La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: It may be a hard name to pronounce, but it’s a joy to visit! La Cruz de Huanacaxtle (“La Cruz”), a mere half hour north of the bustle of Puerto Vallarta, offers a restful alternative to the glitz of Vallarta and a glimpse of a typical fishing village, along with good restaurants, fun shopping and a vibrant music scene.
Our Lady of Guadalupe: It dominates Puerto Vallarta's skyline in countless postcards, serving as the city’s most recognizable and endearing landmark all over the world. Year after year, it welcomes thousands of Catholics, particularly during an involved 12-day festival known as the Feast of Guadalupe every December.
Craving: A Prickly Pear: Both a fruit and a vegetable, the indigenous prickly pear cactus has been a diet staple and the source of legends, magic and healing in this part of the world since Aztec times.
In Search of the Elusive "Perfect" Condominium...: During our nearly 20 years in Vallarta, we have lived mostly in condominiums, situated in different communities and neighborhoods around the bay. Each has been unique, offering advantages and disadvantages concerning location, layout, price and numerous other things that should be taken into consideration before moving into or purchasing a condominium.
Vacation Home Options Redefine Leisure Travel: With today’s evolving vacation home market, consumers are faced with an increasingly diverse marketplace and options in leisure travel, according to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).
Papel Picado:The People's Art:
Viva la fiesta! This most traditional and egalitarian of folk arts is everywhere in Vallarta, papel picado transforming any occasion into a special event with a distinctly Mexican feel.
Malecon Sculpture Tours an Even Better Deal: Galeria Pacifico owner Gary Thompson's Tuesday morning Public Sculpture Tours are a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours discovering one of our city's most cherished treasures.
Flyers by the Sea: When the day gives way to twilight a drum begins to beat, a flute sings along with the waves, and then a dance begins, four men flying in circles celebrating Mother Earth and the power of the sun.
J24 Worlds – World-class Sailing on World-class Banderas Bay: What makes a great sailboat race? Cruising World says Banderas Bay’s “ideal weather and breathtaking landscape” make it the perfect place for a regatta. Add in a highly skilled, competitive group of international sailors and a fleet of the world’s most popular one-design keelboats, and you have a winning formula.
Tequila!: Considered North America's first indigenous distilled spirit, tequila production originated in the 16th century near the town of Tequila, Jalisco. It is made from agave, a plant considered sacred by the Aztec, who used it to produce octly, a fermented beverage now known as pulque.
Vallarta on Canvas: For centuries, artists around the world have been inspired by their surroundings, producing memorable cityscapes, the urban equivalent of a landscape.
Vallarta’s Evolving Art Scene: Globally, the art world has exploded, with each season bringing new record prices for paintings, such as Gustav Klimt’s “Adele BlochBauer I,” which sold for $135 million USD this past June. A multi-billion dollar industry, art has precipitated a frenzy of interest that goes beyond investment potential.
Dolphin Swim: Symbols of freedom, grace and serenity, dolphins have a universal appeal. Admired for centuries, these sea mammals were once seen as saviors of the seas, reputed to rescue drowning sailors. Today we celebrate their intelligence and extraordinary qualities, and those fortunate enough to swim or play with these intriguing creatures find it a fascinating experience.
Turkeys are Red, Iguanas are Blue: To relieve their inevitable bouts of bucolic boredom, goatherds have from time immemorial moonlighted as unpaid whittlers of wood. But then around 50 years ago, the world of pro bono wood-whittling was changed forever when a Mixtec Indian named Manuel Jimenez began applying paint to his rustic carvings.
Purchasing Art Supplies in Puerto Vallarta: Art supplies in Vallarta are available primarily through two sources: Mexico Magico (formerly Xochitl) at Juarez 534 (222-5776), which is open Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm and 4 to 8 pm; and Pro-arte at Mexico 1197-A (across from Casa Ley, no telephone), which is open 10 am to 2 pm and 4 to 7 pm Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 1:30 pm on Saturdays.
