PUERTO VALLARTA
Tourism in PUERTO VALLARTA
Located in the Bay of Banderas, in the state of Jalisco, the city of Puerto Vallarta is considered the second most important tourist destination in the Mexican Pacific, its spectacular mountain, beach and mangrove landscapes offer its visitors endless activities and tours. Puerto Vallarta was a traditional town before becoming an international tourist destination.
The Spanish conquerors in 1525 named it Bahía de Banderas, based on the name of the culture that had settled here. After the Independence of Mexico it was renamed Las Peñas de Santa María Guadalupe and later shortened to Puerto Las Peñas during the years of the silver mining boom near San Sebastián and Mascota. In 1918, when it became a municipality, it was named Puerto Vallarta in honor of Ignacio L. Vallarta, lawyer, jurist and state governor.
Busy destination for international cruises from the United States, Mexico and Canada, Puerto Vallarta has all the tourist services that a world-class destination demands: an excellent hotel and entertainment infrastructure with endless restaurants, bars and nightclubs; a marina, prestigious golf courses, as well as a wide and growing real estate offer.
The city also stands out for its great artistic, cultural and sports activity. Proof of this is the multitude of international film, music, golf and sport fishing festivals and tournaments that are held throughout the year, as well as the world-class events that take place in its Convention Center, the shows of national and international artists who perform in its theater, not forgetting its Malecón, a long walk adorned by original bronze and sand sculptures from which you can see daily, in addition to beautiful sunsets, the daily show of the Voladores of Papantla.
Map of PUERTO VALLARTA and COSTALEGRE
Beaches near PUERTO VALLARTA
Puerto Vallarta is a well-known area worldwide for its beaches, paradisiacal strips of golden sands and crystal clear waters bathe the coast of the Bay of Banderas. Here you can enjoy the busy beaches located in the city or the quieter ones.
“Los Muertos” Beach
Probably the most famous, most visited, and most sought-after beach in Vallarta, “Los Muertos” sits at the southern end of the Malecón and the Cuale River. Here you can find a wide variety of restaurants, bars, galleries, boutiques and souvenir shops. It is the only beach in the city with its own pier, which acts as an arrival and departure point for water taxis to the north or south, as well as a point where tours can pick up passengers along the way. This beach is ideal for fun and entertainment, day or night.
“Playa de Oro”
Located north of the city, Playa de Oro is wide, clean and safe, with rocky settings that give the small bay its peculiar and welcoming touch. Surrounded by large hotels in Playa de Oro you can enjoy a series of recreational activities, such as parasailing, jet skis and swimming. It is one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta among locals and visitors alike.
Mismaloya Beach
The Mismaloya Beach is the place where the Mismaloya stream meets the sea. It is a 250-meter strip of sand, with palm trees and surrounded by tropical vegetation and small hills. This small jungle is inhabited by wild animals, such as pumas and jaguars that are often seen prowling around the place. Movies such as “The Night of the Iguana” with Elizabeth Taylor, and “Predator” were filmed here.
“Las Gemelas” Beach
“Las Gemelas Beach” is one of the most popular in Puerto Vallarta, it is 200 meters long and has an important vegetation, responsible for the pleasant shade. The beach has clear sands and crystal clear water, the sea can sometimes look green and other times blue or turquoise. This beach is located south of the city, about 20 minutes from the center. To get there it is necessary to go down some long stairs, it is recommended to bring food and drinks to spend the day since there are no restaurants or businesses that sell food nearby.
“Conchas Chinas” Beach
“Conchas Chinas” Beach is one of the most fascinating places in Puerto Vallarta. It is located a few minutes from the city center, hidden between the forest and the mountains, which gives it a certain charm. When you arrive at this place, you will be able to appreciate the clash of colors that the sea provides, sometimes blue and sometimes green, with the golden sand. On the Playa de las Conchas Chinas, you can enjoy natural pools formed by rocks, as well as eat a delicious fried fish sitting on the seashore. It is possible to rent boats and skis or practice snorkeling and make your trip a more complete program.
Yelapa
Getting to Yelapa is, in itself, a two-hour adventure, taking a water taxi from Puerto Vallarta south to a traditional town that still maintains the essence of a fishing village. It is the perfect place to get lost in the jungle, wade through rivers, take a long walk through the town until you reach a refreshing 50 meter waterfall, or go swimming, fishing or diving in its calm waters.
“Las Caletas”
“Las Caletas” was once the private home of film director John Huston and is now a private beach accessible via a special tour. This lush hidden cove is secluded and completely untouched, consisting of three small beaches and rock formations. Here you can lose yourself in the orchid gardens, enjoy the beach and water activities or explore the May pyramid where, every night, a contemporary dance show is held.
Transportation in the city
To visit the center of Vallarta it is advisable to make a visit on foot, since this way you can enjoy the incredible energy that the people of the area have. But if you want to take longer walks or visit beaches that are located on the outskirts of the city, you can rent vehicles at the agencies, for a day, week or month.
In addition, it is convenient to use the taxi service if you go to a nearby area, which have convenient rates established by the Government depending on the area in which the tour is made. But even more convenient to get around in Vallarta are the buses, which have a frequency of approximately every ten minutes, so it is a very good option to move around local routes.
If you want to get to the beaches and towns of the jungle of Vallarta, you can move through various boats that offer excellent services to and from the tourist sites. These boats are also known as pangas.
Outdoor walks
The amazing landscapes and panoramic views that these outdoor walks will give you will make your visit an unforgettable vacation. Puerto Vallarta offers you the unique opportunity to contemplate various marine species such as manta rays, turtles, sharks and dolphins, but, without a doubt, the sighting that will leave you speechless is that of the different types of whales, among which the whale stands out. hunchback.
“The Malecón“
This coastal avenue is the place where you can see the most incredible sunset you have ever seen. Located on the shores of the Bay, it is a must if you visit Vallarta, through the Malecón you can access the Vallarta Marina. If you want to know the entertaining nightlife of the place, the Malecón has become the main place you should go, with modern and varied bars, you can enjoy sophisticated cocktails or a beer admiring the beauty of the sea.
“Los Arcos” National Marine Park
Do not miss the opportunity to ride a boat, snorkel or dive through the deep tunnels, caves, colored reefs and arches of this incredible Marine Park, located between the beaches of Las Gemelas and Mismaloya, this park is home to numerous forms of marine life and birds.
Quimixto
The water taxi or a tour will take you to live a day of fun in Quimixto, a remote beach and one of the largest fishing villages in the south of Bahía de Banderas. Rent a horse or hike inland to find the waterfall and dive into the deep lagoon formed by the waterfall. Back on the beach you can enjoy a home cooked meal at any of the seafood or Mexican food restaurants.
Romantic Zone
The Romantic Zone or Vallarta Viejo is located on both banks of the Cuale River, it is a representative area of Vallarta, which is constituted as the center of the city, where you will be enchanted by its tradition and beauty. The typical cobbled streets and its buildings with red tile roofs are part of the essence of Vallarta. From modern and entertaining bars, taco stands, to traditional family inns, they are the elements that make up this area of Vallarta and that will leave you in awe.
Marina Vallarta
Positioned as one of the most exclusive and elegant areas of Vallarta, the Marina of this city offers you a world apart, full of fun activities. In addition to being the starting point for every cruise ship and yacht that arrives in the city, the Marina Vallarta is an area where you can see all the modernity and sophistication of a first-rate jetty. Here you will find a complete golf club, more than 500 piers, which can be rented by tourists,
We suggest hiring tennis courts, shopping centers and it is the scene of countless sports activities. In addition, it houses two of the most prominent nightclubs in Vallarta.
Art and culture
Puerto Vallarta offers galleries displaying pieces of all kinds, from Wixarika art and art from various parts of Mexico, to contemporary by international artists. There are also silver, glass and ceramic workshops that sell their pieces. Some offer courses in engraving, sculpture, music, painting, lead and stained glass. From October to May you can admire local art through the Art Walk, which takes place every Wednesday.
In Puerto Vallarta you will find on the boardwalk the most dynamic gallery and open-air amphitheater in the country; It is a space to enjoy both local and international art, spiced up by the beauty of the place.
More than 15 sculptures by some of the most famous Mexican artists, including Ramiz Barquet, Sergio Bustamante, and Alejandro Colunga, create an impressive public art space along the Malecón. Some of the sculptures represent the lives of important historical figures, others reflect the culture and life in Puerto Vallarta, and some are the ideal setting to take unforgettable photos of your vacation.
Parish of “Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe”
The Parish of “Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe” (Our Lady of Guadalupe) is, as its name implies, a church dedicated to the Patron Saint of Mexico. It keeps interesting works of art, such as the marble altar with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe painted by the artist Ignacio Ramirez, as well as the Via Crúcis, the communion, a pulpit and the carved wood confessionals.
The Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe is in front of the Plaza de Armas and the Municipal Palace and began to be built in 1918; It has a brick facade and its central tower was built in 1950, although it ended up adopting its current form in 1995 when the original one was destroyed by an earthquake. The Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most beautiful buildings in the area.
Tuorism and adventure
The beautiful Bay of Banderas in which Puerto Vallarta is located, offers tourists the opportunity to live exciting experiences. Diving, water skiing, sport fishing, kayaks, parasailing, diving, are just some of the activities that you can do in this place.
In addition, the town of Nueva Vallarta, north of Puerto Vallarta, offers you the wonderful possibility of navigating through the quiet canals of the area.
Gastronomy
Chefs offer international cuisine or create flavors that come from blending traditional regional or international ingredients with cutting-edge techniques and sophisticated style and creativity. No less tasty is the food that is sold in authentic homemade Mexican cuisine or small shops and restaurants with a variety of seafood and delicious dishes, located throughout the city.
Eight restaurants in the city have been awarded the “Five Star Diamond” award from the “American Academy of Hospitality Sciences” and others with the “Five Diamond Awards” from the “American Association of Motorists”.
Tequila. You can visit some of the factories that produce this distillate near Puerto Vallarta and taste the raicilla, a drink extracted from a different species of agave, native to the region.
Wine. Puerto Vallarta is the scene of great cultural and gastronomic events, one of them is the “Wine Fest”, which provides an experience of wine culture in multiple tasting and pairing activities.
Street of Cafes. Located in the middle of the Romantic Zone, you can find this area of cafes, which, rather, is a place full of diversity and gastronomic temptation. Seafood and sophisticated international food as well as exquisite desserts and fragrant coffees are the keynote of Calle de Cafés.
Night Life
Puerto Vallarta is a city that never sleeps and for many it comes alive with the sunset! The action is present in various corners of the city, the wide variety of nightly entertainment is an attraction for all kinds of preferences and choices.
There is a good range of casinos and nightclubs on Medina Ascencio avenue, and on the boardwalk are some of the best restaurants and bars.
If your interest is more relaxed and cultural, you can attend the Vallarta Theater, which brings shows of national stature and International, dance danzón in the main square with the municipal band or take a night tour by boat.
Shopping
Puerto Vallarta offers a diverse selection of stores for shopping, from the high class of shopping centers to the folklore of local stalls, Vallarta offers you a wide variety of shops, boutiques, galleries and markets that open their doors to bring you the best in Prices and service.
Here you will learn about the recognized Huichol indigenous art, you can also admire the beauty of the silver, glass and pottery works. Crafts and works with typical Mexican materials are the favorite products of visitors to Vallarta.
On the Malecón you can buy silver, opal, and turquoise jewelry, or local art created in your presence. Across the Cuale River, the Municipal Market and the many outdoor stalls offer different kinds of souvenirs.
Weather
The location of Puerto Vallarta and its geographical characteristics make it the ideal place to enjoy an unforgettable beach vacation due to its subtropical climate. Being located on the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands, this paradisiacal tourist destination enjoys a similar climate with more than 300 sunny days a year and an average temperature of 25°C.
The most moderate temperatures occur in the months of November, December, January and February with an average of 18-25 ° C. Summer and part of autumn, from June to October, have the highest temperatures of the year, between 27-33 ° C. Although rain can ruin a day at the beach, they usually start in the afternoon and sometimes last until the morning so you can usually take advantage of the day to do any type of activity.
More Tourist Attractions in JALISCO
Tequila
Tequila is a mixed drink from the 16th century as a result of the syncretism of two cultures: the Mexican and the Spanish. The Mexica never imagined the dimensions that they could reach with the discovery of agave honeys. After the arrival of the Spaniards to Mexico, a new post-fermentation process, distillation, was incorporated, thereby obtaining an innovative liquid: tequila.… Read More
Beaches in Jalisco
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Magical Towns in Jalisco
Jalisco has 8 Magical Towns where you can live unique experiences, enjoying the local gastronomy, the impressive natural landscapes, walks and ecotourism excursions, but best of all, the warmth and hospitality of its people.… Read More
Gastronomy of Jalisco
The state of Jalisco has an amazing diverse and delicious cuisine, it is arguably one of the most traditional regions of Mexico. When Spanish settlers came to the region they introduced several ingredients to the Mexican diet. This fusion of cuisines and ingredients has made Mexican cuisine one of the most extensive and nuanced cuisines in the world. Classic dishes for the area include the Birria, a dish made of beef, goat, or lamb baked in a sauce with several spices, hot peppers, and chopped onion, prepare it is in a barbecue, in a hole in the ground; the pozole, stewlike soup of pork or chicken, hominy, mild chili peppers, and coriander leaves; the pipian, a sauce served as a condiment or marinade sauce for poultry, seafood, pork, and vegetable dishes; tostada de pata, fried tortilla with beef meat; enchiladas tapatías, a corn tortilla rolled around a filling and covered with a creamy poblano chile and tomato sauce; and the famous tortas ahogadas, a sandwich made of a special bread called “birote” (saltier than bread rolls) stuffed with pork covered or “drowned” in a spicy sauce prepared with tomatoes and hot peppers.… Read More
Guadalajara Surroundings
Near Guadalajara there are several of the most beautiful and interesting towns in the country, so these vacations you can take advantage of and visit those places that keep the true essence of Mexico in their streets.… Read More
Shopping in Guadalajara
No visit to Guadalajara would be complete without taking time to shop. Whether you need a new pair of shoes, a luxury tailored suit, home décor pieces, or even Mexican spices, Guadalajara is sure to exceed your expectations. Shopping options in Guadalajara are extensive, whether you are looking for footwear, handicrafts, jewelry, sweets, souvenirs, in this guide we try to include options for all budgets.… Read More
Traditions of Jalisco
Jalisco is full of surprises. A cosmopolitan metropolis modern, but authentic and traditional at the same time. Many of things which are typically associated with Mexico have their origins in Jalisco. These include rodeos called charreadas, mariachis, and of course the tequila.… Read More
Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the capital of the State of Jalisco and the second largest city of México. It is known worldwide for its folklore, the renowned Mariachi, handcrafts, tequila and the national sport, charrería. Few cities can offer such a variety of interesting things to see and do, involving the visitors in a cultural, historical and legendary atmosphere. You can begin your enchantment by visiting the Historical Center and its magnificent buildings. The rich colonial legacy can be seen all over the city, including the Cathedral, featuring the symbol that has become emblematic of Guadalajara, its towers. Tlaquepaque and Tonalá are located out of the city limit, both towns are worldwide known for the quality and wide variety of its handcraft.… Read More
Guided Tours in PUERTO VALLARTA
Flights & Hotels in PUERTO VALLARTA
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States Of Mexico
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Archaeological Sites
The Archaeological Zones are the cultural past of every Mexican. You will be amazed at the ambient, nature and the environment that surrounds them. Climbing to the top or being around it will take us back in time to admire every detail. México is a country of culture and traditions, many of which we have inherited from the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of this vast territory, although it is true that there were more settlements in the central and southern part of the country, it is also possible to find some archaeological remains in the north.
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Magical Towns
A Magical Town is a place with symbols and legends, towns with history that in many cases have been the scene of transcendent events for our country, they are places that show the national identity in each of its corners, with a magic that emanates from its attractions ; visiting them is an opportunity to discover the charm of Mexico. The Magical Towns Program contributes to revalue a set of populations in the country that have always been in the collective imagination of the nation and that represent fresh and varied alternatives for national and foreign visitors. A town that through time and in the face of modernity, has conserved, valued and defended its historical, cultural and natural heritage; and manifests it in various expressions through its tangible and intangible heritage. A Magical Town is a town that has unique, symbolic attributes, authentic stories, transcendent events, everyday life, which means a great opportunity for tourist use, taking into account the motivations and needs of travelers.… Read More
Beaches
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Capital Cities
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