Puerto Vallarta
Quick Facts
Language: SpanishCurrency: Mexican Peso
Area Codes: 322
Other Cities in this Region
Puerto Vallarta is a land of gorgeous sandy beaches, majestic mountains, and small-town allure. Located in the heart of the Mexican Riviera, a beautiful stretch of coastline running from Mazatlán to Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta is second only to Cancún in its popularity with tourists.
The city of Puerto Vallarta traces its history back to the 1500s, when it was first visited by Spanish explorers. Later, migrating Mexicans and even pirates added their individuality to this unique city. Today, Puerto Vallarta remains a place enriched with history and culture, welcoming all people to join in its beauty. Puerto Vallarta offers its visitors a wide range of lovely hotels, inns, resorts and restaurants, which are sure to fit any budget. Tours are offered year round to sites such as Los Arcos and Huichol Indian villages. Kids will find places to explore and learn about around every corner of this Mexican paradise. Puerto Vallarta is alive with the feeling of "old Mexico." It is not rare to see donkeys roaming the streets and artfully designed homes reminiscent of days long past.
While areas of Puerto Vallarta can make you feel as if you have entered early 20th century Mexico, only walking distance away, the same city offers the feeling of a modern world-class resort with all the amenities of home. The city's twenty-six miles of coastline offer some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with plenty of boardwalk on which to stroll or browse the wares of the street vendors, who always offer something unique as a reminder of this beautiful and historic city.
In recent years, Puerto Vallarta has also gained a reputation as being a prime area to take part in many adventurous "ecotourism" activities. Outfitters are springing up all over town, providing the necessary equipment and expertise to enjoy a day of mountain biking, sea kayaking, and deep-sea diving.
Docking & Local Transportation
Cruise ships dock at the Terminal Maritima, slightly north of town near the airport. From there, you can easily get to the downtown area via taxis or buses.
There are no shortages of taxis (322/225-0716) in Puerto Vallarta, and rest assured that they are affordable as well. A typical trip from downtown to the Marina Vallarta will run from $3 - $5. In addition, you can hire taxis for personalized, hourly tours, which will cost anywhere from $10 -$12 per hour. Make arrangements with your driver before leaving on a driving tour, however.
Puerto Vallarta also has an efficient bus system, running the length of the coastline as well as to other local destinations. For $0.35 a ride, you can travel to the Marina, to local shopping sites, beaches, and much more. Buses run from 6am to 11pm daily.
If you are interested in taking a day trip to Las Animas, Quimixto, and Yelapa, consider taking a water taxi, departing from the pier at Los Muertos Beach. A round trip ticket to these destinations will cost anywhere from $10 -$12.
Local Interests
One of the most relaxing and memorable ways to spend the day in Puerto Vallarta, is a stroll through the downtown area and the seafront boulevard known as the Malecón. Colorful homes line the cobblestone streets, and nearby are several monuments that are worth noting. Among them is the Parrish of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church. Located at 370 Hidalgo, it is a lovely cathedral topped with a replica of Empress Carlota's crown. Just south of the church is a charming municipal market, home to quaint shops, artists, and cafes.
Many folks visiting Puerto Vallarta may opt to spend several hours on a boat tour of the bay and surrounding areas. One such option is the Marigalante (322/223-0309), a perfect replica of Columbus's Santa Maria ship. A daytime cruise is available (lunch included) as well as evening sunset cruises.
In the 1600s, the bay of Puerto Vallarta was known as "Humpback Bay" in recognition of the thousands of migrating Humpback whales who journey to these waters yearly to bear their young. They still return to this day, and an organized whale-watching tour is the best way to get a glimpse of them. Several companies offer guided boat trips to view these magnificent mammals. Open Air Expeditions, located at Guerrero 339 (322/222-3310), and Vallarta Adventures (322/297-1212, www.vallarta-adventures.com) feature small boats and knowledgeable guides to take your on your whale-watching journey.
If you are really adventurous, then perhaps a hot air balloon ride is worth you while! Day-Off Hot-Air Balloon Tours (Morelos 536, 322/223-2002) offers a sunrise and a sunset trip daily. Float peacefully over the beautiful coastlines and jungles in what is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Activities
The Beaches
Puerto Valletta's twenty-six miles of coastline ensure that you will find a stretch of it to your liking. Listed here are just several beach spots you might like to peruse. Playa Mismaloya is located five miles south of town and is a gorgeous cove inviting snorkeling and sunbathing under the sun. The closest beach to town is Playa del Sol, featuring broad sandy shores and a variety of restaurants and services. The beaches of Quimixto, Las Animas, and Yelapa are accessible only by boat, but are well worth the trip to marvel at their secluded beauty.
Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, and Fishing
Vallarta Adventures (322/297-1212, www.vallarta-adventures.com) offers beginning as well as expert diving trips in Puerto Vallarta. Guides will take you to the Chimo reefs, the Marietas Islands, and many other underwater hotspots. If you have come to Puerto Vallarta to get certified, then the folks at Vallarta Adventures can assist you with that as well. The Cooperativo de Pescadores (322/222-1202) is an organization that can arrange a fishing expedition of any size and length you desire.
Shopping
Shops stretch along Agustín Rodríguez across from Puerto Valletta's Municipal Market, where you can find everything from jewelry and leather goods to the ever prevalent t-shirt kiosks. The Marina Vallarta also has two shopping centers that offer limited goods. Neptuno Plaza is one of them, and features several notable American clothing chains and general goods stores. If you are looking for native Huichol Indian art, then take a trip to the Huichol Collection (322/223-2141) at Morelos 490.
Dining & Nightlife
Trio (322/222-2196), located at Calle Guerrero 264, is an exciting restaurant in Puerto Vallarta that has delicious seafood entries, vegetable, and beef dishes in a memorable, relaxing setting. A recent addition to the restaurant is a rooftop bar; a perfect spot to enjoy an evening sunset. If you don't mind paying for an amazing natural setting, then try one of Puerto Valletta's unique jungle restaurants. El Nogalito (322/221-5225) is one of these, featuring an open-air setting beside a crystal clear jungle stream. The food is excellent, and the view can't be beat!
Kit Kat Club (322/223-0093), located at Calle Púlpito 120, is a subdued, classy bar and lounge that is the perfect place to enjoy good drinks in a hip setting. If dancing is your calling for the evening, then head to the unique dance spot known as the Zoo (322/222-4945) where terrific music complements a great setting, featuring dancing cages for the truly animalistic!