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Puerto Vallarta |
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Maybe it was the lush tropical climate, or the white sandy beaches that first caught the eye of tourists who began to flock to this Mexican paradise in the late 19th century.
Or maybe it was something more that made John Huston choose Puerto Vallarta as the setting for “The Night of the Iguana” (and the headline-grabbing, off-screen romance of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton).
With so much that Puerto Vallarta has to offer, every moment in this beautiful vacation spot can be shaped to meet your individual desires. Find yourself strolling back in time as you meander down the streets of the historic area of town, or the village of San Sebastian (15 minutes by plane) or follow your own steps to the rhythms of the Mariachi.
Your eyes can feast on beautiful textiles, original works of art from local artists and all over the globe, or the breathtaking beadwork of the Huichol Indians. Your mouth will water with anticipation for the authentic Mexican cuisine, while chefs from around the world serve up delicacies in renowned international restaurants.
You may seek out the pristine white sand of the beach, or do your best to avoid it on one of seven exceptional golf courses.
With ample opportunities for activity at every turn, your adventurous side will never go unfulfilled, unless, or course, you want to give it a rest. In that case, Puerto Vallarta is the ideal location for glorious, sun-soaked inactivity. |
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Culture
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In this Mexican beach paradise, tradition and international style fuse to create a spirited and sophisticated culture.
The vibrant colors of traditional Mexican dress can only be rivaled by the intricate beadwork of the Huichol Indians. Puerto Vallarta may be new to you, but the Huichols have long enjoyed its beautiful beaches and lush rainforests.
Stroll through the centuries on cobblestone streets with the air sweet from the music of old Mexico. Mariachi originated here in Jalisco, as did Tequila. Each helps ensure that Mexican nightlife is never dull.
Plan your visit around the array of festivals that celebrate all aspects of this vibrant culture from international cuisine to art to film to fishing.
Let's Go on a Downtown Art Walk
There are 12 of these memorable and different-every-time events this season and a dozen galleries participating.
By Heather Wilson
Puerto Vallarta's History
Important historic events in Puerto Vallarta through the 20th century.
Puerto Vallarta Today
An overview of where Puerto Vallarta stands today, it's strengths and needs.
Day of the Dead
If you are fortunate to be here the first two days of November, you may witness one of the important cultural events of the year.
By Josef Kandoll |
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Areas
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Puerto Vallarta denotes the entire Banderas Bay area and northern shoreline stretching from San Francisco/San Pancho on the Pacific (North Shore) south to Mismaloya near Puerto Vallarta (South Shore).
It includes over 40 miles of coastline and a variety of topography, culture and architecture and is often referred to as Costa Vallarta.
There are areas of dense jungle vegetation spotted with bursts of color from exotic tropical plants that give way to rocky river beds, which tumble and feed into the open sea and steep mountain sides where villas and casitas look as if they were merely glued to the hillsides.
There are also many historic buildings and sites, rich with culture and romance, beautiful beaches, sprawling resorts and planned communities - even the ultra-modern marinas of Nuevo Vallarta and Marina Vallarta. Also to be found in this diversified geological area are arid flatlands decorated with cactuses and small pueblos where life is lived at a snail's pace. This region is divided into eight neighborhoods or areas, from north to south.
Each is special in its own way and adds to the charm, diversity and uniqueness of Costa Vallarta.
South Shore
The south shore is where the Sierra Madre Mountains meet the shores of the Banderas Bay. It is an area full of coves, small bays, rivers, and secluded, remote beaches accessible only by boat. Here the jungle creeps to the beach, making it a perfect tropical setting.
Mismaloya
The small bayside village where in 1963 Hollywood director, John Huston chose to make the movie "Night of the Iguana," which changed the history of Puerto Vallarta forever. It is still a quaint beach location where the Mismaloya creek meets the sea.
Conchas Chinas
This upscale neighborhood is the most prestigious and popular residential area of town. It is also known as "the Beverly Hills of Vallarta."
Downtown South
The Down Town South is also known as Los Muertos Beach. The main streets, Olas Altas and Basilio Badillo, offer cozy restaurants and bars, trendy boutiques and abundant nightlife.
El Centro
This is the heart of Vallarta, where the Malecon can be found welcoming visitors into the center of town. There are historic buildings, beautiful cathedrals, shops, galleries, beaches, and restaurants galore.
Hotel Zone
The area from El Centro to Marina Vallarta is known as the Hotel Zone. This is where the major concentration of hotels and resorts are located–huge towering buildings with all the amenities set in a tropical paradise.
Marina Vallarta
Home to Mexico's largest and most sophisticated marina complex, this 500-slip marina is bordered by several condominium projects with a malecon full of shops, art galleries and restaurants, including El Faro lighthouse bar.
Bucerias
Located 12 miles north of the airport, Bucerias is popular with Canadian and North American visitors Bucerias, or "Place of the Divers," enjoys a 5-mile stretch of white sand beaches that is the longest along the entire coastline of Banderas Bay.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
A tranquil town north of Puerto Vallarta settled in the 1930's by the Chavez family who built a working ranch north of Banderas Bay. This is where the beautiful and peaceful La Manzanilla beach is located.
Punta de Mita
Located at the northern tip of Banderas Bay, 26 miles from Puerto Vallarta on the Punta Mita Highway. This once-remote beachside fishing village is now home of the new Four Seasons Punta de Mita Resort.
Sayulita
A very popular little town 22 miles north (35km) of Puerto Vallarta. Sayulita is located in a cozy cove where the jungle meets the sea at the extreme tip of the North Shores.
San Francisco / San Pancho
A sleepy little town 31 miles (49 km) north of Puerto Vallarta known for its "big, gnarly waves, dude," purported by some surfers to be the best on the west coast of Mexico.The beach is big and open, and receives southwest to northwest swells.
North Shore
From San Francisco/San Pancho to Nuevo Vallarta, this area is known for beautiful surf, craggy coves, remote villages and smapueblos. Life goes at a slower pace here, much like the Mexico of old. It has an arid climate and features mango, banana and papaya groves. |
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Beaches |
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Our primary draw for many, Puerto Vallarta has miles and miles of wide sandy playas, some boasting coves seemingly carved just for two, others quite popular with lots of palapa restaurants, amenities and services.
Majahuitas
Located on a remote, secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta, Majahuitas beach is accessible only by boat (i.e. water taxi).
Quimixto
One of three remote beaches south of Puerto Vallarta that is accessible only by boat. Pangas or water taxis leave the mainland several times a day for this out-of-the-way shore.
Boca de Tomatlán
A small seaside village cove that sits at the edge of the jungle, three miles south of Mismaloya, where the mouth or boca of the Tomatlan river meets the bay, hence its name.
Mismaloya
Probably the most well known Puerto Vallarta beach due to the filming of "Night of the Iguana" here in l963, this 500-meter-long beach sits at the very edge of the jungle where the Mismaloya creek meets the sea.
Gemelas
"Twin" beach is two small crescent-shaped beaches at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Here the surf is gentle and good for swimming.
Garza Blanca
A small city beach located off the Barra Navidad road at Km 6 on the way to Mismaloya, this white sand beach is framed with palms and crystal clear water that laps the shoreline.
Playa los Muertos
"The Beach of the Dead" was so named because of a battle fought a century ago between gold and silver smugglers from the mines of the Rio Cuale and the natives who tried take their stolen booty from them
Hotel Zone
This beach is the most active of beaches in Puerto Vallarta as it stretches south from the municipal marina nearly to the downtown area.
Bucerias
The name means "Place of the Divers." Its 5-mile stretch of white sand beaches is the longest along the Bay of Banderas.
Destiladeras
Located 19 miles from the airport at Km 8 on Highway 200 and popular with the locals for its wide sandy beaches and with surfers for its two-to-five-foot swells.
El Anclote
"Anchor Beach" is at Km 21 on highway 200 north of PV.
Punta de Mita
Located at the northern tip of the Bahia de Banderas, 26 miles from Puerto Vallarta on the Punta Mita Highway, this once-remote beachside fishing village is now home to the Four Seasons Punta de Mita Resort.
Sayulita
22 miles north of the airport, the idyllic Sayulita beach is located in a cove where the jungle meets the sea. Perfect for surfing or sunning and everything in between. Seaside cafes and fine dining along with other services available
San Franciso / San Pancho
A sleepy little town 31 miles (49 km) north of Puerto Vallarta known for its "gnarly waves, dude." Purported by some surfers to be the best in the area due to its big open ocean beach and southwest to northwest swells.
For more information please contact us will be happy to help you.
info@rentalsmarinavallarta.com |
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