Puerto Vallarta
From World travel guide
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Understand
(Story reprinted from BanderasNews.com with Permission)
Puerto Vallarta was selected by CONDE NAST TRAVELER readers as the eighth best destination in the world in their annual Reader's Choice Awards, as well as number one international destination because of the "remarkable amiability of the local folk."
Located on the Western Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta's charm remains largely undiscovered. 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.
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 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.
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, soar above it all in a multicolored hot air balloon, snorkel, scuba dive, charter a yacht or sailboat, or take a cruise on one of the many party boats.
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.
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.
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. In short, whether you prefer fashionable luxury, strenuous adventure, or something in between, the Puerto Vallarta region is a sun-blessed paradise that will keep you entertained, until it is sadly time to depart.
But 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.
And finally, Puerto Vallarta is less than a one-hour flight away from Guadalajara, the Pearl of Mexico, and Mexico City, which, with over 25 million inhabitants, is the world's largest city and the site of truly spectacular Aztec ruins.
Get in
By plane
Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (Airport code: 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.
By train
There is no train service to Puerto Vallarta
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.
By bus
By boat
Get around
By taxi
Hotels may provide a price list for cabs (expect to pay about 50 pesos for short trips)
By bus
Bus trips cost 5 pesos (or more, for longer trips)
See
Do
Learn
Work
Buy
Eat
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. Very Popular!!!
- La Hoya 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.
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.
Splurge
Drink
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Grand Velas All Inclusive 5-star resort
Contact
Stay safe
Cope
Get out
External links
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