You may have heard about the “cute” sleepy fishing village”, the “cobblestone street town” so many times you no longer believe that Puerto Vallarta could still be a charming beach resort that blends beautiful natural scenery with Mexican spirit and soul, but it’s still true.
Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Joseph, Puerto Vallarta
Maybe it’s not a sleepy fisherman village anymore, but Vallarta has been able to retain the character and traditions of the small traditional Mexican town, the one that in the past managed to captivate Hollywood film stars, and later on, Worldwide tourism too.
Downtown Puerto Vallarta Streets (Independencia Street by the main square)
Something that makes it so attractive is that it is close to Canada and USA, a short airplane trip transports you – as if emerging into a parallel dimension – into a humid, warm, colorful tropical destination where everything has changed.
The first physical impression that hits you when you walk off the plane is the air… and the new smells, the humid warm air, a kind reminder that you’ve arrived in a new world, a new culture and a completely unique experience.
Marigalante, a pirate tour ship
The city and the bay area offer a wide range of activities and tours with reasonable prices that cater to all tastes, young and old, extreme or relaxed, there’s something for you. There’s also plenty of sports options and outdoor adventure options, international gourmet dining choices or authentic local dishes and popular food options too if you are very adventurous.
Puerto Vallarta across the bay
To top it all miles and miles of sandy beaches, some very popular, if you like crowds and people watching; some quite difficult to get to and secluded, that make you feel as if you are on a desert island, Crusoe style.
Waterpark in Nuevo Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta offers something for everyone, no matter how different you think you are, you’ll find something here for you.
Despite some alarming news in the world press coming from the US-Mexico border towns, Puerto Vallarta still remains untouched and safe, so here you can explore the charms of a traditional Mexican town complete with cobblestone streets (yes, there are still a number of them).
Canopy Zipline tours, a fabulous experience
Enjoy a romantic gourmet feast in some of Mexico’s finest restaurants; take a stroll around the numerous art galleries; enjoy a day splashing around in the water-park with your kids or maybe enjoy a swim with those always smiling dolphins; if you’re into golf, take a shot at one of the championship courses; if you don’t fear heights, you can zip from tree to tree on one of the innumerable zip-line canopy tours, take a jeep trip to the Sierra Madre mountains, kayak, snorkel, scuba dive – or just lay on the beach, the options, as you can see, are endless in Puerto Vallarta.
Charros in Puerto Vallarta
Vallarta, as the locals call it, is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, also known as the Mexican Riviera, in the western state of Jalisco (home of Tequila, Mariachi music, the Charros and traditional and historic charms).
Puerto Vallarta is part of 26 miles of coastline on the Bay of Banderas – one of the member bays of “The Most Beautiful Bays in the World” – so it is framed on the west by the warm emerald green waters of the Pacific Ocean and on the east side by lush jungles and the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains offer dramatic and picturesque sceneries.
Puerto Vallarta, an authentic Mexican experience
Puerto Vallarta was voted the friendliest city in the world by Condé Nast Magazine (2003), named the best place to retire globally by The American Association of Retired Persons (2010) and the best Mexican Vacation destination by USNews.com (2010) beating out Cancun and Los Cabos for the top prize, recently chosen as the 2012 Travelers’ Choice Top Mexican Destination by TripAdvisor, so in the end, even though talk is cheap, you can see we have facts to back it up. 🙂
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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