WHY PUERTO VALLARTA?
Photo: Downtown PV and view of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel
Often referred to as "the most Mexican beach destination", Puerto Vallarta ... or PV as it's referred to by the locals and snowbirds alike, has a golden coastline, facing the Pacific.
Ecotourism activities, cultural journeys, culinary tours and natural paradises, as just a few reasons people from all over, return here year after year, including ourselves.
IT'S EASY ... and the people.
Built around Banderas Bay, it's cobblestone streets, dazzling beaches and enchanting mountains shimmer with adventure.
Winter is whale-watching season and we weren't disappointed! We enjoyed a spectacular display from a Humpback Whale family breaching continuously for a good 15 minutes, from the comfort of our resort beach loungers.
Photo: The Humpback Whales are active in PV
I remember my first time there in 1984. Donkeys were commonplace on the streets, and so were military and machine guns. Both are long gone ...
Back then was the beginning of the expansion of PV, as North America discovered it's beauty. At the time, I couldn't have imagined going anywhere else to spend my winter holiday each year ... my good friends had to drag me outta that time-share, free breakfast meeting, kicking and screaming, before I signed my life away.
Many bought and still use theirs, to this day. But it was the beginning of a love affair with Mexico and it's people.
SO WHAT'S THE DEAL?
THE BEACHES
Los Muertos Beach in historical downtown (or as it's also known, Old Town and then the Romantic Zone); Camarones Beach for parasailing and Gemelas Beach for a quiet oasis.
Photo: Los Muertos Beach and The Sails that light up at night
Not to ignore the beaches that front the hotels, resorts and condos all along the coastline, which change with the tide and environment year to year.
North to Guyabitos and beyond ... south to Mismaloya, made famous by the 1964 John Huston movie "Night of the Iguana" where Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor carried on their steamy love affair during the filming of it. Remnants still remain from the movie set.
THE MALECON
One of the largest undertakings the city took on, was the reconstruction of the Malecon Boardwalk, a must do experience. It's got something for everyone - grown-ups can explore it's shops, restaurants and bars, whilst the young'uns can enjoy a bike ride, ice cream cone and buskers everywhere to entertain them. PV is a family town.
Photo: That's me on the Malecon enjoying the sculptures and the view
One of our favourite things to do, is head downtown on Friday or Saturday for a margarita and the sunset, then dinner when the local vendors set up their food stands for some of the best authentic Mexican food and treats!
Can you say 'deep-fried Mexican churros'??? (Psst - the best ones are located at the foot of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel) ... or on your resort.
Photo: Mexican Churros
Magicians, musicians, cotton candy and the lights of the sails on Puerto Muertos Beach, captivates and entertains.
LOCAL CHARM
Be captivated by the aromas from nearby restaurants, catering to every kind of food imaginable and for every budget. Puerto Vallarta has some outstanding restaurants and is known as a foodie paradise. Don't forget to visit Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish to admire it's iconic belltower and ornate interior.
Imagine travelling by boat alongside your family or partner, to a private cove. A dinner show followed by a cultural show combining ancient Hispanic civilization and Mexican folklore, with flavours of Mexican cuisine.
Rhythms of the Night is an event I always recommend my clients do while in PV. It's the "Mexican Cirque de Soleil" and a truly magical evening to enjoy.
Photo: Our dinner view at Rhythms of the Night
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are a sanctuary, just 30 minutes away from downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Photo: Botanical Gardens Cactus House
An easy bus or taxi ride, it's so worth the time to experience. CLICK HERE for my "must-visit" every time I'm there.
And then we had to come home ...
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