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.