Welcome to Puerto Vallarta
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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
So excited to share our travels with all of you. In February 2023 we traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and got to get another taste of Mexico. We have made it simple so you too can travel to Puerto Vallarta and we have done all the work for you. Enjoy our Travel Guide of Puerto Vallarta Mexico!
Background of Puerto Vallarta
First up, just a little background on PV and it’s surrounding area. PV itself is a beachfront resort town first developed in the late 1960’s. It’s the primary resort town on the West coast of Mexico and it’s in the state of Jalisco just on the border with Nayarit.
Most development is center on the wonderous Banderas Bay, the biggest bay in Mexico and one of the biggest and deepest in all the world. The bay is an aquatic wonderland where hundreds of Humpback whales are common from December to March and thousands of turtles also nest on the local beaches from May through October. On top of that, schools of dolphins and giant manta rays inhabit these waters year round.
Over the years, the area has expanded greatly and, today, the regional population exceeds a quarter millions people – so don’t get PV confused with a small fishing village – but, you can find those in the area if you look hard enough.
When people say they are going to PV, they can mean anywhere from Yalpa in the south to Neuvo Vallarta and Punta Mita in the North.
Also, be aware that there are no Mayan ruins and no big nature park attractions like the Caribbean side. Here you can expect a more laid back Mexico kinda feel – except for the traffic and those crowds in the prime areasAnd in terms of those beaches, the PV area has some really nice ones, just as nice and perhaps more even more beautiful than the Caribbean side of Mexico – but do not expect the underwater life and snorkeling to be as good. The water is colder here and snorkeling is not as great.  But, for most, the dolphins, rays, turtles, and humpback whale season more than make up for that.
Finally, just so you know, PV is also well known as the premier resort area in Mexico for the LGBT community.
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Some of My Favorite Things to take on Vacation
Best Neck Pillow for Travelers
Researching through countless travel pillows and tons of reviews I finally found a great travel pillow to travel with. This is luxurious and easy to blow up- actually no blowing up at all just push the button and it inflates. It fits very easily in the bag and you can hook it on your carryon luggage. So excited to finally find something that you don’t have to blow up. Its a great neck pillow, check this out on the link below.           Â
DJI Mavic Mini Drone
We have finally found a drone that is lightweight and easy to carry in your suitcase. Works directly with your iphone so you can see the video as you are flying. So thrilled to have purchased this, great price and takes great drone videos. Check out our latest one on our YouTube channel of Puerto Vallarta.Â
The Malecon
The Malecon is an 1&1/2 mile beach font walking promenade from Playa Los Muertos in the south to Hotel Rosita & The Millenia statue in the North. Along the Malecon you can find a multitude of dining and nightlife options, tons of shopping, street performers, multiple sculptures, and of course, some great beach activities.
Most all the tourist sites are within a few blocks of the Malecon so its a great place to start things off.  Wander around, explore, and enjoy yourself – check things out both in the day and at night
Old Town of Puerto Vallarta
Perhaps the best advice we can give for the downtown PV area is don’t just focus on the Malecon. Get out and walk the cobblestone streets behind and explore.  As you get farther from the Malecon, things get less crowded– which is also a bonus. And, who knows, you just might find something unique and special….
Hi There!  I’m Lara and I am from Scottsdale, Arizona. I have lived here for more than 30 years and Iove it. My hubby and I are fortunate to be able to travel the world to explore exciting destinations. When our son went off to college we became empty nesters and decided to go for it. No sense in staying at home when the world is your oyster!! Follow along with us and learn about interesting places an “off the beaten path” experiences.  We are not the type of people who like to stay in fancy hotels all the time – for us its about the experience! Well let me rephrase that, I do like those fancy hotels but the only way to learn about the city and the people is to immerse yourself.
This travel blog originated in 2018 and since then we have really traveled the world, check out our passport page and read about some of the exciting places we traveled to the last couple years.
Thanks again for checking us out.
Looking For A Place To Stay?
You may want to consider staying at the Holiday Inn Suites Puerto Vallarta Marina, they are in a great location. The Marina is right across the street where there is a ton on dining and nightlife as well as shopping.
Marina Vallarta is a busy area with many shopping, spas, restaurants, bars, and hotels all centered around a 500 slip boat harbor. In addition to all that, there’s also a champion golf course right next door. We think this area is a really nice option to stay if you don’t want to be directly in the hectic downtown zone.
Pro Tip: On Thursday evenings during high season (November through April), there’s a farmer’s market along the Marina Promenade.
There are also some really authentic local dining options in this part of town, which I’ll get to later, but one more big daytime activity to do in this area is to hike up to The Cross Viewpoint Tower (MIRADOR CERRO DE LA CRUZ) – Although this hike is all uphill, it is short and pretty easy at less than one mile and less than 15min. The hike up through this part of town is really nice and, of course, the views from the top of the tower are simply awesome.  Even though it is an uphill hike, everyone can do it, and there’s a small restaurant at the top to grab a drink and take a break once you make it.
Pro tip – it’s best to do this hike in the morning – not only to avoid the mid-day heat but also because the sun will be rising behind you as you take in your views.
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