The Ultimate Vallarta

Our Local Expert Says:

Beautiful views and fantastic service

Description:

Sitting on the hill overlooking the Romantic Zone is the 14-unit boutique hotel, Casa Isabel. It is adults-only and created with privacy in mind, making it a popular choice for honeymoons and other romantic interludes. The owner lives on-site for most of the year.

There are several pools and sunning decks, so you can catch rays without having to walk down the hill to Playa Los Muertos. The walk isn't too far however, if you want to get some beach time in. Casa Isabel has a nice restaurant on-site too but it's also just a short walk to the many fine restaurants in the Romantic Zone. The bar and grill is full service and a great place to view the nightly fireworks off the Malecon. It's also a prime location to view the evening sunset.

There are several types of rooms to choose from; standard hotel rooms to two-bedroom suites. This is a great choice if you love personalized service and some real relaxation time.

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:

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:

Though the name is casual, this restaurant on Playa de los Muertos appeals to sophisticated tastes. Obviously, the daiquiris have to be excellent, and they are, combining fresh fruits with top-quality liquors for the strawberry and peach daiquiris. The tropical atmosphere is a perfect place to take in the view of Banderas Bay. Entrées include Californian, Mexican and Asian influences, and the Chinese Chicken Salad combines them all. The "Ultimate Sunday Brunch" draws a big crowd and the dress code is very casual.

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:

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:

Hilo faces the Malecon and its décor draws your attention; big gaudy statues hang from the high ceilings and the front opens up to a wonderful ocean view. The bar is skinny and long, with tables running almost into the rafters. It gets popping at night, the dance floor is small but packed. Go there to party not to converse It has a younger/tourist crowd, dressed up and dancing on the bar. But earlier in the night it is common to see older couples enjoying a drink with the view or popping in just to people watch and have a drink.

Description:

Located right on the famous Malecon, Hilo stands out from the rest of the bars and clubs thanks to the giant statue of a woman that stands about 40 ft high in front. The location makes it a top choice for people watching but the drinks can be expensive and service questionable. There can be a cover charge, depending on how the door people feel about you. You will hear new and classic dance music and can expect large crowds during times like Spring Break, or when the cruise ships are in port for the night.

Our Local Expert Says:

Beautiful views and fantastic service

Description:

Sitting on the hill overlooking the Romantic Zone is the 14-unit boutique hotel, Casa Isabel. It is adults-only and created with privacy in mind, making it a popular choice for honeymoons and other romantic interludes. The owner lives on-site for most of the year.

There are several pools and sunning decks, so you can catch rays without having to walk down the hill to Playa Los Muertos. The walk isn't too far however, if you want to get some beach time in. Casa Isabel has a nice restaurant on-site too but it's also just a short walk to the many fine restaurants in the Romantic Zone. The bar and grill is full service and a great place to view the nightly fireworks off the Malecon. It's also a prime location to view the evening sunset.

There are several types of rooms to choose from; standard hotel rooms to two-bedroom suites. This is a great choice if you love personalized service and some real relaxation time.

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:

This 36-foot Pacifica offers charters of six-, eight-, 10-, and 12-hour packages. If you have other plans, you can customize your own trip. Everything is included in the price, except the fish. That part is up to you. Most likely you'll encounter snapper, bonita, and yellowtail. If you're lucky, they might bite your line. If you're not a fisherman, go sailing with friends on a 45-foot Columbia, which holds 12 people and is great for a sunset cruise.

Description:

Following the tradition started in London, England in 1971, the Hard Rock Puerto Vallarta is a popular place to visit. The menu serves traditional American fare, big burgers and fajitas. The extraordinary circular bar area, allows for socializing, drinking and a great place to watch live music. Every night, except Wednesday, a live band performs from 10:30p and is generally enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

Our Local Expert Says:

Beautiful views and fantastic service

Description:

Sitting on the hill overlooking the Romantic Zone is the 14-unit boutique hotel, Casa Isabel. It is adults-only and created with privacy in mind, making it a popular choice for honeymoons and other romantic interludes. The owner lives on-site for most of the year.

There are several pools and sunning decks, so you can catch rays without having to walk down the hill to Playa Los Muertos. The walk isn't too far however, if you want to get some beach time in. Casa Isabel has a nice restaurant on-site too but it's also just a short walk to the many fine restaurants in the Romantic Zone. The bar and grill is full service and a great place to view the nightly fireworks off the Malecon. It's also a prime location to view the evening sunset.

There are several types of rooms to choose from; standard hotel rooms to two-bedroom suites. This is a great choice if you love personalized service and some real relaxation time.

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:

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:

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!"

Our Local Expert Says:

Beautiful views and fantastic service

Description:

Sitting on the hill overlooking the Romantic Zone is the 14-unit boutique hotel, Casa Isabel. It is adults-only and created with privacy in mind, making it a popular choice for honeymoons and other romantic interludes. The owner lives on-site for most of the year.

There are several pools and sunning decks, so you can catch rays without having to walk down the hill to Playa Los Muertos. The walk isn't too far however, if you want to get some beach time in. Casa Isabel has a nice restaurant on-site too but it's also just a short walk to the many fine restaurants in the Romantic Zone. The bar and grill is full service and a great place to view the nightly fireworks off the Malecon. It's also a prime location to view the evening sunset.

There are several types of rooms to choose from; standard hotel rooms to two-bedroom suites. This is a great choice if you love personalized service and some real relaxation time.