Weekend in Puerto Vallarta

Description:

Specializing in Mexican handcrafted products from local, traditional artisans, this gallery offers a variety of products in a range of materials. Works are available in wood, paper, clay, cotton and pottery. Pieces in papier-mache, such as masks and colorful animals, are also available. This shop is a great place to see the creation and inspiration that emerges from local workmanship.

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:

If you love Cuban food, be sure to stop into La Bodeguita del Medio right on the malecon of Puerto Vallarta. You'll get an authentic ambiance with stucco walls, written on by many years worth of patrons and fantastic view. You can watch the people stroll by or view the Pacific sunset.
You can get all of your Cuban favorites here; tender shredded pork, fried plantains, rice and beans and of course, rum-laden mojitos. At night the pace picks up with salsa dancing, particularly on the weekends. You'll see some of the best dancers in Vallarta on a Saturday night.
This is the place to go when you are in a hurry, however. The waitstaff dawdle and linger, often causing people to walk out before their drinks arrive. If you can get into the leisurely pace of Mexico and relax for a while, the food is worth it. Just kick back (maybe pick up a drink at the bar on your way upstairs) and enjoy the sights and sounds around you.

Description:

Puerto Vallarta is best known for its beautiful beaches, but the alluring backdrop of sailboats meandering up and down the coastline may tempt you to drag yourself away from your lounge chair and out onto the open sea. Viator offers a remarkable all-day sailing trip, which can be as relaxing or as interactive as you want it to be - and, at a great price that includes roundtrip pickup service from your hotel, lunch, snacks, soft drinks and bottled water. Once on board, you can choose to lie back on the boat's comfortable cushion beds while soaking up the rays or you can roll up your sleeves and help sail the boat. The friendly and knowledgeable crew will be waiting in the wings to make sure your day is a memorable one. Your captain knows the best places for snorkeling and swimming, and typically each tour includes a visit to one of Vallarta's many out-of-the-way beaches. If all that isn't enough to lure you away from poolside, there is an excellent probability you'll spot some dolphins, up close and personal as you glide across the bay. Dolphins, the entertainers of the sea, love following boats and performing for an appreciative audience -- so keep those cameras handy.

Description:

Perched above Banderas Bay, the outdoor patio at this restaurant is adorned with vivid pink tablecloths, which often match the colors in the vivid sunsets. A cascading waterfall and lush flowers make this a popular retreat. The menu includes Mexican combination plates and seafood specialties, along with steaks. Live musicians play softer Mexican selections, and the romantic ambiance is hard to beat, even in Puerto Vallarta. It also provides an extensive wine list.

Our Local Expert Says:

Once you arrive you are treated to massages and drinks straight off. The service is extremely good and there are always people around to help you with whatever needs you may have. All of their rooms have ocean views.

Description:

This is a tranquil, adults-only beachfront hotel offering exceptional dining, this resort is one-half mile north of Puerto Vallarta's signature Malecón oceanside walkway. 83 contemporary guestrooms and suites feature ocean-view balconies, recessed lighting, pillow menus, and bathrobes hung on wrought-iron stands. Guests have the option of booking an all-inclusive plan, which includes à la carte dining at three restaurants and drinks at a swim-up pool bar. No children under 16.

Our Local Expert Says:

Gorgeous property and superb spa treatments with a view you won't soon forget.

Description:

Owned by Mexican designer, Jorge Rubio, Terra Noble is truly a unique treat. Located on a sprawling property with an incredible view of Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area, Rubio has created a tropical oasis. There's no charge to visit the property. You can even bring a lunch and just walk the grounds, enjoying the view.

On site is Villa Kenya, a bungalow designed in harmony with nature by Rubio. It's mud design and incorporation of natural materials create an interesting and visually stunning structure. You can rent the villa by the night or the week.

Also on site is the spa where you can get chocolate body treatments, massages or the Aztec steam bath known as the Temazcalli Ceremony. The treatment rooms are open air and secluded for privacy. Terra Noble is also available for events and weddings. They occasionally hold healing workshops and other retreat-type events, so if you're interested, get on their mailing list.

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:

If you are bored of the same old tourist attractions, take a Mexican folklore and tequila tour. Here, you will experience real Mexican traditions. Music is an integral part of this country's culture and on this tour, you will have the opportunity to learn all about Mariachi musical instruments. After the first part of the tour, it is time for the tequila. More than 100 brands are available for the tasting. Even more unusual, you will even get to taste raicilla, a potion that was once used by Indian priests as a mild hallucinogenic.

Description:

Winter visitors to Puerto Vallarta can count on two things - getting a great tan, and spotting a few humpback whales frolicking offshore. These magnificent creatures return to Puerto Vallata each year, drawn by its large, deep water bay and the perfect conditions it provides for breeding and calving. The "official" whale-watching season is December 8th through March 23rd, but whales don't use calendars, and it's not unusual to see a few of these great marine mammals for a few weeks before and after those dates. Whether you are walking along the Malecon or sipping a margarita at one of the charming cafes along the oceanfront, the chances are good you will see a couple of playful whales spouting and breaching against the horizon, so keep your binoculars handy. If you are afraid to leave it to chance, there are many whale-watching tours to choose from. At least one of the tours uses a light aircraft spotter plane to track the whales and then communicate the pod's location to the boat's captain. Many visitors choose a trip to the Marieta islands, one of the most beautiful marine reserves in the region, by renting a kayak or taking a boat cruise, which combines whale watching, swimming,... read more

Description:

One of the more upscale palapa-roofed restaurants on Playa Los Muertos beach, La Palapa is a favorite hangout for expats and tourists. The restaurant has been around since 1959 and is an expensive but quality choice for sunset cocktails or a romantic dinner. You can't go wrong with the Sunday brunch either, which is all-you-can-eat and gives you a coveted spot on the beach for the day.

Live music accompanies your evening meal or cocktail and you are sure to run into someone you know if you've been in town long. The service is usually superb and the waiters attentive. If the beach vendors get to be overwhelming, just ask the waiter to speak to them and he will shoo them away. At night the tiki torches and candlelight along with the crashing of the waves makes it a romantic setting for you and a loved one.

Our Local Expert Says:

Once you arrive you are treated to massages and drinks straight off. The service is extremely good and there are always people around to help you with whatever needs you may have. All of their rooms have ocean views.

Description:

This is a tranquil, adults-only beachfront hotel offering exceptional dining, this resort is one-half mile north of Puerto Vallarta's signature Malecón oceanside walkway. 83 contemporary guestrooms and suites feature ocean-view balconies, recessed lighting, pillow menus, and bathrobes hung on wrought-iron stands. Guests have the option of booking an all-inclusive plan, which includes à la carte dining at three restaurants and drinks at a swim-up pool bar. No children under 16.

Description:

A visit to the Cuale Waterfalls may not be for everyone, as you need to be a nature lover willing to trek for about four hours to get there. Those making the trek will be rewarded with a dip in the pools that have formed below the beautiful waterfalls. Those who do not wish to walk can enjoy the adventure on horseback. The ride takes you through some of the most beautiful Sierra Madre scenery, with views of some serene and untouched beaches along the way. Guided tours are available.

Our Local Expert Says:

A local favorite featuring authentic and fresh Mexican food.

Description:

Cafe de Olla is a local favorite and regular haunt for expats living in the Romantic Zone. It's usually busy, especially in the morning because they serve delicious breakfasts (including cafe de olla, a Mexican spiced coffee from which the restaurant gets its name). Here you will find generous portions of authentic Mexican food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's located right in the Romantic Zone, near the beach so you can stroll to the water after or along the quaint shops or street vendors in the area. There's sidewalk seating for great people watching too.

During busy times of the day and especially in high season, you may have to wait for a table. Once seated, the tortilla soup is highly recommended. If you want a margarita, definitely try the raicilla version. Raicilla is a local liquor, similar to tequila but with a distinctive taste.

Our Local Expert Says:

Once you arrive you are treated to massages and drinks straight off. The service is extremely good and there are always people around to help you with whatever needs you may have. All of their rooms have ocean views.

Description:

This is a tranquil, adults-only beachfront hotel offering exceptional dining, this resort is one-half mile north of Puerto Vallarta's signature Malecón oceanside walkway. 83 contemporary guestrooms and suites feature ocean-view balconies, recessed lighting, pillow menus, and bathrobes hung on wrought-iron stands. Guests have the option of booking an all-inclusive plan, which includes à la carte dining at three restaurants and drinks at a swim-up pool bar. No children under 16.