Why Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is located on the Pacific Coast along the beautiful Banderas Bay, the second largest bay in the world. Approximately 3 hours from Guadalajara, the city lies just at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, creating a spectacular rainforest backdrop to the traditional Mexican buildings surrounded by sandy beaches.
With tropical jungles, rivers, waterfalls and an average temperature of 80°, there are few destinations that can compete with Puerto Vallarta. The city was made famous after director, John Huston filmed, “The Night of the Iguana” with Ava Gardner and Richard Burton. A complete article about their stay can be found at www.insidepv.com along with the history of Puerto Vallarta and what made the destination a favorite retreat to celebrities, and tourists the world over. Throughout town, tributes to the city’s history and celebrity founders are frequent, including a larger than life sculpture of Huston and Elizabeth Taylor, located across from the Mercado- the local marketplace which offers a myriad of shops tucked away from street-side view. Playa Mismaloya, just south of Puerto Vallarta, is still a popular celebrity hangout, located only a few miles south of Puerto Vallarta and offering secluded beaches, lush jungle, and the impressive rock formations of Los Arcos which are perfect for diving and exploring underwater cliffs and mountains.
A favorite past-time of both locals and tourists includes a stroll along the Malecon, or boardwalk. A favorite restaurant along here is Viejo Vallarta Restaurant, an intimate 3rd floor restaurant, with a seemingly hidden entrance just past the No Name Cafe. Viejo Vallarta offers a spectacular location for people watching, a romantic view of the sunset, and the nightly fireworks shot off nearby. Lined with bronze sculptures that beg for interactive photos, the Malecon is lively at all hours, with artists, live music and performing arts in one of the many built-in amphitheaters. It is not uncommon to come across artists who will spend days completing elaborate sand sculptures knowing the sea will wash them away with the next storm. On Thursday nights, it is easy to catch a group of locals who spend hours juggling balls of fire on various ropes and instruments, while beating handmade drums in the sand. After watching the show, spectators can choose from one of the many restaurants and clubs along the opposite side of the Malecon, including some of Mexico’s best discotheques, open-wall lounges, and lively bars and clubs.
On Wednesday nights, crowds stroll the many art galleries of Centro, a weekly tradition known as The Artwalk. Gallery owners are almost always present, along with local and visiting artists, and wine and cocktails are passed out amongst guests as they go from gallery to gallery enjoying the artwork and friendly conversation with perfect strangers amongst a relaxed atmosphere. While the art galleries of Puerto Vallarta are popular, there are countless intimate shops and local vendors that offer handmade arts and crafts, varying from hand-painted dishware to fine silver jewelry. Vividly colored crocheted dresses are displayed along walls next to thousands of bead necklaces; all unique and great for souvenirs.
The city boasts several fine golf courses, a beautiful marina comprised of majestic sailboats and yachts, and a number of adventurous tours available. Countless boat excursions run daily and range from onboard fiestas and dancing, to sport fishing. In November, there is an International Sailfish Fishing Tournament, and several yachting events throughout the year. For diving and snorkel enthusiasts, there are countless options, including a short trip to Yelapa, a rustic village only reachable via boat and known for its underwater exploring.
The food in Puerto Vallarta is described as being in a class of its own. From locally made tamales wrapped in palm leaves, to seafood bisques and lime crème brulee, the restaurants here are recognized as among Mexico’s premier fine dining experiences. Particularly favored are the celebrity frequented restaurants of Los Muertos Beach in Zona Romantica where guests can choose to have their elegant dinner on the sand at sunset, surrounded by tiki torches and candlelight. Following dinner, a stroll on the nearby bridge where the river meets the ocean, makes for a romantic evening. The scent of fragrant flowers is always in the air here, and music can be heard playing from the nearby restaurants, only pausing for the chiming of local church bells.
Arrive during December and witness the locals celebrating The Lady of Guadalupe with live music, festive processions, parades, and candlelight gatherings throughout the city. On New Years Eve, one of the largest celebrations in Puerto Vallarta, the town is buzzing with activity as thousands of locals and tourists dance in the streets and take advantage of the live entertainment along the Malecon, and the atmosphere of a city-wide fiesta.
About the author: Jeni de Bernal spent 5 years at Rutgers University studying English, literature, intensive writing and political science. She was a publicist in New York City before relocating to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where she now resides with her husband, Jay Bernal. Their company, PV Media, publishes numerous information websites including the popular AdClickology.com and InsidePV.com.
