There are an astounding number of things to do in Puerto Vallarta and we've listed many of them here in this section. This is a good place to discover what it is you may want to do during your vacation, be it a few days or, if you are lucky enough, a full month! From bikes and beaches to sail and surf, from delicious dining and seductive shopping to mini-makeovers and never-ending nightlife, Puerto Vallarta has just what you need to make your vacation perfect. Most activities do not need reservations prior to your arrival. You can contact them once you have settled into your room, either through a travel agent in the hotel, via your tour operator or by calling the company directly. You'll most likely find a copy of Vallarta Lifestyles magazine in your hotel room or rental property, which offers comprehensive information on what's happening in Puerto Vallarta.
Staying Cool When It's Hot, Hot, Hot: There’s no getting around it. Summer in Vallarta is just plain hot! Even with the almost daily thundershowers, the rain here in the tropics only cools things down temporarily, and before you know it, the hot and humid air returns. But don’t let that keep you hiding indoors with your head in the refrigerator.
Hot Spot: Malecón Extension: The Malecon extension that connects the original Malecon to the South Side is home to an eclectic collection of shops, eateries and services. In the stretch between the Los Arcos Amphitheater and the Benito Juarez parking lot, you can find everything from coffee to vanilla liqueur, from funky clothing to t-shirts, from fine dining to a quick snack.
Lenny: Music a la Carte: About four years ago, while I was having dinner at Daiquiri Dick’s, Lenny appeared with his guitar, offering music table to table. At the request of my companions, I ended up singing Sabor a Mi in harmony with this talented artist. I recently had the opportunity to interview him in the very same restaurant.
Cravings: Chayote: Chayote, a staple of the traditional Mexican diet, is a member of the squash family. It has a thin, coarsely wrinkled skin fused to white flesh, with a texture that could be described as a cross between a cucumber and a potato. It can be eaten raw in salads or used in a variety of traditional recipes, including soups and stews.
Las Caletas: Sun, Surf and Sea Lions: It’s not that I don’t love working in an office enveloped in artificial light, but as a free spirit and fun-loving, outdoorsy kind of girl, I’m always eager for an adventure that takes me out of the office and into the sunshine — all in the name of research, of course! Sea lions have fascinated me since my childhood, their cute dog-like faces and antics reminding me of a seafaring golden retriever.
Sergio Lugo and de Santos Collection Success: The prestigious Restaurant de Santos celebrated a very special night on April 30th, with the de Santos Collection opening by the young local artist Sergio Lugo. The weeklong exhibition at this popular venue emphasized the importance of local nightlife, which is always full of people from diverse national and international environments and lifestyles.
Puerto Vallarta: Remember Who You Are: Certainly you have noticed the artistic campaign “Remember Who You Are”, while strolling down Puerto Vallarta’s downtown streets. These murals invite you to rediscover your inner child and have enchanted many local citizens and tourists, but have also raised criticism from some of the more traditional residents.
Best New Supermarket: Mega Cormercial Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit: Now North Shore residents and visitors have a new reason to look forward to shopping for their groceries. Thanks to the recently opened Mega Comercial Nuevo Vallarta, located in Bucerias’ outskirts, they don’t have to drive all the way to Puerto Vallarta. The spacious store is an open invitation to wander around with your cart and enjoy a broad variety of offerings in the usual departments. An ample selection of wine and liquors is noteworthy.
Worth Visiting: Banderasnews.com: In a very short time, Banderasnews.com has become a popular website specifically pertaining to Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area. In addition to the standard links, such as entertainment, weather, restaurants, events calendars, real estate and photo galleries, there are also some unique and possibly unexpected links for you to explore.
Worst of Puerto Vallarta: The Billboards: 24.4 km - Distance between Puerto Vallarta’s Maritime Terminal and the Punta de Mita exit. 447 - Number of billboards and signs visible from the highway on this stretch. 25 min. - Average time between each billboard/sign. 3 sec. - Average time between each billboard/sign.
Puerto Vallarta Best Of 2008: In a rapidly growing city such as Puerto Vallarta, it is increasingly challenging to stand out and be noticed. Take a look at some of the new, fun, interesting and delicious “bests” we’ve discovered during the recent months, a constant reminder of what a wonderful place Puerto Vallarta is to live and to visit.
