Puerto Vallarta: Perpetually Vibrant

BUENA VISTA AT SUNSET: Colonial charm in downtown Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Photo: Visitvallarta.com

By Scott Harrah

Puerto Vallarta was once just a sleepy fishing village until Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton put it on the international map while Burton was filming Night of the Iguana in nearbyMismaloya in the 1960s. Today, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular, diverse resorts in Mexico and is thriving with a dedicated American and Canadian following that keeps returning for the famous restaurants, perfect weather, colonial charm, tolerant attitudes and the warmth of the locals.

One of the first things any new visitor will notice about Puerto Vallarta is the diversity of the city and how there is something here for virtually every type of person, from young, tattooed hipsters to retirees to newlyweds to families with kids to aging hippies to gay men and lesbians.

There is a freedom “vibe,” similar to what one finds in San Francisco and New Orleans. In fact, the cobblestone streets, bars, restaurants and balmy weather of Centro (the downtown area) seem a bit like a tropical version of New Orleans’ French Quarter, but everything is immaculately clean.  For a town that is literally hopping with people on every corner, it is rare to see any trash or litter in the streets.

Puerto Vallarta is a bilingual city where most people speak English and everything is geared toward the English-speaking tourist, but the city still maintains an authentic Mexican feel unlike many resort towns South of the Border.

Gateway to Mexico’s West

Puerto Vallarta is actually not just a city, but the gateway to an entire resort region of Western Mexico. Situated on Banderas Bay on the Pacific, the southern portion of Puerto Vallarta encompasses Centro, El Malecon (the newly renovated boardwalk, with shops, restaurants and nightclubs situated by sculptures of dolphins, a seahorse, and more), Playa Los Muertos beach and its new pier, Zona Romantica and Conchas Chinas, with the more upscale Hotel Zone and Marina to the north.  North of the Marina is Nuevo Vallarta in Riviera Nayarit, a 200-mile stretch of prime coastline and a newer area of all-inclusive resorts and timeshare “vacation clubs.” (Do beware of timeshare salesmen, particularly in the arrivals area just outside Customs at the airport. Pass right by them and refuse any offers of “presentations” or “free” anything.)

Restaurants: Foodies’ Paradise

With more than 600 restaurants, Puerto Vallarta is a favorite for “foodies,” and there is everything from local Mexican places to gourmet French, Mediterranean, seafood and specialty restaurants. Some of the best include Vista Grill, located on a mountaintop, with a gorgeous view of the entire Puerto Vallarta area.  Enjoy international cuisine and seafood (http://www.vistagrill.com) .  Another favorite in the downtown area is Café des Artistes, an expensive but elegant restaurant with a great menu (http://www.cafedesartistes.com/).

A unique experience is Teatro Limon, a short cab ride away from the Marina and Hotel Zone (http://www.teatrolimon.com/). This is unlike any restaurant you will find in Mexico or North America. It is like visiting the home of a friend in Puerto Vallarta and having a five-star meal cooked right in front of you. There is no menu, but the owner will sit down with once you arrive and ask you what kind of food you like and what you do not like. He has from great rib-eye steak to buffalo and great seafood, plus an extensive wine list. The place is pricey, but is definitely worth visiting once.

Sightseeing & Things To Do

El Malecon is a “must see” for every visitor. So is the iconic Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, the focal point for the Puerto Vallarta skyline. Olas Altas has many seafood restaurants and bars.  There is also parasailing over the bay.  Your hotel can arrange an excursion to see whales on Banderas Bay (whales from Alaska mate in the bay each winter), as well as a day trip to the Marietas Islands and the famous hidden beach there.

Where to Stay

If you want to be within walking distance to the downtown area, stay at one of the hotels downtown or near El Malecon.  The hotels downtown are inexpensive and primarily tourist class. However, the better hotels are in the Hotel Zone, just a short bus or cab ride away. One of the best in the Hotel Zone is Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All-Inclusive and Spa Hotel, a five-star resort with luxury rooms and a caring, friendly staff that will pamper you like royalty (http://www.fiestamericana.com/puerto-vallarta/hotel-puerto-vallarta). The hotel became all-inclusive in late 2014.

One should always do research online before selecting a hotel to find a place with great amenities that is also near sightseeing and attractions. For everything from service and friendly staff to good food and drinks and a perfect location, Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All-Inclusive and Spa Hotel is a great choice if you want to be close to everything Puerto Vallarta has to offer while still enjoying a quiet resort setting.

If you are into something more secluded, opt for a hotel in the Marina or Nueva Vallarta or further north in Riviera Nayarit. Check such websites as TripAdvisor.com for reviews on the best hotels in the region.

Puerto Vallarta websites

http://www.visitpuertovallarta.com/

http://virtualvallarta.com/

www.puertovallarta.net

LGBT Puerto Vallarta websites

http://www.gayguidevallarta.com/

http://www.gogaypuertovallarta.com/

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published January 12, 2015