Puerto Vallarta.
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Overview

Puerto Vallarta, colloquially known as Vallarta, is a resort city on Mexico's Pacific Coast that spreads out from the Zona Romantica, its historic old town core. Around the Bay, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and sparkling waterfalls offer many opportunities for the adventurous, while five-star resorts, world-class shopping, and gourmet restaurants satisfy even the most sophisticated traveler. A bustling boardwalk along the ocean, called the Malecon, passes by any number of shops, restaurants, and hotels, playing host to mimes, breakdancers, clowns and artists.

Understand

Puerto Vallarta was founded in December 1851 as a village known as Las Penas. It remained small until the early 1960s, when the Hollywood motion picture The Night of the Iguana was filmed at Mismaloya to the south. The massive publicity surrounding the film brought worldwide attention to Puerto Vallarta and launched the development of its modern tourism industry. Today, a statue of the film's director John Huston celebrates his role in creating Puerto Vallarta.

The beautiful Bay of Banderas is one of the largest and deepest in the world. It is home to a wide variety of aquatic life. Humpback whales come here to mate every year from December to March, and sea turtles nest on the beaches from May to October. Schools of dolphins and giant manta rays also inhabit these waters. The Bay and the Marietas Islands offer an amazing kaleidoscope of tropical fish, attracting snorkelers, scuba divers and sport fishermen alike.

To the east, the jungle clad Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, which quickly rise to over , encircle and protect the town from the winds and regulate the semi-tropical and humid weather.

The residents are friendly and generally willing to help with directions and other requests. Puerto Vallarta also has gained a reputation as one of several cities in Latin America that enthusiastically welcomes LGBT tourism. The area in and around the Zona Romantica is particularly known for having many small boutique hotels, bars, shops and restaurants that cater to gay tourists. There is also an annual Pride festival held in May.

English is widely spoken, and as a tourist destination, prices are higher than many other places in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is very crowded at holidays, when the cities empty out as Mexicans and tourists flood to the beaches.

Orientation At the far southern tip of the city, the historic Zona Romantica was once a traditional old town, and is now the center of Puerto Vallarta's nightlife and dining scene. For a beach resort, it retains a surprising amount of character. Across the Rio Cuale to the north, Centro (or Downtown) squeezes in between the Malecon beach promenade and the hillside residences, filled with all kinds of shops catering to beach-goers. The city becomes less touristy as you venture further north and east of Hwy 200 through the 5 de Diciembre and Versalles neighborhoods. Along the west of the highway loom the large resorts of the Hotel Zone.

Climate Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate, with dry winters and rainy summers. The average daily high temperature is in January (the coldest month) and in July (the hottest month). The rainy season extends from mid June through mid October. August is the wettest month, with 14 days of precipitation. Even during the rainy season, precipitation tends to be concentrated in large rainstorms. There is a marked dry season in the winter. February, March and April are the months with the least rain and cloud cover.

Hurricanes seldom strike Puerto Vallarta, the last major storm was Hurricane Kenna in 2002.

Visitor information Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board website

Get in

International flights are offered from Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom year round. Additional direct flights from additional cities in North America and from Europe are offered seasonally, usually between November and March.

Domestic flights are offered from major Mexican cities including Mexico City (from both MEX and NLU), Tijuana, Monterrey, Querétaro and Guadalajara.

The following airlines offer regular service to Puerto Vallarta: Sala A - Concourse A: Aeromexico/Aeromexico Connect, TAR, VivaAerobus, Cabo Flight Center / Señor Air, and Volaris. Sala B - Concourse B: Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Air Transat, American Airlines, Delta, Copa Airlines, Porter Airlines, Southwest, Sun Country, Spirit, Sunwing, TUI Airways, United, World2Fly and Westjet. The following carriers only come seasonally: Frontier, Finnair and airlines chartered by Apple Vacations. Even the carriers that come regularly, year round, (listed in the former) offer seasonal flights from additional cities in the U.S., Canada, augmenting their year-round schedule.

Upon exiting from customs, the next two rooms outside of customs are plagued by timeshare hucksters. They will offer to arrange a cab ride, arrange for a tour, offer free meals, cash etc for you in an effort to rope you into a high pressure timeshare sales presentation. Unless you are looking to buy timeshare or to waste hours of vacation time in timeshare sales presentations, do not engage in conversation with anyone in those rooms. Walk quickly past the touts and hucksters and continue walking past the rope-line out to the main arrivals area.

Ground transportation The airport terminal is right along the main highway through the city. Buses, Uber, and city taxis typically pick up from either side of the crossing the busy road. Go out the doors of the terminal and turn left towards the main road next to the building. Turn left again at the corner of the building and go through a small taxi and shuttle parking lot towards the bridge. The airport side of the road is for southbound traffic into the city center, across the bridge is northbound traffic to central bus station, Nuevo Nayarit, Bucerias and Sayulita.

From the airport by ride hailing Uber picks up from the northbound (far) side of the main road, under the Pedestrian Bridge.

From the airport by taxi Look for the official taxi kiosk or car rental desks out in the main airport arrivals hall. Purchase your taxi trip here, as all other offers of cab rides between customs and the kiosk will be from the timeshare hucksters. Ignore every one of them, as getting taken in can ruin your first hours in PVR. The white authorized airport taxis available from the airport but are more expensive than the cheaper yellow city taxis across the Pedestrian Bridge.

This will save you time and money. There are several companies that can take you anywhere in Puerto Vallarta and surrounds.

From the airport by bus If you've packed lightly you can take the city buses into town. The bus stops are under each side of the Pedestrian Bridge. Drivers can usually make change from small bills. The bus stops all throughout the town. Buses run every 5 minutes or so, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to get to the Zona Romantica. To the central bus station: Wait on the far side for a northbound bus towards "Ixtapa" or "Juntas" and get off at Las Palmas which is the Cerveza Corona building at Km 9 and walk back two blocks along La Palmas or take the "Victoria Guadalupe" bus which makes the turn towards the actual bus station in Colonia Victoria Guadalupe.

Large cruise ships loaded with thousands of tourists from the United States dock at the , typically spending most of a day there.

Other port accommodations are available for those wishing to travel along the coast.

By intercity bus Bus service in Mexico is quite reliable, inexpensive and comfortable. Several lines serve Puerto Vallarta. Buses have air conditioning (except some of the older second-class buses), and often show movies and have refreshments.

Buses go to Tepic (3 hours), Guadalajara (4-5 hr), Mexico City (12-13 hr), Manzanillo (5 hr), Mazatlan (6 hr), Barra de Navidad, Zihuatanejo (14-14½ hr) and to other locations. The following bus lines offer services into and out of the Central Bus Terminal:

Grupo Estrella Blanca. They also operate the Elite, Elite Plus, Futura, Chihuahuanese, and the Pacifico brands.

ETN (Enlances Terrestre Nacionales); Turistar. Some of the most luxurious buses in Mexico.

Primera Plus. The major bus line for the region which also include the Coordinados and the Flecha Armarilla lines. They also have a second station at Carr. Fed Tepic-Vallarta 1160, 63732 Las Jarretadera in Nuevo Vallarta. Next to a strip mall at Blvd Nuevo Vallarta and a sales office at Venustiano Carranza 393, Col. Emiliano Zapata (Zona Romantica)

By regional bus Regional second-class buses do not serve the main bus station.

To Nayarit: The following regional bus lines serve cities north of Puerto Vallarta along Carretera Tepic-Vallarta (Hwy 200), such as Nuevo Nayarit, Mezcales, Bucerias, Punta Mita, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Sayulita. Nayarit buses stop at the , the (near the marina), the Airport Pedestrian Bridge and the Cerveza Corona Building (near the Central Bus Station):

Compostela. Goes further north to Sayulita, San Francisco (San Pancho); Lo de Marcos, Rincón de Guayabitos, Compostela, etc.

To Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán: Towns south of Puerto Vallarta are served by white and orange buses going to Mismaloya, the Puerto Vallarta Zoo, Boca, and the Botanical Gardens plus all the small towns along the way. The bus departs from the Zona Romantica at the at intersection of the street Basilio Badillo and Calle Constitucíon. The ride is beautiful. These buses offer you change and depart around every 20 minutes.

To Costalegre and Manzanillo: There's a bus stop at the NE corner of Aguacate & Venustiano Carranza in Zona Romantica (Colonia Emiliano Zapata) for first & second class buses going south to El Tuito, Manzanillo and anywhere along the way. Tickets can be bought from vendors in front of Abarrotes Don Chalio on 402 Venustiano Carranza; Farmacia Guadalajara on the SE corner of Insurgentes & Lazaro Cardenas; or Superior Tours on Ignacio L. Vallarta 228 (SW of Ignacio L Vallarta & Calle FCO Madero ). If coming into town from the south ask to get off in Zona Romantica (along Insurgent) if going to downtown or Zona Romantica, otherwise stay on the bus to the bus station (north) to continue north to Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias, Sayulita, Tepic, or anywhere in the Riviera.

By car The Carretera Pacifico (Fed Hwy 200) begins 162 km north in Tepic (3 hr) and winds down through the Riviera and eventually into Puerto Vallarta from the north as Carretera Tepic-Pto Vallarta and Blvd Francisco Medina Ascencio. In the alternative, you can take Fed Hwy 200D, a less winding, high-speed toll highway (2 1/2 hours) which branches off Hwy 15D just south of Tepic and runs near Hwy 200 for most of its route before merging into Hwy 200 near the northeast end of the Puerto Vallarta airport. Going south into town, Hwy 200 splits into local one way streets through 5 de diciembre and Zona Centro as Av Mexico and Av Morelos and as Ignacio Vallarta through Zona Romantica south of the Rio Cuale. The main highway continues south towards Manzanillo (273 km) through Mismaloya. From the south the highway enters as Carretera Pto Vallara-Cihuatlan and into Zona Romantica as Av Insurgentes. It becomes Av Juarez and then Av Colombia going north through Zona Centro and 5 de Diciembre.

& Coming from Guadalajara (296 km), go west along Fed Hwy 15D towards "Tepic" to the "Puerto Vallarta" exit to Fed Hwy 70D. Continue west from Hwy 70D onto Fed Hwy 200D south towards Puerto Vallarta.

Get around

Hotels will also offer (expensive) transport from airport to hotel, but it is much cheaper to take a taxi.

Be prepared for fast speeds, as the cab drivers have schedules to adhere to. Not all cabs have working seatbelts or even speedometers. Tip only if the taxi driver did something above and beyond normal transportation (e.g., helped with bags, waited while running an errand).

Taxi drivers tend to gather at the intersection close to the liquor outlet in the Centro District. They will wait for you while you dine or shop as well as photograph you and your mates.

Drivers can often make change from small bills. Make sure to keep the ticket you are provided by the driver in case an inspector gets on the bus, both for your sake and the driver's sake.

You can only enter and exit at a bus stop. Not all stops are marked; look where other people wait for the bus on the sidewalk. You need to flag down a bus in order to stop. Buses at peak hours tend to get crowded and can get hot, so be ready for that. Some buses have air-conditioning. If you are a man, be ready to give up your seat to women if the bus becomes crowded.

There are no routes or timetables published online. Moovit and Google Maps cover the city, and Rutas Vallarta has the most complete route information, if unofficially.

Look for your travel location on the bus windshield: Buses marked Centro drive along the main road a block or two from the beach, passing through both the Marina area and the Hotel Zone. Buses marked Tunel skip downtown and head directly to the old town/Zona Romantica via the tunnel bypass underneath the hills to the east. Northbound buses marked Walmart take you to the transfer point for all local buses headed north into Nayarit (including Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita, and Sayulita).

Buses run quite frequently, as often as every 5 minutes. They buses are quite handy to get to places like Pitillal (the rapidly growing suburb to the northeast) and Ixtapa (including the nearby U of Guadalajara campus with its gallery and crocodile farm). They are also useful for traveling from the hotel zone and marina area to the downtown or old town areas.

By car Be very careful if you choose to drive. The police seem to pull tourists over at the drop of a hat during spring break. When you pick up a rental, check that all the lights work. Also when you are pulled over for a light violation, do not be surprised if the police holds out an open palmed hand, while holding your driver’s license hostage in the other. Most police officers are underpaid and will for the most part demand a small bribe to let you off the hook.

See

For those who just want to relax, Puerto Vallarta's many golden sand beaches offer one of the best ways to experience the beauty and magic of the Bay of Banderas. The best season is between December and May.

Los Muertos Beach. The beach along the Zona Romantica. You will find some beachfront restaurants with "palapas" that you can rent per day or have drink in. It is a perfect place to relax and meet people who party all day. Also, there you will find the trendiest place of the moment, where to go, what to see, the best shows.

Muelle de Playa Los Muertos. A pier into the ocean with contemporary design.

Malecón. The beachfront promenade stretching over 12 blocks of Centro, first built in 1936. It is lined with restaurants, souvenir stores, craft vendors and a collection of sculptures.

Los Arcos. 4 arches on the Malecon. Free shows, music festivals and folk dance performances are held there.

Las Glorias Beach. Quiet beach near the Hotel zone that generally caters to the all inclusive resorts nearby, but still has lots of activities (e.g. jet skis and parasailing. Public access to the beach is through side roads off of Route 200.

Playa De Oro. Beach at the convergence of many different resorts north of the city center. Some of the resorts have events and dance floors that front the beach. Generally pretty popular during the weekends, but still plenty of space to spread out.

Museo del Ópalo y Minerales Mexicanos.

Naval Museum Secretary of the Navy of Mexico. Modern museum that tells the story of the Mexican Navy, with its roots in the Spanish Armada during the Spanish Empire. The museum features a large gallery of ship models, from the era of sailing ships, to today's modern patrol boats and sea going vessels. Lots of historical relics including cannons and military uniforms. Interactive displays where you can try your hand at piloting a modern ship.

Galeria Dante. This hacienda shows paintings & sculptures by local artists.

Galeria Colectika. Extensive collection of Mexican wood carvings and Huichol Indian yarn art and bead work.

Galería Arte Latinoamericano. Two-floor gallery. Participates in art walk.

Galería Corsica. Contemporary Mexican fine art.

Galería Omar Alonso. Dedicated to antique and contemporary photography, engraving and sculpture.

Gallería Pacifico. One of Vallarta's leading galleries since 1987; sponsors the Public Sculpture Walking Tour that starts at 21:30 every Tuesday on the Malecon, Nov-April.

Isla Cuale. A narrow island in the river that separates Zona Romántica and Centro. As you go upstream, the beach bars and vendor booths give way to a quiet park with galleries, relaxed restaurants and sunning cats.

Lazaro Cardenas Park. Mosaic styled plaza

Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Church with a Renaissance-style tower.

Gringo Gulch. This small hillside residential area is where Elizabeth Taylor and other Hollywood names built vacation homes in the 1950s and 1960s. Some of the mid-century luxury architecture is still on display.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens ( S on Hwy 200 past Boca de Tomatlán, just beyond Las Juntas y Los Veranos). A pleasure garden high in the glorious Sierra Madre Mountains. Located on 8 ha (20 acres) of land, these botanical collections features thousands of different species of plants. The gardens are in a unique tropical dry forest ecosystem at above sea level. Bringing your swimsuit and enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal clear Rio Los Horcones.

Do

Puerto Vallarta has many activities and excursions to keep you entertained. The adventurous can hike or mountain bike in the hills, explore the jungle and hidden trails on horseback, take a jeep safari, snorkel, scuba dive, charter a yacht or sailboat, or take a cruise on one of the many party boats, make a personal photoshoot. Oftentimes they are easily booked online.

Mardi Gras/Carnaval. The parade takes place in the Zona Romantica. You will also see the gay charm around downtown.

Vallarta Pride Parade. The city hosts a large LGBT celebration downtown culminating in the Vallarta Pride Parade along the malecon on Saturday

Marathon. Vallarta holds the Half Marathon and 5-km race. Everyone is welcome to enjoy it.

November Festival. Cocktail parties, wine and tequila tastings, cooking classes, concerts, gala dinners, art expos, screenings

Virgin of Guadalupe. Mexico's patron saint, the Lady of Guadalupe, is celebrated throughout Mexico. Puerto Vallarta's celebration starts around December 1st, Local people, hotel, condominium owners, and organizations go on a pilgrimage parade through downtown around 18:00 until 21:00 everyday. You´ll see traditional dancers, mariachis, bands, and individuals offering tribute to the Virgin. A festival with regional foods and games takes place in the main square.

Wildlife Whale watching: Puerto Vallarta’s season runs from December to March of every year. Humpback whales are the top liners of this fantastic nature show, but you can also see dolphins, porpoises and other animals. Whale watching tours take you to see humpback whale mothers and their calves in Banderas Bay.

Turtle-watching & repatriation: Some tour companies offer educational programs combined with hands-on activities to help save Mexico’s turtles. After the female turtles lay their eggs in nests they create in the sand, volunteers dig up the eggs and re-bury them somewhere safe from predators. After about 45 to 60 days, the eggs hatch. Without help, only about 1 in every 1,000 baby turtles will survive to adulthood because most are caught by predators before they make it back to the safety of the ocean. However, turtle repatriation volunteers keep the babies safe until it is time to set them free to head for the ocean (at night when predators are less active). You can be part of these programs.

Scuba diving Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's top dive destinations. There are many rental shops along the beaches.

Surfing The beaches in Puerto Vallarta are not ideal for surfing, but a daytrip out of town up along the coast of Banderas Bay will take you to some great surf spots! Passing the Ameca River to the north, there are many surfing spots in the state of Nayarit: ranging from beginner waves, to perfect reef breaks for experienced surfers. The names of some of the more popular surf spots are: Veneros, Burros, la Lancha, Punta de Mita, San Pancho and Sayulita. The drive from downtown Vallarta to points inside the Bay takes roughly 45 minutes. Such trips can be coordinated with a local surfing instructor or done solo. Sayulita is a small village which is frequented by many tourists because it is easily accessible and a vast array of businesses cater to beginner surfers. You can find surfboard rentals, surf lessons and great beaches. Sayulita is known for producing some of the best surfers in Mexico like Tigre Cadena, Kalle Carranza, Diego Cadena and Adan Hernandez amongst others. The main beach has consistent waves and the place is crowded during the winter months particularly. There are waves small enough for beginners and large enough for the locals and experts. Most of the adventure companies don't offer surfing lessons and you might need to find an independent instructor. It takes a bit over an hour to drive from downtown to Sayulita.

Snorkeling The most popular snorkeling areas are Los Arcos underwater caves and Marietas Islands caverns. Vallarta Adventures snorkeling trips combine an extraordinary day of sun, fun, and adventure with just the right mixture of entertainment, learning and challenge, while snorkeling, sea kayaking, and exploring the tropical ecosystems on the secluded islands and beach hideaways that surround beautiful Banderas Bay.

Sailing Banderas Bay is the second largest bay in North America, behind Hudson Bay. The deep, calm waters offer a very rich biodiversity, stunning beauty, romantic sunsets and relaxed sailing.

Kitesurfing Kitesurfing is becoming more and more popular in Banderas Bay. Especially in Bucerias, a fishing village north of Nuevo Vallarta, you can see up to 30 people kitesurfing on a Sunday when the wind is good. The calm waters of Banderas Bay, the extended shoreline and the fact that it's not too crowded with kitesurfers (yet) make it an excellent place to take lessons. The season is from February until May.

Parasailing You are able to parasail at pretty much every beach. The sky high trip usually last around 15 min.

Jet skiing Jet skis can be rented at most beaches by the hour.

Fishing Banderas Bay is home to annual Puerto Vallarta International Fishing Tournament held since 1956. Fish types include sailfish, dorado, marlin, bonita and yellowfin tuna, roostertail, jack crevalle, pargo, red snapper and more denizens of the deep, black, blue and striped marlin. PV Charters - Offers fishing charter services.

Water parks Aquaventuras Park and Splash Parque Acuatico Vallarta are on the other side of the airport in Nuevo Nayarit. Look for the water slides from Hwy 200.

La Marina Vallarta Golf Club. Good accuracy is a must for this course due to narrow fairways that are guarded by water

Vista Vallarta. Hosted the 2002 EMC World Cup Championship

Many more courses are near the Nuevo Nayarit resorts.

Horseback riding There are many ranches in town that offer horseback Riding into small villages and through the forests. They can last from a few hours to a few days.

. Bus lines C32T and C32C bring you to their final stop at the trail.

. The bus C04 brings you to the final , where you can hike from. . Take the bus line PT21-AT or PT21-AC to Lomas De San Nicolás. There are more trails in Mismaloya to the south, including to Palo Maria Waterfall and Playa Las Animas.

Yoga Vallarta. Located in Zona Romantica (Basilio Badillo #325 3rd floor). This studio has high-mounted windows that bathe the studio in wonderful, natural light.

Entertainment Along the Malecon and other major beachfronts, you'll find live Cuban, jazz, rock, Latin American ethnic, Mexican ranchero and Mariachi. In the hotel resort zones, you can find restaurants with performers of mariachi, marimba, romantic trios and folk harp.

Auditorio Agustin Flores Contreras. Up to four companies perform English-language theater there.

Buy

Credit cards are not accepted everywhere. Hotel complexes, high end restaurants and shops do, but smaller businesses oftentimes do not. ATMs are available throughout the city. In the airport and in the centro is Santander. In the Zona Romántica is a In the centro is (citi)banamex.

Galeria Indigena. A shop specializing in Huichol art as well as art from other indigenous peoples. You'll see bead art everywhere, but this is one of a few shops that sell something at least a little more authentic than colorful beaded lizards and such.

La Casa del Habano. Vallarta's best selection of real Cuban cigars. They also have a cigar bar.

Mercado Río Cuale. A block-sized indoor market all your hokey beach souvenir needs. You can find better and cheaper crafts anywhere else in Mexico without a cruise port, but if this is your only stop, it'll check your boxes.

Oxxo. Best place to buy beer or snacks, save Walmart (hassle, bus ride). They are all over the city & will save you tons of money. Most have cash machines. A great place to make small change for the bus.

Walmart. Cheapest place to buy most groceries. Huge produce department. Good variety of Mexican & some US products. Good place to buy smokes or liquor before flying home. Can be inconvenient to bring back groceries via local bus.

Eat

The rich cultural diversity of Puerto Vallarta is reflected in the cuisine that its many restaurants have to offer. From the most casual taco stands, to tropical beachfront palapas, to upscale rooftop restaurants with panoramic views, there are literally hundreds of restaurants serving exactly what you are hungry for.

Be careful with what you eat and drink, particularly from street food vendors and small beach snack bars to avoid travellers' diarrhea. There are many beachside restaurants to tempt you with tropical drinks, but bottled beer may be a safer option.

Street food You are never far away from a taco stand. Just ask a local where you can find one. Some are open only around lunch time, others only in the evening. (updated Nov 2021)

Tacos Chilo. It's at in the Calle Honduras/Colombia. There is another in the Calle San Salvador/Colombia. You can sit directly in front of the fry top. They are open 24/7.

Street food on the Plaza del Pitillal. Here you find a quite good variety of street food which you may not have eaten before. The stalls are open in the evening.

Cafe de Olla. They have good, cheap food. Try the pork ribs or chicken.

Coffee Cup. An American-style coffee house that serves espresso, latte and cappuccino with local baked goods. It is still rare to find this type of coffee in Puerto Vallarta. Local art is displayed on the walls.

Takos Panchos. Right next door to Cafe de Olla has awesome al pastor tacos. Opens around 18:00 and is open late. Get there early to avoid a wait.

Maria Baja. Delicious Baja-style fried fish tacos and generously-sized burritas (fish burritos). Order enough so that you can try them with each of the house salsas.

Planeta Vegetariano. Planeta Vegetariano serves a buffet-style vegan meal with a varied and changing menu. All-you-can-eat fresh juices, vegetables, salads, fruit, and many traditional dishes served "sin carne" are to be found. Reasonable prices. They serve a breakfast and lunch buffet, each with different dishes.

Burrito Beach. Restaurant with a surfing design.

Pipis. Authentic Mexican food. Fajitas and enchiladas to die for and also delicious margaritas of all flavors. Be prepared for a long wait, however it is worth it you will not regret waiting for this delectable treat. The only downside is that this restaurant is very touristy.

Xian Wei. A simple Chinese restaurant.

El Campanario. Traditional cuisine in a colorful restaurant.

Mariscos Tino's. Up on a hill overlooking Vallarta, most tourists don't know about this place, frequented by local businessmen, and others looking to spend a buck for some fantastic seafood dishes. Some recommendations: tacos de marlin are excellent, and the "mariscada" or "parrillada" which is a huge sampler platter filled with house specialties. They also have another location operating as "La Laguana Tino's" at Blvd.

CoexistBistro. Locals and tourists create a unique atmosphere, where music is definitely an ingredient you will enjoy. An eclectic menu, reflecting Mexican and international dishes. Live music daily!

Bacha's. This restaurant sits in the beautiful marina, surrounded by massive yachts and a peaceful ambience. The food here is very authentic and quite tasteful.

Señor Frog’s. This restaurant is mostly known for its club-like environment. At night it is one of the most popular and exciting clubs. During the day though it offers good food that might remind you of Hooters. Owned by the same folks as Carlos O'Brian and similar atmosphere.

Rincon de Buenos Aires. This is a steak house that is simply put amazing. Their menu features a 900-g (2-lb) tenderloin that is marvelously prepared. They also offer a decent wine list. The setting is beautiful and the food even better.

Ah Caramba. This restaurant is located atop a roof in the more residential part of Puerto Vallarta. They serve seafood that is freshly caught that day. Also they feature live music and a view that is unmatched. A very intimate setting. One of Puerto Vallarta’s very best kept secrets. The restaurant offers an exciting, ascending taxi-ride to the restaurant entrance, (high in the hills of Puerto Vallarta). The entrance to the restaurant is non-descript and belies what is to follow after walking a few shot stairwells. Upon entering the panoramic veranda, the view from table-side is phenomenal - panoramic east-to-west). The prices are very reasonable when taking into consideration the presentation of entree and service/accommodation.

Cafe des Artistes. The restaurant is divided into 3 areas: Inside, outside with a view of the ocean, and the garden. The garden is the most beautiful of the three, with an artificial creek running through it. The food here is very tasty.

La Piazzetta. Locals come for the delicious Naples-style pizza (the crust not too thick, not too thin, and cooked in a brick oven), but there's also great pasta and a good variety of entrées, like the cream-based salmon with caviar and lemon. For appetizers try the top-heavy (con molto tomate) bruschetta or steamed mussels with lemon, parsley, and butter. Most folks choose to sit on the open patio, but La Piazzeta also has an intimate dining room. Personal attention of the owner, Mimmo.

La Isla de Marins Seafood Restaurant.

Mauricio's. Somewhat unpromisingly located in a field next to an industrial area near the airport, this humble but clean and cheerful joint is a classic local spot for very high quality, inexpensive seafood. All taxi drivers in PV know where it is. It gets some tourist trade, but tourists are normally heavily outnumbered by local families. For dinner, go early; they close at 19:00.

Red Cabbage Cafe. A funky restaurant up the hill from the main streets. Its theme is Frida Kahlo and features pre-Hispanic recipes.

The Fajita Republic. They serve fajitas with over 10 varieties. This restaurant offers a quiet setting and great food.

El Palomar de los Gonzalez. Romantic restaurant serving innovative regional and international cuisine specializing in seafood. Outstanding views of the town and sea. Large cocktails with some unusual mixes like a cucumber pineapple margarita.

LAMARA. A trendy space with over 20 different styles of ceviche and aguachiles, piled high on a plate for on a snack-size tostada.

The Blue Shrimp. As the name implies you must like shrimp to eat at this restaurant. That said it offers some spectacular entrées that will take your hunger away that is for sure. Set partially outside the décor is fun but also very intimate.

Chez Elena. Famous hotel and restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. It has been cited by Playboy Magazine and well known actors such as Peter O'Toole and Elizabeth Taylor.

Drink

Roxy Rock House. Live R&B Hit among people over 30 with live blues and rock

La Dolce Vita. Lively Italian restaurant that's a popular night spot featuring live music and drink specials.

Mandala. Popular dance club where the beats keep pulsing into the wee hours. Very clean, professional with good security.

La Bodeguita del Medio. Look for the distinctive round yellow sign. Good solid Cuban food, great drinks, and a cigar shop up front, but the real attraction is the excellent salsa bands, often imported from Cuba. The dance floor is a delightful mix of young people showing off their moves and older couples who can still cut a rug.

EL Zoo Bar. This dance club is quite small but very fun. The dance floor doesn’t offer much room to bust a move but offers a great time to be had. Located on the Malecon it is in the center of everything.

Señor Frogs. The Tuesday night foam party is the best and this place is the larger than most clubs. It has two bars and the service is awesome.

Sleep

Accommodations around the Bay of Banderas range from well-known international hotel chains and upscale villas and condominiums in the hotel zone, Marina Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, and Punta Mita to moderately priced hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, apartments villas, and condominiums in Old Town Vallarta. The south end of Old Town has a number of gay-friendly hotels.

Tradicional Hotel Villa Del Mar. The hotel offers 49 beautiful and affordable rooms and 10 suites with kitchenette. Many of the rooms have private balcony.

OYO Hotel Bernal. One of the cheap hotels on the street F. Madero.

Hotel Lina. One of the cheap hotels on the street F. Madero.

Hotel Cartagena de Indias. It is a 5-10 minute walk away from the Malecon.

Casa Kraken Hostel. 1 minute from the beach, opened in 2009, they have free Internet - WiFi and a public computer and a massive TV with cable. right in the heart of the city and they have a beautiful terrace where you can have a beer and watch the sun set. The staff its very friendly and the food its good & clean they always have an option for vegetarians. The security lockers here are very small.

Hotel Mocali. In downtown Puerto Vallarta, 2 blocks from the beach and 7 from the pier or "Malecon". Located near restaurants, drug stores, and night clubs.

Hotel Belmar. Family-owned hotel with personalized service. 30 rooms with TV. Air conditioning is optional.

Casa Panoramica. Traditional Mexican style villa runs as a Bed and Breakfast, with six bedroom suites, each with its own private bathroom. Panoramic views of the city and the bay.

Club Embarcadero Pacífico - All Inclusive Resort. Wonderfully located in the exclusive zone of Marina Vallarta, this family-friendly all inclusive resort allows its guests to enjoy the main channel of Mexico’s biggest marina, and the spectacular Banderas Bay. Onsite restaurant with an outdoor dining area overlooking the marina.

Crown Paradise Golden Resort - Adults All Inclusive Spa. This resort caters to adult travelers with spacious accommodations, à la carte dining, friendly service, activities, sports and entertainment, and romantic settings for candlelit dinners. Offers an activities pool, water park with pirate ship, a castle and 9 water slides, playground area, outdoor family game area, and fine dining & bars.

Buenaventura Grand Hotel and Spa. Located five minutes from the downtown shops and restaurants, and 15 minutes from the airport, Buenaventura is a beachfront resort.

Hacienda Buenaventura Hotel & Mexican Charm. A Mexican hacienda with lush tropical gardens, palm trees and cascades of water and secluded green areas.

Krystal International Vacation Club (KIVC) Vallarta. Centrally located to shopping and nightclubs with a private beach, multiple restaurants, kids' club, and outdoor pools. Krystal KIVC Vallarta is a family-oriented resort.

Hotel El Pescador. Located by the beach in downtown few blocks away from the popular Malecon.

Hotel Emperador. Hotel Emperador is in the heart of the most traditional area of the Old Puerto Vallarta, 3 minutes away from the downtown and 20 minutes from the International Airport. On Puerto Vallarta's famous beach "Playa Los Muertos".

Hotel Rio. Swimming pool and restaurant. Money exchange and 24 hours internet service.

Hotel Rosita. One of the first hotels in town on the beach and where the famous Malecon begins.

Melia Puerto Vallarta. Beachfront, all-inclusive resort for families on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Los Tules. Located within Los Tules in the hotel zone. An oceanfront condominium-style resort. You can also book condominiums directly from owners.

Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta Beach Resort & Spa. The resort has a Spanish colonial courtyard that opens to expansive grounds with flowering gardens, lawns and towering palm trees. Ten hacienda style buildings with terra-cotta-tile roofs range from four to eight stories. At the centerpiece is a freeform activities pool containing a rock garden waterfall with waterslide. A quiet relaxing pool and oceanfront pool complete the main gardens of the resort.

Casamagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa. Nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is one of the 100 World's Best Hotels according to Conde Nast Traveler. Rooms with luxurious bedding, contemporary bathrooms, furniture with Mexican-inspired colors and patterns, La Estancia restaurant, banquet facilities and business meeting rooms.

Casa Velas Hotel Boutique. Experience Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Resort - Casa Velas Hotel Boutique is an all-inclusive, luxury vacation resort in Puerto Vallarta, with stunning tropical scenery, a world-class spa, gourmet dining and an ocean-front beach club.

Crown Paradise Club All-Inclusive Resort and Spa. A full all-inclusive program this resort offers: activities pool, water park with pirate ship, a castle and 9 water slides, playground area, outdoor family game area, options for fine dining & bars, programmed activities.

Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. A luxury resort on a private beach cove. Accommodations include spacious ocean-view rooms and suites overlooking the ocean and large private beach. Several rooms and penthouses have twin floors and private swimming pools. There are three pools, four gourmet restaurants and friendly lounges.

Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta. The refurbished Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta resort has 291 rooms. The hotel has three bars and restaurants. Located on site are a fitness and business center. This resort offers a pool, massage services, water sports, beach volleyball, waterpolo and bingo.

Crown Paradise Golden Adults All-Inclusive and SPA. This medium-sized adult-only resort offer spacious accommodations, à la carte dining, friendly service, activities, sports and entertainment, and romantic settings for candlelit dinners.

Velas Vallarta. An all-inclusive resort with studios, one, two and three bedrooms, all with kitchens or kitchenettes. Hotel offers on-site mini-supermarket, boutique, travel agents, car and bicycle rental, tennis courts, and "Kids' Club". Marina Vallarta golf course is within walking distance (2 min).

More high-end resorts and all-inclusives are to the north, in Nuevo Nayarit.