Once a tiny fishing village, Puerto Vallarta retains the timeless, laid-back feeling of "Old Mexico." The combination of tropical sand and sunshine with old-fashioned Mexican charm is what makes Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico's fastest growing resorts. Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by lush mountains on one side and the exotic 25-mile-long Bay of Banderas on the other. This scenic locale is punctuated with winding, stone-paved streets bordered by old buildings with red-tile roofs. You can horseback ride along mountain trails in Puerto Vallarta or walk to a scenic tropical waterfall.
Marieta Islands Cruise: For excellent diving and snorkeling, take a boat ride out to these islands, where you'll encounter many beautiful fish and giant mantas. Surfers also love the islands for the constant waves.
Los Arcos Cruise: Hop aboard for a breakfast cruise to this popular national marine park, the perfect place for a fun day at the beach with exciting extras like horseback riding along the surf, snorkeling, open bar upon return, and more!
Spanish Galleon Dinner Cruise: Have a fun night with historic ambiance on a Spanish Galleon replica. There's folkloric entertainment, lots of great food, an open bar, and of course a fantastic sunset view.
City Tour: Get to know the city with a guided visit to all the main sights including Guadalupe Church, City Hall, The Malecón (Boardwalk), Rio Cuale, and many others. Tours starts with a convenient pick-up from your hotel.
Jungle Tour: Take an excursion through the jungle teeming with wildlife and exotic plants and flowers. You'll have stops at fishing villages and a beautiful beach for 2 hours of playing in the surf.
Tequila Plantation Tour: Climb aboard an air-conditioned coach for a tour through the lava fields, pyramids of Nahuatl, a tequila plantation, and much more. The trip includes breakfast, lunch, and soft drinks.
Sierra Madre Expedition: An extraordinary discovery tour through the wildlife habitats and natural wonders of Banderas Bay. The expedition includes continental breakfast, snacks on the mountain, and soft drinks.
San Blas Tour: This popular tour heads north past Nayarit's Gold Coast, for a visit to San Blas, a crocodile farm, and a 16th-century fort. The trip includes breakfast, lunch, and soft drinks.
Huichol Indian Encounter: Interact with a community of Huichol Indians, the "healers" of the ancient Aztecs. Their lifestyle has remained unchanged for over 1,000 years! Trip includes breakfast, lunch, and soft drinks.
Horseback Riding: Follow a guide through the jungle and over the mountains for a natural encounter with the landscape and wildlife. Stop along the way for hiking, swimming, and lunch.
Mexican Fiesta: Celebrate with traditional style in a colorful, jubilant atmosphere with more than 40 performers, an open bar featuring Mexican drinks, and a Mexican buffet. Olé!
Fishing: The bay is one of the largest in the world, and great catches come in year-round. Charter a deep-sea vessel or fish like a native in a small panga boat and still reel in the big ones.
Water Sports: Water skiing, banana boating, jet skiing, wave running, windsurfing, and sail-boarding are available everywhere, with expert instructors to teach you the basics and get you equipped.
Golf & Tennis: There are various championship golf courses and lighted tennis courts sprinkled around the city and within the resorts.
Visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe: The venerated structure of Guadelupe Cathedral features exquisite examples of Puerto Vallarta's old world artisan heritage. Examine the cathedral's handcrafted columns and moldings.
Shopping: This is a great spot to pick up jewelry, art, and clothing. Prices are reasonable as is, but you should definitely try your hand at bargaining! Remember that from 2- 4pm, many shop-owners are taking their siestas.
Dining
With over 200 restaurants serving international cuisine as well as native Mexican fare, you'll definitely want to make time for at least three meals a day. And your budget is a non-issue because there are restaurants that cater to everyone without sacrificing quality!
Gourmet: Archie's Wok is the place to go all out. Archie was film director John Huston's personal chef during the filming of Night of the Iguana, and now his wife Cindy runs the kitchen at this fine restaurant. Enjoy dishes inspired by the foods of Thailand, China and the Philippines, accompanied by live music. Francisco Rodriguez 130
Highly Recommended: Adobe Café is a trendy and tasty eatery specializing in creative international cuisine mixed with classical Mexican recipes, all at reasonable prices. Badillo 252
Local Flair: Las Palomas is a culinary legend in Puerto Vallarta. Not only is it one of the town's first restaurants, but it serves richly flavored, genuine Mexican cuisine starting with breakfast and all the way through after-dinner drinks on the outdoor terrace. Paseo Diaz 594
Romantic: La Palapa is on the beach, literally! Your table is set right on the sand just beyond the water line. The chef specializes, not surprisingly, in seafood, and live music accompanies your meal, often performed by the owner, Alberto Perez. Pulpito 103
NightlifeAfter dinner, your night is nowhere near over! Evenings in Puerto Vallarta begin with a spectacular array of colors in the sky, as the setting sun bids farewell amidst mariachi music. There's plenty to choose from, like dancing to pop hits, learning traditional Mexican dances, hopping from bar to bar, taking a party cruise, and much more.
Senor Frog's: This popular chain bar has a fun-loving reputation that made it famous in Cancún. Now, those same good times are happening in Puerto Vallarta!
The Malecón: If you're looking for loud music and a good-time crowd, this famous strip has transformed from a dining spot into the place to go clubbing. Walk on the water's edge and try as many clubs as you'd like because there's never a cover charge.
El Faro Bar: Set high above the ground, this famous spot is great for a romantic evening with exotic specialty drinks.
La Cantina: A creative mix of traditional and modern Mexico, with a Happy Hour that's popular and always hopping. There's complimentary finger food served with your drinks, non-stop great music, and board games.