Puerto Vallarta

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Seahorse sculpture on Playa de los Muertos; one of several large public works donated by local artists for the malecon.

Puerto Vallarta [1] is a city and popular vacation resort on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.

[edit] Understand

Located on the Western Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta's charm makes the resort famous around the world. 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. Stretching from the south end of Old Town to central downtown, a newly extended and refurbished boardwalk along the ocean, called the Malecon, passes by any number of shops, restaurants, and hotels, and often plays host to mimes, breakdancers, clowns and artists.

The residents of Puerto Vallarta are very friendly and generally willing to help with directions and other requests. Old Town Vallarta (or the Zona Romantica district) south of the River Cuale is more like a Mexican town and less like a tourist trap.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (IATA: 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. Note that the arrival area is plagued by timeshare hucksters. They will offer to arrange a cab for you and try to rope you into a timeshare sales presentation. After you clear customs, walk quickly through the next room - the one housing the hucksters - continue walking past the rope-line. Now look for the official taxi kiosk out in the main airport atrium. You purchase your taxi trip here. All other offers of cab rides you will recieve between customs and the kiosk will be from timeshare hucksters. Ignore every one of them. I can't emphasize this enough. The bad experience of those taken in can ruin one's first hours in PVR, and that would be a shame. If you've packed lightly you can take the city buses into town. Continue straight ahead as you exit the arrivals area and exit the doors in front of you. The bus stop is to your left, under the pedestrian overpass. Wait for a bus marked Centro (but NOT marked Pitillal or Bobadilla), wave it down, pay your five pesos, and enjoy the ride. You've just saved $20. You don't need exact change for the bus. Drivers will make change. But you will need some small change. Drivers won't break large bills.

[edit] 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.

[edit] By boat

There are many party boats that leave the coast from the Marina for day trips. Some stop at various beaches. You are even able to go horsebackriding up to a waterfall at one beach south of Puerto Vallarta.

[edit] By Bus

The main bus station is far to the north of town, a little north of the airport. A local bus or taxi is required to reach the main city. To catch a local bus into town, exit the bus station and keep walking across the parking area. Then walk to your right toward the corner. The city buses will stop here. Any bus you pick up here will take you downtown.

[edit] Get around

[edit] 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. Taxi drives tend to gather at the intersection close to the liquor outlet in the Centro District. They are friendly and you can negotiate trips outside of Puerto Vallarta at very reaasonable cost on slow days. They will wait for you while you dine or shop as well as photograph you and your mates. Include a small tip with the very reasonable fare.

[edit] By bus

• Local trips

Bus trips cost around 5 pesos, which is about 50 cents that you pay to the bus driver when you get in and every ride is good for as long as you have to stay on... the whole city if you'd like. Buses stop almost every five to ten blocks and at peak hours tend to get very full, so be ready for that. If you are a man, be ready to give up your seat to women if the bus becomes crowded. Bus drivers will make change, but won't break large bills.

The buses are quite handy to get to places like Pitillal (the rapidly growing suburb to the NE) and Ixtapa (including the nearby U of Guadalajara campus with its gallery and crocodile farm. They are also useful for travelling from the hotel zone and marina area to the downtown or old-town areas. Any bus marked Centro will pass through both. Buses marked Tunel will skip downtown and head directly to the old-town / zona romantica via the tunnel bypass.

• 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. Mismaloya buses charge around 10 pesos. There are also larger buses that can take you to Guadalajara, which is about a 6-hour trip.

You can catch buses for Mismaloya along Basilio Badillo on the corner just West of where you see them lined up.

The easiest way to catch a bus to Bucerias, Punta Mita or points in between is to catch a city bus to Wal-Mart/Sams. Walk along the main road to the northernmost bus shelters in front of Wal-Mart. The buses to Bucerias leave from here.

[edit] See

Puerto Vallarta's beaches lie between mountains and ocean

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.

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. A section of the beach called The Blue Chairs is the focal point of the gay village.

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.

[edit] Do

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, snorkel, scuba dive, charter a yacht or sailboat, or take a cruise on one of the many party boats.

Bay of Banderas - Puerto Vallarta

[edit] 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 Nuevo Vallarta Golf Club, 18-hole par 71 course designed by Jim Lipe. Address: Paseo de las Moras S/N, Fraccionamiento Náutico Turístico, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico 63735. Fun course with many obstacles is located on the spectacular beaches of Vallarta between the Sierra Madre mountains and the Bahia de Banderas bay. The Vallarta course offers interesting competitive advantages and challenges to golf lovers for the vast fairways appear to be the easy part but the lakes complicate the game for the most expert golfers. website

• 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 small 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 on a wire and pulley.

[edit] Parks

• Sea Life Park [2]- Discover Sea Life Park, now in Mexico! Its 15 acres of pure fun offer the entire family a day filled with action, adventure and entertainment. Experience speed and excitement on the 10 water toboggans; enjoy relaxing and exotic rides down the river; the smaller ones will have a great time at the children's area, and the older ones will be able to enjoy the pool area. In addition, you may swim with dolphins and be amazed with the shows of these incredible creatures, as well as the talented sea lions and birds.

[edit] 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

Festival of the Arts

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
• Galería Feedma, the most recent addition to the Vallarta art scene. Renowned Mexican and international artists and photographers

Theatre

Puerto Vallarta didn't have an English language theater scene until recently. Now you can see 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.

[edit] Learn

[edit] Work

[edit] Buy

• La Playa liquors and wines. At least two outlets - one in the old town and one in the centro. This is the place to go for reasonably priced tequila. Most of the flashy tequila shops are either factory stores or time-share gimmicks. Neither are good options for buying tequila at a decent price/quality ratio.
• Manta Maya a shop selling contemporary variations on traditional mexican cotton clothing. The clothing is made in their shop in Zapopan, on the outskirts of Guadalajara. Basilio Badillo at Ignacio Vallarta.
• Galeria Indigena a shop specializing in Huichol art as well as art from other indigenous peoples. You'll see bead art everywhere, but this is one of a few shops that sell somethint at least a little more authentic than colorful beaded lizards and such. Juarez 628.
• Arte Mágico Huichol another Huichol art shop. In addition to the usual bead art and yarn art they also sell piece of more traditional Huichol handicrafts. Coronoa 179.
• La Casa del Habano Vallarta's best selection of authentic cuban cigars. They also have a cigar bar. Aldama 174

[edit] Eat

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.

• Chez Elena Famous hotel and restaurant located in Puerto Vallarta. It has been cited by Playboy Magazine and well known actors such as as Peter O'Toole, Elizabeth Taylor

• Coexist Cafe http://hotelrio.com.mx (In Hotel Rio)Locals and tourists coexist creating a unique atmosphere, where music is definitely an ingredient you will enjoy.We’re recommended for having an eclectic taste, reflected in our Mexican and international dishes. Live music daily!

• Planeta Vegetariano (just around the corner from the church.) Planeta Vegetariano serves a buffet-style meal with a varied and changing menu. All-you-can-eat fresh juices, vegetables, salads, fruit, and many traditional dishes served sin carne are to be found. Reasonable prices. They serve a breakfast and lunch buffet, each with different dishes. Many dishes are not only "sin carne" but with fake meat.

• Carlos O'Brians, : Paseo Díaz Ordaz #708, Downtown. 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. A favorite of the gringos and especially the spring break crowd.

• Fajitas Republic, : Pino Suárez # 321 Col. Emiliano Zapata, Downtown. 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, : Presidente Díaz Ordaz 652 Downtown. 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, : Cond. Royal Pacific # 245 Local # 129 Marina Vallarta. 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.

• Pipi’s, : Guadalupe Sánchez # 804 Downtown. 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, : Venustiano Carranza # 218 Emiliano Zapata, Downtown. 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 might remind you of Hooters. Owned by the same folks as Carlos O'Brians and similar atmosphere.

• The Blue Shrimp, : Morelos # 779 Downtown. 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.

• Buenos Aires, : in the Marina. 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.

• Ay Caramba, : Ask taxi driver. 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. A very intimate setting. One of Puerto Vallarta’s best kept secrets.

[edit] 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.

• La Joya 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.

• Coffee Cup - Rudolfo Gomez 146 (near Olas Atlas Street). 222-8584. An American-style coffee house that serves espresso, latte and cappucino with local baked goods. It is still rare to find this type of coffee in Puerto Vallarta. Local art is displayed on the walls.

• Esquina de los Caprichos - Miramar 402. 222-0911. Open 1 -10 pm. Closed Sundays. Spanish an Basque tapas. A few dishes and a glass of sangria is around $17 USD.

• Tia Katrina - A hip take on traditional food. Appetizers from $5, mains from $9 USD. The Tortilla Soup is recommended.

• Red Cabbage - Rivera del Rio 204A. 223-0411. A funky restaurant up the hill from the main streets in the Zona Romantica. It is themed on Frida Kahlo and features pre-hispanic recipes. Dinners from $15 - $25 USD.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Splurge

• Boca Bento - Basillo Badillo 180, south side. (322)-222-9108, 223-4727. Features an original menu of Latin and Asian fusion cuisine.
• El Arrayan - Allende 344, El Centro. (322) 222 7195. A very good menu of specialities from many regions. The food is not "typical" to tourist-oriented Mexican restaurants, but rich banquet and festival foods with upscale service. You will have an opportunity to try many familiar dishes like lamb and pork, as well as cactus salad and seasoned roast crickets, for the adventurous.

[edit] 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: It may seem strange but Steve's Sports Bar on Basillo Badillo has the best margaritas - and we've been testing.

• 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, : NH Krystal Vallarta Hotel Hotel Zone. This club is HUGE!! It is only open a few nights a week though. It is located close to most hotels.

• EL Zoo, : Paseo Díaz Ordaz # 630 Downtown. 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, : Just down the street from EL Zoo. 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, : Venustiano Carranza # 218 Emiliano Zapata, Downtown. The foam party is the best and this place is the larger than most clubs. It has two bars and the service is awesome.

[edit] Sleep

Puerto Vallarta's cobble stone streets

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 south end of Old Town has a number of gay-friendly hotels. Map of hotels in Puerto Vallarta

[edit] Budget

• Hotel Bernal, : Madero 423, : 222 0785. One of the cheap hotels on the street F. Madero.
• Cartagena de Indias Hotel, : Madero 428, : 222 6914. In the old town the street F. Madero hosts a bunch of similar, simple but clean hotels at a very affordable price. You can get a room with a TV for four people for under $400 MXN. There are also doubles and other smaller rooms available. It is a 5-10 minute's walk away from the Malecon. $80-140 MXN per person in a private room
• Hotel Lina, : Madero 367, : 222 1661. One of the cheap hotels on the street F. Madero.
• Oasis Hostel, Website: http://oasishostel.com/. At $150 MXN per person per night it is one of the most inexpensive options. It is just off the centre of Puerto Vallarta, but buses and a reasonable walking distance (20 minutes) to town makes it feel well connected.

[edit] Moderate

• Vacations-Abroad.com has numerous Puerto Vallarta Mexico vacation rentals that will fit any budget because they are rental by owner.
• Hotel Rio (http://hotelrio.com.mx/) (mailto:info@hotelrio.com.mx) Hotel Rio is conveniently located within walking distance of the main downtown attractions in Puerto Vallarta. Nearby, you will find the Rio Cuale and Cuale Island, the Malecon, the Municipal Market, the Old Town and many major restaurants and bars. Hotel Rio is a good deal with clean, comfortable rooms at an affordable price. Each room has central air conditioning, telephone, color TV with cable, complete bathroom and balcony. There is a pool to cool down from the heat and a variety of great tasting dishes at our Coexist Cafe. Money exchange and Cyber service 24 hours. In short, economical and in a great location.

[edit] Mid-range

• Los Cuatro Vientos Famous hotel and restaurant located in Puerto Vallarta. It has been cited by Playboy Magazine and visited by well known actors such as Peter O'Toole, Elizabeth Taylor

• Hotel and Suites in Puerto Vallarta Hotel Emperador Puerto Vallarta is located in the heart of the most traditional area of the Old Puerto Vallarta, only 3 minutes away from the downtown and 20 minutes from the International Airport. In Puerto Vallarta's famous beach "Playa Los Muertos".

• All Inclusive Hotel in Puerto Valalrta Puerto Vallarta’s most recognized hotel zone features the All Inclusive Hola Puerto Vallarta Hotel, an oceanfront hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico that not only boasts a beautiful beach but is only minutes away from the International airport and the charming cobblestoned streets of this town’s magical downtown area.

[edit] Splurge

• Casamagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa, : Paseo La Marina 435, Marina Vallarta, : 52 322 226 0000, Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pvrmx-casamagna-marriott-puerto-vallarta-resort-and-spa/. Nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa proudly holds a spot as one of the 100 World's Best Hotels according to Conde Nast Traveler. The Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort has completed its $10.7 million renovation! The enhancements include newly decorated guestrooms with luxurious bedding, contemporary bathrooms, new furniture with Mexican-inspired colors and patterns, a complete redesign of the resort's La Estancia restaurant, and exquisite updates to the banquet facilities and business meeting rooms.

• Velas Vallarta [3], an all-inclusive 5-star resort with studios, one, two and three bedrooms, all with kitchens or kitchenettes. Hotel offers on-site mini-supermarket, boutique, travel agents, car and bicycle rental, tennis courts, and "Kid's Club". Marina Vallarta golf course is withing walking distance (2 min).

• Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta, Av. Paseo de las Moras s/n. Fracc. Náutico Turístico. Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, C. P. 63735, México, tel: (52) 322 226 4000 (email: mailto:conciergenv@mayanpalace.com.mx), http://www.mayanpalace.com/nuevo/. Year-round. Type: Beach and Golf Luxury Resort, Timeshare. Room types: Master Room, Suite, Master Suite. Amenities: private bedroom with king-size bed, safety-deposit box, ceiling fan and air-conditioning, as well as living room with two sofa-beds, bathroom with tub and shower, hair dryer, breakfast nook, telephone, cable color television, kitchenette equipped with electric stove, freezer, microwave oven, toaster, blender, coffee maker, china, glassware, cutlery, pots and pans and kitchen utensils. Attractions: Nicklaus Design Golf Course (18 hole par 54), Spa, 3 interconnected pools — over 1000 feet, one of the longest in Latin America. Sports: Golf, Tennis, Gym, Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Diving. Notable restaurant(s): Tramonto and Del Lago. Mayan Palace Vallarta

• Mayan Palace Puerto Vallarta, Paseo de la Marina Sur S/N, Fracc. Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48354, México , tel: (52) 322 226 6000 (email: mailto:conciergepvr@mayanpalace.com.mx), http://www.mayanpalace.com/puerto/. 365 days of the year. Type: Beach and Golf Luxury Resort, Timeshare. Room types: Master Room, Suite, Master Suite. Amenities: private bedroom with king-size bed, safety-deposit box, ceiling fan and air-conditioning, as well as living room with two sofa-beds, bathroom with tub and shower, hair dryer, breakfast nook, telephone, cable color television, kitchenette equipped with electric stove, freezer, microwave oven, toaster, blender, coffee maker, china, glassware, cutlery, pots and pans and kitchen utensils. Attractions: Sun Set Club, Tribu Bar & Lounge, two swimming pools, one of them with two levels. Sports: Golf, Tennis, Gym, Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Diving. Notable restaurant(s): Bakal and Argentina Terrace & Grill. Mayan Palace Vallarta

• Sea Garden Nuevo Vallarta, Av. Paseo de las Moras s/n. Fracc. Náutico Turístico. Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, C. P. 63735, México, tel: (52) 322 226 4000 (email: mailto:conciergenv@seagarden.com.mx), http://www.seagarden.com.mx/nuevo. 365 days of the year. Type: Beach and Golf Luxury Resort, Timeshare. Room types: Master Room, Suite. Amenities: air-conditioning, balcony, bathroom with tub and shower, safety-deposit box, king-size bed, kitchenette equipped with electric stove, refrigerator, microwave oven, toaster, blender, coffee maker, china, glassware, cutlery, pots and pans and kitchen utensils, breakfast nook, living room with two sofa-beds, cable color television, telephone, and ceiling fan. Attractions: Jim Lipe Design Golf Course (18 hole par 71). Sports: Golf, Snorkeling, and Diving. Notable restaurant(s): Rumm Ba, Yum Kaax, and X Bok Sports Bar.

• Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa [4] A luxury resort on its own private beach cove. Accommodations include spacious ocean-view rooms and suites overlooking the ocean and large private beach. Several suites and penthouses have twin floors and private swimming pools. To unwind there are three pools, four gourmet restaurants and friendly lounges.

[edit] Condos and Vacation Homes for Rent

• Plaza Mar Condos on Los Muertos Beach, Lazaro cardenas 155. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, C. P. 48380, México, tel: (612) 750-2345 (email: mailto:condo@internetpv.com), http://www.internetpv.com. Plaza Mar is located directly on Los Muertos Beach in Puerto Vallarta, it is only two blocks from the downtown area of Puerto Vallarta. It is a quick and easy walk to fine dining and shopping. Most of the newer hotels are north of town which are not within walking distance of the town square, restaurants, and shopping. In addition, the north hotels are in the American part of town and are very Americanized, which does not give you the true Mexican feeling.

• Vacation Rentals in Puerto Vallarta Opportunistic developers and property companies such as this one are working hard to ruin the unique charm of Puerto Vallarta. Lloyd Real Estate is one of the leading vacation rental agencies offering condos and homes throughout Puerto Vallarta. Established in 1975, Lloyd Real estate has been providing services to hundreds of clients. With branch offices in Puerto Vallarta, Bucerias and Nayarit, Lloyd Real Estate has developed a presence to provide our extraordinary coastal community with premium services.

[edit] Contact

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Emergency Numbers

• Police: 060
• Fire: 060

[edit] Crime

Visitors should exercise caution here as in any place that they are unfamiliar. The beaches and hotels have security people who are familiar with the area and tend to ward off most undesirable characters. As in many "tourist destinations", there is a local "tourist police", who concentrate on keeping the area safe for vistors. They, and the locals, understand the value of vistors and make life very difficult for those who may ponder preying on vistors. All in all, it is safe here as most tourist destinations.

• Precautions

As in any City:

• 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.
• When walking, stay on main streets. When walking, pay strict attention to the street curbs. They range from inches to 5 feet or more deep, to retard flood waters during the wet season.

[edit] Valuables

Travelers should always leave valuables in a safe place. Better yet, leave them at home if you can do without them.

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 needing for the day

[edit] 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

[edit] Beach Activities

Water you have never been to can be dangerous. Leaving your valuables (cameras, purses, passport) alone on the beach, is an invatation to theft at any beach.

• Precautions
• Observe the warning flags on public beaches. There could be a strong undertow.
• Never dive into unknown waters. There may be rocks

[edit] Cope

Note that not very many places take credit cards. Some larger hotel complexes, high end restaurants and shops did, but most did not. It was very much a cash only economy with ATMs available in convenient locations and a bank downtown where in-person withdrawals could be made.

[edit] Get out

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.

Mismaloya is a short drive outside town. It is famous for being the location for the movie "The Night of the Iguana" directed by John Houston. You can tour the location.

Chico's Paradise, a river valley with rock formations and picnic/restaurant areas is a short drive or bus ride outside town.

Puerto Vallarta is less than a 45 minute flight away from the inland city of Guadalajara and about an hour flight from Mexico City. A 30 minute drive up the coast lands you in Bucerias, a small coastal village.