• Understand
• See
• Learn
• Work
• Buy
• Drink
• Cope
• Get out

Seahorse sculpture on Playa de los Muertos; one of several large public works donated by local artists for the malecon.

Puerto Vallarta [1] is a city and popular vacation resort on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.

[edit] Understand

Located on the Western Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta's charm makes the resort famous around the world. Along with its cobblestone streets, stunning beaches, plentiful marine life, lush Sierra Madre Mountains, exceptional restaurants, fine Gourmet Festival, new golf courses and vibrant culture, Puerto Vallarta is a vacationer's paradise that has maintained its unique Old Mexico charm despite the addition of these modern conveniences.

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. Stretching from the south end of Old Town to central downtown, a newly extended and refurbished boardwalk along the ocean, called the Malecon, passes by any number of shops, restaurants, and hotels, and often plays host to mimes, breakdancers, clowns and artists.

The residents of Puerto Vallarta are very friendly and generally willing to help with directions and other requests. Old Town Vallarta (or the Zona Romantica district) south of the River Cuale is more like a Mexican town and less like a tourist trap.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (IATA: PVR) is located just to the North of Puerto Vallarta proper, and just south of Nuevo Vallarta. Most major US airlines serve the airport along with Aeromexico. It has been recently remodeled, though waits can still occur when more than two flights have landed. Note that the arrival area is plagued by timeshare hucksters. They will offer to arrange a cab for you and try to rope you into a timeshare sales presentation. After you clear customs, walk quickly through the next room - the one housing the hucksters - continue walking past the rope-line. Now look for the official taxi kiosk out in the main airport atrium. You purchase your taxi trip here. All other offers of cab rides you will receive between customs and the kiosk will be from timeshare hucksters. Ignore every one of them. I can't emphasize this enough. The bad experience of those taken in can ruin one's first hours in PVR, and that would be a shame. If you've packed lightly you can take the city buses into town. Continue straight ahead as you exit the arrivals area and exit the doors in front of you. The bus stop is to your left, under the pedestrian overpass. Wait for a bus marked Centro (but NOT marked Pitillal or Bobadilla), wave it down, pay your five pesos, and enjoy the ride. You've just saved $20. You don't need exact change for the bus. Drivers will make change. But you will need some small change. Drivers won't break large bills.

[edit] By car

There are modern, well maintained toll roads all the way from the border, other roads are not as well maintained, but are still suitable for the drive.

[edit] By boat

There are many party boats that leave the coast from the Marina for day trips. Some stop at various beaches. You are even able to go horsebackriding up to a waterfall at one beach south of Puerto Vallarta. Major cruise ships loaded with thousands of tourist from the states as well as Europe dock in the city's main port typically spending there an entire day.

[edit] By Bus

The main bus station is far to the north of town, a little north of the airport. A local bus or taxi is required to reach the main city. To catch a local bus into town, exit the bus station and keep walking across the parking area. Then walk to your right toward the corner. The city buses will stop here. Any bus you pick up here will take you all the way down to the "Romantic Zone", about a half an hour drive, for just 5 pesos! Although not really known to tourists, the buses are one of the best ways to mingle with the locals, as well as getting a nice view of town.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By taxi

Hotels may provide a price list for cabs (expect to pay about 50 pesos for short trips, and 200 for longer trips). Hotels will offer transport from airport to hotel. But that's expensive. If you've booked with a travel agency, they will most likely provide you with transportation to and from the airport. Be prepared for fast speeds, as the cab drivers have schedules to adhere to. Many of the cabs do not have working seatbelts or speedometers as well. Taxi drivers tend to gather at the intersection close to the liquor outlet in the Centro District. They are friendly and you can negotiate trips outside of Puerto Vallarta at very reasonable cost on slow days. They will wait for you while you dine or shop as well as photograph you and your mates. Include a small tip with the very reasonable fare.

[edit] By bus

• Local trips

Bus trips cost around 5 pesos, which is about 50 cents that you pay to the bus driver when you get in and every ride is good for as long as you have to stay on... the whole city if you'd like. Buses stop almost every five to ten blocks and at peak hours tend to get very full, so be ready for that. If you are a man, be ready to give up your seat to women if the bus becomes crowded. Bus drivers will make change, but won't break large bills.

The buses are quite handy to get to places like Pitillal (the rapidly growing suburb to the NE) and Ixtapa (including the nearby U of Guadalajara campus with its gallery and crocodile farm. They are also useful for travelling from the hotel zone and marina area to the downtown or old-town areas. Any bus marked Centro will pass through both. Buses marked Tunel will skip downtown and head directly to the old-town / zona romantica via the tunnel bypass.

• Out of town trips

You can visit Bucerias for 12 pesos, $1.20. You can also go to Punta Mita for 14 pesos, $1.40. Mismaloya buses charge around 10 pesos. There are also larger buses that can take you to Guadalajara, which is about a 6-hour trip.

You can catch buses for Mismaloya along Basilio Badillo on the corner just West of where you see them lined up.

The easiest way to catch a bus to Bucerias, Punta Mita or points in between is to catch a city bus to Wal-Mart/Sams. Walk along the main road to the northernmost bus shelters in front of Wal-Mart. The buses to Bucerias leave from here.

[edit] See

Beautiful Banderas Bay, one of the largest and deepest in the world, may be admired from many of the surrounding hills exuberant in lush vegetation. Located right at the mouth of the Bay, straddling both sides of the River Cuale lays a charming and picturesque little town with true Mexican spirit, Puerto Vallarta.

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. A section of the beach called The Blue Chairs is the focal point of the gay village.

To the North, the hills give way a little. Here you will find mile-long stretches of golden sand beaches, rich plantations of papaya and mango and, tucked back along tumbling rivers and streams, small villages where life seems to move at a different pace. There are many different ways to explore the Bay.

To the South, the hills cascade towards the sea creating a rich palette that mixes the vivid green foliage with the deep blues of the water. At their feet nestle secluded coves and small fishing villages, many of which are still accessible only by sea.

To the East, the jungle clad Sierra Madre Mountains, which quickly rise to over 8,000 feet, encircle and protect the town from the winds and regulate the semi-tropical and humid weather.

And, to the West, the Bay of Banderas 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. Vallarta Excursions

[edit] 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. Often times the Puerto Vallarta Tours are easily booked online.

[edit] Adventure/Sports

Golfing

• La Marina Vallarta Golf Course-Have to have good accuracy for this one due to narrow fairways that are guarded by water
• Los Flamingos Golf Course-Known as one of the easiest to play

• The Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta Golf Club, 18-hole par 71 course designed by Jim Lipe. Address: Paseo de las Moras S/N, Fraccionamiento Náutico Turístico, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico 63735. Fun course with many obstacles is located on the spectacular beaches of Vallarta between the Sierra Madre mountains and the Bahia de Banderas bay. The Vallarta course offers interesting competitive advantages and challenges to golf lovers for the vast fairways appear to be the easy part but the lakes complicate the game for the most expert golfers. website

• El Tigre Golf Club-Long course with many traps and water
• Vista Vallarta-Hosted the 2002 EMC World Cup Championship

Windsurfing There are many rental shops along the beaches.

Snorkeling The most popular snorkeling areas are Los Arcos underwater caves and Marietas Islands caverns.

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 cravel, pargo, red snapper and more denizens of the deep, black, blue and striped marlin.

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.

Canopy Tours Get a birds eye view of the lush tropical forests on a wire and pulley.Contact Puerto Vallarta Tours

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. Contact Ecotours or Wildlife Connection.

Yoga

• Yoga Vallarta [2] - located in Zona Romantica (Basilio Badillo #325 3rd floor). This studio has high-mounted windows that bathe the studio in wonderful, natural light. Great for sunrise and sunset yoga practice.

Hiking You will be hard-pressed to find information about simple hiking excursions, because no one makes much money from hikers while they are hiking. So you must research this ahead of time if you wish to hike. Try taking a water taxi to Yelapa, then break free of any "tour" group that forms and head in the opposite direction, seeking the longer hike to the falls. You will be dissuaded (you need a horse, a helicopter, you don't have enough time, etc.) but be persistent. You can likely find a child willing to serve as your guide either on the beach or in the village as you start out. Try to find one with a dog which is quite useful for scaring off stray cattle and other pests. Your persistence will be rewarded with a stroll through the rainforest ending at a spectacular waterfall.

Surfing The beaches on Puerto Vallarta don't have too many waves but a daytrip to nearby state, Nayarit can be coordinated with a local surfing instructor. The drive takes about 35 minutes and the beaches there have waves small enough for beginners and big enough for experts. Most of the adventure companies (such as Vallarta Adventures) don't offer surfing lessons and you might need to find an independent, licensed instructor. One suggested instructor based in Puerto Vallarta: Alejandro Fuentes, faalex70@hotmail.com or 044-322-117-6257.

[edit] Parks

• Sea Life Park by Dolphin Discovery [3]- Discover Sea Life Park.

The most exciting Water Park in Vallarta, Dolphin Programs, SWIM WITH DOLPHINS!!!! Dolphin Show!!! Sealion Show!!! Water Slides, Lazy River, 11 Tobogans for all family!!!

Come to enjoy a full day in this Dolphinarium and amusement Park.

Royal Swim - Swim with two beautiful Dolphins!!!

Swim Adventure - Very exiting interaction with one dolphin, snorkel gear included!!

Dolphin Encounter - The best for all family, children can do it from 1 year old! (with a participating adult)

Book at ventasvallarta@dolphindiscovery.com

How to Get Here Located in the first exit of Nuevo Vallarta, very easy to find, look for the Water Slides that can be seeing from the road.

Open daily except Mondays and Fridays

All day fun from 10 am. to 6 pm.

There is nothing like this in Vallarta, enjoyment for all ages and for all family!!!

[edit] Entertainment

November Festival

It usually occurs in the middle of November and includes:

• Many cocktail parties
• Wine and tequila tastings
• Cooking classes
• Concerts
• Gala dinners
• Art expos
• Screenings

Art

Old Town Art Walk in El Centro-It occurs every other Wednesday at 6-10pm from the end of October to mid-April.

• Galería Arte Latinoamericano-Two floor gallery. Participates in art walk
• Galería Piramid-the first Huichol art display in Puerto Vallarta
• Galería Omar Alonso-Displays photography
• Gallería Dante-Voted #1 Gallery in Vallarta Voice Reader’s Choice 2003
• Galería Feedma, the most recent addition to the Vallarta art scene. Renowned Mexican and international artists and photographers

Theatre

Puerto Vallarta didn't have an English language theater scene until recently. Now you can see up to four companies from the venue Theater Agustin Flores Contreras.

Music

• Malecon - You'll find live Cuban, jazz, rock, Latin American ethnic, Mexican ranchero and Mariachi
• South Side - Los Muertos Beach offers jazz at Daiquiri Dick's happy hour

You can also find blues, pop-rock and jazz.

• Marina Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta-You can have a Mexican dinner and listen to mariachi, marimba, romantic trios and folk harp.

• North Shore - Offers a variety of live music.

[edit] Learn

[edit] Work

[edit] Buy

• La Playa liquors and wines. At least two outlets - one in the old town and one in the centro. This is the place to go for reasonably priced tequila. Most of the flashy tequila shops are either factory stores or time-share gimmicks. Neither are good options for buying tequila at a decent price/quality ratio.
• Manta Maya a shop selling contemporary variations on traditional mexican cotton clothing. The clothing is made in their shop in Zapopan, on the outskirts of Guadalajara. Basilio Badillo at Ignacio Vallarta.
• 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 somethint at least a little more authentic than colorful beaded lizards and such. Juarez 628.
• Arte Mágico Huichol another Huichol art shop. In addition to the usual bead art and yarn art they also sell piece of more traditional Huichol handicrafts. Coronoa 179.
• La Casa del Habano Vallarta's best selection of authentic cuban cigars. They also have a cigar bar. Aldama 174

[edit] 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.

However, care should be taken to avoid food poisoning. There are many beachside restaurants to tempt you with tropical drinks, but bottled beer is a much safer option. You will also see many beach peddlers selling BBQ shrimp on a stick, which you would be a fool to take. Generally, the shrimp in most places in Puerto Vallarta has not been deveined, a polite way of saying that it is served with fecal matter included, which at best lends it a foul taste. When water taxis or other guides seamlessly hand you off to their "amigos" at a beachside restaurant, do not be bashful about seeking other options, or just order a bottled beer to be opened in front of you. Do not trust that your guide has made a good decision, he will be gone with your tip long before you show any symptoms. Restaurants listed in reputable tour guides are a fairly safe bet.

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

• Coexist Cafe http://hotelrio.com.mx (In Hotel Rio)Locals and tourists coexist creating a unique atmosphere, where music is definitely an ingredient you will enjoy. We’re recommended for having an eclectic taste, reflected in our Mexican and international dishes. Live music daily!

• Epoca Just south of the foot bridge over Rio Cuale. Easy to overlook, hard to forget. Excellent food at very reasonable prices.

• Planeta Vegetariano (just around the corner from the church.) Planeta Vegetariano serves a buffet-style 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. Many dishes are not only "sin carne" but with fake meat.

[edit] Budget

• Cafe de Olla - Basilio Badillo, 168 (near Olas Altas, Zona Romantica). (322) 223-1626. Has good, cheap food. Try the pork ribs or chicken.

• La Joya de Mismaloya - Eat with your toes in the sand and a cold Corona in your hand. Any of these quaint beach side restaurants will delight you with some fantastic and authentic local seafood dishes. Some recommendations: Shrimp empanadas, Pescado Sarandeado, Tostadas de Ceviche de Camaron.

• Coffee Cup - Rudolfo Gomez 146 (near Olas Atlas Street). 222-8584. An American-style coffee house that serves espresso, latte and cappucino with local baked goods. It is still rare to find this type of coffee in Puerto Vallarta. Local art is displayed on the walls.

• Esquina de los Caprichos - Miramar 402. 222-0911. Open 1 -10 pm. Closed Sundays. Spanish an Basque tapas. A few dishes and a glass of sangria is around $17 USD.

• Tia Katrina - A hip take on traditional food. Appetizers from $5, mains from $9 USD. The Tortilla Soup is recommended.

• Red Cabbage - Rivera del Rio 204A. 223-0411. A funky restaurant up the hill from the main streets in the Zona Romantica. It is themed on Frida Kahlo and features pre-hispanic recipes. Dinners from $15 - $25 USD.

[edit] Mid-range

• Tinos - 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.

[edit] Splurge

• Boca Bento - Basillo Badillo 180, south side. (322)-222-9108, 223-4727. Features an original menu of Latin and Asian fusion cuisine. Try the mouthwatering Thai-Crusted Calamari with Chipotle Dipping Sauce. Signature entrees include: Adobo Shrimp with Chimichurri Sauce and Chipotle Honey Glazed Pork Ribs with a warm Peruvian Potato Salad. Best cocktails in town include: Pomegranate Martini and Mandarin Lemonade. Music selection is fabulous: Buddha Bar, Mezzanine de L'Alcazar and Hotel Costes. An experience for the senses - not to be missed!
• El Arrayan - Allende 344, El Centro. (322) 222 7195. A very good menu of specialties from many regions. The food is not "typical" to tourist-oriented Mexican restaurants, but rich banquet and festival foods with upscale service. You will have an opportunity to try many familiar dishes like lamb and pork, as well as cactus salad and seasoned roast crickets, for the adventurous.

[edit] Drink

Downtown:The Hot Spot for Nighlife-Located along the beachfront walk

• El Dorado-Live Music
• La Cave-Piano Bar
• La Dolce Vita-Live Music
• Le Carrousel-Disco/Dancing
• Planet Hollywood-Live Rock
• Stars-Disco/Dancing

Old Town: It may seem strange but Steve's Sports Bar on Basillo Badillo has the best margaritas - and we've been testing.

• Club Roxy-Live r&b Hit among people over thiry with live blues and rock. Closed on Sundays
• The American Legend-Dancing/Live Music
• Senor Frogs-DJ Tuesday night includes foam party, bikini contest, and open bar. Bar open until 4am

Malecon:

• Carlos O'Brians-Disco/Dancing Very popular among a younger crowd. A lot of dancing
• Hard Rock Cafe-Live Music/Dancing Restaurant open until 2am
• The Zoo-Disco/Dancing Attract the 20's crowd with DJ spun music and cages to dance in

• [[Mandala]]-Restaurant and DiscoBar. Located in front of the malecon, beside Zoo bar. This is the newest and hottest club in town. Open everyday from 11 am to 6am. Perfect for everyone.

• [[Collage]]-World Famous Foam Parties, as seen on E!, Playboy, MTV, and may other TV Networks. This place can hold up to 2000 crazy partiers at a time! Tuesdays and Fridays open bar.

• <drink name="Christine's" address="NH Krystal Vallarta Hotel Hotel Zone"> This club is HUGE!! It is only open a few nights a week though. It is located close to most hotels.</drink>

• <drink name="EL Zoo" address="Paseo Díaz Ordaz # 630 Downtown"> 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.</drink>

• <drink name="Hilo" address="Just down the street from EL Zoo"> Again this club is small. The inside is very cool and the bar is very large. It can get a little crazy because of the small area but is fun for younger kids.</drink>

• <drink name="Señor Frogs" address="Venustiano Carranza # 218 Emiliano Zapata, Downtown"> The foam party is the best and this place is the larger than most clubs. It has two bars and the service is awesome.</drink>

[edit] Sleep

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

[edit] Budget

[edit] Moderate

• Hotel Rio, Email: info@hotelrio.com.mx, [4]. Located within walking distance of the main downtown attractions, Hotel Rio is a good deal with clean, comfortable rooms with central air conditioning, telephone, color TV with cable, complete bathroom and balcony. Swimming pool and restaurant. Money exchange and 24 hours internet service.

[edit] Mid-range

• Hotel Emperador, [5]. Hotel Emperador is located in the heart of the most traditional area of the Old Puerto Vallarta, only 3 minutes away from the downtown and 20 minutes from the International Airport. On Puerto Vallarta's famous beach "Playa Los Muertos".

• Hola Puerto Vallarta, [6].

• Los Cuatro Vientos. Famous hotel and restaurant cited by Playboy Magazine and visited by well known actors such as Peter O'Toole, Elizabeth Taylor.

• Melia Puerto Vallarta, [7]. Beachfront resort for families on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

[edit] Splurge

• Casamagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Beach Resort, [8]. Each room features private balcony, European-style bed and contemporary Mexican-style room decoration.

• Casa Velas, [9].

• Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, [10]. A luxury resort on its own 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. To unwind there are three pools, four gourmet restaurants and friendly lounges.

• Grand Velas Nuevo Vallarta, [11].

• Hotelito Desconocido, Tel. 52-322-281-4010, [12].

• Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta, Av. Paseo de las Moras s/n. Fracc. Náutico Turístico. Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, tel: (52) 322 226 4000 (email: mailto:conciergenv@mayanpalace.com.mx), [13]. Year-round. Beach and Golf Luxury Resort, Timeshare. Room types: Master Room, Suite, Master Suite. Amenities: private bedroom with king-size bed, safety-deposit box, ceiling fan and air-conditioning, as well as living room with two sofa-beds, bathroom with tub and shower, hair dryer, breakfast nook, telephone, cable color television, kitchenette equipped with electric stove, freezer, microwave oven, toaster, blender, coffee maker, china, glassware, cutlery, pots and pans and kitchen utensils. Attractions: Nicklaus Design Golf Course (18 hole par 54), Spa, 3 interconnected pools — over 1000 feet, one of the longest in Latin America. Sports: Golf, Tennis, Gym, Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Diving. Notable restaurants: Tramonto and Del Lago.

• Mayan Palace Puerto Vallarta, Paseo de la Marina Sur S/N, Fracc. Marina Vallarta, tel: (52) 322 226 6000 (email: mailto:conciergepvr@mayanpalace.com.mx), [14]. 365 days of the year. Beach and Golf Luxury Resort, Timeshare. Room types: Master Room, Suite, Master Suite. Amenities: private bedroom with king-size bed, safety-deposit box, ceiling fan and air-conditioning, as well as living room with two sofa-beds, bathroom with tub and shower, hair dryer, breakfast nook, telephone, cable color television, kitchenette equipped with electric stove, freezer, microwave oven, toaster, blender, coffee maker, china, glassware, cutlery, pots and pans and kitchen utensils. Attractions: Sun Set Club[15], Tribu Bar & Lounge[16], two swimming pools, one of them with two levels. Sports: Golf, Tennis, Gym, Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Diving. Notable restaurant(s): Bakal and Argentina Terrace & Grill.

• Playa del Sol Costa Sur, Carr. Puerto Vallarta a Barra de Navidad Km. 4.5 Zona Hotelera Sur., tel: (52) 322 226-8050 (email: mailto:info@playadelsolpv.com), [17]. This beautiful 208 unit all suite resort is just five minutes from the south side of Puerto Vallarta. Yet it has the secluded feel of a tranquil getaway. Costa Sur (formerly known as Costa Vida) is distinguished by extraordinary oceanfront vistas: every suite has a direct ocean view. Costa Sur has a unique breakwater directly in front of the resort, forming a private lagoon which provides protected swimming with a beautiful beach - a great feature for families. Costa Sur has two towers that include junior suites, one and two bedroom units, all with kitchens.

• Playa del Sol Grand, Blvd. Costero 800 Sur. Frac. Flamingos. Nuevo Vallarta, tel: (52) 322 226-1050 (email: mailto:info@playadelsolpv.com), [18]. Five-star, full service resort offers world class sun, sand and surf in a tranquil atmosphere just 15 minutes after your arrival at the Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

• Sea Garden Nuevo Vallarta, Av. Paseo de las Moras s/n. Fracc. Náutico Turístico. Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, C. P. 63735, México, tel: (52) 322 226 4000 (email: mailto:conciergenv@seagarden.com.mx), [19]. Year round. Beach and Golf Luxury Resort, Timeshare. Room types: Master Room, Suite. Amenities: air-conditioning, balcony, bathroom with tub and shower, safety-deposit box, king-size bed, kitchenette equipped with electric stove, refrigerator, microwave oven, toaster, blender, coffee maker, china, glassware, cutlery, pots and pans and kitchen utensils, breakfast nook, living room with two sofa-beds, cable color television, telephone, and ceiling fan. Attractions: Jim Lipe Design Golf Course (18 hole par 71). Sports: Golf, Snorkeling, and Diving. Notable restaurant(s): Rumm Ba, Yum Kaax, and X Bok Sports Bar.

[edit] Condos and vacation homes for rent

• Plaza Mar Condos on Los Muertos Beach, Lazaro cardenas 155, tel: (612) 424-5445 (email: mailto:condo@internetpv.com), [20]. Plaza Mar is located directly on Los Muertos Beach, it is only two blocks from the downtown area of Puerto Vallarta. It is a quick and easy walk to fine dining and shopping. Most of the newer hotels are north of town which are not within walking distance of the town square, restaurants, and shopping. In addition, the north hotels are in the American part of town and are very Americanized, which does not give you the true Mexican feeling.

• Casa Aneila in Lower Conchas Chinas,[21]. (e-mail: mailto:CasaAneila@aol.com). Located just behind the Conchas Chinas Beach. Only 15 minutes walk, or 5 minutes in car/taxi from the boutiques and restaurants of "Old Town"

[edit] Stay safe

[edit] Emergency Numbers

• Police: 060
• Fire: 060

[edit] Crime

Visitors should exercise caution here as in any place that they are unfamiliar. The beaches and hotels have security people who are familiar with the area and tend to ward off most undesirable characters. As in many "tourist destinations", there is a local "tourist police", who concentrate on keeping the area safe for visitors. They, and the locals, understand the value of visitors and make life very difficult for those who may ponder preying on visitors. All in all, it is safe here as most tourist destinations.

• Precautions

As in any City:

• A visitor should always keep his wallet in an inner front pocket or in a money belt
• Purses should always be carried securely under the arm.
• When walking, stay on main streets. When walking, pay strict attention to the street curbs. They range from inches to 5 feet or more deep, to retard flood waters during the wet season.

[edit] Valuables

Travelers should always leave valuables in a safe place. Better yet, leave them at home if you can do without them.

Precautions

• Make use of a hotel safe if one is available
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry
• Carry only the cash or credit cards that you will be needing for the day

[edit] ATMs

Be cautious when using ATMs to withdraw cash.

Precautions

• Only use ATMs when absolutely necessary
• Use only during business hours
• Use only ATMs which are located on the premises of large banks because they tend to have security personnel. At least one off premise ATMs of a large bank has been implicated in ATM account and pin number theft.

[edit] Beach Activities

Water you have never been to can be dangerous. Leaving your valuables (cameras, purses, passport) alone on the beach, is an invitation to theft at any beach.

• Precautions
• Observe the warning flags on public beaches. There could be a strong undertow.
• Never dive into unknown waters. There may be rocks

[edit] Cope

Note that not very many places take credit cards. Some larger hotel complexes, high end restaurants and shops do, but most do not. It is very much a cash only economy with ATMs available in convenient locations and a bank downtown where in-person withdrawals can be made.

[edit] Get out

Your exploring does not have to be limited just to the Bay, there are nearby archeological sites to visit as well. Close at hand, in the region of Ixtapa, studies have uncovered sites dating back to 400 B.C.

Mismaloya is a short drive outside town. It is famous for being the location for the movie "The Night of the Iguana" directed by John Houston. You can tour the location.

Chico's Paradise, a river valley with rock formations and picnic/restaurant areas is a short drive or bus ride outside town.

Puerto Vallarta is less than a 45 minute flight away from the inland city of Guadalajara and about an hour flight from Mexico City. A 30 minute drive up the coast lands you in Bucerias, a small coastal village.