Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, is one of the world’s most inviting vacation destinations. Puerto Vallarta has been popular among tourists for decades, first brought to the attention of the public through Ava Gardner and Richard Burton’s famous film, “Night of the Iguana” in 1964. Since the 1960’s, Puerto Vallarta has grown into a thriving resort town with millions of visitors each year. So, why should you visit Puerto Vallarta? Have a look at our “Top Ten Reasons to Visit Puerto Vallarta” and see why so many people have fallen in love with this south of the border paradise.
Colmitos Beach, Puerto Vallarta
1. Puerto Vallarta Hotels– Puerto Vallarta has a resort for you, whether you are looking for a 5 diamond luxury resort or a bargain off the beaten track, there are options for every budget and taste. Puerto Vallarta is a safe destination for a family getaway, a romantic honeymoon for two or a retreat for singles looking for a little fun. Sprawling all-inclusives that cater to your every need are extremely popular in Puerto Vallarta, a great home base for exploring all that the region has to offer. If your budget is a little tighter, there are plenty of options for more economical hotels and hostels for backpackers.
2. Cuisine- Food, glorious Mexican food! When in Puerto Vallarta, try some of the local dishes famous in the state of Jalisco, the “birria” (spicy meat stew), “tortas ahogadas” (literally “drowned sandwich” as it sits in a spicy salsa) and “pozole tapatio”, a corn and meat soup that is essential to the Mexican diet. Seafood is a must in Puerto Vallarta, here you’ll find some of the freshest “ceviche” you’ve ever eaten! Puerto Vallarta is full of restaurant options, from fine dining to street-side vendors, dig in and satisfy those taste buds!
“The Seahorse” Puerto Vallarta
3. Art and culture- Puerto Vallarta is famous for the sculptures found throughout the town, on the sea-side boardwalk and in hideaway places. Rafael Zamarripa’s “The Seahorse” has been a symbol of the town since it’s erection on the boardwalk in 1976. There are over 30 art galleries in Puerto Vallarta, featuring local, national and international artists, take your time and let the art envelop you. Perhaps you’ll even purchase that “perfect” piece that will fit right in to your home and act as a lifelong reminder of a great Mexican trip. Who hasn’t heard of “The Mexican Hat Dance”? Known in Spanish as “jarabe tapatio”, it is native to Jalisco and is often considered to be the national dance of Mexico. Look around Puerto Vallarta and you’ll be sure to spot dancers in the beautiful traditional costumes performing this dance of love and courtship.
4. The beach- Set on the second largest bay in the world (Banderas Bay), Puerto Vallarta is a beach lover’s dream. Most hotels have their own beaches and there are over 40 public beaches, each with their own characteristics and charm. Head to the north of Puerto Vallarta for some peace and quiet and beautiful sunsets, and the famous waves that make for some fantastic surfing. Snorkelers will find heaven on the beaches at Destiladeras and Los Venaderos. Playa de los Muertos is the most popular beach in town, a great place for people watching, soaking up the sun or participating in a wide variety of water sports. Play in the Pacific, build a sand castle or simply lounge on the beach catching some rays, Puerto Vallarta will satisfy any beach craving.
Jungle adventures Puerto Vallarta
5. The weather- Surrounded by jungle and ocean, Puerto Vallarta offers up a sub-tropical climate very similar to that of Hawaii. The winter months bring some lovely temperatures, averaging around 26 C or 80 F, a far cry from the winters of the north! The summer months do bring hotter temps (in the 30’s C/90’s F) and rain. Rainy season is from June to September and you can expect some afternoon showers, just enjoy watching storms roll in over the moutains, it’s a beautiful sight to see!
6. Romance- Long walks on the beach, watching the sun set over the ocean, horseback rides for two through the jungle, Puerto Vallarta is a lush and romantic setting for honeymooners or people looking to spend some quality time with the one they love. Stroll hand in hand down cobblestone streets or take a cruise on the waters of the Bay of Banderas, hit the spa for a couples massage or simply relax side by side on the beach. Puerto Vallarta was built on the romance of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and continues to put fires in the hearts of lovers from all over the world.
7. Adventure in the great outdoors– A visit to Puerto Vallarta would not be complete without experiencing one of the great adventure tours of the region. Kayaking, snorkeling, zip lines, jungle tours, cruises, scuba diving, the choices are endless for those looking for adventure in Puerto Vallarta.
8. Tequila and mariachis- Perhaps the two most recognizable symbols of Mexico, tequila and mariachis are native to the state of Jalisco. There is no better place to see truly authentic mariachi performances while sipping a tequila with sangrita or enjoying a classic margarita. Take a tequila tour and sample hundreds of varieties of this quintessentially Mexican treat.
9. Swim with dolphins Puerto Vallarta– The highlight of any trip to Puerto Vallarta! Swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta at Aquaventuras Park, you’ll be up close and personal with these amazing creatures and have the chance to spend the day floating down a lazy river or feeling the rush of the speedy water slides. Make a new buddy with our friendly sea lions too, they’ll be sure to put a smile on your face! Dolphin Discovery in Puerto Vallarta is truly the experience of a lifetime, something the whole family will remember for a long time to come.
10. Nightlife- After a day in the sun, it’s time to hit the town and paint it red. Put on your dancing shoes and visit one of the big discos like Christine’s or The Zoo or sit back and relax with a cold beverage in a small cantina, the bars are open late and are ready to party all night long. Salsa lovers must visit J & B Salsa Club for mojitos and great live music, dance the night away with Latin flare!
We could go on and on with reasons to visit Puerto Vallarta, don’t hesitate any longer, book your Puerto Vallarta vacation today and find out for yourself why it’s a top choice for a tropical getaway!
I am going there in a few days and hope to do at least half of these things.
Hope you have a terrific time!