conditioned bus. Tours daily. Equally
popular is the Tropical Tour. Board an air-conditioned
bus to take you on a brief tour of the highlights of
town including the Marina area, downtown - including
the cathedral -, and Gringo Gulch, before heading south
along the scenic coastal highway to a tropical paradise.
Travel a short distance up the Sierra Madre to a spot
with a clear mountain stream, gentle waterfall and a
clean and comfortable restaurant for lunch.
Take in the local color through its art. Puerto Vallarta
is known as a painter's paradise with an active arts
community. An eclectic collection of local galleries
offers continuous displays of Mexican masters, contemporary,
and indigenous art. Continuous public art exhibits are
also featured at City Hall. A weekly Artists' Studio
Tour has become a favorite with the culturally oriented
-- or merely curious! In addition to providing sneak
previews of art in the making, it always allows a first-hand
view of the creative life in Puerto Vallarta.
The Guadalupe Cathedral is easily the crowning monument
of Puerto Vallarta. Visit it and view the handcrafted
columns and moldings inside, along with murals and sculptures.
Construction on the Cathedral of Our Lady Guadalupe
began in 1929 and was build over a ten-year period.
Mass held daily.
A collection of venders set up stalls daily at the Municipal
Market, where they sell clothing, silver and jewelry,
glassware, rugs and souvenirs. Upstairs features a wide
variety of inexpensive, home-styled Mexican food stands
with seating areas. Truly a cultural experience, where
bargaining is not only allowed, it's expected!
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Viva Mexico!
An opportunity to discover the magic of the ancient
cultures of this area is available at the Museum Rio
Cuale. Archeologists are just beginning to uncover the
treasures that tell of the rich history of this area.
View authentic artifacts and step back in time to learn
of the history of Mesoamerica. Every Tuesday at 1:00,
museum Director, Ana Mendizabal hosts an English-language
lecture.
What better way to pass a night in Mexico than with
a traditional Mexican Fiesta! Here, the flavors, sounds
and tastes of Mexico come together in the liveliest
party of all. It usually starts with Mariachi music
and games, continues with a Mexican buffet, and finishes
with a spectacular show of the Mexican Folkloric Ballet.
Available at several local hotels, it's usually one
all-inclusive price.
Experience one of the traditions of Mexico and its Spanish
heritage, when you see a live bullfight. Brave and brilliantly
dressed Matadors face live bulls in a test to the finish.
Not for the faint of heart! Held each Wednesday beginning
at 5:00 during "season".
When you listen to a Mariachi concert, you hear the
music of Mexico! This music originated in the state
of Jalisco - Puerto Vallarta's home state, and is unique
in its performance. Mariachis can perform everything
from traditional, Mexican favorites to classical standards
– or the Beatles – available at several
restaurants in the Downtown and Los Muertos areas.
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Nearby and yet so far...
For something different, try Bass fishing in a mountain
lake! Travel 60 miles south of Puerto Vallarta to the
Cajón de Peña Lake where the record catch
was 13 pounds. A local all-inclusive tour makes your
only concern landing the Big One.
Just a few hours by car from Puerto Vallarta, near Tepic,
Nayarit, you'll find the Crater Lake at Santa Maria
del Oro. La Laguna de Santa Maria is 730 meters above
sea level, approximately 2 km in diameter and 260 meters
deep with crystal clear water. Located alongside are
a number of housekeeping bungalows and rooms for overnight
and longer-term rentals. It's an excellent place for
birdwatching, with over 168 different species in the
area. RV's accommodations are available, with hook-ups,
snack bar and laundry facilities. Easy walking paths
surround the lake and boat ramp is available. The lake
also features rowboat and kayak rentals, and open-air
lakeside restaurants.
An ecological adventure is yours at the San Blas Estuary.
Travel first to San Blas, a 2-hour drive north along
a coastal highway. From there, travel by small boat
on a 4-hour cruise through the virginal estuaries of
San Blas. See crocodile farms, turtles, unique bird
species and more.
Sayulita is a small village located on the Pacific coast
of Mexico, about a 30-minute drive north of Puerto Vallarta.
With a beautiful beachfront and excellent surfing, it
is also home for several area artists and a number of
North Americans. Limited accommodations are available
if you wish to spend the night, and restaurants and
taxis are found in town. Taxi rides there from the PV
airport cost approximately $40 USD, bus service passes
four times daily into town.
In the Sierra Madre, two villages have become popular
spots to explore from Vallarta. Talpa de Allende is
set in a picturesque valley at 4000 feet elevation.
Talpa's population of 7,000 is mainly made up of farmers.
At the center of town sits the famous Cathedral where
the Virgin of Talpa resides. She is the Patron saint
to five Mexican states, and many of their residents
make pilgrimages to pray to her. Besides numerous small
motels, also located just outside Talpa is a Spanish
- style Hacienda turned mountain retreat that accommodates
up to ten guests and has facilities for horseback riding,
swimming, stocked lakes, hiking in the hills, and exploring
at nearby archeological sites. Talpa is a half-hour's
plane ride over the mountains, with departures daily
(except Sunday) from Vallarta's private airport.
The pueblo of San Sebastian del Oeste is found 62 km.
from Puerto Vallarta, and is a place where time seems
to have stopped. At the turn of the century almost 25,000
people lived here, mostly miners, where now, just 400
residents enjoy the daily contact with nature and tranquillity
of life. Tropical vegetation surrounds the town, set
high in the Sierra Madre, and just a short twenty-minute
plane ride east of Puerto Vallarta.
Nearby Guadalajara is both the second largest city in
Mexico, as well as a historic treasure dating back to
1542. Founded by Spanish explorer Nuño Beltran,
Guadalajara has grown from a sole mission into a modern
city with 5 million residents. Museums, cathedrals,
theaters, shopping malls, fine dining and luxury accommodations
are found there. Commercial flights travel daily between
Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
With so much more than beautiful beaches and a calendar
filled with sunny days, Puerto Vallarta is a paradise
of your own making!
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