One day in Vallarta (Cruise Ship)

Description:

One of Puerto Vallarta's first restaurants, this is the power-breakfast place of choice -- and a popular hangout for everyone else throughout the day. Authentic in atmosphere and menu, it's one of Puerto Vallarta's few genuine Mexican restaurants. Breakfast is the best value. The staff pours mugs of steaming coffee spiced with cinnamon as soon as you're seated. Try classic huevos rancheros or chilaquiles (tortilla strips, fried and topped with red or green spicy sauce, cream, cheese, and fried eggs). Lunch and dinner offer traditional Mexican specialties, plus a selection of stuffed crepes. The best places for checking out the malecón and watching the sunset while sipping an icy margarita are the spacious bar and the upstairs terrace.

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 can be found at the church or at information booths around Vallarta.

Description:

This tiny yet visitor-friendly museum is located in the botanical garden of La Isla de Rio Cuale. It hosts a weekly lecture in English, presented by the Museum Director, Ana Mendizabal. Archaeological finds from the area are displayed, along with general information on Mesoamerican history and art. There is no admission charge. Visitors should note the hours may vary during the rainy season.

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:

Galleria Dante is the love-child an American/Canadian couple, Joe and Claire Guariere, who moved to Puerto Vallarta in the 80's to realize their life-long dream of supporting the arts. Their first business venture in Puerto Vallarta was a popular pizza joint on the now trendy shopping and eating street called Basilio Badillo. While the pizza was pretty good, their unique and beautiful personal art collection, brought back from visits to Europe, that adorned the walls was what really caught people's attention. Realizing they had something special to offer, they took out the pizza ovens and opened Galleria Dante, a remarkable juxtaposition of original contemporary sculptures and painting by over a hundred fresh artists (primarily Mexican). Rumors among the locals claim that if an artist can capture the interest of Galleria Dante they will most likely transition from starving artist to being a respected member of Vallarta's elite art community. New artwork comes in on a weekly basis, so even if you have visited this Gallery in the past, it is always worth a second look. Open Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Description:

Galerie des Artistes is the keeper of some of the most beautiful art collections you will find in Puerto Vallarta. The eclectic mix of both modern and traditional artists enchants visitors as they explore from room to room, looking for that perfect treasure to take back home. The displayed art (some of it is not for sale) ranges from small decorative objets d'art to spectacular watercolors, by modern day artist Evelyne Boren, to extraordinary masterpieces by world-famous Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera, Gabriel Orozco and Pedro Coronel. A surprise bonus is a noteworthy collection of Mexican antiques for sale. If all this shopping has worn you out, wander across the street to Café Des Artistes for a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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.

Description:

Andale's is a popular bar right in the heart of the Romantic Zone. It's part of the hotel and restaurant, so you can dine, drink and then head right up to your room. The action doesn't really heat up until about 10pm or so, when the revelers will start singing along with the bawdy soundtrack that they play. If you like Jimmy Buffet and similar musicians, you'll be in 7th heaven at Andale's.

Andale's has a full bar and while they specialize in tequila (of course), you can also enjoy frozen concotions like pina coladas, mango daiquiris and just about anything else you can think of.

Our Local Expert Says:

Incredible food with an incredible view! Don't be surprised if you want to eat here several times during your stay just to try more items from the menu.

Description:

Truly one the gems of Puerto Vallarta, Barcelona Tapas is a great restaurant for celebrations or romance. Although the several flights of stairs can be a deterrent for those with limited mobility, the climb is worth it for a stunning view of Banderas Bay. The tapas, or small plates, are delectable. You should not miss the Aioli Potato Salad or Stacked Roasted Beets for veggie dishes or the Angus Beef Brochette and Garlic Shrimp for meat-eaters. They are also well-known for the paella and their sangria. Everything on the menu, from the bread to the ice cream is made in-house in the open kitchen. This is a "don't miss!"