Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

A victim of its own success, popular Puerto Vallarta is growing at a fearsome pace. Longtime fans may cry into their cerveza over increases in traffic and prices, but there’s still plenty to love about this city by the sea. Which is why developers keep developing and retirees keep relocating from Kansas and Topeka. Heck, even the sea turtle population is growing, thanks to conscientious preservation programs. Story continues after photos...

Much of Vallarta’s popularity stems from its location smack in the middle of beauteous Banderas Bay. This symmetrical, bass clef-shaped bay is one of the largest on the continent. Mountain ridges fade into a blue haze as you gaze south, each extending a bit farther into the Pacific. PV itself heads for the hills just a few blocks beyond the beachfront boardwalk, where locals and visitors congregate day and night to socialize, people watch, and appreciate a dozen gorgeous, plein-air sculptures. The green hills make a lovely backdrop to the town of whitewashed houses. Condos and restaurants less than half mile inland enjoy fabulous views of the bay.

Around Puerto Vallarta:    Guayabitos    La Cruz de Huanacaxtle    Mascota    San Blas    San Pancho    San Sebastian    Sayulita    Talpa    Yelapa    Yelapa Water Taxi

Greater Puerto Vallarta now encompasses villages like Mismaloya (where Night of the Iguana was filmed) and Boca de Tomatlán. But these enclaves maintain their own personalities. Mismaloya’s beach has been irretrievably altered by construction of the highrise La Jolla de Mismaloya hotel, but on the east side of the coast road, the original town still snoozes in the tropical sunshine. A few miles farther south, Boca de Tomatlán marks the entrance of the Horcones River into the sea. (“Boca” means river mouth.) Most travelers never stray beyond its few restaurants at the estuary, but across a hanging bridge, the main part of town lies hidden from casual exploration.

Fast skiffs from Boca ferry passengers to Las Animas, Quimixto, Yelapa, and other beachfront villages. Given the beauty of these secluded beaches, it’s surprising that so few visitors make the easy trek, and that those who do rarely venture beyond the beach. A visit to one or more of these sensual scallops of sand south of PV makes for a lovely beach day.

In PV itself, Los Muertos beach is the place to be. The main attraction here is the scene. Vendors, dogs, and pickup artists cruise the sand, and restaurants facing the surf are the perfect escape from the sun. The water is almost secondary here, but there are lifeguards as well as parasailing, banana boat rides, and personal watercraft to rent.

But what sets Vallarta apart from other seaside resorts are the opportunities for excellent dining and shopping. Sparkling little taco stands crank out griddle-fresh shrimp quesadillas, carne asada, and homemade salsa; holes-in-the-wall sling decent vegetarian dishes. Remodeled homes in the hills cater to evening crowds for sunsets and seafood. Restaurant Week in May and the Gourmet Festival in November attract foodies to restaurants of all genres, but any time of year is great for good eats. This is a mighty fattening town.

Nightlife is varied, too. Clubs stay open beyond the official last call at 4 AM, and on the south side of the Cuale River, cross-dressing strip clubs entertain straights as well as gays. Chains like Senor Frog’s, Carlos ‘n Charlie’s, and the Hard Rock Cafe coexist with unique concepts like Hilos, where oversized statues reach for three-story ceilings, and de Santos, a more highbrow restaurant--lounge with an excellent sound system and plenty of chill.

Shopping too is way above par in Puerto Vallarta. Jalisco state is famous for ceramics and housewares, much of it from Guadalajara and environs, and you’ll find this here in spades, along with blue blown glassware; hand-painted tiles; textiles from Oaxaca, Michoacán, and Guatemala; and many fun souvenirs. Boutiques offer beachwear: sarongs from Indonesia, bikinis from Brazil, and racy sunglasses. Dozens of galleries sell fine art---and retired artists in residence teach classes.

Greater Puerto Vallarta extends far beyond its pretty (if crowded) downtown overlooking the sea. Some of the best beaches are elsewhere. But the soul and heart of PV is here en el centro. Visitors tend to stick to the streets closest to the water, so for a glimpse of the city’s less touristy character, head to the hills. It only takes half a dozen streets---uphill---to rediscover Old Vallarta.

...........FESTIVALS AND EVENTS.............

November, 2008

November 2, 2008 Puerto Vallarta International Half Marathon and 5K - Sporting Event Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 6th annual running event with bands along the course providing entertainment. http://www.maratonvallarta.com

January, 2009

January 23 - 25, 2009 Sobriety Under the Sun - AA Convention Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Join us once again at our beautiful venue on the shores of Banderas Bay at the luxorious and serene Hotel Krystal http://aapvconvention.com

May, 2009

End of May Restaurant Week - Food Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco For more than two weeks (despite its name) several dozen of PV's finest restaurants present inexpensive, fixed price menus. A great time to try new places! http://www.visitpuertovallarta.com

Puerto Vallarta Real Estate   ♦   Puerto Vallarta Rentals

Rivera Cuale   NEW In-town Condominium Development on the Rio Cuale Prol. Invierno #70, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 322/223-3770 http://www.riveracuale.com

Velas Vallarta Suite Resort & Convention Center   Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Resort - Velas Vallarta Suite Resort & Convention Center is a premiere, all-inclusive hotel, spa, convention center and beach resort for family & business getaways in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Av. Costera S/N, LH2, Fracc. Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 1 (800) 835-2778 http://www.velasvallarta.com/

Puerto Vallarta Rentals   Puerto Vallarta... just the name brings visions of a tropical paradise with fun filled days splashing in the surf, enjoying the world famous Puerto Vallarta hospitality and romantic evening walks on the beach in cool ocean breezes. Need a vacation? We’re here to help. We have a variety of vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta to suit every taste and budget. Casa Panoramica, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 322-146-1708 http://vallarta-condo-rentals.com

Mismaloya Divers   We are local divers from Mismaloya, located 8 miles south of Puerto Vallarta and just five minutes from the protected underwater park Los Arcos. We have 25 years of experience leading diving, sport fishing, whale watching and sightseeing tours with our own boats. Mismaloya Divers owner Fermin Guzman Zuñiga (“Chipol”) and his family with give you a great deal and a great experience. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 322/228-0020, 322/15

Casa Velas Hotel Boutique   Escape to Casa Velas Hotel Boutique, an all-inclusive, luxury vacation resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with gorgeous tropical scenery, a world-class spa, gourmet dining, an ocean-front beach club and getaway packages. Pelícanos #311 Fracc, Marina Vallarta, Jalisco 1-866-612-1097 http://www.hotelcasavelas.com/

Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort   Experience an all-inclusive, luxury vacation at Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort, a magnificent hotel, spa and beach resort located in beautiful Nuevo Vallarta/Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Av. Cocoteros, 98 Sur, Nuevo Vallarta, Jalisco 1-877-398-2784 http://www.grandvelas.com/

Put your listing here

More Puerto Vallarta listings...