Puerto Vallarta is one of the top tourist destinations in Mexico. It is included in the popular travel imagination as one of the quintessential Mexican beach cites to visit, just like Cancún, Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas and Cozumel. Located in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta is the one of the most popular beaches to visit for residents in Jalisco’s capital Guadalajara, and for American and Canadian tourists as well. In fact, American visitors began to travel to the region so heavily in the 1950s, they have their own enclave dubbed Gringo Gulch.
Over the decades, Puerto Vallarta has developed considerably into a major economic powerhouse for the state of Jalisco in terms of tourism revenue. In fact, there are more than 40 different four and five-star hotels in addition to excellent vacation properties throughout the region.
Gastronomic Novelties
In Puerto Vallarta, the region is primarily broken into five distinct zones: the Marina, the Hotel Zone, Old Center, Romantic Zone and Conchas Chinas or Chinese Shells. Each area has its own charm and attractions and every visitor should try to visit all five areas if possible. Puerto Vallarta, like many other areas in Mexico, is known for its gastronomic offerings, in particular tacos and tequila. However, for a more adventurous experience, instead of the more common tacos made with beef, pork or chicken, try the ones made with sesos (brains), ojo de vaca (cow eyeball) or lengua (cow tongue). The flavors are quite remarkable once you finally bridge the mental gap which initially prohibits many from an interesting, yet tasty experience.
Additionally, visitors to Puerto Vallarta will be inundated with tequila bottles at every store and restaurant, but for something a little different, try the raicilla. It is similar to tequila and mezcal; however, it has ingredients which add a peppery or smoky flavor and oftentimes is much stronger than its fiery cousins.
Off-the-Beaten Path
Puerto Vallarta has plenty of beachfront, from the hotel zone to the neighborhood of Conchas Chinas. Unfortunately, most of the time the beaches throughout this corridor are crowded. When more seclusion is what you seek, visit the nearby beaches of Tehuamixtle and Mayto. The beaches are about one hour and forty-five minutes away from downtown Puerto Vallarta, but the exclusivity and raw oysters merit a visit.
If you prefer more adventures in the jungle either on bike or with a hike, visit the beachside village of Boca de Tomatlán, located approximately forty-five minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. Here, travelers can take excursions into the coastal foliage and explore a much wilder side of Mexico.
For a deeper jungle trek, a visit to El Edén is necessary. This jungle paradise with ziplines, natural waterfalls and pools is one of the best kept secrets in the entire state of Jalisco. El Edén is superb for the whole family and it is also known as the film site for the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, Predator. Nevertheless, the amount of secrets that Puerto Vallarta keeps in both its manmade and natural wonders is always ready to be discovered for those who wish to find it.
[su_button url=” https://interentals.com/” target=”blank”]View more information [/su_button]
