Puerto Vallarta Favorite Tips by Carmanah

Walking along the beach Beaches Review

Fondest memory: Discovering the beaches all along the coast of Puerto Vallarta is a great way to enjoy the environment. I believe this postcard-perfect photo was taken just north of downtown Puerto Vallarta, where all the big name hotels are located.

In the photo colourful sailboat on the Bahia de Banderas in Puerto Vallarta. And believe it or not, this is not a postcard! My dad took this picture and it turned out just right!

Explore the side alleys Siteseeing Review

Favorite thing: Get off the main streets in downtown Puerto Vallarta and explore the tiny side streets and alleys. The architecture is amazing, and each road has its own unique character. More often then not, you'll come across some amazing restaurants and shops by doing this. Sometimes you'll even discover secret gardens. You'll never know!

Just relaxing and enjoying the moment Relaxing Review

Fondest memory: We had 2 weeks booked at our hotel, and while most days we went abroad and explored the nearby towns, some days we just wanted to relax at the poolside. One of my fondest memories was drinking one of those huge fruit drinks served in a pineapple with hibiscus flowers. It was divine! Believe me, you don't usually get drinks like this at home!

Public art galleries Cultural Review

Favorite thing: Keep an eye out for public art displays on the streets. Also be on the lookout for the historical Mexican architecture. A good example is the gorgeous Catholic church you see in the background.

Mismaloya Beach Siteseeing Review

Favorite thing: A favourite location nearby is Mismaloya Beach. It's located a 10 minute drive south of Puerto Vallarta at the foot of the rainforest-covered mountains. This is the famous off-the-beaten-track town in which the 1963 movie "Night of the Iguana", starring Elizabeth Taylor, was filmed. Despite the one or two large resort hotels at Mismaloya, Mismaloya wasn't a large area. There were several little restaurants, all located under thatched-rooved huts, where roosters, hens, pelicans and dogs would scramble around and take shelter from the monsoon rains. It was quite the unique atmosphere - something that we didn't get in Puerto Vallarta itself.

Fondest memory: A fond memory of mine at Mismaloya was walking through a trail in the rainforest, and being surrounded by a cloud of colourful butterflies. They were fluttering from plant, to plant... in every colour of the rainbow.

Drinking (virgin) pina coladas by the pool Relaxing Review

Fondest memory: A fond memory I have is sitting by the swimming pool at the hotel with my sister, enjoying our virgin pina coladas. (We were 12 and 15 at the time - no rumfor us!) Incidentally, they're now my favourite tropical drinks - crushed ice, pineapple juice and coconut milk. Yum! Although now I'd probably splash a bit of Bermuda rum for taste. *grin*

Getting pictures taken with iguanas Siteseeing Review

Fondest memory: While walking along the old part of Puerto Vallarta, my sister and I were asked if we wanted our picture taken with an iguana named Iggy Pop. For a few pesos, we decided it was worth it. In the end, this picture still makes me smile. I'm the girl on the right holding Iggy Pop. My sister is the girl who looks like a Mexican.

visit the old part of Puerto... Siteseeing Review

Favorite thing: visit the old part of Puerto Vallarta on the south side of the Rio Cuale. There was definitely a lot more character in this neighbourhood, and a little bit less touristy once you got away from the beach.<BR>
<B>Photo:</B> Horses waiting to be ridden in old Puerto Vallarta.

visit the Malecon in the old... Siteseeing Review

Favorite thing: visit the Malecon in the old part of Puerto Vallarta. There are dozens of restaurants and little shops located along the way. It's also a lot less ritzy than the other parts of Puerto Vallarta, but I like it a lot better that way!<BR>
<B>Photo:</B> A photo taken during our walk down Puerto Vallarta's Malecon in the old part of town.

Siteseeing Review

Fondest memory: was exploring Puerto Vallarta's little alleys and streets. The city literally sits at the base of a rainforest. The clouds would roll into the mountains and it would be incredibly atmospheric at times. The mix of ancient and modern Latin architecture and the weathered brick roads made Puerto Vallarta very inviting.<BR>
<B>Photo:</B> Puerto Vallarta's older neighbourhoods in the southern side of the city. Photo by my dad.