Tropical Fish in Banderas Bay

Among the more enjoyable pursuits you can enjoy when you visit Mexico is the opportunity to become acquainted with the natural residents of the area – the kind that walk on four legs, hop about on tree branches, and swim in Banderas Bay. In fact, you’ve probably seen their pictures as you search for vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta. Once you get to town, keep your eyes open for these colorful guys.

You’ll find plenty of color and variety on the ground and in the air, and you certainly don’t want to overlook our finny friends (not to be confused with our friends from Finland) as you take stock of local wildlife. They may not be visible from the patios of vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta, but they’re out there just the same, and you can slip into a mask and fins for a personal encounter.

>> For color, you probably won’t find a fish more striking than the Cortez Angelfish. These attractive yellow and black lovelies are said to take only one mate.
>> Watch for the fancy, D-shaped trailing crest and alternating black and yellow bands of the Moorish Idol. It’s a one-of-a-kind and not always easy to spot, as they tend to be loners.
>> Rays are totally cool – gentle and shy and tons of fun to watch.

You’re Good to Go in Puerto Vallarta

By now, you most likely have put together an exhaustive list of activities to while away the hours of your stay in Puerto Vallarta. And you have probably come to realize that your list, while lengthy, doesn’t begin to cover all the things that visitors enjoy during a vacation on the shores of Banderas Bay. While it may not top your list, you won’t want to miss an opportunity to celebrate your legs with a bit of Puerto Vallarta hiking.
For our purposes here, a hike is perhaps somewhat different from a walk. Naturally, you can walk along the Malecón; you can walk on los Muertos beach; you can walk to the next tee at the Paradise Village El Tigre golf course. Puerto Vallarta hiking is a bit different than those worthy, but more town focused, work-outs.
You’ll find a number of opportunities to hike, and each requires a different level of skill and exertion. For example, you can slip on your 5-fingers (they’re shoes) and hike from los Muertos Beach to Conchas Chinas Beach on the trail that climbs over the hill. Or you can set out on a longer and more daring trip from Boca de Tomatlán to Colomitos Beach – this one may test your legs and your lungs!

Cool Green in Puerto Vallarta

When you make plans to spend your vacation in Puerto Vallarta, there are a few standard attractions you can look forward to: a day or two spent playing at the beach; time passed wandering through shops and galleries in town; and an endless parade of drinks and meals, followed by more drinks with perhaps some tapas. Visitors set out from villa rentals Mexico every day with a full schedule.

The action, the jewelry and big hats, the margaritas and fresh sea food probably ought to send a little tickle of anticipation up your spine. It’s not a problem if all that running, dancing and feasting sends you running for cover – lots of folks stay in villa rentals Mexico for the express purpose of enjoying some quiet moments. And there’s no better place than the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden.

You’ll find this gem a few miles south of town on Highway 200 between Puerto Vallarta and El Tuito. Whether you drive, share a taxi ride with friends or take a bus, you’re sure to enjoy the extensive collection, which includes jungle trails and colorful tropical birds. Spend time in the tree fern garden, enjoy the orchid house, and maybe cool off in the little creek that runs by.

Goin' Boating in Puerto Vallarta

You’re going to wake up one of these mornings, step out on the balcony of your Puerto Vallarta villa, and hear Banderas Bay calling. From that moment, you’ll be driven to get out there on the water and explore it for yourself. This particular call of the wet won’t be satisfied by a spin on a tour boat – you want to feel the bay in a serious way. You can satisfy this need in a variety of ways that range from extremely simplistic (some might say child-like) to complicated.

Commandeer an inflatable mattress (you might find one in a closet at the Puerto Vallarta villa) and set sail from the beach. This is good fun so long as you stay in relatively shallow water: the waves will play with your raft, and you’ll be relatively safe.

Rent a sea kayak and explore a bit more of the rocky coastline. This is a great way to get an upper-body workout, especially if you don’t plan to get too far away from dry land.

Hire a boat and captain to take you out on the bay. This is likely to work out best for you if you talk directly with the boat’s captain to learn exactly what he can and cannot do for you.

World-wide Arts in Puerto Vallarta

Many connoisseurs of the fine arts think of Puerto Vallarta’s impressive array of art galleries as collections that feature tomorrow’s great masterpieces. Puerto Vallarta enjoys a growing and glowing reputation as a center for the fine arts, and you don’t have to wander far from your Mexico vacation villa rental to find a gallery that features work by artists from around the globe.

If you have a fondness for unique items that don’t necessarily reside in a frame, take a few hours away from your Mexico vacation villa rental and see what’s afoot at these artistic hot spots:

Galeria Alpacora, at Ignatio Vallarta 232, offers a varied and ecclectic selection of items from a number of countries in South America, including Peruvian textiles and works in Mexican copper.

Galeria International, at Marina Las Palmas 1 L8 in Marina Vallarta, features a strong selection of work from Africa. You can select basketry created by Zulu artisans, jewelry and cutlery in copper from South Africa, and sculpture crafted in Zimbabwe.

Keep it local with stained glass creations done by craftsmen at the Galeria EM La Marina. Also located in Marina Vallarta, you’ll find them at Marina Las Palma 2 L17.

Work Your Puerto Vallarta Spanish

Here’s an idea (in case you feel a need to justify your Puerto Vallarta holiday) – explain to your curious friends and relations that you’ll be staying in a Mexico vacation villa rental as part of your “total immersion” Spanish language learning program. It’s not really a stretch of the truth, since the staff at your villa can surely give you a lesson or two.

Still, if you feel you need to demonstrate to those you left behind that you are a person of your word, you can always do something a bit more formal than the “Breakfast table Spanish at the Mexico vacation villa rental” program. A number of schools in Puerto Vallarta offer organized instruction in the Spanish language (be advised that time spent in the classroom may cut into the glorious time you planned to spend on the beach).

There are other ways to brush up on your Spanish skills, especially if you have some familiarity with the language to begin with. For example, you can try to locate a karaoke bar that offers song lyrics in Spanish, or you can touch base with a dance instructor and take Salsa lessons – in Spanish. Finally, when you need a bit of redemption, you can choose a church service offered in Spanish.

Get Your Burger on in Puerto Vallarta

While sitting down to a juicy burger might not be at the top of the “to do” list for some Puerto Vallarta guests, it’s still a worthy ambition. After all, it can be tough to explain to one the chefs who prepare masterpiece meals in most villa rentals Mexico that all you want is a thick slab of ground beef with some pickles and ketchup.
There are a number of eateries in town that can set you up with your dream meal, and maybe a ball game or football match, as well. And your fancy eating friends back in their villa rentals Mexico never need to know.
In el Centro, Dick’s Halfway Inn Bar and Grill offers a menu that is a hamburger lover’s delight. You can get a burger with bacon, a burger with mushrooms, a burger with bourbon barbecue sauce . . . aaaah. They’re waiting for you at Basilio Badillo 287.
If you’re looking for an all-American, “fans’ night out” experience, Steve’s Sports Bar and Grill is a good place to start. They have burgers, they have fries, they have cold beer, and they have NASCAR. It just doesn’t get any more down home than that. You probably can see the place from Dick’s.

Puerto Vallarta by Bus

It may seem a little counter-intuitive to enjoy life’s luxuries in a villa rental Puerto Vallarta and to get around town by local bus. After all, you’re living a life of elegance and style, and you’re not entirely certain your elevated digs shouldn’t rule out walking on your own hind legs to the beach or to El Centro. And a bus ride can seem so . . . common.
There are several good reasons to see the area around Banderas Bay by bus. First of all, a bus ride is very affordable, and you on the bus says, “Yes, I have a villa rental Puerto Vallarta, and I’m smart about money, too!”
Second, one bus or another can take you just about any place in the area that you have a fancy to visit. They go to the north end of the bay and Sayulita where some of the best surfing is. They go southward to Mismaloya and the beaches there (las Gemelas, Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlan).
In town, a few pesos will take you just about everywhere you want to go. You can bus to the Malecon, to the Rio Cuale, to Walmart and Sam’s Club (if you must). The sports stadium and the Plaza de Toros are accessible by bus.

A Beachy Day North of Puerto Vallarta

You can always find a pleasant way to pass time when you’re on holiday in Puerto Vallarta – greet the morning with coffee and fresh-squeezed orange juice on the balcony, wander down to los Muertos beach for some sun, then cruise over to the Malecón and watch the human parade pass by. It’s not exactly tough duty, particularly for visitors who stay in villa rentals Puerto Vallarta.

After a couple of days spent in these lovely leisurely pursuits, you may discover that you’re ready to spread your water wings and try something new. It’s time for you to shake the sand of the city’s beaches out of your swimming trunks and head north to get into some entirely new sand at Destiladeras Beach. It’s an easy trip from most villa rentals Puerto Vallarta, just over half an hour on the bus to Punta Mita.

Spend a day at Destiladeras and get a totally new perspective on Banderas Bay. The beach seems like miles of perfect white sand, so much so, in fact, that you’ll feel like you have all the space in the world to stretch out. It’s a good beach to go wading because the sandy bottom comes up slowly. And if you’re an action figure, jump on your boogie board.

Puerto Vallarta’s Calle Zaragoza

After several days of doing amazing things, eating unbelievable food and drinking in the round-the-clock action in Puerto Vallarta, the morning may dawn when you feel like you need something real. There is a neighborhood, probably a short walk from your Mexico vacation villa rental, that may be just the thing to bring a bit of sanity back to your holiday.
The Zaragoza neighborhood is genuine, home-town Puerto Vallarta. Families live there, real families with dogs and kids and roosters. People spend long evenings outdoors on their patios and balconies enjoying the cool night air and the congenial atmosphere (very much as you do at your Mexico vacation villa rental).
The area is a bit different today than it was, say, in the 1960s, when Elizabeth Taylor lived there. Yes, this is Gringo Gulch, so named for the fashionable crowds from north of the border who built stylish homes on the cobblestoned Calle Zaragoza. Many of them were designed by the same person who created sets for the film, Night of the Iguana.
The light comes on . . . Night of the Iguana featured the actor Richard Burton who fell in love with the actress Elizabeth Taylor and bought for her the Casa Kimberly on . . . Calle Zaragoza. It’s a small world, isn’t it?

More than One Beach in Puerto Vallarta

Spend even a small amount of time in Puerto Vallarta and you’ll hear mention of Los Muertos beach – after all, it’s probably one of the most popular gathering places in town, south of El Centro. And if you’re staying in a Mexico vacation villa rental on the south side of town, it may well be the closest beach to your place. There are many other beaches in town, though, and most of them are open to the public.

One of the most visible beaches, although perhaps not as desirable for playing in the water, is Playa Dorada. This stretch separates the Malecón from Banderas Bay. It doesn’t offer the soft white sand of other beaches, and the water is a bit rougher here, so swimmers and beach volleyball addicts tend to frequent other spots. Still, sand sculpture artists of all ages think it’s just fine for their purposes.

You can enjoy soft sand between your toes if you wander a bit farther north of the Malecón, where a series of soft white beaches string along for a couple of miles. So grab your beach gear and take a cab from your Mexico vacation villa rental for a day at the beach away from Muertos.

Take a Breather in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is one of North America’s most popular resort destinations, and you don’t have to look too hard to understand why. The hills and jungle east of the city offer a broad range of land adventures, from horseback journeys to zip line rides. Banderas Bay to the west offers fishing, boating, swimming, surfing – the list goes on. And then you have your luxurious villa Puerto Vallarta to return to every night. The constant activity can be exhausting.

There’s no question that the fun is all good, and there’s no question that you might occasionally feel a need to catch your breath. That’s just fine – it’s good to slow down and savor the experience. A solitary walk can be exactly what you need to get your feet back on the ground, and there are plenty of great places in town to walk.

For starters, why not walk from your villa Puerto Vallarta to el Centro or to Muertos beach? These are two worthy destinations, and you can use the quiet time to refresh you brain. Of course, Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of worthy walking experiences. A gentle stroll along the Malecon offers a cool blend of bay and city, with a touch of fine art. And the weekly art walk will help you develop culture as well as stamina.

Get Your Burger on in Puerto Vallarta

While sitting down to a juicy burger might not be at the top of the “to do” list for some Puerto Vallarta guests, it’s still a worthy ambition. After all, it can be tough to explain to one the chefs who prepare masterpiece meals in most villa rentals Mexico that all you want is a thick slab of ground beef with some pickles and ketchup.
There are a number of eateries in town that can set you up with your dream meal, and maybe a ball game or football match, as well. And your fancy eating friends back in their villa rentals Mexico never need to know.
In el Centro, Dick’s Halfway Inn Bar and Grill offers a menu that is a hamburger lover’s delight. You can get a burger with bacon, a burger with mushrooms, a burger with bourbon barbecue sauce . . . aaaah. They’re waiting for you at Basilio Badillo 287.
If you’re looking for an all-American, “fans’ night out” experience, Steve’s Sports Bar and Grill is a good place to start. They have burgers, they have fries, they have cold beer, and they have NASCAR. It just doesn’t get any more down home than that. You probably can see the place from Dick’s.

Get Your Burger on in Puerto Vallarta

While sitting down to a juicy burger might not be at the top of the “to do” list for some Puerto Vallarta guests, it’s still a worthy ambition. After all, it can be tough to explain to one the chefs who prepare masterpiece meals in most villa rentals Mexico that all you want is a thick slab of ground beef with some pickles and ketchup.
There are a number of eateries in town that can set you up with your dream meal, and maybe a ball game or football match, as well. And your fancy eating friends back in their villa rentals Mexico never need to know.
1.In el Centro, Dick’s Halfway Inn Bar and Grill offers a menu that is a hamburger lover’s delight. You can get a burger with bacon, a burger with mushrooms, a burger with bourbon barbecue sauce . . . aaaah. They’re waiting for you at Basilio Badillo 287.
2.If you’re looking for an all-American, “fans’ night out” experience, Steve’s Sports Bar and Grill is a good place to start. They have burgers, they have fries, they have cold beer, and they have NASCAR. It just doesn’t get any more down home than that. You probably can see the place from Dick’s.

Puerto Vallarta has Ribs

Barbecue can be a verb or a noun; it can refer to the way you cook your ribs, the cooker itself (not to be confused with the cook), or a gathering of like minded people who arrive on the doorstep, hoping to consume any delicacy so prepared by said device. However you understand the word, when you stay in one of the vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta, you’re not far from good barbecued ribs.

As you probably know, most vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta have their own chefs, and you wouldn’t be out of line to request a barbecue dish at one of you meals. If you’re in town, though, and not yet ready to retreat to your comfortable villa, you can still enjoy good barbecue in the city.

Café de Olla, at Basilio Badillo 168, comes almost universally recommended by people who have enjoyed a meal there. It’s small, friendly and usually crowded, but the food is worth the wait. While many people recommend their seafood platter, rumor is that they serve excellent barbecued ribs with a twice-baked potato.

El Torito Sports Bar serves 2-for-1 barbecue ribs between 2 and 4 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. You’ll find them, and that game you want to see, at Ignacio L. Vallarta 290.

A Wet Day in Puerto Vallarta

When you’re vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, every day is a good day. You wake up to a hot cup of fresh coffee; you take a quick soak in the hot tub; and you enjoy a delicious breakfast, brought to you by the skilled hands of your own private chef. You thank your lucky stars that you insisted on one of the luxury villa rentals Puerto Vallarta. The only down side to this great start – it’s raining outside.

Look at this as an opportunity to enjoy a special day in Mexico. It starts with that soak in the hot tub (you gotta love those villa rentals Puerto Vallarta) – how cool to feel the rain falling on your head while the rest of you stays wet and warm. This alone might encourage you to stay in for the day, and that’s fine. If not, here are two ideas:

A block from the Malecon at the corner of Calle Morelos and Calle Corona, you’ll find some of the cities nicest art galleries (Galeria Uno, Galeria Pacifico and the Loft) clustered together in one area, just waiting to welcome you in out of the rain.

Kick the waves and make a splash in the rain at the beach. There are few verified reports of people actually melting when they get wet, so go for it! There are dry towels waiting at the villa.

Go Bananas in Puerto Vallarta

When you hear the term “banana boat,” what comes to your mind? Maybe you picture a tramp steamer loaded with sweet, tasty fruit, or you might start humming the “banana boat song” (you know this one – day-o). When you look out at the action on Banderas Bay from the porch of one of the hillside villas in Puerto Vallarta, you’re likely to see a totally different version of banana boating, one that is all fun.

Slip on down to Los Muertos Beach, in the vicinity of the Rosarita Hotel, or hop on a bus that’s going to the Hotel Zone (the city’s bus stops are a quick walk from many villas in Puerto Vallarta), and check out the banana boating fun up close. When you think you’ve learned the secrets to staying seated on an inflatable banana bouncing across the waves behind a fast boat, pay for a ride and hop on. It’s every bit as cool as it looks from shore, even if you have a hard time staying dry.

Late Nights in Puerto Vallarta

You came to Puerto Vallarta and rented a Mexican vacation villa rental for a few simple pleasures: you like to drink beer on the beach; you like to watch volleyball on the beach; you like to nap on the beach; and you like to party all night long, although not necessarily on the beach.

It’s okay to admit that roaming the city’s many art galleries and communing with dolphins simply don’t float your boat. There’s no rule that says you must enjoy high culture when you stay in a Mexican vacation villa rental (which isn’t to suggest that beach volleyball and a bucket of beer aren’t high culture).

You’ll be glad to learn that some of the city’s most popular night spots come alive late and stay open until early morning. Carlos O’Briens, in El Centro at 789 Paseo Diaz Ordaz, doesn’t even start to warm up until after 10 pm. When they close at 2 am, you can catch a cab to Senor Frog’s, at Venustiano Caranza 218, and keep on dancing until 4.

You can shut down just before sunrise, take another cab back to your Mexican vacation villa rental, sleep through the rest of the morning, and hit the beach again in the afternoon. It’s a beautiful thing.

Say Your Prayers in Puerto Vallarta

The sun is warm, the breeze off of Banderas Bay is fresh, and you’re living the good life in your Puerto Vallarta villa. Your activities have included a bit of beach, some salt water, a small amount of painting and sculpture, and a whole lot of nightlife.

You’ve spent several late nights sharing your vocal talents at La Regadera in el Centro, making noise for your team at El Torito Sports Bar on the South Side, and dancing your booty off at the Zoo on Paseo Diaz Ordaz. And now you’re feeling like you might need a bit of something to feed your spirit.

Sunday services are available in Puerto Vallarta in English and Spanish. If you prefer English, you can attend Catholic Mass at the Paradise Village Golf and Spa Resort in Nuevo Vallarta or a service at the First Baptist Christian Church in El Centro.

A variety of churches offer Spanish language services throughout the city.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish says Catholic mass downtown, or you can choose from Baptist, Evangelical, Seventh Day Adventist and Mormon services as well. And if you simply can’t decide, you can soothe your soul at one of the city’s non-denominational churches – you might find one near your Puerto Vallarta villa.

Say Your Prayers in Puerto Vallarta

The sun is warm, the breeze off of Banderas Bay is fresh, and you’re living the good life in your Puerto Vallarta villa. Your activities have included a bit of beach, some salt water, a small amount of painting and sculpture, and a whole lot of nightlife.

You’ve spent several late nights sharing your vocal talents at La Regadera in el Centro, making noise for your team at El Torito Sports Bar on the South Side, and dancing your booty off at the Zoo on Paseo Diaz Ordaz. And now you’re feeling like you might need a bit of something to feed your spirit.

Sunday services are available in Puerto Vallarta in English and Spanish. If you prefer English, you can attend Catholic Mass at the Paradise Village Golf and Spa Resort in Nuevo Vallarta or a service at the First Baptist Christian Church in El Centro.

A variety of churches offer Spanish language services throughout the city.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish says Catholic mass downtown, or you can choose from Baptist, Evangelical, Seventh Day Adventist and Mormon services as well. And if you simply can’t decide, you can soothe your soul at one of the city’s non-denominational churches – you might find one near your Puerto Vallarta villa.

Getting Around Puerto Vallarta in Water Taxis

It really doesn’t matter if you don’t have a car in Puerto Vallarta – in fact, it might be best if you leave the driving to those who know the ways of the road. Like most guests who stay in villa rentals Puerto Vallarta, you have some options for getting around town. The first, of course, is “shank’s mare,” that is to say, your two hind legs. When the weather is lovely and you’re not going too far, this might actually be the best way to become acquainted with town.

Taxis offer door-to-door service from villa rentals Puerto Vallarta to any place in and near town. And the local buses are a great value, and they also will get you reasonably close to just about every place you want to visit. There are a couple of popular destinations, however, that aren’t accessible from the highways. That doesn’t mean you can’t get there, it just means you can’t get there on wheels.

When you decide to check out Las Animas or Quimixto or any of the secluded beaches south of town, you’re going to want to catch a water taxi. They leave from the pier at Los Muertos and from Boca de Tomatlan. They’re not very expensive and they open up some really great destinations for exploration.

Fishing Wild in Banderas Bay

Fishing. The word by itself brings a happy smile to many a face, and the activity has the potential to get your adrenaline flowing in a hurry. Plenty of people do villa rentals Mexico for the simple pleasure of getting out on the water and going after the big ones. If you are among those who label themselves fishing folk, you have plenty of options:

You can hire a guide and a boat and head out into the waters of Banderas Bay for some high-octane deep-sea fishing.

You can hire a guide and a boat and head to Cajon de Pena lake for some of the best bass fishing you’ve ever enjoyed.

You can leave the comfort of villa rentals Mexico and go shore fishing. You won’t hire a guide or a boat, and you don’t need a license when you’re fishing from shore. You will need a rod and reel, one that’s appropriate for bigger fish (think pike and walleye). You’ll want to use heavier line, since you’re likely to encounter larger fish in the bay. And you can use casting lures (rapalas work well) or live bait (squid or sardines). The shore at the mouth of the river near Mismaloya is a good place to try.

Puerto Vallarta Sweet Tooth

You have probably heard this advice, even if you don’t follow it: Life is uncertain – order dessert first. Of course, it’s only important if you are a lover of sweets; however, if you appreciate a regular infusion of confection, you can find a number of places in the vicinity of Puerto Vallarta villa rentals that will be more than happy to serve up something yummy.

Folks who enjoy a tasty treat with their coffee will appreciate the delicious desserts at Pie in the Sky, on the South Side at 150 Ignacio Vallarta.

Another good choice for coffee and a sweet is Roberta’s Café Dulce. In addition to your favorite coffee beverage, you can dig in to some of the city’s best chocolate brownies.

When you crave something sweet and delicious and natural, try a fresh coconut at the coconut shop near the Rio Cuale bridge at Aquiles Serdan 255. Enjoy the milk and the meat.

Many guests who book Puerto Vallarta villa rentals admit to enjoying the occasional adult beverage (with the little paper umbrella and maraschino cherry). If this is you, check out the strawberry margaritas at Burros Bar on Muertos Beach. Their two happy hours (afternoon and evening) will make you doubly happy.

Explore Puerto Vallarta's Lovely Homes

As you wander through the lovely neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta, do you sometimes say to yourself, “Geez, I’d like to see what that one looks like inside.” Most vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta are justifiably proud of their distinctive architecture and comfortably elegant interiors. Color schemes run the gamut from soothing neutrals to vibrant, vivid blues and reds, and many feature the original work of local artists.

Whether you’re a student of interior décor or simply curious to see what folks have done with their places, you can take a peek at some of the city’s gorgeous villas. The International Friendship Club hosts tours through the interiors of some of the area’s nicest homes, perhaps including vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta. You'll visit new homes, historic homes, homes on the beach and in the hills.

The house tour season begins in mid-November and runs through mid-April, the high season for visitors. Guides lead guests through homes twice each week. Wednesday tours visit homes only; those who join a group on Thursday will also enjoy a stop at the botanical garden. You can purchase a ticket starting at 9 in the morning at Andeles on the Beach (513 Olas Altas); the tour kicks off at 10:35. All proceeds support local charities.

Party Puerto Vallarta

You have plenty to consider as you start planning your next holiday – you know you want sand and sun; you’re considering an exotic location; and you definitely are looking for a destination that has a rocking nightlife. As you go through the motions, you should know that vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta make an ideal base from which you can set out on any number of memorable adventures, day and night.

The resort city on Banderas Bay is known for a vast array of daytime diversions, from simply parking next to a bucket of cold beverages on los Muertos beach to adrenaline-pumping jungle adventures to eco-friendly dolphin encounters. And while it might not get as much time in the spotlight, the town’s nightlife is second to none. Best of all, many of the favorite places to party are just a quick taxi ride from popular vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta.

If you’re like some folks who party hard, you may be glad to learn that you can purchase space on a “party bus” and do wild things with wild abandon all night long, knowing full well that your driver will bring you safely home, or nearly so, in the wee small hours of the morning. The morning-after blues are all on you, though.

Learn to Cook Tapas, Puerto Vallarta-Style

Among the many advantages of staying in vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta is the opportunity to enjoy meals made especially for you and your crowd, in the comfort of your own home. In most villas, you’ll find a professional chef who looks forward to creating dishes that make you want to stay forever. While that might be more than your family and employer can tolerate, it’s still possible to capture some of that deliciousness for the long term.

You have a couple of options if you want to learn to cook the things you’re enjoying on your vacation. First, the chefs in vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta are usually friendly and gracious individuals who might be willing to share a few of their secrets, if you ask nicely and don’t try to master their signature work.

Your second option – cooking class. Yes, you can pay a visit to Barcelona Restaurant most Wednesdays during the high season (November through April) and spruce up your culinary skills. The restaurant is four streets off the Malecón at 31 de Octubre and when they’re on, the classes start at noon. If you happen to miss class, you can still enjoy a glass of sangria and nibble on fresh and delicious tapas. It’s a complete win-win.

Puerto Vallarta's ATMs

When you stay in one of the villa rentals in Puerto Vallarta, you might find it pretty easy to limit the amount of cash you need at any one time. After all, you have everything that’s essential for a comfy stay, right there at home. Still, you’re probably going to need some change for bus fare and tips, so it’s a good idea to have pesos in your pocket.

A holiday in the villa rentals in Puerto Vallarta is a totally modern affair, and it’s not necessary to find a currency exchange – just look for that old familiar friend, the ATM. You’ll find them scattered throughout town, although it helps to know where to look. In the Zona Romantica, there are two ATMs on Olas Altas near Basillo Badillo; Banamex has an ATM on the zocalo next to the Malecon; and of course, there are machines at the airport.

It’s a good idea to notify your bank that you’ll be travelling, since they might be inclined to freeze your account when they see withdrawals from out of town. If you have one, you might do best to withdraw pesos with a debit card, since they usually carry fewer fees. And know your limit – some machines limit the amount of money you can withdraw.

Good Water in Puerto Vallarta

Water – look at the world outside your Puerto Vallarta villa and you’ll realize that, without buckets and pools and oceans of water, Puerto Vallarta would be just one more cute village in old Mexico. In fact, water might be the primary reason people plan a stay in this lovely resort city on Banderas Bay. You don’t believe it? Here are a few things to think about:

The private patio of your Puerto Vallarta villa, with its refreshing fresh water swimming pool (and perhaps a hot tub, as well), is a perfect little oasis, a quiet spot where you can share private moments with friends and enjoy the view . . .

Banderas Bay probably provides the view you’re enjoying from you patio. With cool drink in hand, you’re reliving the day you had in the jungle, on a zip line tour or a horseback ride or a jeep trek . . .

The water that falls on the jungle in the form of rain (as much as 60 inches annually) helps to create and maintain that lush green environment to support the area’s diverse flora and fauna and enhance human activities . . .

Those activities are much more enjoyable when you drink sufficient water to keep you healthy and happy. So thank goodness for all that Puerto Vallarta water.

Puerto Vallarta by Bus

Okay, this stuff isn’t rocket science, but it can still be a bit confusing trying to navigate the various modes of transportation in a new locale. For example, there are lots of vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta; can you tell the taxi driver how to find the one you’re staying in? Maybe your house’s name will be sufficient, but it’s more likely that you’ll need an address, or at least cross streets. This suggests you might want to walk around the block once you have unpacked – and take notes.

What about the bus system? Spanish is the official language in Mexico, and you can expect everything to be identified in Spanish, so how will you know which bus will take you to the airport or the marina? Fortunately, the words are pretty self-explanatory – aeropuerto and marina. It could only be easier if they were in your native language.

Finding a bus that will take you south of the Rio Cuale, to the area where many vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta are located, is a bit less intuitive, but still fairly simple. Look for one marked Olas Altas; it should take you as far as Los Muertos beach. And of course, separate buses will deliver you farther north to the surfing at Sayulita and south toward the quiet beaches around Mismaloya.

Puerto Vallarta Beach Clubs

Mention the phrase “beach club” to your buddies, and you can expect members of the “flip-flops and T-shirt” movement to hold up their hands and back away. Fear and doubt run through their minds: this probably means putting on a collared shirt; two words - “membership dues”; is this a club or is it a gang? You can rest easy when you’re talking about beach clubs near your Mexican vacation villa rental – it’s a no-pressure proposition.

For the price of a nice meal (the expensive end) or a few pesos (the less costly alternative), a number of so-called beach clubs will rent you a comfortable chair on Los Muertos beach, frequently in the shade of an umbrella. The deal might even include a beach towel, in case you left yours back at the Mexican vacation villa rental. And your gentle hosts will gladly sell you iced beverages all day long.
Relax at one of these popular spots:

Beach House Restaurant and Bar – as long as you buy a minimum amount of food and beverages, you can stay all day in the shade of their umbrellas. And they even take reservations.

El Dorado Restaurant – you get a chair, table and umbrella for one low price, and that includes a beverage, as well.

Enjoy the High Seas in Puerto Vallarta

Whether we admit it or not, one of the reasons we visit exotic, far-away places on holiday is the fact that no one knows us there. We let our hair down and cut loose, secure in the knowledge that no one from the office will hear our fractured Spanish or see our spirited interpretation of salsa dance. It explains why vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta are so popular – we can be kids all day long. And what’s more fun for a kid than a pirate ship?

A voyage on the fearsome pirate ship Marigalante will provide hours of fun for all the kids who stay in vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta, including you. The ship sets sail six days per week (apparently, pirates take Sundays off). A day trip will introduce you to the hair-raising adventures of Captain Crispin the Terrible and his pirate crew. Make no mistake – these brigands are determined to see you have a good time.

The day trip leaves between 8 and 9 in the morning and includes breakfast and lunch (and an open bar for big pirates). Guests enjoy snorkeling, paddling kayaks and other water sports, while kids like the pirate games and treasure hunt. The evening sunset tour is fun for adults; it starts around 5 p.m. and includes with dinner and fireworks.

John Huston’s Slice of Puerto Vallarta

Stay in a Puerto Vallarta villa rental and you might find yourself almost overcome with the sense of romance that surrounds the city on Banderas Bay. If you want to take that dreamy ambience a step further, plan a day trip to the old home of film director John Huston.

A short trip by boat will bring you to a lovely, quiet private beach that was once home to Huston; a bit north is Mismaloya, the dramatic setting for the film, Night of the Iguana. For those who don’t remember, this is the film that featured a behind-the-scenes affair between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Trips leave from Maritime Terminal at 9 in the morning every day except Sunday. Guests should plan to be away from their Puerto Vallarta villa rental for about 6 hours, and they can expect fun much of the time (some people don’t enjoy the boat ride so much).

The day starts with breakfast (it is the most important meal of the day), and includes a variety of water sports (snorkel, paddle a kayak, enjoy a guided tour of the area). And just when your tummy starts to remind you that it’s time for another meal, the staff serves up a wonderful buffet lunch.

Sightseein by Air from Puerto Vallarta

Some folks who stay in a Puerto Vallarta villa rental refer to them “land excursions,” to distinguish them from expeditions that involve climbing aboard a boat of some sort and crossing the water in Banderas Bay to enjoy time in a secluded location. Others might be inclined to disagree, arguing that anytime one’s feet (and the rest of one’s self) leave the ground, one ceases to be traveling on land.

No matter what words they use to describe it, many guests who enjoy a week or two in a Puerto Vallarta villa rental don’t mind taking off (literally) to explore some of Mexico’s hidden treasures. A number of tour operators are prepared to fly visitors to some special attractions that are not that far from town by air.

For example, a short flight over the Sierra Madres will put you in the historic mining town of San Sebastian. Once upon a time (a few hundred years ago), this was a busy mining center; today, it’s a quiet village tucked into the hills. The trip will give you a chance to explore Mexico far from the tourist zone and get a first-hand glimpse of that country’s past.

Spend the Evening on Los Muertos Beach

Say you’re chillin on Los Muertos beach for the day - you've been there most of the day, watching people, rating swim wear, enjoying the bay, and now you’re wondering whether you have the energy to head back to your villa rental Puerto Vallarta to get a bite of dinner before starting the night’s activities.

No worries – stay at Los Muertos as long as you want. There are a couple of good places right on the beach, probably not far from the location you’ve staked out, and they will see to it that you don’t go hungry – or thirsty, for that matter. In theory, you’ll know when it’s time to catch a cab back to the villa rental Puerto Vallarta.

• Cuates y Cuetes is open from 8:00 in the morning until 11:30 at night (this is good news for those who benefit from the “hair of the dog”). A bit later in the day, you can join your newest best friends in happy hour, watch the sun set and live music (jazz, salsa and light rock) until last call.
• Rumor has it that La Palapa is a romantic spot to spend a night with someone special. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, the latter to the delightful sounds of live Latin jazz.

Puerto Vallarta's Succulent Seafood

It might actually be an unwritten rule that when you stay in a Puerto Vallarta villa rental, you have to try the local seafood. Honestly, you’re living practically on the water’s edge – the place where those finny, shell-ish fellows hang out. There is no better place to develop an appreciation for seafood than this city on Banderas Bay - to say that a meal prepared with the local “catch of the day” is fresh is an understatement.

There are a number of restaurants that make a living offering up meals that feature the denizens of the deep, and an afternoon or evening spent sipping a cold beverage and nibbling on ceviche will make a believer out of almost anyone. Visitors recommend a number of local favorites: Aztlan is known for its authentic regional seafood meals; Madison South serves a scrumptious coconut shrimp.

What to do if you’re in the mood to stay in? Ask the chef at your Puerto Vallarta villa rental if it’s possible to prepare a tempting seafood meal. You might enjoy something as simple as fresh shrimp in lime with avocado or a dish as elegant as filet of Pacific Red Snapper cooked Veracruz style, with butter sauce, garlic sauce or coconut-lime sauce.

Catch the Action at Puerto Vallarta’s Los Muertos Beach

Settle into your Puerto Vallarta vacation rental, unpack your favorite beach togs and head out to Los Muertos Beach – it’s a favorite gathering spot for many visitors to this resort city. It sits on the edge of Banderas Bay at the south end of the Malecon.

Long and wide, Los Muertos is known for gentle surf that makes a great place for floating (icy beverage in hand), playing with the kids (of whatever age) and even swimming (fitness nuts). A variety of hotels and restaurants dot the beach like beads on a string, and their customers add to the lively atmosphere.

Believe it or not, Los Muertos is a great place to get your water sports on. Adventurous souls enjoy taking off on a jet ski and sailing above the land lubbers beneath a parasail. And there’s no need to return to your Puerto Vallarta vacation rental for food and drink – pick up something at La Palapa, El Dorado or Daiquiri Dick’s.

If you’re headed to one of the villages further south – Las Animas, Quimito, Yelapa – you can catch a water taxi at the pier. And the famous Blue Chairs area mark one of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular gay beaches.

Stay Well in Puerto Vallarta

Some folks just cannot help worrying what might happen when they travel far away from their family doctor. What will you do if one of the kids steps on something or someone gets too much sun? Don’t let medical worries spoil your stay in a villa rental Puerto Vallarta. You’re visiting a modern city with modern medical facilities.

If you find you need assistance, locate a Red Cross station, the Cruz Roja Mexicana. They’ll help you get gathered up and provide transportation to an appropriate clinic or hospital. (Don’t be shy about making a donation to this worthy non-profit organization.)

Many local clinics go out of their way to help make certain an unexpected mishap isn’t the end of your fun. Like the staff at your villa rental Puerto Vallarta, the doctors and nurses are likely to speak your language, especially if it happens to be English.

Select medical care based on your location. For instance, if you’re playing near Los Muertos beach, the closest place is the private CMQ at Basilio Badillo 365. And if you’re further north or near the marina, look for the Amerimed American Hospitals facility in Marina Vallarta at the Plaza Neptuno. This one caters to patients from the US in particular.

Think Thin (Crust) in Puerto Vallarta

It’s a bit counterintuitive to expect to find great pizza in Mexico, but it’s certainly not a difficult thing to do. If the chef at your villa Puerto Vallarta doesn’t specialize in thin crust pizza, don’t despair – plenty of other chefs around the city do.

No matter what you do in Puerto Vallarta, you’re going to get hungry. Zip lines in the jungle, snorkels in Banderas Bay, the art walk in Old Town - all consume calories. When you get to feeling a bit raw, recharge your tanks in one of the local cafes (or back at the villa Puerto Vallarta) with a healthy thin crust pizza. A couple of places come highly recommended:

• Café Roma makes a mean pizza, a soothing margarita and a fun evening. Guests say they appreciate the friendly staff and the lively environment. They’re at 287 Encino.
• If Puerto Vallarta has a “Little Italy,” La Piazetta, at Olas Altas and Rodolfo Gomez, is one of its anchors. No matter what you want, you’ll certainly find it among the 24 unique offerings.
• For a romantic evening, visit Café Candela, at Guerrero 311. In addition to good pizza, they offer vegetarian menu items.

Puerto Vallarta by the Books

If you have already reserved a villa Puerto Vallarta for your upcoming holiday, congratulations - you’ve done perhaps the most important piece of advance work. There’s still plenty of planning to be done, especially for travelers who get almost as much pleasure in planning a trip as they do in experiencing it. This list is dedicated to the dedicated vacation planners out there who can’t get enough of Puerto Vallarta travel guides.

Lots of tourists make it a point to consult Fodor’s travel guides before embarking on a trip. You’ll learn about the most popular local attractions and activities, day or night. Fodor’s offers recommendations for travelers in all budget categories. The Puerto Vallarta edition includes interesting and helpful travel tips and articles about regional culture.

The Adventure Guide to Puerto Vallarta, published by Hunter Travel Guides, is more than a list of restaurants and art galleries. Learn about local plant and animal life, as well as local night life. Thumb through it before you fall asleep in your villa Puerto Vallarta and dream sweetly about tomorrow’s action.

Another popular guide to the city is published by Moon Handbooks. This one offers plenty of suggestions for things to see and do, not so much about the natural environment. Combine it with a guide that has the 411 about the birds and bees, and you’re good to go.

Sweet Love in Puerto Vallarta

She finally popped the question (or maybe you did) and now it’s official - you’re getting hitched! Once the two came back to earth, it dawned on you that you have little idea how to go about putting together an event as important as your wedding. Select Puerto Vallarta as the site for your destination wedding and choose the perfect villa rental Puerto Vallarta to serve as a base, and you’re off and running.

In case you’re wondering, why Puerto Vallarta, read on:

• It’s a resort, with all the attractions and facilities that term conjures. Your guests can wear themselves out with golf and tennis; they can enjoy international cuisine; they can shop ‘til they drop; and they can stay in a private, luxurious villa rental Puerto Vallarta.

• It’s an adventure destination. Visitors can catch some air on a zip line through the jungle or a parasail on Banderas Bay; they can swim with dolphins and commune with iguanas; they can hike, bike, take to the trails on an ATV or horseback.

• It’s incredibly romantic. The two of you will enjoy beautiful sunsets, warm sultry evenings, soft music (or an off-key karaoke duet, if that’s your preference). And of course, you’ll be set up with the best of everything in your villa rental Puerto Vallarta.

In Any Language, Puerto Vallarta has Pizza

No matter how you spend your days – rattling your teeth on an ATV; going face-to-face with dolphins; walking the art walk – you’re going to need to eat. You know you can always head back to your villa rental Puerto Vallarta for a home-cooked meal, but sometimes, you just can’t tear yourself away. When that happens, head for a local pizzeria.

It’s not exactly what most folks think of as traditional Mexican fare, so you may be surprised to learn that it’s not all that hard to find a great pizza in Puerto Vallarta, and one of them is likely to be near to your villa rental Puerto Vallarta Here are a few favorites, chosen by folks who swear they know good pizza.

• Fans who like their thin crust pizza to come out of a wood-fired oven should be happy at La Piazetta (Rodolfo Gomez 143). Your host, Mimmo, invites you to pull up a chair, enjoy a glass of wine, and enjoy.

• Café Candela, at Guerrero 311, has a reputation as a romantic place to enjoy a great pizza while you flutter your eyelashes at each other. And they serve vegetarian entrees.

• Plenty of folks recommend Café Roma (Encino 287). Expect to find a lively crowd of tourists and locals and “the best real Italian thin crust pizza.”

Livin’ the Life in Puerto Vallarta

If you’re like loads of other visitors, you elected to stay in a villa Puerto Vallarta so you could avoid the crush of bodies that frequently seem to be lounging around the beach hotels. Life in a private villa is just more dignified and comfortable for residents. The staff work with you and yours alone, and they expect you’ll give them some direction.

That said, you should consider them a tremendous resource, the go-to folks who can help you figure out daily life in Puerto Vallarta. Not that it’s some kind of rocket science, but setting up in a new location always takes a bit of time and planning.
The individuals who work in your villa Puerto Vallarta will no doubt be happy to help you figure out a few things. All you need to do is ask. Ask about the water, ask about the bank, ask about grocery shopping.

They will probably tell you that you can buy bottled water, although much of the water and ice served in good restaurants is okay to drink. They’ll help you locate a bank with an ATM so you can withdraw some pesos. And they’ll direct you to the local supermarket for dinner supplies or a small corner shop for little emergencies – and bottled water.