Puerto Vallarta Is All About the Bay

No doubt you can see it from your luxury villa rental Puerto Vallarta – that huge expanse of water that starts at the city’s doorstep and disappears beyond the western horizon. If you paddle your kayak far enough, in fact, you’ll bust out on the open Pacific Ocean. It’s a long paddle, but it can be done.

Most folks are satisfied to stay within the confines of Banderas Bay, however, and enjoy this special feature of Mexico’s Pacific coast. You’ll find all kinds of things to do in the water; some activities are educational, some recreational. You can experience a dolphin encounter in the company of a marine biologist or slip into a mask and fins and explore the wildlife on your own.

You decide how close you want to get. Don’t like water? Admire it from the patio at your luxury villa rental Puerto Vallarta. Or, dive right in and swim with the big fish. Either way, much of Puerto Vallarta’s allure is the bay.

Science types find the bay irresistible. Geologists want to know how it was formed, the contour of its underwater mountains, and the types of rock down there. Marine biologists have an eye for the things that live in the bay – sharks, dolphins, whales.

A Celebration of the Past in Puerto Vallarta

Many travelers find that one of the most rewarding parts of traveling to a distant land is the opportunity to experience something new. A trip to Mexico’s resort city of Puerto Vallarta, together with a stay in a Puerto Vallarta vacation rental, offers ample opportunity to enjoy a variety of colorful and fascinating celebrations.

Among the most intriguing holidays observed in Mexico is Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This annual holiday, celebrated on November 2, is really a celebration of life more than anything; families come together to pay homage to those who have passed on.

They might set up an altar at home or they might visit their loved ones at the cemetery. Either way, they’ll likely prepare a special treat for them, probably including a favorite dish and special drink, offered in the soft glow of candles and colorful bouquets of marigolds.

The point of Dia de los Muertos is to rejoice in life, a process that should come naturally when you’re staying in a Puerto Vallarta vacation rental. Sugar skulls for the children and a family feast round out the day. It’s a chance for folks to remember those they love in a special and personal way.

Pottery from Mata Ortiz in Puerto Vallarta

Many of the nicest Puerto Vallarta villas feature fine art as part of the décor, and much of that artwork is created by local and Mexican artists. Some of the nicest work is created from clay – that’s right, pottery.

You’ll see all sorts of pottery as you comb the galleries and shops in town – the unique pleasing shapes and distinctive colorful glazes help to identify where each piece was made. Some pottery can be relatively inexpensive. If you are purchasing pottery as an investment in art, however, consider spending a bit more and look at some of the work that comes from the town of Mata Ortiz.

In Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find only one or two shops that sell the genuine article, including the Mata Ortiz Art Gallery at Lázaro Cárdenas 268-A. The Galeria de Ollas at Corona 176 also deals in work from Mata Ortiz. Take your time in selecting a piece; keep looking until you find one that touches you in a special way.

Mata Ortiz pottery is enjoying a rebirth in popularity in the United States; collectors prize the hand-coiled pots for their modern designs derived from centuries old cultural traditions and processes. That combination of ancient and contemporary adds just the right touch to many lovely Puerto Vallarta villas, and it’s a touch that you can find for your own home.

Marina Vallarta or Maritime Terminal?

If you chose well, you can see Banderas Bay from your Puerto Vallarta villa rental. You can watch the water change from black to gray to golden at sunrise and reverse the process at day’s end. You can see the sails of tall ships and pirate ships from your patio. When your curiosity gets the best of you, it’s time to get yourself down to the water’s edge and check it out.

Marina Vallarta is a bit of a different world than El Centro in the city. Okay, it’s not that different – you can shop for treasures, dine on everything from ceviche to Italian gourmet dishes, get a massage or a manicure. It’s a quiet, lovely residential area on the north end of town.

When you’re looking for a bit of quality outdoor time, space to walk and talk, Marina Vallarta is the place to come. You might find that the relative quiet of the beaches north of the golf course is more your speed than the party at Los Muertos Beach. Or you may just want to test the sand at the Marina Vallarta Golf Club.

FYI, the facility known as the Maritime Terminal is different than Marina Vallarta. The large watercraft (yachts, ships) are mostly to be found at the maritime terminal. So if you’ve booked an evening away from your Puerton Vallarta villa rental, spent in the company of pirates or on a guided bay cruise, head for the terminal.

The Bus Goes Everywhere in Puerto Vallarta

Did you know you can get along just fine without a car while you’re staying in a villa rental Puerto Vallarta? It’s true – the busses can take you just about any place you want to go. It’s a great way to get around: you don’t have to wonder where you’ll park the car and you’ll get to see the city while someone else does the driving.

Ah, you say, but I want to spend a day in _____ (you fill in this blank). It’s pretty hard to name a place in the region that doesn’t have bus service. Whether you’re headed north to Sayulita for some surfing or south past Conchas Chinas, you can hop on a bus that’s going that direction.

They probably don’t stop directly in front of your villa rental Puerto Vallarta, but busses run along the city’s major routes; stops are clearly marked by square blue signs. If you want to get to the downtown area, catch a bus marked “El Centro.” To get to the beaches on the south end of town, take a bus marked “Tunel,” just know that your route will take around the restaurants and shops in town.

One of the nicest things about riding the bus – the price. You can get to almost any destination for just a few pesos.

Laptop Lovers Find a Place in Puerto Vallarta

It seems a shame that you thought you needed your computer with you on holiday. It’s not a problem, though, because folks who stay in vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta have access to a variety of internet connections around town.

No one will ever understand how you can sit and stare into that screen when Banderas Bay is just a stone’s throw away. It’s your call though, and if that’s what it takes to make you a happy camper, go for it. There are a couple of wifi hot spots in town, not far from the vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta; you might find them comfortable as your home away from home.

• You can surf the web and enjoy the occasional adult beverage when you might visit one of the local bars that offers an internet connection. Que Pasa (Aquiles Sedan 625) and PV Café.com (Olas Altos 250) can both get you set up; all you need to do is purchase a beer or margarita.
• Early risers who want a cup of coffee with their internet can stop in at Dee’s Coffee Co. (Rodolfo Gomez 120 in the Zona Romantica); visitors recommend the cinnamon rolls, too. And if you must, you can visit Starbucks in the Peninsula Plaza.

Gringo Gulch's Interesting Past - and Present

Stay in one of the vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta and eventually you’ll start to hear some buzz about Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and their love nest in a part of town known as Gringo Gulch. In days gone by, in this neighborhood, wealthy folks from north of the border built their villas and started a little colony of gringos.

The Zaragosa neighborhood (the real name for Gringo Gulch) has transformed into a family community. It features traditional-style homes built of adobe, and most of them boast covered patios that lure people outside to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s wonderful evening breezes. Today, this is a place where real people – and their children and relatives and pets – live real lives.

Zaragosa is a lively place, and tourists continue to drop by to get a feel for how the upper crust once spent their days and nights. In fact, a number of vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta are located here, which is nice, because the area is close to a couple of popular restaurants, the Café Roma at Encino 287 and Club Roxy at Ignacio L. Vallarta 217. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by for a beverage, a meal and some conversation.

Independence Day in Puerto Vallarta

You have great timing if you’ve planned your Mexican vacation for the middle of September, because the 15th and 16th of that month is the festival known as El Grito de Dolores. You might think of it as Mexico’s Independence Day, so get checked into your villa rental Puerto Vallarta and get ready to join in the festivities.

The word “Grito” means cry or shout in Spanish, and Mexicans call their celebration “El Grito” in commemoration of the rallying cry of the parish priest in the village of Dolores who launched a movement to drive the Spanish out of Mexico in 1810. The violent revolution that followed lasted more than a decade, but when it was over, Mexico was in charge of its own fortunes.

The celebration of independence, or Las Fiestas Patrias, lasts for two days. It’s traditional for the president of Mexico to lead his countrymen in the patriot’s cry, “Mexicans, viva Mexico,” on the 15th at 11:00 p.m. You’ll have a chance to experience the “grito,” led by the city’s mayor, and you might be able to see the fireworks from the patio of your villa rental Puerto Vallarta.

The next day is marked by a variety of celebratory events, including rodeos, parades and street dances. The fiesta is so important that you’ll find many businesses closed on the 16th. Your best bet is to sit back and enjoy the party.

Puerto Vallarta’s Good Burgers

You know what they say, you can lead a person to stay in a luxury villa rental Puerto Vallarta, but you can’t make him give up his taste for ground meat. Or something like that. Anyway, if you absolutely must take a break from local cuisine, you’ll be happy to learn that there are a number of places to get a good burger in Puerto Vallarta.

Three restaurants, in particular, come pretty highly recommended. Dick’s Halfway Inn Bar and Grill at Basilio Badillo 287 has a large selection of burgers that will clog your arteries and satisfy your cravings. Mama Dolores Diner in the Zona Romantica at Olas Altas 534B serves a mean traditional burger. And Steve’s Sports Bar and Grill (Basilio Badillo 286) will serve up the NFL and NASCAR with that burger. Just be careful, in case they take your picture.

You might also ask the chef at your luxury villa rental Puerto Vallarta if it’s possible to get a burger and fries, although that seems a terrible waste of a good chef. Still, if that’s what you want, they’re here to see to it that you get it. Remember, the love handles that go along with that meal are your own alone.

In Case of Rain – Enjoy Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Villas offer the perfect backdrop for your sunny Mexico vacation and an ideal launch pad for each day’s adventures. As you sit on your private patio, watching the morning sun play across Banderas Bay and planning your day, though, it starts to rain. Is this cause for whining? It is not. There’s plenty to do in this resort city, no matter what kind of weather the day brings.

Pay a visit to the Municipal Market. It’s covered and it’s filled with all sorts of goods, from trinkets to treasures. This is the place to shop for colorful local pottery and glass ware, clothing and accessories in leather, and beautiful silver jewelry crafted by Mexican artisans.

Map out your own private art gallery tour. Again, the works are under cover, and you can maximize your dryness if you ask a cab to drop you where Calle Morelos and Calle Corona meet, a block off the Malecón.

Get wet and like it! If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta Villas from mid-summer through early fall, you’re likely to see some truly impressive storms, so rejoice in the chance to play in the rain like you did when you were a kid. Run on the beach, sit under a palapa, do a little rain dance in the plaza. It’s all good!

See Old Puerto Vallarta with Artist’s Eyes

As you experience the resort lifestyle of Banderas Bay from the comfort of your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta, you may be unaware that once upon a time, life in this modern city, where you can always find something to do, was calm to the extent of being downright sleepy.

Until the 1960s, when Liz and Dick started to put their imprint on the town, daily life in Puerto Vallarta was not much different than life in any other Mexican town. If you’re having a hard time believing it, just wander into that other time through the art of Manuel Lepe.

Today, Lepe’s work is highly regarded by collectors and fans of naïf art; he has become so well known, in fact, that his work is part of the child welfare program launched by UNICEF. In the 1960s, though, the artist was mostly a happy man reflecting on the simple pleasures that surrounded him in Puerto Vallarta.

You can get a glimpse of Lepe’s world through his work when you visit his former home and studio, today the Manuel Lepe Museum at 485 Jacarandas. It’s hard to find reproductions of his work for sale, but if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to enjoy one of his pieces in your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta – the Huichol Say It With Yarn

Your Puerto Vallarta Luxury Villa Rental could not be much farther from the traditional world of the Huichol. The People, as they call themselves, are native to western Mexico and have been living in their current setting around Bolanos Canyon since before Europeans came to the New World.

The Huichol have managed to sustain many of their old ways – in fact, it seems that many aspects of Huichol culture are flourishing today. Their religious practice and agricultural economy continue to support them spiritually and physically. And their art, which is coveted by all kinds of people, helps them to support their traditions.

As you browse the local galleries, take a moment to look for works created by Huichol artists. Their detailed beadwork is widely recognized, and as you work your way through the best in local folk art, make sure to take a look at their yarn paintings. The staff at your Puerto Vallarta Luxury Villa Rental may recommend you begin with Galeria Piramide (Basilio Badillo 272).

While this lovely art form may not be unique to the Huichol, they have perfected it. They find inspiration for their intricate designs in their religious practices. Huichol artists traditionally made yarn paintings to support religious celebrations, and today you may see yarn pressed onto ceremonial masks or prayer bowls.

Puerto Vallarta – A Class Act After Dark

Everybody who’s ever been here (or who’s planning a visit) knows that Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for a dream vacationer: you get to stay in a Mexico Vacation Villa Rental; you can fiddle around Banderas Bay all day long; and the nightlife is a blast. What may be surprising is the number of opportunities to enjoy the performance arts around town.

The hard truth is that karaoke isn’t usually considered fine art (although it sometimes turns into slapstick comedy). If you’re up for live music in a theatrical setting, though, you can catch a performance by the Santa Barbara Theater. This enthusiastic group, who do their thing at Olas Altas 351, perform musicals in English during their season (winter months).

Dance lovers really ought to set aside an evening and take in a performance of the Grupo Folklórico Municipal Xuitla. This world-class (and world traveling) group of young dancers can often be found performing somewhere in town. A night spent in their company may have you testing your own skill in the privacy of your Mexico Vacation Villa Rental.

And if you just want to enjoy a cultured stroll in the night air, you can spend the evening taking in the work of talented artists. During the winter season, local galleries host the popular Old Town Art Walk from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (October through April).

Puerto Vallarta – Just Right for Romance

You did exactly the right thing if you had romance on your mind when you booked your Puerto Vallarta Vacation Villa Rental. This is Mexico’s Pacific coast, the land of palm trees, sea breezes and mythic sunsets. You won’t have any problem setting the mood, whatever it may be, with this setup as your backdrop.

You can go any number of ways to put together a romantic evening, or morning, for that matter. For example, why not share a pitcher of fresh-squeezed orange juice on the balcony outside your bedroom as you put your heads together and plan your day’s adventures. Then return to the same spot in your Puerto Vallarta Vacation Villa Rental with your favorite beverage and watch as night falls over the city and the bay.

As for those plans you were making over breakfast, consider a visit to one of the area’s intimate, secluded beaches. Las Gemelas, near the town of Mismaloya, is actually two coves, each with its own beach (it means “the Twins”). The water is very gentle on the sand here, perfect for floating hand in hand. Take the Mismaloya bus and step off at the El Presidente Hotel.

If you’re exploring town, hold hands and take a romantic. Puerto Vallarta evenings are ideal for lovers. Walk along the Malecon and critique the sculpture; enjoy the quiet paths on the east end of the Isla Cuale; or simply walk along the beach in the moonlight. This is your romantic getaway – use your imagination.

Puerto Vallarta’s Airport is All Good

Does this sound like you: you found a House for Rent in Puerto Vallarta online, and it is gorgeous. The balcony looks out on Banderas Bay, the private pool is as clear a blue as you have ever seen. So you made a reservation. Only then did you realize you’re really not certain where Puerto Vallarta is on the map or how to get there.

Not a problem – just book a flight direct to Puerto Vallarta Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport. It’s the easiest way to get here, and probably the fastest, as well. And the airport itself is a modern marvel that will set your mind at ease about the wisdom of your trip the moment you get here.

One of the nicest aspects of the airport is the layout. You’ll find virtually every amenity you’d find in a huge international airport, but this one serves a much smaller area, and as a result, it’s not going to swallow you up. Do you need a bite of something before you head toward that House for Rent in Puerto Vallarta? Sit down in one of the airport restaurants. Are you looking for a token of your arrival? Hit the airport shops.

Flights arrive here from the US, from Canada, and even from the UK. And this international airport lives up to its name – the professional staff who work there know just how to help you get your visit off to a good start.

Enjoy Your Favorites in Puerto Vallarta

Go ahead and admit it – you’re having a blast in your luxury Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta, but you have these strange feelings, like you need to get in touch with your back-home self. The Mariachi music, the local arts scene, the savory cuisine are somehow leaving you longing for a piece of something from your comfort zone.

Before you book the next flight home, why not take a minute and track down those old familiar places, right here in Puerto Vallarta. Spend an afternoon or evening relaxing with a cold beverage and your favorite blast from your own past – or present. No matter what your passion, you’re likely to find some of it here.

You say you’re a football fan? Visit one of the city’s sports bars that cater to professional sports fans. Captain Ron’s Bar del Puerto, at Venustiano Carranza 276 in Old Town, offers games from the NFL and CFL. Steve’s Sports Bar, at Basilio Badillo 286, is a favorite for NASCAR fans. Whatever your game, you’re likely to find it on a screen at one of these spots.

If your eyes are starting to roll back in your head because you haven’t seen a current movie in the past couple of days, bust out of that luxury Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta and head to one of the local theatres. The theatres at Cinemark (Av. de los Tules 178), Cinéopolis (Av. Francisco Villa 1642) and MMCinemas (Francisco Medina Ascencio 2920); they feature current films in both English and Spanish.

Crocodile Smiles in Puerto Vallarta

Surely you know that song, the one that suggests that it’s best not to be too cordial toward a crocodile. Yes? Well, you might want to review the lyrics before you leave your Puerto Vallarta Vacation Villa Rental and sign on for a tour that actually wants to come face to face with these big guys.

Crocodiles and turtles are some of the natural inhabitants of Puerto Vallarta that make a visit to this resort city a unique experience. There’s a slight chance you’ll see a river crocodile in its natural habitat – the golf course (or the river) – but odds are a sighting will require a trip to a special crocodile farm.

That’s right, people do farm crocodiles, although it probably doesn’t look a thing like what you’re thinking. They have a distinctive and ancient past, but their future is far from certain, so people around here support crocodile farms to help protect both the animals and their habitat.

As long as you’re spending the day away from the Puerto Vallarta Vacation Villa Rental, why not head to the beach and learn about the sea turtles that visit each summer to lay their eggs. Volunteers move the nests to safer ground for hatching; when the time is right, other volunteers join in a “back to the sea” movement to help the little hatchlings get their groove on by ushering them back to their watery habitat. Ask around – you’ll find them.

Gettin’ Around in Puerto Vallarta

You’ve booked a week’s stay in a Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta and you can hardly wait to get to town. The thing is, your Spanish isn’t all that good, and you’re not entirely certain how you’ll find your way around town. Don’t worry – getting around will be pretty easy.

First things first – you need to get from the airport to your place. Take it easy on yourself your first day out and take a taxi. If you feel like you need an adventure to start the trip off right, you can walk to the bus stop and hop on a bus that will probably get you close.

If you want to see the city on its own terms, get a good map of Puerto Vallarta from one of the tourist information offices (your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta may have one) and take off on your hind legs. El Centro and the Zona Romantica are easy to explore on foot. Better yet, they’re separated by the Rio Cuale and its Isla Cuale, home to the city’s fabled iguanas.

Taxis here use a system of flat rates based on distance between zones, so you should be able to estimate the cost of your trips. Better yet, a trip on the bus will set you back just a few pesos and they travel to points outside of town, Boca de Tomatlan to the south or the surfing beaches at Sayulita north of town.

Create a Visual Memory of Puerto Vallarta

Aim . . . Focus . . . Click. You want to remember every special moment of your stay in a Mexico Vacation Villa Rental in Puerto Vallarta, and one of the best ways to do that is to take tons of pictures. Fortunately, digital cameras make that a very user-friendly task.

Banderas Bay makes a perfect backdrop for aspiring photographers – the warm glow at sunset, the glitter of sunlight playing on water. And when you turn around, you’re looking at the colorful action on the Malecón. Before you start clicking, though, think about the image you want to capture. Something special caught your eye – focus on that and let the background do its part.

To get the best results, you need ideal lighting for your shot. If you’re outdoors in broad daylight, you may need to adjust your settings to avoid washing out your subject; an indoor shot will probably need a flash. And for those shots with low light, at dawn or dusk, you may need to set up on a tripod and use a slower shutter speed.

Start your photo diary with some shots of you and the gang enjoying the good life in your Mexico Vacation Villa Rental. Then keep your eyes open for unique views as you dive into Puerto Vallarta’s activities. Every now and again, show a willing volunteer how to work the camera and get yourself into a shot or two.

Play on the Bay in Puerto Vallarta

There is no way to deny it – the thing that makes Puerto Vallarta such a popular vacation destination is its location on Banderas Bay. It seems that every Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta faces the bay, and what a great view to wake up to.

Enough with the sight-seeing. The real thrill of sleeping a stone’s throw away from Banderas Bay is the opportunity to get down and soggy whenever you choose. The simplest thing you can do, of course, is to walk across the beach directly into the water. No special tools or toys, no extra cost, and people do it all the time.

To get the most out of some of your bay activities, you can use your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta as a base and take a short trip out of the city. For example, the clear waters of Las Gemelas or Colomitas beaches are wonderful for snorkeling, and the waves that roll into the bay at Sayulito make surfers very happy.

In case you’re wondering, it’s perfectly alright to stay dry on the beach. Take a towel or find a chaise and spread out in the shade with your favorite book and beverage. You’ll be shocked at how quickly the time passes.

Kids are Welcome in Puerto Vallarta

Before you can take your family on vacation, you need to find a place to take them. You want a destination that has something for everyone. If your gang is unanimous in their desire to go someplace warm, with a beach, take a look at the Vacation Rentals in Puerto Vallarta and start packing.

It may be a resort city, with all the high-end amenities that term includes, but don’t let that keep you from hauling the gang down to Banderas Bay - families are welcome in Puerto Vallarta. There are so many activities to choose from that kids of all ages can stay pleasantly occupied from morning to night.

Your list of kid-oriented activities might look something like this:

•Take a “canopy tour.” It sounds tame, but really, this one is a wild ride on a zipline through the treetops in the jungle.
•Spend a day enjoying a very physical encounter with dolphins at the Dolphin Adventure Center. You and yours can choose your comfort level and get in the water for a face-to-face or, if it feels right, keep a bit more distance between you and these guys.
•The beach beckons. Those Vacation Rentals in Puerto Vallarta are so close to the beach that you’re going to be tempted to spend every day hanging out in and on the waves. So force yourself to get out.

Star-Studded Puerto Vallarta

If you haven’t yet heard about Casa Kimberly, at Calle Zaragoza 445, read on. This is a place that anyone who loves gossip, innuendo and Elizabeth Taylor absolutely must see. The casa is the home that Richard Burton bought for Liz in the 1960s, and it’s not far from your Villa Puerto Vallarta.

For those of you too young to remember Liz and Dick, here’s the scoop: the legendary couple met when they were filming “Cleopatra” in 1963. He moved on to Puerto Vallarta to work on “Night of the Iguana,” and she followed. The film wrapped, the crew moved on to other pastures, Taylor and Burton stayed on.

The couple settled in for a lovely life south of the border – a natural in Puerto Vallarta – and a string friends and acquaintances from Tinsel Town soon joined them. A good time was had by all. (You know how this works; you have a Villa Puerto Vallarta of your own, the envy of all your friends.)

Things didn’t always go swimmingly for the Taylor-Burtons (they had an inclination to argue), so Mr. Burton picked up the villa across the street from Liz’s as a retreat. A cute little footbridge connected the two homes, so no one had to play in traffic to get home.

Take a Puerto Vallarta Hike

You know how tough it is to keep up with your fitness routine when you’re vacationing in Puerto Vallarta. There is good news, though – not far from your Mexico Vacation Villa Rental lies a hike near the bay that will keep your old heart pumping young.

Don’t misunderstand – there is absolutely nothing wrong with relaxation, and it can be just as good for your heart as a good walk. Some folks need to get out, though, and break a sweat. And what better way to walk your way to fitness than to step onto the trail that leads from Boca de Tomatlan to Animas?

This route occasionally asks your feet to get personal with the water, so select shoes that can handle it. Put on your hat and smooth on some sunblock, then grab a water bottle and a couple of sandwiches as you head out the door of your Mexico Vacation Villa Rental. You can take the bus to Boca, a fishing village south of Puerto Vallarta; they run every 30 minutes.

When you get into town, cross the river and stick to the concrete path along the river. When it becomes a dirt path, start looking for a trail high up on the hill. This is the trail to Colomitas Beach. The walk to the beach should take you less than an hour, and when you see it, you may just decide to scrap the rest of the hike and settle in for a lovely afternoon.

Puerto Vallarta’s Silver Tradition

When they book their Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta, many visitors don’t realize that the town was once an important part of the region’s thriving silver industry. Believe it or not, today’s beach bunnies and zip-line zippers didn’t always have a lock on this town; once upon a time, the docks were alive with silver.

In centuries past, miners pulled silver out of the surrounding mountains, and much of that silver made its way to distant markets through the port at Puerto Vallarta. That brief history lesson might help explain the wide and gorgeous selection of silver treasures just waiting for you in Puerto Vallarta’s galleries and shops.

You should know a couple of things about Mexican silver before you begin shopping. First, genuine Mexican silver is stamped with a number that indicates its purity level – a piece that carries the mark “950” is 95 percent pure. And only silver pieces created in Mexico are permitted to carry the “Mexico” or “Mex” stamp.

If you’re looking for the real thing, or things, look for those marks or ask an expert. Either way, choose the right piece and you’ll have a genuinely Mexican memento. When you wear it, your memories will take you back those wonderful evenings spent relaxing at your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta.

Walk on Puerto Vallarta's Wild Side – with Iguanas

An iguana is a lizard – a large-ish green lizard with a wild set of spines running down its back. It lives in the trees, it dines on flowers and fruit, and it likes to sit in the sun and soak up rays. If you weren’t staying in a comfortable Puerto Vallarta Villa Rental, this could describe your stay on Banderas Bay, right?

Anyway, a lot of folks who visit Puerto Vallarta recommend a casual stroll on Isla Rio Cuale, the island at the mouth of the Rio Cuale. The walk doesn’t cost anything, and on a lovely day, it provides pleasant diversion for a morning or an afternoon. While you’re walking, don’t be surprised if you come face to face with an iguana or two.

It turns out that iguanas are hooked on solar energy – they like nothing so much as a hot rock to warm their cold blood. They’re easy to spot, and you’ll know one when you see it since they tend to be green and long. They don’t look for company and they don’t want to play with you, but they’re usually not aggressive, either.

On the other hand, if one of them grunts or hisses at you, it’s probably a good idea to take the long way around its perch on the way back to your Puerto Vallarta Villa Rental.

Puerto Vallarta’s Surfing Scene

Visitors to Mexico stay in Vacation Rentals in Puerto Vallarta for a number of reasons – the weather, the shopping, and yes – the surfing. If you’re looking for an encounter of the rolling waves kind, take a short trip to the village of Sayulita for a surfing adventure on Banderas Bay.

In case you’re wondering why the trek to Sayulita, here’s the deal. As a sea-side destination, Puerto Vallarta has almost everything; it just lacks good surf. As fate would have it, the bay at Sayulita has exactly what you need for a great day on your surfboard. And hey, it’s only 45 minutes north of town by bus.

If you’ve never heard of Sayulita, you haven’t been listening. More and more folks are heading north to spend a day challenging the waves on a surfboard or a boogie board. One nice thing about this beach: it’s a good place for newbies to rent equipment and get a lesson. That’s right, you don’t need to be afraid to go to a surfing beach anymore.

Like all good things that get “discovered,” the surfing crowd is growing at Sayulita, so mind your surfing manners. Drop-ins are welcome and folks in those Vacation Rentals in Puerto Vallarta can reserve their equipment in advance. You probably won’t need a wet suit, although a rashguard is a good idea to keep you warmer and protect your skin from sun and scrapes.

Do the Zoo in Puerto Vallarta

There are tons of things to do while you’re staying in a House For Rent in Puerto Vallarta, so don’t waste a single moment of the day. Although it may sound a bit uninspiring at first glance, consider spending a day wandering the trails and paths at the Vallarta Zoo.

The Zoologico de Vallarta offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy an animal encounter in a jungle environment. You’ll see quite an assortment of species at the zoo, and many of them are housed in a habitat that is as close to being the real thing as you can get. And of course, any place you have “birds and bees,” you’re going to have little ones, so ask if there are any new zoo babies.

The Vallarta Zoo is dedicated to preserving species that are in danger of disappearing from the Earth. Their approach to the problem is education. The zoo’s staff try to help every visitor understand important concepts of environmental conservation, including the place of humans in the natural world.

You’ll find the zoo near Mismaloya, south of the city. You can visit any day between 8:30 and 6:00. Pack a lunch, catch a bus and spend some time at Zoo Vallarta. Your House For Rent in Puerto Vallarta will be waiting at the end of the day.

A Horse is a Horse in Puerto Vallarta

If you’re a horse and history type, you probably already know that horses aren’t native to the America; they came to the New World with Spanish adventurers. They were the long distance conveyance of the 16th century in Mexico (known as New Spain in the day). If you didn’t know, settle back on a lounge chair in your Villa Puerto Vallarta and get familiar with local tradition.

The horse holds a significant place in Mexican culture. It did serve to move the conquistadores from Point A to Point B, something that modern horses probably aren’t especially proud of. On the other hand, when Spaniards introduce cattle to the Americas, the horse was able to bring something positive to its past as it became indispensible to Mexican cattle raisers.

You may encounter a couple of Spanish terms while you’re staying at a Mexico vacation villa rental: caballero and vaquero. Both terms reflect Mexico’s horse and cattle heritage. A vaquero is an individual who works on horseback, tending cattle (vacas) on the range. A caballero may be a gentleman, but he is certainly experienced in handling horses (caballos).

There is much you can learn about horses and horsemanship in Mexico. For example, in the 1970s, Mexican breeders established a new, distinctly Mexican horse breed known as the Azteca. Use your stay in a Villa Puerto Vallarta as an opportunity to learn more about the country’s horse culture and its special breed of horse.

Welcome to Sunny Puerto Vallarta

One of the first things a visitor planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta wants to know is, “How’s the weather this time of year?” The great thing about this destination is that it really doesn’t matter what time of year you’re talking about. Book that Puerto Vallarta Vacation Villa Rental and count on lovely weather.

Prepare yourself for an atmospheric feast: depending on who you listen to (or what you read), you’re in for a lot of sunshine. That’s right, Puerto Vallarta gets anywhere from 322 to 345 days of sunshine every year. Of course, that’s an average, but given those numbers, the smart money says expect sun, bring sunblock.

The “high season” in Puerto Vallarta falls during the winter months. With average highs in the 70s and 80s and lows in the 60s at night, this is the place to be as the snow flies further north. In fact, locals will probably shrug their shoulders and shake their heads “no” if you ask about snow shovels.

Make no mistake: it does rain in Puerto Vallarta, especially between June and September. In fact, it rains quite a little bit. Unlike the rain storms you may be recognize from home, however, this is a warm rain. Sure, it may pelt down, but it most likely won’t leave you soaked and shivering – just soaked. So go ahead, get wet; then return to the comfort of your Puerto Vallarta Vacation Villa Rental to towel off and maybe take a soak – in the hot tub, that is.

High Class Glass in Puerto Vallarta

You’re the lucky duck, the one who will be staying in a Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rental. So be a hero for someone who missed out on the fun – return home with a gift that reflects the warmth and color of Puerto Vallarta. Take home a work of art in the form of Mexican glassware.

Local artists produce some lovely pieces; you’ll recognize them by their gorgeous colors and round, fluid shape. It’s not hard to find – many local galleries carry Mexican glass. Start your search for the perfect piece in Viejo Vallarta at Pee Wee or La Rosa de Cristal.

A gift of glass is both beautiful and practical. A colorful picture frame may be perfect surround for photos from your honeymoon. Or select pieces for beverage service, maybe some tall water glasses or a set of bowl-shaped margarita glasses; it’s pretty easy to find a pitcher to match.

This isn’t assembly line work – genuine Mexican glass is hand-blown, so expect each piece to be just a bit different from its mates. Many connoisseurs prefer pieces with lots of bubbles, which create an even more unique look, and Confetti colors in the glass add a festive touch, as well.

Be a pal and bring back some lovely gifts from your stay in a Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rental. Your friends and loved ones will thank you. Besides, a colorful piece in your own home will inspire you to head back to Banderas Bay at your earliest opportunity.

Rodeo, Puerto Vallarta Style – the Charreada

Looking for a bit of excitement? There is nothing like a Mexican rodeo, or charreada, to get your pulses pounding. Not far from town and your Vacation Rentals in Puerto Vallarta, you can step into an arena to watch teams of men and women match wits with livestock and each other. Throw on some comfortable clothes and take off for an afternoon of fun.

Much like rodeo in the US, the charreada harks back to the days when cowboys, or charros in Spanish, worked their ranches from horseback. Their lifestyle became a tremendously popular subject for movies and novels in the 20th century, and the sport of charreada found its legs.

If you think you know rodeo, be prepared – the charreada has something new for you. Instead of denim-clad individuals competing individually, two teams of men and women dressed in traditional costume compete against each other. You’ll be treated to a colorful opening ceremony, followed by a series of nine events that test the contestants’ skills in a number of areas.

You can ride the bus to Lienzo Charro Miguel Prieto Ibarria; if you prefer, take a taxi or your own car. No matter how you get there, get ready for a wild ride. The competition is fierce and enthusiastic, and the participants always raise a bit of dust as they go about their work.

It’s fast-paced and thrilling, and if you don’t mind eating a bit of dust, you’ll enjoy a day spent in the company of horses and bulls. Don’t worry about the dirt – clean up back at your Vacation Rentals in Puerto Vallarta, and you’re ready for a night on the town.

Celebrate the Winter Holidays in Puerto Vallarta

Winter holidays seem to bring special cheer to life just when we need it most. When it’s cold outside and the days are short and dark, we rise to the challenge with hot chocolate and twinkle lights strung by the hundreds. You will love spending the “Season of Light” in a Luxury Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta on Banderas Bay, where local tradition adds a special flair to the seasonal celebrations.

The Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe
December 12, the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, is one of the most special feast days in Mexico. This festival marks the day that the beautiful Virgin of Guadalupe revealed herself to a young Mexican peasant and instructed him to build a church on that spot. If you planned your stay in a luxury villa rental Puerto Vallarta to coincide with that date, you really must take part in the festivities.

The celebration begins on December 1; each night, a different local organization puts together a procession that makes its way through the streets of town to the catedral to pay homage to the Virgin. On the final night of the celebration, revelers take to the streets, vendors crowd the plaza and fireworks fill the skies.

And There’s More . . .
You may not know that December 12 is also recognized in Puerto Vallarta as the city’s anniversary. You might want to catch the special ceremonies at City Hall, and you certainly don’t want to miss the fiesta along the Malecon. After this date, official holidays take a breather until December 16, when the Christmas season begins.

The week of December 16 through 24 is “Christmas Week” in Mexico. Throughout the week, you may find yourself invited to special “posadas,” or parties, that reprise Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. Processions of people make their way to a given house, singing and carrying candles. When they arrive and ask for a place to stay, the host tells them “no” several times before he finally throws open his door and invites everyone in to the party.

No matter what your belief system, you cannot help but enjoy December in Puerto Vallarta. Use your Luxury Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta as a base and get out there with the crowds, light a candle, and take part in the lovely traditions of Mexico.

Chocolate at Home in Puerto Vallarta

Maybe you didn’t know that chocolate, or rather, the cacao seed that produces chocolate, is native to Mexico. Or maybe you did know. In either case, you’ll want to learn more about this divine product of Mexico during your stay at your Villa Puerto Vallarta.

“Divine” is an appropriate term for chocolate, because its botanical name is said to mean, “food of the gods.” The treat was known for centuries before native Aztec peoples introduced it to Spanish invaders. European explorers offered it to their royal sponsors in Spain, and after a bit of experimentation, hot chocolate as we know it was born.

In Puerto Vallarta, however, you really ought to try chocolate Mexico style. As a beverage, Mexican bitter chocolate may be mixed with milk, and it always includes spices like molasses, cinnamon, anise, and even chile. And the centerpiece of the local dish called Chicken Mole is the mole sauce, a heavenly blend of chococlate, chile, cloves, anise and other spices cooked in chicken stock.

You can enjoy the taste of chocolate cuisine in local restaurants. And if you’re staying in a Villa Puerto Vallarta, you can purchase Mexican chocolate at a local market and whip up a special meal on your own. Better yet, ask the cook at your villa to prepare his or her favorite chocolate dish. However you choose to do it, make it a point to enjoy a dish that features this native treat.

Mariachi – the Music of Puerto Vallarta

The city of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific coast is considered one of the country’s most entertaining resort destinations. You’ll find the usual resort amenities offered up here, cloaked in shades of Mexican culture. Whether you are staying in a Mexico Vacation Villa Rental or a resort hotel, you really should make it a point to seek out attractions that identify your surroundings as distinctly of Mexico. And what could be more authentically Mexican than mariachi music?

The beautiful sounds of mariachi originated in the Mexican state of Jalisco, so this particular musical art form is right at home in Puerto Vallarta, which is located in – you guessed it – Jalisco! A mariachi group typically consists of a number of guitars and related stringed instruments, accompanied by two or three trumpets. The musicians may or may not be vocalists as well. And their music is unmistakably of Mexican origin.

A number of different mariachi groups perform in and around Puerto Vallarta. While there are plenty of street musicians in town, they’re not all mariachi. In addition to their beautiful music, which addresses themes of love and betrayal, you can recognize a mariachi group by their distinctive, silver-studded suits. Locals and visitors alike strongly recommend a session with Mariachi Cocula, who appear in a variety of venues around town throughout the week.

Your visit to Mexico can turn into something truly special when you take time to enjoy the local culture in a personal way. And if you stay in a Mexico Vacation Villa Rental, nestled in the hills around the city, you will have an opportunity to experience the city from a unique vantage point.

Escape the Crowd at San Blas

Everyone goes to the beach when they visit Puerto Vallarta. Some days, you just want to throw down your gear and enjoy the sun, but some days, you want something a bit off the beaten path. When you have one of those days, why not abandon the beach for a few hours and venture out of your Villa Puerto Vallarta to enjoy the area without the call of the crowd. One option – go north on a journey to San Blas.

This trip can be a day-long adventure, especially if you stop at the northern end of your expedition to swim and snorkel. The town San Blas is further north along the coast, about 60 miles from Puerto Vallarta.

You’ll find the pace of life much slower in this small fishing village. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, a day spent exploring town and floating in the bay will help you break your habit. Make no mistake – there are plenty of things to do in San Blas: visit La Tovara springs, see Our Lady of the Rosary Church and the ruins of the old fort, swim in Matachen Bay. And enjoy the relative quiet of the experience.

Keep in mind that holidays are likely to draw a good number of visitors to Mexico’s beach towns. For example, Semana Santa (Easter week) is the equivalent of Spring Break, and many Mexican families head for the beach in towns like San Blas. These jovial crowds add to the festive mood during any holiday season.

It’s a special treat to spend the holidays in a Villa Puerto Vallarta, so embrace the celebrations as well as the celebrants, and have a great time. If the holidays are your favorite times during the year, now is a good time to book a villa Puerto Vallarta and start your preparations for a great time on Banderas Bay.

Bring Home a Piece of Puerto Vallarta

Two kinds of people go shopping in Puerto Vallarta – people who consider shopping to be a competitive sport (team or individual) and approach it with gusto, and people who can’t say which is more fun, a root canal or going shopping. No matter which category you fall into, at the very least you’re going to want a memento of your stay in a Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta, so quit whining and start shopping.

The nicest take-aways are local treasures, items that are unique to Mexico and perhaps even to Puerto Vallarta, that will remind you of your days spent splashing in the surf and nights spent dancing till dawn. You can pick up local goods along the Malecon or at the flea market on the Rio Cuale, or you can barter with vendors on the beach. A few ideas, no matter where you shop:

You can purchase woven goods – belts, serapes, blankets and ponchos – of varying quality in a wide range of prices. You can expect to pay more for finely woven pieces crafted by local artisans, so if you’re looking for quality on a budget, treat yourself to a smaller piece like a woven belt.

Mexico is known for its beautiful silver, and again, you’ll get what you pay for. Pieces made of sterling silver will have a “.925" stamp on the back. Some of what you see on the beach isn’t solid silver, so if you want the real thing, you might be better off buying from the shops in town.

If you want to take home some handcrafted pottery or ceramics, visit Talavera at Ignacio Vallarta 266 and find something in their collection. You can choose from tile mosaics, colorful folk art pieces or an entire set of dinnerware.

Of course, you can pick up things for the young set, as well. Favorites include marionettes and traditional dolls with soft bodies dressed in ethnic costumes. Your best choice, hands down, is the piece that will bring that faraway look to your face as you revisit your stay in a Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta. That’s what souvenirs are all about!

Walk in Puerto Vallarta's Woods

Puerto Vallarta Villas are wonderful, but you have to go outside sometime! There are tons of good reasons to take a hike through the trees, and here are a few of them: it’s good for your legs; it’s good for your heart; it’s good for your mental attitude. Besides, there is no better way to see the local flora and fauna than on foot. So lace up your hiking boots (or your Tevas) and take off for a day on the trails around town. Here are a couple of options.

El Nogalito is a small village in the jungle just a few miles south of Puerto Vallarta. Drive out of town toward Mismaloya; when you reach the turn for Punta Negra beach, turn left and follow the signs on the Calzada del Cedro to the pueblo. As you get near town, look for the restaurant El Nogalito. This eatery comes highly recommended, so you might want to stop for a bite before venturing into the unknown. Besides, several trails take off from here, and you can usually hire a guide. As an alternative, you can join a tour that leaves from Puerto Vallarta. Either way, hike in the jungle, along and across the river, to the falls. Take a cool dip in the water then head back to where you started.

Many travelers recommend the hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas, along the edge of the ocean. Once again, to get to the start point, you must head south out of Puerto Vallarta; for this trip, you go past Mismaloya to Boca de Tomatlan. You can take a bus or taxi, or you can drive yourself. Cross the footbridge over the river and stay on the paved walk that follows the river until you come to the dirt trail to Colomitas Beach. Stay here to swim and snorkel, or keep going. The hike to Las Animas should take 2 to 3 hours; you can get back to Boca de Tomatlan the way you arrived (on foot), or you can take a water taxi. Then it's back to the Puerto Vallarta villas.

It should go without saying, but let’s say it anyway – you need to be in good physical condition if you plan to hike. Dress appropriately for the season and terrain you’ll be covering, and take along a swimming suit, just in case you get a chance to take a dip. Wear lots of sunscreen and take it along so you can reapply. Wear shoes that can handle trails as well as stream beds (if you’re planning a splash in the water), and always wear a hat. You’ll probably be glad you have water and snacks with you, as well.

San Sebastian for the Day

Not very far from your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta lies a very different world, a small and charming Mexican town that will take you back to the days before cell phones and satellite television ruled the day. In fact, a trip to San Sebastian will take you back to a time when the community’s the central square, or plaza, was the focal point for social life. That isn’t to say that life in San Sebastian has always been calm. Quite the opposite, in fact: in its heyday, miners pulled gold and silver from surrounding mines, and San Sebastian served as the provincial capital and home to tens of thousands of people.

One look at the architecture and the town’s layout will tell you that this lovely place is not very different today than it was 100 or 200 years ago. A visit to San Sebastian will appeal to everyone who wants to spend a pleasant day exploring the streets of this now-quiet village high in the Sierra Madre. No extreme sports or wild clubs here, just fresh air and nice people.

Make no mistake – you will find things to do in town. Shop for silver and other local items. If you’re visiting in spring, don’t miss the San Sebastian Silver Festival, which takes place over three days in May. Visit the La Quinta coffee farm, a fifth-generation family enterprise which produces organic coffee, takes guests on short tours and serves coffee and fruit rolls from a stand on the road. Enjoy a good meal. The restaurant Real y Minas comes highly recommended. And if you love to sit on the patio with a cup of coffee and watch the world go slowly by, stop at Los Arcos for breakfast.

You can reach San Sebastian by car; simply follow the airport road toward the university; when you reach the Y in the road, take the route to Mascota until you reach Estancia where you’ll see the sign to San Sebastian. If this sounds too complicated, pay a few pesos and catch a bus to the fork in the road and catch a ride to the small mountain town. Or take a tour with one of Puerto Vallarta’s vendors. Either way, you’ll return to your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta satisfied with a day well spent.

Dance the Night Away in Puerto Vallarta

You simply cannot grow bored in Puerto Vallarta – there are activities to take you from sun-up to sun-down and more. Much of the region’s attraction is a direct result of its location on Banderas Bay at the foot of the mountains, great for outdoor recreationists. But what about indoor recreationists? If you have been itching to step out from your Puerto Vallarta Luxury Villa Rental and have some fun until the wee small hours, this is the city that can make it happen.

There are a number of bars in Puerto Vallarta’s Central District; from the totally loud and touristy to the more low-key and, well, touristy. Still, if it’s a party you want, you will find it at one of these places:

Andale’s, at Olas Altas 425, caters to an older crowd, which isn’t to say they’re a less spirited crowd. You might find one or another guest riding a donkey through the bar.

Carlos O’Briens is pretty widely known and easy to find at 786 Paseo Diaz Ordaz. The late-night crowd dances the night away with the excellent DJ.

The party doesn’t even get started until 10 pm or later, but once the gang at De Santos (771 Morelos) kicks it in gear, they’re likely to party on until 4 in the morning.

The salsa dancer in you will love La Bodeguita de Media, at Paseo Diaz Ordaz 858. And if you don’t salsa, you can sip on a mojito and watch those who do.

Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife (and early morning life, as well) will leave you exhausted but exhilarated. Catch a cab back to your Puerto Vallarta Luxury Villa Rental and tuck yourself into bed for what’s left of the night.

A Treasure Hunt in the Rio Cuale Market

You planned your trip to Puerto Vallarta because you wanted to do something different, to get away from your every-day life and see a bit of the world. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid all your regular activities. Take shopping, for instance. When you’re home, you go to the grocery store, you go to the mall, but honestly - how often do you get the chance to shop at the Rio Cuale Market?

It’s a short trip from your Vacation Rentals in Puerto Vallarta to the Rio Cuale Flea Market, and you’ll be glad you made it once you get there. The market sits on Isla Rio Cuale, a small island in the river very close to Puerto Vallarta’s downtown. The island itself is a focal point for folks who enjoy its walking trails, shops, restaurants, and the Rio Cuale Market.

The market is said to be one of the largest in Mexico; shops and stalls stack two stories high, and their proprietors sell all kinds of local goods, including pottery, leather goods, and jewelry. There is no better place to get a great deal on some wonderful mementos of your Mexican holiday.

Bridges span the river from the island to the surrounding neighborhoods, so you won’t have any trouble getting back to your Vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta after your shopping expedition. Gather around the pool with a cool beverage and brag about the great deals you made on your newly purchased treasures.

Puerto Vallarta on Two Wheels - Easy as Falling Off a Bike

You remember what it was like learning to ride a bicycle – pedal a couple of times then fall, pedal then fall. You kept after it until you got it right. And you know what they say about bicycles – once you learn how to ride, you never forget. If they’re right, you should still have the cycling skills of an 8-year old. The weather is great, so why not abandon your Puerto Vallarta Villa Rental for a few hours and hop on a two-wheeler?

Tour operators offer mountain-bike tours for riders of every skill level. If you haven’t been on a bike since you were 8, or if you just don’t enjoy the experience of catapulting down a mountainside at top speed, consider biking around Puerto Vallarta itself.

If you want to take the family on a ride that will leave everyone mostly intact, join BikeMex on their Rio Cuale tour. You’ll start riding through town and finish up along the banks of the Rio Cuale. This one takes off twice a day (except Sundays) and lasts about 4½ hours. They provide the bicycle, the guide and the water; you bring the sunblock.

At the other end of the difficulty scale, the Killer Donkey ride will take you along old mining trails, up and down some pretty severe terrain. This one is for experienced, strong riders only. Really. No matter what tour you take, you can soothe your aching muscles in the hot tub when you get back to your Puerto Vallarta Villa rental.

Catch Your Bass in Puerto Vallarta

Bass fishermen, this one’s for you: get your gear to Puerto Vallarta for some great bass fishing. That’s right, Cajon de Pena Lake is home to some great bass, and other sport fishing species, as well. Read on, then reserve your Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rental and head to Mexico to enjoy your favorite pastime.

There’s no denying that La Presa Cajon de Pena is a bit of a trek from town, about two hours’ drive, but you’ll be glad you made it when you get on the lake. The record black bass weighted in at 13 pounds. People who know say you need to be on the lake at dawn for the best fishing. And you don’t really need to bring your own gear if you go with the right guide.

Two guides, Myles Lineberger and Pro Bass Fishing with Steve, will take you to the lake, set you up with all the gear you’ll need for the day, take you out on a fast bass boat and feed you. It’s a long day, 12 hours away from your villa Puerto Vallarta, and lunch is on the fly (so to speak), and you’re going to love it from beginning to end.

If you’re a hardcore bass fisherman, or woman, spend a day on the lake while you’re in Puerto Vallarta. You’ll have to leave your Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rental before the birds start singing in the morning, but then, you’re used to that. And at the end of your expedition to Cajon de Pena Lake, you decide if this isn’t some of the best bass you’ve ever had.

Deep Sea Fishing in Puerto Vallarta - It’s Not for Sissies

You are mistaken if you imagine that a vacation in Puerto Vallarta includes little more than stretching out on a blanket on the beach. Here’s a news flash for you: Puerto Vallarta is terrific sport fishing territory. This place rocks when it comes to deep sea fishing and charter expeditions, so book your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta now to make certain you have a place to sleep when the fishing season is at its peak.

Fishing fans love their sport in Puerto Vallarta, although many of them choose to catch and release whenever possible. Experts consider these waters some of the best; the catch of the day might include yellowfin tuna, dorado, sailfish and blue and black marlin–mostly respectable in size, occasionally gigantic. If you’re fixing for a fight, the big ones around Puerto Vallarta are happy to oblige.

Competitive fishermen need look no farther than Puerto Vallarta to find top-notch tournament fishing opportunities. The Fishing Club of Puerto Vallarta sponsors an event in the fall that draws hundreds of participants; the annual International Puerto Vallarta Sailfish and Marlin Tournament has become a widely respected event among those who know and love sport fishing. If you like to combine good deeds and fishing, check out the Hook the Cure Fishing Tournament in Puerto Vallarta; proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

It doesn’t matter why you want to go deep sea fishing in Puerto Vallarta–a number of good charter fishing companies can accommodate. Wander along the dock at the end of the day to see which boats are sporting the most flags, a sign that the crew caught a big bunch of fish. When you book your trip, confirm that your license and fees are included in the cost. Then eat a hearty breakfast, grab a cap and set out from your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta for a day of sport fishing adventure on the Pacific.

A Day with Dolphins in Puerto Vallarta

You have been in Puerto Vallarta a couple of days now; you’ve gone shopping, you’ve enjoyed a few beverages, you’ve taken in the local scene. Today, it’s time to get away from your Mexico Vacation Villa Rental, get away from town attractions, and do something entirely different. One adventure that gets rave reviews is a day swimming with dolphins.

That’s right – you can actually get in the water with these intelligent creatures and experience them up close and in person. You can choose a dolphin experience that suits your comfort level, from interaction with dolphin and trainer in a very small group to a larger group encounter. And if you have your suspicions about dolphins, you can enjoy their antics from afar.

You can experience a dolphin adventure with a variety of operators, so shop around and read the reviews before you book a tour. Vallarta Adventures offers dolphin encounters at its Dolphin Center in Nuevo Vallarta; they ask that you leave your jewelry at home and don’t wear sun block (it’s not good for the dolphins). Sea Life Park Vallarta, also in Nuevo Vallarta, is a dolphins-plus adventure. You can spend all day playing in the water: get acquainted with dolphins in their pool, take a ripping ride on the water toboggans and float a lazy river.

However you choose to enjoy your visit with the dolphins, you’ll return home to your luxurious Mexico Vacation Villa Rental at the end of a satisfying day, slip into the hot tub with a cold beverage, and enjoy a quieter kind of encounter with another gorgeous Puerto Vallarta evening.

Go Whale Watching on Banderas Bay

If you’re like most people, you planned your vacation and took that Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta so you could spend some time in and on the water. Nature lovers will tell you that whale watching is one of the most exciting and satisfying adventures you can have on Banderas Bay. A day spent interacting with these splendid animals will leave you with a new sense of wonder for the natural world.

Humpback whales are the stars of this show; each one has unique markings on dorsal fins and flukes, so individual whales are fairly easy to identify. Take a camera and offer to be part of one of the photo-ID research programs for these wonderful creatures. Treat the whales with respect; keep your distance and don’t chase them, and you and the whales will be happier for it.

Whale watching tour operators are regulated by the government of Mexico; there is a legal season for this pastime (usually mid-December through April) and responsible operators are licensed by the government. Be a thoughtful visitor; when you enjoy watching the whales within these limits, you help to ensure the whales’ future well-being.

Choose your tour operator based on what you want to get out of the experience. A couple of operators, including Ecotours de Mexico and The Whale Watching Center, have trained biologists and oceanologists on staff. When you go whale watching with them, you’ll have a great time on the tour and you may learn a lot about whales from these knowledgeable guides. Because they work with small groups on small boats, you need to make a reservation in advance.

A whale watching excursion can be a day-long adventure, so be prepared when you set out from your Villa Puerto Vallarta. Take a hat, sunglasses and sun block. Many tour operators provide drinks and snacks, but it doesn’t hurt to take a bottle of water, just in case.

Get Out There and . . . Relax

As soon as you get settled into your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta, you’re going to want to get going. You want to see the sights; swim, snorkel and splash; and try all the amazing adventure outings you can find. Believe it or not, all that fun might just wear you down until you feel like you need a day off to relax and regroup.

That’s great, because Puerto Vallarta is home to a huge collection of day spas that can help you loosen up. Naturally, you can spend a day in the spa at one of the big resorts, but that’s not so very different from what you will get at home. Since you’re in Mexico, you might like a spa experience that includes a taste of local culture.

One favorite day spa is Terra Noble. Its rustic outdoor setting doesn’t suit everyone’s taste, but if you have an interest in more traditional healing arts, consider their Temazcalli Ceremony. The steam bath, medicinal herbs, and chants draw from Aztec traditions, and the experience is designed to restore your spirit using elements from Mother Earth.

If you’re reluctant to take too much time away from the fun and sun, bring a massage therapist to you. Yin-Yang will pack up a massage table and arrive at the door of your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta, prepared to massage away the knots and knocks you’ve collected on your vacation. All you need to do is decide if you want your massage in the cool comfort of the villa, or if you prefer an outdoor experience on your private patio beside the pool.

Golf with a View in Puerto Vallarta

You know how gorgeous Puerto Vallarta is, so it should come as no surprise that it has more than a handful of gorgeous golf courses. In fact, some people will tell you that the city is becoming a golf destination. If you love the game, you really ought to spend a day away from your Puerto Vallarta Vacation Villa Rental with your clubs, your sun block and your bug spray, giving your golf balls the ride of their lives.

Golfers are pretty vocal about their experiences on the course, and it’s pretty hard to find anything negative to say about Vista Vallarta Nicklaus. This championship course sits high in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, giving golfers magnificent views to go along with the challenging golf.

Four Seasons Punta Mita’s claim to fame (if you ignore the fact that several holes are prime ocean-front property) is the "Tail of the Whale," a hole built on a rocky island in the bay. Tee off from the beach and sink your putt on the green shaped like - what else? - a whale’s tail.

Los Flamingos Country Club is one of the oldest courses in town, and it’s a favorite with many golfers for a couple of reasons: its lush vegetation and its reasonable rates. If you’re still learning the game and refining your skills, this might be the course for you.

One of the nicest things about staying in a Puerto Vallarta Vacation Villa Rental is coming home to it after playing 18 holes. Unwind in your private pool, then enjoy the sunset and a great meal on your own patio. You might just convince yourself to hit the links again tomorrow.

Puerto Vallarta Has a Fine Arts Scene

Perhaps you were unaware of it, but Puerto Vallarta is becoming more widely recognized as a center for the fine arts, and for the work of Mexican artists in particular. Art is like a window into the heart and soul of a culture, and if you’re already in love with Puerto Vallarta and Mexico, you really ought to make time to learn more about its thriving art community. When you're finished exploring, you'll be able to describe to your friends the pieces that adorn your Puerto Vallarta Vacation Villa Rental.

If you enjoy sculpture, painting and other art forms, and you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta during the city’s high season for the arts (November through April), make sure your catch the Old Town Art Walk. The circuit features many of the best galleries in Viejo Vallarta/Old Town; they stay open late on Wednesday evenings just for this event. Although you can do it on your own, most hotels and local businesses can give you a brochure with detailed information and a map of the walk.

If you just don’t have time for the art walk, you still ought to visit one or two galleries. At Galeria Vallarta (Juarez 263, down the street from the main Plaza), you can see works by featured artists and you can shop. Pick up posters, jewelry and local handicrafts for those poor folks who had to stay home. The gallery staff will pack and ship your purchases so you don’t need to worry about damaging your treasures on the way home.

When you’ve finished the art walk and you’re back in your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta, take a minute to look at the way the decorator used local arts to create just the right balance of comfort and elegance. Then go back to the galleries in Old Town and select some pieces for yourself.

Zipping through Los Veranos

It happened. The day finally arrived when a day at the beach just didn’t appeal – you’re water-logged, you’re sunburnt, you want a day to get the sand out of your toes and do something different. That is the day you need set out from your Puerto Vallarta Luxury Villa Rental and take a trip to the forest for a really cool change of routine.

Canopy Tours de Los Veranos will give you a tremendous canopy tour of the tropical forest south of Puerto Vallarta. This is an adventure you just have to try. The name says it all: you are going to tour the forest canopy, otherwise known as the treetops. Obviously, this isn’t something you want to try if you’re afraid of heights, because you will be way up there. If you’re up for it, put on your shorts and tennies, and bring your bug spray.

Canopy Tours provides a ride from Puerto Vallarta as part of the tour, which lets you relax while someone else does the driving. The trip out of town usually takes less than an hour, so enjoy the scenery. When you get there, the professional staff and guides set you up with equipment and training, and they do their level best to make certain you don’t hurt yourself zipping through the forest.

To experience a canopy tour, you travel from one point to another suspended above the forest, zinging down a zip line. You can control your speed by changing the shape of your body: spread out to slow down, bunch up to go faster. Once you get over the first shock, you’re probably going to want to go faster, but don’t forget to take time to look at the forest, the trees, the birds. You will have a blast, and at the end of the day, you can go back to your Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta, relax on the patio with a cool drink, and talk about who went fastest. Or, you can review the action again and again on the DVD you purchase from the company.

Mascota for a Day

You’re having a great time in Puerto Vallarta; you’ve done nearly everything a person can do on the beach, and now you’re sunburnt and water-logged. If you need to get back on terra firma, it may just be time to leave your Puerto Vallarta Luxury Villa Rental and take a road trip. Get out of the city and get a look at rural life in Mexico. A trip to the green agricultural region of Mascota may be just what you need.

Today, Mascota is renowned for the horses raised there, but it wasn’t always so. Over two thousand years ago, this region of Jalisco’s western highlands was home to a vibrant culture that left artifacts and pictures etched in the rocks. You can see much of the pottery and other pieces at the local museum, sponsored by the National Geographic Society. And just down the street, visit Mascota Casa de Cultura to get a taste of local arts.

This is a long day trip because the drive time itself is over two hours one way. No matter - it is worth your time to see a bit of the countryside - that’s why you came to Mexico. You can take a bus (the Red line and the Blue line both go that way); you can drive yourself; or you might treat yourself and fly into the region with Vallarta Luxury Travels.

Make the most of the journey, no matter how you choose to get there. And when you return settle down in your Puerto Vallarta Luxury Villa Rental by your private pool to replay the day’s events and plan for tomorrow.

Go for the Cup - the America’s Cup!

If you’ve ever watched sailing yacht races and wondered how they make those things go so fast, you have a chance to find out. You can sign on to "crew" an America’s Cup racing yacht right in Puerto Vallarta, it’s tons of fun, and it’s not far from your Puerto Vallarta Villa Rental.

A local tour operator, Vallarta Adventures, owns a couple of America’s Cup sailing yachts, and they will take you out, teach you a few tricks and set their two yachts up for a race. The professional crew will show you how to trim your sails, how to tack and jibe, and how to make a racing yacht go fast! It’s high adventure on the sea, and it’s a blast.

The trip lasts about 3 hours. All you need is your sunblock, comfortable clothes and some soft-soled running shoes; they provide all the professional gear for this outing. And don’t worry if you’ve never been on a sailboat before - no experience needed. And, if you want the experience but you don’t want to work, they can handle that, too.

They don’t run these America’s Cup trips every day, so you need to check ahead to learn when they are racing and when they have space available (they can’t take huge numbers of people). And there’s a bit of confusing information on their website: they warn that the minimum age for sailors is 12, but they have rates for kids 8 to 12. The trips leave from the Maritime Terminal in Puerto Vallarta.

At the end of the day, sit on the patio of your Luxury Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta and recall the thrill of the wind whipping across your face as you skimmed across the water.

Star-Struck at Las Caletas

You go for everything Hollywood--that's why you're staying in a Luxury Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta--so you just have to visit Las Caletas beach, John Huston’s private retreat on Banderas Bay, not too far from the city. Huston, an actor and director with a huge list of films to his credit, leased a slice of land several years ago from the local indigenous people. He really loved this place, facing the bay and backing on the jungle, totally separated from the rest of the world.

In case no one mentioned it yet, you should know that Huston made much of the Oscar-nominated film, "Night of the Iguana," right in this area. Apparently, the actors took some convincing to get on board with the area’s remote location and lack of amenities, and the story hasn’t changed all that much. You still have to take a boat to get to Las Caletas beach - there are no roads to the place.

Although Huston’s property reverted to the original owners, you can still visit to the beach at Las Caletas. Check with Vallarta Adventures; they operate a concession with day trips to the beach, and it’s well worth it. You get a full day adventure - swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, walking tours of the area, and meals. If you want, you can spend a little more and get a massage at their spa center, or do some scuba diving. It’s a long boat ride, though, so if you prefer to spend more time in the water and less time on the water, you might want to look for another adventure closer to town.

If you don’t want to go the excursion route, you can take the bus to Mismaloya and hire a panga (a small boat with an outboard motor) to visit one of the other gorgeous beaches in the area. (Las Caletas is private, so you can’t go there without a ticket!) Make the most of your Vacation Rentals in Puerto Vallarta and enjoy this rare slice of the world.