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.