PUERTO VALLARTA
Puerto Vallarata is a wonderful place. Besides being very easy to get to, the climate is mild and predictable, the people exceptionally friendly, the varied and fascinating excursions available, fabulous first class restaurants, and all in a locations known for its safety and security.
In the center of town is the Bahia Banderas, which is one of the largest bays in the world. Vallarta is surrounded with jungle covered mountains, in many places just steps from the beach. With all these environments so close together, ocean, beach, jungle and mountains, there are varied and numerous tours and excursions at your fingertips.
Downtown Vallarta still has a village atmosphere with out bending (well not too much) to the demands of tourism. The streets are cobblestone and the sidewalks narrow, so wear comfortable shoes (no tall heels, you’ll be sorry!)
The cab fare from Nuevo to downtown is $160 pesos ($16.00) We usually ride the bus in and take a cab home. In the “old” town (across the bridge) are many street vendors, and they range from wonderful to “don’t take a chance”. I have listed some of the best, with delish tacos. Restaurant Row is on Calle Basillio with many restaurants and bars. As you explore away from the beach, inland, you’ll find more traditional Mexican neighborhoods, fewer tourists, and a feel for what Vallarta was like before Liz and Dick began its discovery as a tourist destination.
Tours and Excursions
There are Bandares Bay Tours by boat, including whale, dolphin and snorkeling tours.
There are four choices of scuba and snorkeling operators in the area for those who want to discover the fabulous underwater life including dolphins, sea turtles, giant manta rays and even humpback whales in the winter.
If the serenity of sailing floats your boat, there are sailing charters that offer the finest of Mexican hospitality, including breakfast, lunch and open bar on most sailings.
In Nuevo Vallarta is a “swim with the dolphins” experience, a thrill for kids and kids at heart of all ages.
With more than 300 species of birds in the area, Puerta Vallarta is called a paradise by bird watchers. All the tours include a bilingual certified guide, easy and steady with beginners, and helpful and handy with the more experienced. Continental breakfast, binoculars, and spotting scope all included, as well as a fabulous brunch at a local restaurant. A must for beginning and seasoned enthusiast alike.
Of course there are many party boats that leave in the morning, ride to a beautiful beach where you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and lunching with an all day open bar, complete with party games, competitions and plenty of fun.
Restaurants in Puerta Vallarta
El Arrayan: The real thing. True traditional Mexican fare
Banana Cantina: Contemporary Mexican food. Voted “best new restaurant” by Vallarta Lifestyles magazine.
Café de Olla: “GRANDE” margaritas, outside grill
Pipe’s: Touristy, always a great time here
Daiquiri Dick’s: Overlooking the beach and the sunset. Romantic
La Palapa: Gourmet food on the beach
Trio: Gourmet, highly recommended
Le Gourmet: Big secret kept by the locals
La Tia Catrina: New spot, great food
The River Café: Ambiance galore and lovely food
Street Food in Vallarta
This is a great way to have a bite, without taking any time, and almost no money. Be sure that the food handler is not the same person who takes your money and washes the dirty dishes. The following have all come highly recommended, and are all in “old” town:
El Mereno: Madero and Constitucion
La Horniga: Insugenes and L. Cardenas
Birnia robles: Constitucion and V. Carranza
Marisma: Naranjo and Carranza
Dona Salu: Berlin and Berna
Restaurants in Nuevo Vallarta
Brasil: Classic churrascaria, with meats on a skewer, not at all typical “mall” food, located in Paradise Village Mall.
Fajita Republic: Very popular and no wonder! It’s a great atmosphere, and great food. Don’t sit outside in the summer, but then who goes to Vallarta in the summer?
Guido’s: Run by a local family, very friendly and very good Italian food when you’ve had enough refried beans!
La Portena: Latin American theme, excellent food and beautiful garden surroundings
Shopping in Vallarta
If you are looking for silver, this is the place for you. There is shop after shop after shop, all brimming with glitter. To compare shop, pick out one particular item that many shops carry, and go from there. Many of the shops price by weight, which is the most reliable, and some just take a look at you, and decide what to charge. If you buy on the beach, you are expected to bargin, but don’t insult them. They do have a pretty hot and sometimes thankless job. Offer slightly more that half of their starting price and go from there. One year, I was looking for a particular bracelet for my daughter, and after going to every silver store in town, I found exactly what I was looking for at the beach vendor.