Budget Puerto Vallarta

Description:

Puerto Vallarta, rapidly emerging as one of the finest art centers in Mexico, is home to scores of acclaimed local and international artists who display their work locally and worldwide. Each year dozens of these artists open their home and studio doors to tours so art lovers can have the unique experience of seeing an artist hard at work. During the tour, the artists encourage visitors to ask questions about their work and allow you to experience, first hand, the artistic process and methods that goes into each piece. Some of the artists conduct classes in their studios, on a very limited basis. The four-hour guided tours typically include three to five studio visits. The artists for each tour vary but rest assured that they are hand-chosen and organized by your knowledgeable guide, Garry Thompson, owner of the Galeria Pacifica. Garry an avid art enthusiast, and likes nothing more than sharing his passion for art and knowledge of the artists you will meet. The Artists Studio tours are available only on Mondays and run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Reservations are required as space is limited.

Description:

Established in 1880, this family-run bakery has persisted through all the changes affecting Puerto Vallarta. At present, they still make delicious cakes, Danish-style pastries, cookies, and breads and provide many local restaurants with fresh baked goods. Owners Nathalia Margarita Munguia, granddaughter of the original founder, and her husband, Rodolfo, now carry on the tradition into the 21st century. Four locations across the city provide for the sweet needs of local and tourist alike.

Our Local Expert Says:

Make sure to have a drink and some nacho's at one of the variety of bars/restaurants, and watch the pelicans dive for fish.

Description:

Returning visitors to Puerto Vallarta long for two things - that first margarita and a visit to the magnificent El Malecón (boardwalk). This beautiful, mile long oceanfront walkway, an easy walk or short car ride from most of the city's hotels, traces the beach, running parallel to the main street. The Malecon offers stunning, unobstructed views of sand and surf and is the perfect place to watch Vallarta's magical sunsets. In 2005 the Malecon was extended to link downtown with the popular Romantic Zone, giving all visitors easier access to enjoying it. Whether you are looking for shopping, dining or music - you won't be disappointed with a visit to the Malen. Don't miss the famous permanent sculptures by local artists. On Saturday nights, you are likely to see the customary Mexican "courting" ritual as teenagers walk hand-in-hand along the boardwalk, their entire family trailing two feet behind. Restaurants, bars and boutiques selling trendy clothing, silver, folk art, Cuban Cigars and tequila abound near the Malecon. If you want to dance the night away, head for the Malecon where the music begins at 11 pm and can continue to 6 a.m. the next morning

Description:

The stunning Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe that dominates the Puerto Vallarta skyline, is the subject of millions of photographs, and Puerto Vallarta's best known and most treasured landmark, is a must-see attraction. Each year it receives thousands of visitors, particularly during the 12-day festival celebrating the Feast of Guadalupe in December. There are guided tours daily. The original church was built over a 12 year period (1929-1941) but it was expanded and modified several times over the next 45 years.. From outside you will be enchanted by the majestic structure that is topped with a crown that is said to be a replica of a tiara once worn by the mistress of the Emperor Maxmillian. A little known fact among tourists is that the crown you see today is actually a replica of the replica. The original concrete crown was destroyed by a 7.5 earthquake in 1985. A fiberglass replacement was quickly commissioned but the material could not withstand its own weight and the crown you see today is slightly distorted. On-going fund raising efforts are in the works to restore the crown to its original state. Although you are welcome to tour the church yourself, nformation about guided tours... read more

Description:

This long beach, with golden sand, always enjoys beautiful ocean sunsets. The beach provides a festive environment with many volleyball tournaments, sunbathing and other beach activities. You'll always be able to find various unique souvenirs or snacks from from one of the beach vendors, who are always around. Not surprisingly, this beach is home to many of Puerto Vallarta's top hotels. The Hotel Fiesta Americana, Los Tules Resort, Hotel Pelicanos Puerto Vallarta, Omega Las Palmas Beach Resort and the Qualton Club are all located here.

Description:

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this three-story restaurant gives patrons plenty of opportunities to try fresh, flavorful cuisine from lovely river views. Diners can relax on the rooftop garden and sample the daily, reasonably priced chef's specials. Lobster is a popular specialty and is part of the delicious Seafood Sampler Plate, which includes oysters, red snapper, grilled shrimp and octopus. It also specializes in Chicken Fajitas, Stuffed Chiles, Tamales, Chiles Rellenos and a Five-Taco Sampler.

Description:

Walking distance to all of Puerto Vallarta's main attractions and beaches, Hotel Belmar has 30 rooms. Hotel Belmar is in the historic City Center of Puerto Vallarta, and thus was built without elevator (but if you want the best view, the top floor is well worth it!). The staff is very accommodating and any request concerning floor level, view, and number of beds can easily be fulfilled. The family-run Hotel Belmar makes their service as personalized, friendly, and hospitable as possible, and coffee, tea, juice, and cookies are served every day from 7a-11a.

Our Local Expert Says:

The best spot for snorkeling and diving.

Description:

This is a federal underwater park that offers people the opportunity to snorkel and scuba dive in a rare environment. Many tours come out to this location and there are several spots that make it an easy dive for novice scuba divers. There are several more advanced dives in the area as well. Whether you are watching from the safety of a glass-bottomed boat or in the water snorkeling or diving, you will see hundreds of gorgeous tropical fish. They are trained to come to the surface when they hear the boat engines, hoping to get fed.

You can also great some great pictures of the local sea birds as they perch on the rocks, including the Blue-Footed Booby. On the way out, you may even run into a pack of wild dolphins. It's a magical spot and everyone should take the time to see it.

Description:

High above the lights of Puerto Vallarta, this landmark bar in a 110-foot tall tower attracts couples and sunset lovers. Live jazz and easy listening music serenades the clientele, which tends to be thirty-ish and older. Many patrons from the Royal Pacific Yacht Club and adjacent marina come nightly to enjoy this vantage point. The staff is well trained; the bar offers an extensive selection of brands and a decent wine list. The bar is jammed at sunset, and most patrons are in resort-casual attire.

Our Local Expert Says:

Casual and fun dining.

Description:

If you love seafood, you'll love "8 Tostadas." Seafood haters on the other hand, should skip this restaurant as they won't find much to nosh on. You'll find a variety of fresh seafood dishes from ceviche to crab enchiladas. It's a casual family restaurant and it closes early (6pm) so make sure you leave enough time to dine if you're going for dinner.

Description:

Walking distance to all of Puerto Vallarta's main attractions and beaches, Hotel Belmar has 30 rooms. Hotel Belmar is in the historic City Center of Puerto Vallarta, and thus was built without elevator (but if you want the best view, the top floor is well worth it!). The staff is very accommodating and any request concerning floor level, view, and number of beds can easily be fulfilled. The family-run Hotel Belmar makes their service as personalized, friendly, and hospitable as possible, and coffee, tea, juice, and cookies are served every day from 7a-11a.

Description:

These bike expeditions are conducted by expert riders, on well maintained 21-speed bicycles. Riders pace themselves during the tour according to their riding abilities. The adventure begins in the Sierra Madre Ranch, and the tour takes you through fruit gardens, small towns in the hills, passing next to rivers and observing wonderful views all around you. There are different packages ranging from 3 through 9 hour tours. You may also choose to include lunch and/or an open bar.

Our Local Expert Says:

The best time to go is on a warm evening to swim and watch the sunset and nightly pirate ship fireworks; you cannot beat bobbing in the waves and watching the sun disappear below the horizon.

Description:

Spreading out at the foot of the Conchas China, a neighborhood often referred to as the Beverly Hills of Puerto Vallarta, is one of the most dramatic beaches adorning Banderas Bay. Conchas Chinas is a fifteen-minute cab ride from Puerto Vallarta's "old town", just enough distance to keep away the thundering crowds and the beach vendors who follow them. A jungle of tropical plants and ancient trees embraces the beach and the beach is home to a variety of bird species. The solitude, the natural beauty of the jungle, the aqua sky and the clear, sparkling sea, makes Playa Conchas Chinas a perfect spot for a romantic picnic, or a long afternoon with a good book and a bottle of wine. Unlike the long stretch of sand and gentle surf at other Puerto Vallarta beaches, Conchas Chinas is a jigsaw puzzle of white sand patches separated by looming rock formations and intriguing tide pools full of teeming marine life.

Our Local Expert Says:

The best fajitas in town can be found at Fajita Republic. They have tons of salsas, sauces, and flavors for anyone, so there’s no excuses if you cannot find something you could enjoy there. They have a variety of different meats, or you can go vegetarian.

Description:

Fajita Republic is consistently popular -- and deservedly so. It has hit on a winning recipe: delicious food, ample portions, welcoming atmosphere, and low prices. The specialty is, of course, fajitas, grilled to perfection in every variety: steak, chicken, shrimp, combo, and vegetarian. All come with a generous tray of salsas and toppings. This "tropical grill" also serves sumptuous barbecued ribs, Mexican molcajetes with incredibly tender strips of marinated beef filet, and grilled shrimp. Starters include fresh guacamole served in a giant spoon and the ever-popular Mayan cheese sticks (breaded and deep-fried). Try an oversize mug or pitcher of Fajita Rita Mango Margaritas -- or another spirited temptation. This is a casual, fun, festive place in a garden of mango and palm trees. A second location in Nuevo Vallarta, across from the Grand Velas Resort, is drawing equal raves with the same menu and prices.

Description:

Walking distance to all of Puerto Vallarta's main attractions and beaches, Hotel Belmar has 30 rooms. Hotel Belmar is in the historic City Center of Puerto Vallarta, and thus was built without elevator (but if you want the best view, the top floor is well worth it!). The staff is very accommodating and any request concerning floor level, view, and number of beds can easily be fulfilled. The family-run Hotel Belmar makes their service as personalized, friendly, and hospitable as possible, and coffee, tea, juice, and cookies are served every day from 7a-11a.

Our Local Expert Says:

An excellent day or overnight trip. You will feel transported back in time. Pick up some local organic Nayarit coffee from the coffee roaster there.

Description:

Just a short two hour drive from Puerto Vallarta lies San Sebastian, a tiny mountain village dating back to the 17th century, when it was a prosperous silver mining town. The mines closed over one hundred years ago, but the town retains its colonial heritage and provides visitors an opportunity to experience the traditional ways of living and working in a remote Mexican village. San Sebastian remains largely unspoiled because until recently it was nearly impossible to get there on roads that were treacherous at best, and little more than donkey trails and washed out bridges at worst. In 2004 a modern highway was completed, linking San Sebastian to the Pacific coast of Mexico. Today San Sebastian is one of the most popular day trips from Puerto Vallarta. If you don't want to drive, there are many tours that will get you there safely, including a light plane excursion. As an emerging tourist destination, you will find hotels built in old haciendas, on-going festivals, great restaurants, a town square and, of course, the obligatory church for you to explore.

Description:

Dancing lights and glowing candles dot this romantic and friendly restaurant. Couples are drawn to the eatery's atmosphere, but large groups are also enthusiastically accommodated. Many patrons try the Sate Mixto, a big platter of Indonesian-style pork, beef and shrimp kabobs grilled with a creamy peanut-based sauce. The restaurant also offers many vegetarian entrees and fresh seafood dishes. The house drink is the "Green Flash," a potent blend named for an atmospheric phenomenon that sometimes occurs at sunset. The dress code and atmosphere itself is fun and casual.

Description:

There may be more beautiful beaches in Puerto Vallarta, but Boca de Tomatlan still draws its fair share of visitors. Boca is the last beach, heading south, that is easily accessible by car, making it the de facto water-taxi gateway to Yelapa, Los Animas and Quimixto. Hikers also like Boca de Tomatlan because it has a rugged, but spectacular, hiking trail that takes you over high cliffs and past many tiny beaches, eventually dropping you off onto lovely Las Animas beach. Those who prefer an easier trip can negotiate a good price with one of the many small boats that shuttle back and forth between Yelapa, Los Animas and Boca. Snorkelers also like Boca de Tomatlan for its clear aqua waters and gentle surf. Don't worry about lugging all your gear, the local vendors will rent you whatever you need.

Our Local Expert Says:

During the rainy season the waterfalls are spectacular and swimming holes are abundant. Remember to bring your insect repellent, the jungle is dense behind the small beach town and mosquitoes and no-see-ems come out in full force during the night.

Description:

If you want to get an idea of what Puerto Vallarta was like in the distant past, you can hop a water taxi at Boca de Tomatlan or from the Fisherman's Pier in Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa and find out. Yelapa is only accessible by boat and only in the last few years was it connected to the local power grid. There are no cars, no massive hotel complexes or large groups of tourists here.

If you are staying for the day, hop the taxi in the morning. You can take a hike or horseback ride up to the waterfall, eat at one of few beachfront palapa-style restaurants and then spend the day sunning and swimming in the gentle waters of the cove (albeit among the fishing boats that tie up there). There are a few shops and vendors if you want to take home a souvenir and there are a few hotels/guesthouses too if you want to spend the night. The one thing you cannot miss is a giant slice of pie from the roving pie ladies of Yelapa. It's the best you've ever had.

Our Local Expert Says:

The best night out in Vallarta begins with a drink at Burros. The restaurant is right on the beach; it is not fancy or over the top but a very popular place for locals and tourists to enjoy the wonderful view. It is one of the best places to watch the sunset and is recommended you go early to get a front row table.

Description:

Sit back and relax at the Burros Bar overlooking the Los Muertos beach. The bar has a special range of fresh fruit margaritas, pina coladas and beer. Grab a bite at the restaurant that primarily serves local traditional cuisine and seafood delights.

Description:

Walking distance to all of Puerto Vallarta's main attractions and beaches, Hotel Belmar has 30 rooms. Hotel Belmar is in the historic City Center of Puerto Vallarta, and thus was built without elevator (but if you want the best view, the top floor is well worth it!). The staff is very accommodating and any request concerning floor level, view, and number of beds can easily be fulfilled. The family-run Hotel Belmar makes their service as personalized, friendly, and hospitable as possible, and coffee, tea, juice, and cookies are served every day from 7a-11a.

Description:

Walking distance to all of Puerto Vallarta's main attractions and beaches, Hotel Belmar has 30 rooms. Hotel Belmar is in the historic City Center of Puerto Vallarta, and thus was built without elevator (but if you want the best view, the top floor is well worth it!). The staff is very accommodating and any request concerning floor level, view, and number of beds can easily be fulfilled. The family-run Hotel Belmar makes their service as personalized, friendly, and hospitable as possible, and coffee, tea, juice, and cookies are served every day from 7a-11a.