By Jennifer Harpez

Puerto Vallart Vacation - A True Mexican Experiencei

Puerto Vallarta is a place of reconcilable differences. On one hand its a sleepy town, complete with a rich history, culture, and a tropical climate. On the other hand, it’s a sophisticated city, with all the modern amenities a world traveler might desire, along with an offering of mountains for the adventurous. Ultimately, all of Puerto Vallarta’s characteristics collide beautifully, providing a comfortable and entertaining destination for travelers from around the globe.

History

Puerto Vallarta’s background is extensive and impressive. In the year 1525, a Spanish army led by Conquistador Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura discovered the land. They were on the verge of laying down their attack on the natives, when they noticed a Holy Cross banner brightened by a ray of sunlight. This ray formed a halo and pointed to the Holy Virgin. Subsequently, both the natives and the Spanish army settled for non-violence and named the region ‘Bahia de Banderas’.
Almost 20 years later, in 1541, the harbor of Bahia de Banderas became a frequent stop used by Spanish sailors traveling from the orient to California.

It was a lucky arrangement for the people of the city. The sailors used the opportunity to make repairs, and obtain supplies. This arrangement was great for the economy of the area. At this point, Bahia was well known to sailors, but did not reap the benefit of tourism for three centuries thereafter.

In 1850, Sanches Torres, a salt merchant from Jaliso, settled into a small village, along with his family. He named the city ‘Las Penas’. The town began to grow quickly. In 1918, Las Penas was named ‘Puerto Vallarta’ after the former governor of Jaliso, Ignacio Vallarta. The city became a municipality but remained a small fishing village until later in the 1900’s. In 1963, the movie ‘Night of the Iguana’ was filmed in Puerto Vallarta, and the world learned of the gorgeous destination. Several super stars built houses in the remote area. As word spread, people from all over the world sought to visit the exotic locale. As more tourists visited, more hotels and resorts where built. Puerto Vallarta soon became a world-class resort destination.

Culture

Although comprised of hotel chains that are fully Americanized, Puerto Vallarta has still held tightly to its inherent culture. The traditional Mexican song, the Mariachi, is not hard to come by when traveling through the region. The national drink, tequila, is available almost everywhere. Mexican art is very authentic and is also found everywhere - in the plazas, the galleries, and along the boardwalk. There are Mexican fiestas held often in Puerto Vallarta. Partaking in one of the celebrations is a perfect way to experience everything Mexican - the food and drink, the folklore, and the music. Over and above it all, perhaps the most notable and memorable cultural aspect of Puerto Vallarta is the friendliness of the people.

Flora and Fauna

An abundance of sun along with plenty of summer rain gives nourishment to the vegetation in the Puerto Vallarta region. Bromeliads, passion fruits, marshes, jungles and many other species of plants make up the tropical landscape. Amazingly, there are at least seven major vegetation zones in Puerto Vallarta. Just a drive along the coastal highway will provide a show for three of these zones, including savanna, thorn forest, and tropical deciduous forest.

Due to the many different ecological tracts, Puerto Vallarta is home to many interesting species of wildlife. Spider monkeys, endangered ocelots, jaguars, armadillos, and bats make Puerto Vallarta home. An abundance of bird species linger, including herons, egrets, brown pelicans, and frigate birds. Approximately 460 snake species live in Mexico. Most will run from you, but its best to be on the look out for where you place your limbs when in the back country. Coral snakes, rattlesnakes, crocodile and sea turtles are just some of the other types of reptiles and amphibians. Fish and marine mammals are, of course, innumerable in the shiny waters off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Swordfish, blue and black marlin, yellowtail tuna, snapper, sea bass, sharks, rays, sea lions, porpoises, and even whales inhabit the deep blue waters. Although still rather prolific, wild habitats in Puerto Vallarta are endangered due to the increased human populations.

What to Do

There is no need for more to do in Puerto Vallarta. At the very least, visitors can always jog or walk along the cobblestone streets, the quaint shops, along the boardwalk, or the beaches. The beach is, of course, the main attraction in Puerto Vallarta. Swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, sail boarding, and sail boating are easily accessible from shore.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are available via the outfitters in town, including Ocean Quest Dive Center. This experienced scuba company will take you to the best dive sites around Puerto Vallarta. La Corbetena is a rock outcrop island located about 35 miles from shore. The site is known to be remote and thus very pristine. Ocean Quest explains, “On the way to the rocks we often spot dolphins and whales. At the island amongst thousands of colorful fish we often spot sea turtles, giant mantas, big morays and seldom smaller sharks.” Boca Divers, another reputable dive operator, offers scuba lessons and tours. Their visit to Colomitos could be one of the most unique and memorable. They say, “Colomitos is a small, picturesque cove, located just around the bend from Boca de Tomatlan, and offers an up-close (seclude from the crowds) dive experience with a sharply-sloped underwater hillside... where we can observe a variety of aquatic creatures dwelling amongst the embedded rocks and boulders that are precariously perched along its walls.”

Additional water activities are plentiful in the region. Sports fishing for sailfish or marlin are popular in Puerto Vallarta. Go to the Peines docks where prices can be negotiated. For quick access, hit the resorts to arrange a day of fishing. Waterskiing and parasailing are offered at the resorts along the beach, and offer an exciting way to spend the day. Inland, visitors can play tennis, golf, bike in the scenic country areas, and horseback ride. Nature-oriented tour agencies take visitors to such places as Islas Marietas wildlife sanctuary. The operators will also take groups hiking in the Sierra Cuale foothill jungle, bird watching, whale watching, and to a hot spring on the Mascota River, only one half hour from town.

DolphinWorld is also an expert at dolphins. You can swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta. They provide the special opportunities of dolphin swims, dolphin encounters, and the very unique chance to be a dolphin trainer for a day.

AmigoTours of Puerto Vallarta is a jack of all trades when it comes to guided activities in the area. They offer sailing, scuba diving, jeep safari, canopy tour, off-road adventure, day and sunset cruise, hiking, horseback riding, and more. Their excursions into the heart of the Sierra Madre take adventure seekers over remote mountain terrain via their Mercedes Benz off-road vehicles. Once you’ve reached your destination, the 45-minute nature walk will take you up close and personal with the ecology of the area. The knowledgeable staff will provide you with information about the flora and fauna of the zone. Jungle canopy tours are immensely memorable, as you ride at the highest of heights, at tree top. These excursions are rooted in ecological awareness.

Where to Go

Vacationers who are short on time should consider arranging a base in old-town Puerto Vallarta. There, they can enjoy shopping, authentic dining, lively dancing, and the convenience of walking around town. Day trips to Bay of Banderas beach villages will fulfill the need for sun and sand. Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlan, or Yelepa are fabulous beach choices. A full day spent exploring San Sebastian, a beautiful mountain mining town, is highly recommended. The coast of Nayarit is a bit farther north, where travelers can find quaint inns, and country ambience. Families will enjoy the beach resorts and RV parks of Lo de Marco, Rincon de Guayabitos, and Chacala. Adventurers who have a few days to spare should make the extra effort to get an hour farther north to visit the jungle and world class surf near the Bay of Matanchen. San Blas boasts a mangrove-jungle boat tour where many species of wildlife can be seen, including freshwater turtles, black cormorants, grey herons, and the auspicious crocodiles. The Jalisco coast is just south of Puerto Vallarta, and rewards with the palm-shaded beaches of Chamela, Tenacatita, or La Manzanilla, just to name a few. A couple seeking more solitude might enjoy Barra de Navidad and Melaque, the twin beach towns at the far southern end of the Puerto Vallarta region. There is some beautiful country to walk through, along with the usual beach activities, and even some night life to end the day with a bang.

Where to Stay

Travelers to Puerto Vallarta can pick and choose the type of lodging they truly dream about. The area south of Rio Cuale has a plethora of moderately priced hotels, as well as apartments and condos. The accommodations are within walking distance of restaurants, shopping and many other services. On the low to mid-priced spectrum of pricing, consider Hotel Villa del Mar, or Casa del Puente. On the higher end, check out Suites Los Arcos, and Hotel Molino de Agua.
A rewarding choice for lodging is the Hotel Playa Conchas Chinas, south of town. It lies on the shore overlooking a quaint cove on the beach of Conchas Chinas. There are only 30 units, the décor is traditional Mexican, the view is superb, and the price is affordable. The farther north you go, the more you will likely spend.

North of Rio Cuale, on the Marina’s ocean side, is where the majority of the enormous chain hotels and resorts sit. This area is isolated from downtown, and some hotels have very narrow beaches. Nevertheless, there are some good hotels at affordable rates, including Hotel Rosita, a favorite standby that remains very homey. Hotel Rosita is blessed with authentic Mexican design, including colorful Mexican tile, white stucco, and wood. One downside of Rosita is its wire security fence blocking the ocean view from the patio.

If luxury hotels are your thing, head to the north end of the boardwalk, at Playa Camarones. It’s far from downtown Puerto Vallarta, but life can be good at one of the many resorts in this location. The Hotel NH Krystal is located on 34 beachside acres, and offers never ending amenities. On the more exuberant end of the lodging spectrum, the Qualton Club and Spa is a promising option to consider. The resort provides guests with an all inclusive vacation, ripe with cultural food, interactive entertainment, fitness and wellness amenities, and access to the wonderful outdoor activities of the vicinity.

What to Eat

From food stalls to fancy restaurants, Puerto Vallarta offers authentic and satiating cuisine. Check out Calamar Aventurero, an open air seafood stall south of Cuale. Looking for breakfast? Make your way to Hotel Playa Los Arcos, which provides an airy beachfront terrace, complete with a passing sidewalk, swaying palms, and the sight of tour boats coming and going. Tuti Fruti is a quick stop for a snack or any meal when hanging around the boardwalk. North of Cuale, Restaurant Las Palomas is a more elegant, fine dining establishment, just five blocks north of the main plaza.

Getting There and Around

It is also possible to travel to Puerto Vallarta via bus. Bus rides from every corner of the U.S. can be lengthy, but will get you to the Mexican border, eventually. From the border, travel by taxi to the central bus station. Bus travel is very prominent in Mexico. First class bus service is cheaper and frequent. A 1,000 mile bus trip can cost as little as $50. The cost of a bus ride is usually about half the price of a ride in the U.S.

Truly adventurous souls may consider driving to Puerto Vallarta. There are certainly more issues to consider - cost, risk, traffic, wear and tear, not to mention physical exhaustion. Since Mexico does not recognize foreign car insurance, it’s a must to purchase Mexican auto insurance. One other tip for driving in and around Mexico – keep the number for The Green Angels on hand. This bilingual team comes to motorists’ aids with car repair and first aid assistance anywhere in the country.
It is also possible to get to Puerto Vallarta by ferry, cruise, or sailboat. You may need to delve deeper into research to uncover the logistics of these options.

Nuevos Vallarta

Nuevos Vallarta is a new resort development north of the river in Nayarit. Construction of this area began in the 1990’s. Today, Nuevo Vallarta boasts an entire community and resort structure, including a golf course, new luxury homes, a marina, and beachfront resort hotels. The attractive and relaxing Club de Playa Nuevo Vallarta is the centerpiece of the man-made development, while the miles of beaches in Nuevos Vallarta are certainly the main natural attraction.


Activities in Nuevo Vallarta are as plentiful as in Puerto Vallarta. Canopy tours, horseback riding, sailing, snorkeling, whale watching, scuba diving, fishing and much more are on hand. Nuevo Vallarta is known to be the gateway to the history of Nayarit. The historic town of San Blas is located in the state. Also, the La Tovara Wildlife Refuge, tequila fields, dormant volcanoes, and the Nahuatl can be found in Nuevo Vallarta. The Nahuatl are the ancient ruins of the pre-Columbian age. Excursions to all of these attractions are available through various tour operators in Nuevo Vallarta.

A unique opportunity to swim with sea lions waits in Nuevo Vallarta. These vocal creatures are sure to leave a mark on your soul. They are not shy, and will play with you all day, while you wait for a chance to pet and kiss them. By the end of the day, you will have a life-long memory along with a photo to take home for show and tell.

Perhaps the best activity of all in the Puerto Vallarta region is offered in Nuevo Vallarta, swimming with dolphins. This activity is offered via several tour operators in the area. A day with these special animals is sure to entail touching, petting, kissing, and swimming with them. This once-in-a-lifetime experience proves to be very therapeutic and rewarding for anybody, at any age.

Visit Puerto Vallarta Today

No matter where you end up in the Puerto Vallarta region, you are sure to have a rewarding stay and a pleasant experience. There are seemingly endless options available for just about any personality, or age. Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta will not disappoint. Instead, Puerto Vallarta will appoint you with a new perspective and a refreshed attitude towards life. To find out the best deals to Puerto Vallarta, please check out Expedia travel for information.