Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Puerto Vallarta [1] is a city and popular vacation resort on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
Contents |
Understand
The people are very friendly and willing to help with directions and other requests. Old Vallarta (or Romantica district) south of the River Cuale is more like Mexico and less touristica.
Puerto Vallarta was selected by CONDE NAST TRAVELER readers as the eighth best destination in the world in their annual Reader's Choice Awards, as well as number one international destination because of the "remarkable amiability of the local folk."
Located on the Western Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta's charm remains largely undiscovered. Along with its cobblestone streets, stunning beaches, plentiful marine life, lush Sierra Madre Mountains, exceptional restaurants, fine Gourmet Festival, new golf courses and vibrant culture, Puerto Vallarta is a vacationer's paradise that has maintained its unique Old Mexico charm despite the addition of these modern conveniences.Around the Bay
Beautiful beaches, lush jungles and sparkling waterfalls offer many opportunities for the adventurous, while five star resorts, world-class shopping and gourmet restaurants satisfy even the most sophisticated traveler.
Accommodations around the Bay of Banderas range from well-known international hotel chains and luxury condominiums in the hotel zone, Marina Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, and Punta Mita to moderately priced hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, apartments and condominiums in Old Town Vallarta.
The rich cultural diversity of Puerto Vallarta is reflected in the cuisine that its many restaurants have to offer. From the most casual taco stands, to tropical beachfront palapas, to upscale rooftop restaurants with panoramic views, there are literally hundreds of restaurants serving exactly what you are hungry for.
Puerto Vallarta has many activities and excursions to keep you entertained. The adventurous can hike or mountain bike in the hills, explore the jungle and hidden trails on horseback, take a jeep safari, soar above it all in a multicolored hot air balloon, snorkel, scuba dive, charter a yacht or sailboat, or take a cruise on one of the many party boats.
Beautiful Banderas Bay, one of the largest and deepest in the world, may be admired from many of the surrounding hills exuberant in lush vegetation. Located right at the mouth of the Bay, straddling both sides of the River Cuale lays a charming and picturesque little town with true Mexican spirit, Puerto Vallarta.
To the North, the hills give way a little. Here you will find mile long stretches of golden sand beaches, rich plantations of papaya and mango and, tucked back along tumbling rivers and streams, small villages where life seems to move at a different pace. There are many different ways to explore the Bay.
To the South, the hills cascade towards the sea creating a rich palette that mixes the vivid green foliage with the deep blues of the water. At their feet nestle secluded coves and small fishing villages, many of which are still accessible only by sea.
To the East, the jungle clad Sierra Madre Mountains, which quickly rise to over 8,000 feet, encircle and protect the town from the winds and regulate the semi-tropical and humid weather.
And, to the West, the Bay of Banderas is home to a wide variety of aquatic life. Humpback whales come here to mate every year from December to March, and sea turtles nest on the beaches from May to October. Schools of dolphins and giant manta rays also inhabit these waters. The Bay and the Marietas Islands offer an amazing kaleidoscope of tropical fish, attracting snorkelers, scuba divers and sport fishermen alike.
For those who just want to relax, Puerto Vallarta's many golden sand beaches offer one of the best ways to experience the beauty and magic of the Bay of Banderas. In short, whether you prefer fashionable luxury, strenuous adventure, or something in between, the Puerto Vallarta region is a sun-blessed paradise that will keep you entertained, until it is sadly time to depart.
But your exploring does not have to be limited just to the Bay, there are nearby archeological sites to visit as well. Close at hand, in the region of Ixtapa, studies have uncovered sites dating back to 400 B.C.
Get in
By plane
Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (Airport code: PVR) is located just to the North of Puerto Vallarta proper, and just south of Nuevo Vallarta. Most major US airlines serve the airport along with Aeromexico. It has been recently remodeled, though waits can still occur when more than two flights have landed.
By car
There are modern, well maintained toll roads all the way from the border, other roads are not as well maintained, but are still suitable for the drive.
By boat
There are many party boats that leave the coast for day trips. Some stop at various beaches. You are even able to go horsebackriding up to a waterfall on one beach.
Get around
By taxi
Hotels may provide a price list for cabs (expect to pay about 50 pesos for short trips, and 200 for longer trips). Hotels will offer transport from airport to hotel. But that's expensive. If you've booked with a travel agency, they will most likely provide you with transportation to and from the airport. Be prepared for fast speeds, as the cab drivers have schedules to adhere to. Many of the cabs do not have working seatbelts or speedometers as well.
By bus
- Local trips
Bus trips cost 5 pesos, which is about 50 cents (or more, for longer trips). Buses make many stops so plan to leave very early if traveling this way. The busses can be caught at nearly every corner and run from early morning until 11pm
- Out of town trips
You can visit Bucerias for 12 pesos, $1.20. You can also go to Punta Mita for 14 pesos, $1.40. There are also larger busses that can take you to Guadalajara and Mexico City, which are about 5 hours away.
See
Do
Adventure/Sports
Golfing
- La Marina Vallarta Golf Course-Have to have good accuracy for this one due to narrow fairways that are guarded by water
- Los Flamingos Golf Course-Known as one of the easiest to play
- The Mayan Palace Golf Club-Fun course with many obstacles
- El Tigre Golf Club-Long course with many traps and water
- Vista Vallarta-Hosted the 2002 EMC World Cup Championship
Windsurfing There are many rental shops along the beaches
Snorkeling The most popular snorkeling areas are Los Arcos underwater caves and Marietas Islands caverns
Parasailing You are able to parasail at pretty much every beach. The sky high trip usually last around 15 min Jet Skiing Jet skis can be rented at most beaches by the hour
Fishing Banderas Bay is home to annual Puerto Vallarta International Fishing Tournament held since 1956. Fish types include sailfish, dorado, marlin, bonita and yellowfin tuna, roostertail, jack cravel, pargo, red snapper and more denizens of the deep, black, blue and striped marlin
Horseback Riding There are many ranches in town that offer horseback Riding into samll villages and through the forests. They can last from a few hours to a few days
Canopy Tours Get a birds eye view of the lush tropical forests
Entertainment
November Festival
It usually occurs in the middle of November. It includes:
- Many cocktail parties
- Wine and tequila tastings
- Cooking classes
- Concerts
- Gala dinners
- Art expos
- Screenings
Art
Old Town Art Walk in El Centro-It occurs every other Wednesday at 6-10pm from the end of October to mid-April
- Galería Arte Latinoamericano-Two floor gallery. Participates in art walk
- Galería Piramid-the first Huichol art display in Puerto Vallarta
- Galería Omar Alonso-Displays photography
- Gallería Dante-Voted #1 Gallery in Vallarta Voice Reader’s Choice 2003
Theatre
Puerto Vallarta didn't have an English language theater scene until recently. Now you can up to four companies from the venue Theater Agustin Flores Contreras
Music
- Malecon-You'll find live Cuban, jazz, rock, Latin American ethnic, Mexican ranchero and Mariachi
- South Side-Los Muertos Beach offers jazz at Daiquiri Dick's happy hour
You can also find blues, pop-rock and jazz
- Marina Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta-You can have a mexican dinner and listen to mariachi, marimba, romantic trios and folk harp
- North Shore-Offers a variety of live music
Learn
Work
Buy
Eat
Carlos OBrians Address: Paseo Díaz Ordaz #708, Downtown, 48300, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Review: Carlos Obrien’s is a fun place to eat dinner. Not only do they have great food but also an atmosphere that is very loud and exciting. If you are looking for some place quiet this inst the place for you. Kids will love it and the adults will enjoy the wonderful food.
Fajitas Republic Address: Pino Suárez # 321 Col. Emiliano Zapata, Downtown 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Review: Just as the name implies they serve fajitas. Not just any fajitas, the best I have personally ever tasted. With over 10 varieties you cannot go wrong visiting this restaurant in old town Puerto Vallarta. This restaurant offers a quiet setting and great food. If you are in the mood to savor the best fajitas this is the spot.
Hard Rock Café Address: Presidente Díaz Ordaz 652 Downtown 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Review: This is a Hard Rock Café just like any other one in the United States but with a touch of Mexico. Just what you can expect good hamburgers and a funky atmosphere. If you are looking for a taste of home this is the place.
Las Palomas Beyali Address: Cond. Royal Pacific # 245 Local # 129 Marina Vallarta 48354 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Review: This restaurants sits in the beautiful marina of Puerto Vallarta. Surrounded by massive yachts and a peaceful ambience. The food here is very authentic and quite tasteful. My favorite part of this restaurant was the setting inside the marina.
Pipi’s Address: Guadalupe Sánchez # 804 Downtown 48300 Puerto Vallarta Jalisco
Review: My favorite restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. This popular restaurant is recommended by all the locals. Fajitas and enchiladas to die for and also delicious margaritas of all flavors. Be prepared for a long wait, however it is worth it you will not regret waiting for this delectable treat.
Señor Frog’s Address: Venustiano Carranza # 218 Emiliano Zapata, Downtown 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Review: This restaurant is mostly known for its club like environment. At night it is one of the most popular and exciting clubs. During the day though it offers good food that remind me of a Hooters type restaurant.
The Blue Shrimp Address: Morelos # 779 Downtown 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Review: As the name implies you must like shrimp to eat at this restaurant. That said it offers some spectacular entrées that will take your hunger away that is for sure. Set partially outside the décor is fun but also very intimate. I would recommend this place for adults who want to step away from the children and enjoy a nice meal.
Buenos Aires Address: Could not locate specifically but it is located in the Marina
Review: This is a steak house that is simply put amazing. There menu feature a 2 LB. tenderloin that is marvelously prepared. They also offer a decent wine list. The setting is beautiful and the food even better. A must attend while visiting Puerto Vallarta.
Aye Carumba Address: Ask taxi driver
Review: We located this restaurant by asking the taxi driver what his favorite restaurant was. This restaurant is located atop a roof in the more residential part of Puerto Vallarta. They serve seafood that is freshly caught that day. Also they feature live music and a view that is unmatched. I recommend visiting this restaurant at night preferable during sunset. A very intimate setting. One of Puerto Vallarta’s best kept secrets.
Budget
- Cafe de Olla - Basilio Badillo, 168 (near Olas Altas, Zona Romantica). (322) 223-1626. Has good, cheap food. Try the pork ribs or chicken. Very Popular!!!
- La Hoya de Mismaloya - Eat with your toes in the sand and a cold Corona in your hand. Any of these quaint beach side restaurants will delight you with some fantastic and authentic local seafood dishes. Some recommendations: Shrimp empanadas, Pescado Sarandeado, Tostadas de Ceviche de Camaron.
Mid-range
- Tinos - Up on a hill overlooking Vallarta, most tourists don't know about this place, frequented by local businessmen, and others looking to spend a buck for some fantastic seafood dishes. Some recommendations: tacos de marlin are excellent, and the "mariscada" or "parrillada" which is a huge sampler platter filled with house specialties.
Drink
Downtown:The Hot Spot for Nighlife-Located along the beachfront walk
- El Dorado-Live Music
- La Cave-Piano Bar
- La Dolce Vita-Live Music
- Le Carrousel-Disco/Dancing
- Planet Hollywood-Live Rock
- Stars-Disco/Dancing
Old Town:
- Club Roxy-Live r&b
Hit among people over thiry with live blues and rock. Closed on Sundays
- The American Legend-Dancing/Live Music
- Senor Frogs-DJ
Tuesday night includes foam party, bikini contest, and open bar. Bar open until 4am
Malecon:
- Carlos O'Brians-Disco/Dancing
Very popular among a younger crowd. A lot of dancing
- Hard Rock Cafe-Live Music/Dancing
Restaurant open until 2am
- Kahlua-Disco/Dancing
- The Zoo-Disco/Dancing
Attract the 20's crowd with DJ spun music and cages to dance in
- Christine's
Address: NH Krystal Vallarta Hotel Hotel Zone Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Review: This club is HUGE!! It is only open a few nights a week though. When we went it was very fun and the club is nice and clean. It is located close to most hotels.
- EL Zoo
Address: Paseo Díaz Ordaz # 630 Downtown 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Review: This dance club is quite small but very fun. The dance floor doesn’t offer much room to bust a move but offers a great time to be had. Located on the Malecon it is in the center of everything.
- Hilo
Address: Just down the street from EL Zoo
Review: Again this club is small. The inside is very cool and the bar is very large. It can get a little crazy because of the small area but is fun for younger kids.
- Señor Frogs
Address: Venustiano Carranza # 218 Emiliano Zapata, Downtown 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Review: The most fun I had at a club in Puerto Vallarta. The foam party is the best and this place is the larger than most clubs. It has two bars and the service is awesome. Highly recommended!
Sleep
Budget
- Oasis Hostel [2] At $130 MXP per person per night it is probably the most inexpensive option. It is just off the centre of Puerto Vallarta, but busses and a reasonable walking distance (20 minutes) to town makes it feel well connected.
Mid-range
Splurge
Grand Velas All Inclusive 5-star resort
- Velas Vallarta [3] The rates are very expensive but it is a great resort. It is also a 5-star resort that gives you the option of All Inclusive. It features two pools and a lazy river to cruise around the resort. Also the resort boasts two great restaurants and a swim up bar.
Contact
Stay safe
Crime
The most frequent crimes against visitors are usually pickpocketing, purse snatching, armed robbery and assault.
Precautions
- A visitor should always keep his wallet in an inner front pocket or in a money belt
- Purses should always be carried securely under the arm.
Valuables
Travelers should always leave valuables in a safe place
Precautions
- Make use of a hotel safe if one is available
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry
- Carry only the cash or credit cards that you will be need for the day
ATMs
Be cautious when using ATMs to withdraw cash
Precautions
- Only use ATMs when absolutely necessary
- Use only during business hours
- Use only ATMs which are located on the premises of large banks because they tend to have security personnel
Beach Activities
Water you have never been to can be dangerous. There is also a high crime rate on the beaches with the stolen property
Precautions
- Observe the warning flags on public beaches. There could be a strong undertow.
- Never dive into unknown waters. There may be rocks
- Do not take passport or other valuables to the beach
Cope
Get out
Puerto Vallarta is less than a one-hour flight away from the inland city of Guadalajara.
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