Puerto Vallarta It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and Mexico in particular. If you want the sea, good beaches and many activities to enjoy on your vacation, this is one of the best destinations in the country.
Let's see today when it is convenient to travel, what places you should visit and how many days are best to spend an unforgettable vacation. So, What to see and do in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta
It is a city in the state of Jalisco, 196 kilometers from Guadalajara, which is the state capital. It rests on the coast and is a port city which was founded in 1851 with another name: Las Peñas. Only in 1918 would it change to its current name, in honor of a state governor.
Touristically speaking, Puerto Vallarta took off in the '80s and '90s of the last century and that is how its architecture also evolved. The Marina Vallarta dates back to that time and so do all the promotional campaigns to attract international tourism.
Puerto Vallarta rests on the Pacific Ocean, in Banderas Bay. Its stable population does not reach 170 thousand inhabitants but it is visited by more than five million tourists every year. Before moving on to What you can see and do in Puerto Vallarta I leave you some curious facts: it was filmed here Predator, with Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Acapulto Heat series.
What to see and do in Puerto Vallarta
One of the most important infrastructure works for the city has been the Marina Vallarta so it is recommended for a nice walk. The atmosphere is sophisticated, the walk along the boardwalk is unforgettable, but you can also have dinner or lunch in its wide gastronomic offer. He Puerto Vallarta boardwalk It is the obligatory meeting point for locals and tourists: it has sculptures, art galleries, shops and restaurants.
There is an ancient area known as the Romantic Zone. It is nothing other than Old Vallarta, the most traditional part of the cityd, with its now bohemian and more relaxed atmosphere, very neighborhood. In addition, it has its beaches so many attractions are combined.
El Botanical Garden gives us a sample of the great biodiversity of the Sierra Madre and its humid forests. It proposes a great tour so that you can get to know nature section by section, passing through a Cactus Garden, Tropical Fruit Orchard or Orchid Conservatorys. There is a suspension bridge, giant trees and a nursery.
If you are interested in the culture of Puerto Vallarta then you should come to the Cuale River Island, more specifically at its eastern end, which is where the Cultural Center. Here you can attend musical, literature or poetry evenings. There are workshops, dance, theater and you can visit the Cuale Archaeological Museum.
What can we say about the beaches of Puerto Vallarta? It is an ideal plan because they are charming and we provide 360 days of sun. Yes, you can go at any time of the year as the weather will not let you down. The beaches here are golden sands and with a lot of vegetation and good views.
Among the best beaches is Golden Beach, from Blue Flag. It extends for a kilometer, has moderate waves and you can practice various water sports and horseback riding when the sun goes down. It is between the mouth of the Pitillal River and the maritime terminal, in the North Hotel Zone, with very easy access. Another beach is The Tules, your neighbour. It is a wide beach perfect for family and friends.
If you go between December and March you can enjoy the view of Humpback whales. There is everything nearby, as it is in the heart of the North Hotel Zone. It has two pedestrian accesses and many shops and restaurants. Among other popular beaches we can name Boca de Tomates, Las Glorias, Camarones Beach, Amapas Beach, Conchas Chinas Beach, Palmares, Garza Blanca or Las Gemelas Beach. Do you want more? The beach of Madagascar, Playa Caballo, Playa Colomitos, Mismaloya, Las Caletas, Boca de Tomatlán, Majahuitas, Yelapa or Las Ánimas, For example.
But if sunbathing or jumping waves isn't your thing and you want something more active, Puerto Vallarta also offers ecotourism activities. You can visit the Los Arcos National Marine Park, in front of Mismaloya Beach. It's about a natural paradise in which you can go into the sea and practice diving and snorkeling to see the abundant marine life hidden in the water. Even if you know how to dive, you can sign up for a night diving tour that will be unforgettable.
El Botanical Garden The one we talked about above is also very interesting. It is only half an hour from the center of Puerto Vallarta and if you like exotic plants from the world and Mexico it is an ideal place. It is a space of 46 hectares opened in 2005. Another ecotourism destination is the El Salado estuary, a protected area that stands out in Mexico, with 168 hectares of mangroves and marshes, habitat of the American crocodile but also 29 amphibians and other reptiles.
La Palo Maria Waterfall It is a beauty formed by the riverbed of the same name. To get there you will have to walk about 15 minutes but it is worth it because it is beautiful. And also, you can dive into the pools that form at their feet. If you go in the rainy season, even more beautiful!
Finally, you can always meet some places near Puerto Vallarta. You can sign up for a tour or rent a car. San Sebastián It is an hour away, at the foot of the Sierra Madre, and it is a beautiful place, a Magic Town where it is not as hot as in Puerto Vallarta. Its streets are colorful, there is nature everywhere and having a coffee or something to eat in the square is delightful. You can sign up for a horseback riding tour or see the coffee plantations or go by jeep to La Bufa Hill.
The Tuito is another one colonial town at the foot of the mountain range, 45 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. It is less humid and cooler. Its buildings are made of adobe and it is a window to the Mexico colonyl really beautiful. And if you have a car you can drive a little further, about 40 minutes, and get to know the virgin beaches of Tehuamixtle and Mayto.
Pet It is another town, an hour and a half away from Puerto Vallarta. It has museums, an old church, restaurants serving local cuisine and shops to buy souvenirs. In its surroundings you can see a volcano, a lagoon, a waterfall and the Corrinchis dam, for example.
Sole de Allende on 1599 and it has an 18th century basilica. Its market is very colorful, at the top of a hill there is the statue of Christ the King and there is also a beautiful maple forest to walk through.
As you can see, a trip to Puerto Vallarta can be very entertaining, whether you go as a couple, with friends or as a family. There really is a lot What to see and do in Puerto Vallarta.