Mexico’s Most Popular Pacific Coast Destination
Puerto Vallarta, commonly called “Vallarta“ or “PV” if talking with a Ex-Pat, was founded in 1851. It’s located on Banderas Bay, Mexico’s largest Pacific Coast bay. It has a growing population of 355,725 and has become the most popular Mexican get away for American & Canadian travelers .The average temperature is 81 F or 27 C & cooler at night. Fortunately, some of the original old town still has cobble stone streets and some colonial structures. We prefer staying in this part of Puerto Vallarta. You can walk safely day or night . Old PV has every type of restaurant & live music. You can explore everything from tortilla to ceramic factory & many art galleries. There’s an Art Walk on Wednesdays 6-10 pm, Oct. to May .See VallartaArtWalk.com for details . Old PV has a Farmers Market with food, crafts & music every Saturday in Plaza Lazaro Cardenas from December through May, 9 am -2 pm .From the Main Pier in Old PV it’s just a 1 hour or less boat ride to Yelapa for 380 pesos pp round trip & other remote coastal beaches. Ask for Jose Francisco or Jorge at 322-150-1808 to reserve a local tour or Water Taxi. They’re located just in front of the Pier. For photos on PV go to www.VisitaPuertoVallarta.com.mx or call 01152-322-222-0923. The Tourism Office, located on 123 Independence Ave ,just 1 block from the Guadalupe Church offers Free 60 minute Walking Tours of historic downtown on Monday to Friday at 9 am & 12 Noon. Saturdays at 9 am .No reservations needed, just show up. Any questions, call 322-222-0923
The Malecon, in Old Town Puerto Vallarta, is a palm lined boulevard next to the ocean where you can stroll day or night to visit restaurants ,artists & be entertained or have some awesome deserts. Here are a few scenes.The 5 men in full native dress do the upside down Pole Acrobatic Show at 6 pm daily. Their located about 2 blocks before the North end of the Malecon.
One of many artists you’ll meet !
Always a cool breeze walking the Malecon !
How to get rid of a hang over. Just kidding
The Sand Men. Are you guys for real ?
Do you like cakes & pies ?
After dinner desserts of every size & flavor
WHERE TO STAY
Vallarta Shores Villas & Suites, is one of our favorite hotels. It’s located in Old Puerto Vallarta on the beach just a few minutes walk to every type of restaurant imaginable. We enjoy their 5 star suites, each with its own private pool, huge living room plus fully equipped kitchen. Every Suite overlooks the ocean & famous sunset. There’s nothing better than being serenaded to sleep by the waves & being able to walk from the lobby directly to the beach. The manager , Daniel Gonzalez, speaks perfect English. The phone # from USA & Canada is 800-228-4552, in Mexico 322-222-3838. Vallarta Shores Villas & Suites
All suites overlook the sunsets & ocean !
Sunsets like this almost every evening !
Los Arcos Hotel & Suites is another favorite. It’s located in Old Puerto Vallarta on the beach ,with 171 rooms & suite on 4 floors, a large pool & Jacuzzi plus great buffet overlooking the beach . The rooms have a colonial Mexican style. The concierge ,Magda Gomez, who speaks English, has all the answers. The phone # from USA is 800-648-2403 & Canada 888-729-9590. In Mexico 322-226-7100. Los Arcos Hotel & Suites
Rooms overlooking the Pool, Jacuzzi & Beach.
Magda has all the answers, or will get them !
Hotel Yasmin is Closed, but opining in November 2021. It’s located in Old PV on Bastilio Badillo # 168 just one block from the beach. It has been a moderate priced hotel since 1966. It has 26 rooms on 3 floors. All rooms overlooking the inter courtyard. The manager, Hilda Payan, speaks English. The phone # is 322-222-0087 . Hotel Yasmin
WHERE TO EAT
Mi Pueblito Restaurant, located in Playa Los Arcos Hotel overlooking the beach( Look for the bougainvilleas). It has the best buffet for dinner about $16 US. Their buffet breakfast for 239 pesos, about $12 US, can easily fill you to last till dinner. We really enjoy the omelets made by Lupe and being attended to at breakfast by Rogelio or Efren. The dinner buffet is also great ,with happy hour 6 pm- 8 pm & live music nightly plus dance floor. Thursday & Saturday dinners also includes a Folkloric Show about 8 pm. For dinner,ask for Pablo the waiter or Captain Mauri or Manuel. They’re open from 7:30 am – 10:30 pm .They accept Pesos, $ US $ credit cards. Phone # 322-226-7100.
They’re ready to serve you !
Lupe cooks up great omelets !
Breakfast with a view
Langosta Feliz Restaurant, is located on Republica Dominican Ave # 120, just 5 blocks inland from the Bougainvillea Sheraton Hotel . We recommend it for your special seafood fix. Besides their fresh lobster, try the red snapper & jumbo shrimp cocktail. They offer the 2nd Margarita Free with your meal. If you’d like to be serenade by mariachis, except on Sundays, this place is for you. Phone # 322-223-1309. They’re open from 11 am -11 pm and take Pesos ,$ US or credit cards. Ask for Saul or Cesar ,who speak English.
Mariachis add a bit of Mexican flavor !
Seeing the real thing is better than a menu!
Gaby’s Restaurant is located on Mina St. # 252, just 2 blocks up from the Malecon near the Guadalupe Church. Open Monday to Saturday from 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm for dinner. We recommend their open air patio that has a view of the ocean or their room with A/C Their Cesar salad is to die for. Gaby, the owner, who speaks perfect English, is always there to help you select their specials of the day. After the sun goes down, they project old Mexican movies like “Night of the Iguana” on the wall across the street. Phone # 322-222-0480 .
Gaby will greet you!
The Sea Horse Italian Restaurant & Lounge is located on the top floor of Calle Zaragoza #160, near Los Arcos & Plaza de Armas . The elevator takes you to an elegant & romantic atmosphere with spectacular views of Banderas Bay.The Chef/owner,Raul Garcia plus his friendly bilingual staff will provide an evening to remember They have a Happy Hour with snacks from 1 pm- 6 pm & dinner 5 pm – 10 pm.They accept credit cards or cash. For reservations & special evening performances call Tel.322-178-2481
Andale Restaurant & Bar is located just 1/2 block south of the Los Arcos Hotel on Calle Olas Altos #425. They specialize in authentic Mexican Cuisine. Try their specialty, Chile Enogada. Open daily 7 am- 11 pm. If you’d like to mix with the locals & some Ex Pats ,this is the place. They accept all credit cards, $ US & pesos. Ask for Felipe Sanchez, the manager or Jorge Hernandez, the friendliest restaurant owner in PV or Carlos, all speak English. Tel. 322-222-1054
Cisneros Restaurant is located at Aguacate # 271 between V. Carranza & Lazaro Cardenas, near Inglesia Santa Cruz. It’s a very casual place , owned & managed by Marco & Ricardo Cisneros, who speak English & a little French. They have daily specials from $ 8-12US. A Mariachi group sometimes makes an appearance about 5 pm .Open 11 am -8 pm, closed Tuesdays. They take Pesos & $US ,but no credit cards. Phone # 322 -198-0760
Meme’s Restaurant is located on the 2nd floor of the Mercado Municipal next to the Rio Cuale at the corner of Puente Insurgente & Calle Agustin Rodrigues. They specialize in authentic Mexican seafood, tacos, chili relleno, burritos & no alcoholic drinks. Get a table overlooking the river to observe the local bird life. They’re open daily from 7 am-6 pm. Ask for Ricardo, the owners son, who speaks English. It’s a great place to eat after doing your handicraft shopping. Phone # 322-192-0471.
Mario or his son are ready to take your order
Planeta Vegetariano Buffet is located on Iturbide # 270, 2 blocks up from the Malecon near the Guadalupe Church. Their breakfast buffet is from 8 am- 12 Noon & costs 95 pesos. Lunch/dinner buffet is from 12 noon- 9:30 pm & costs 145 pesos .Look for the sign. It’s vegetarian food with Mexican & Asian flavors. Ask for Noe Santos Martinez, the owner, or Pepe. Phone # 322-222-3073.
La Langosta Bar & Restaurant located on the Malecon close to the Main Pier, is our favorite spot for a sunset cocktail & guacamole appetizer. They’re open daily from 8 am- 11 pm, Happy hour is 5-7 pm. Get a table right on the beach to fully enjoy the waves & famous sunset. Colette Zarry, the owner is from Canada. Ask for George,the manager, who speak English. Pay in pesos, $ US or credit card. Phone # 322-222-0894
Colette loves to greet you !
Marina Vallarta Restaurants
El Colequita seafood restaurant is located on the beginning of the Promenade in front of Pier K, next to the Condominiums Marina del Rey. They give complimentary shots of tequila with your meal. Open daily (except Tuesdays) 12 noon – 8 pm. Ask for Juan Carlos Nolasco, the Manager, who speaks English. Phone # 322-276-4495.
Linda Mar Resort has a beach side restaurant ,La Playita. It’s located on the secluded Conchas Chinas Beach just a short taxi or Public Bus ride from Old PV. They’re open 8 am- 8 pm daily serving breakfast ,lunch & sunset dinner plus a Happy Hour that includes all mixed drinks & a special Happy Hour drink from 12 noon-1 pm & 5-6 pm. Ask for Pablo Caballero, the Manager, or Jesus Pina .They accept $US ,MasterCard & Visa. Phone # 322-221-5511 or 322- 221-5556
Tacon de Marlin taco restaurant is located across from the International Airport just over the pedestrian overpass. They specialize in marlin & seafood tacos, about 90 pesos. It’s a perfect for a quick bite upon your arrival or prior to take your flight. Ask for Cuba, the Manager. Open from 9:30 am- 6 pm .Take on your flight home. Alejandro Garcia “Tacon” owns this and 2 other locations in PV. They take Pesos, $US, but no credit cards. Phone # 322-221-1914.
Everything made to order !
Their always ready for you!
For a Light Lunch we recommend trying a “Filete” ,grilled fish, usually Marlin, on a stick. We prefer the Marlin rather than the shrimp. Our favorite stand is on the beach ,near the Tropicana Hotel. Open about 10 am – 6 pm. They cost about 35 pesos. If you’d like to have it with a cold beer ,just ask when you order and someone will find one for you. The owners for the last 20 years are Yolanda & Kiko. They only take pesos.
“Filete” grilled Marlin on a stick !
Eulo’s Panaderia Bakery is located on Basilio Badillo # 244 just 3 blocks from the Malecon. When you walk by, the aroma will draw you in. It’s open Mon.-Sat. 7 am-9 pm & closed Sundays. They feature freshly made bread, sweet rolls & all kinds of pastries .Pay in Pesos only. Ask for Felipe or Eulogio.
“Filipe” The master baker
NIGHT LIFE
Margarita Grill & Bar often called “The Molcajetes House” is located on the corner of Basilio Badillo & Pino Suarez. Open 10 am- 11:45 pm. Live music every evening 6 pm – 9 pm with lots of rock & roll. The tropical atmosphere & open air seating make a relaxing place to eat & listen. Pay with Visa ,Master Card or pesos. Ask for Jorge Casillas, the manager. Tel. 322-222-9755
Los Muertos Brewing Pub, located at Lazaro Cardenas & Constitucion , brew their own beer plus serve burgers, all kinds of sandwiches & pizza. Meeting fellow beer lovers & the sports on TV are your entertainment. Open daily from 11 am – midnight. Ask for Ramon Cruz the manager or Conner Watts, the brew master .They accept Visa, MasterCard & $ US .Phone# 322-222-0308
Murphy’s Irish Pub is located near the Lighthouse ( El Faro) off the Malecon at Morelos #484 on the 2nd floor between Calle Galeana & Mina. Great place to watch the sunset. If you’d like some Irish whiskey ,beer, Shepherd’s Pie or Fish & Chips, this the place. Open Daily 11 am – 11:45 pm. Call ahead for exact times, due to seasonal changes. Classic Rock Fridays & Saturdays 9 pm – 11:45 pm. My favorite group “The Strangers”, play on Sat. night. Ask for Alex ,Juan or John Murphy, the owner Tel # 322-113-0373. Accept American Express, Visa & MasterCard, Pesos & $ US.
Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon & Cook House is located on Ave. Lazaro Cardenas # 245, near the corner of Calle Ignacio L. Vallarta. Great place to meet locals & Ex Pats while enjoying some hockey, football, basketball or baseball while having some local snacks . Live music from 8-11 pm with dancing optional.Open daily 10 am – 1 am. They accept Pesos, US & Canadian dollars & gold nuggets. Ask for Kelly,the owner or Dianna ,who speak English. Tel. 322-107-1252
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
Vallarta Food Tours. offer fun & informative tours that enable you to savor and learn the cooking secrets of typical Mexican foods. Their casual walking tours of 3-4 hours are given by bilingual guides. To make a reservation call Paul Mayer, in the USA 678-778-5928 or in Mexico 322-181-7196.
Canopy River is just 20 minutes from Old Town.They have 5 free pick up locations. If you’d like to go by Taxi it’s about 100-200 pesos depending on your location. This can be a full day adventure starting with breakfast Ala Carte,Monday to Friday or Full Buffet with live music for 250 pesos pp on Saturdays & Sundays .Their daily main attractions are the Zip Line , ATV or RZR adventures to the backroads plus the longest hanging bridge in Mexico that is 470 meters long or about 1,542 ft & 150 meters or about 492 ft above ground.For more details go to www.CanopyRiver.com .If you’d like to make a group reservation ,call Fidel Cuevas at Tel.322-133-7578
Los Veranos Canopy Zip Line offers you an opportunity to “fly like a eagle” through & above the lush tropical mountains located just south of Boca. It’s the oldest Zip Line operation in the Americas. Their reservation office is open 9 am- 5 pm & closed on Sunday. Their office is located close to the Cruise Ship Terminal. It’s a thrilling experience for any age. The guides are well trained & have a sense of humor. They’ve got a swimming hole to relax in after your Zip Line & a chef that prepares some awesome food. Raul Nolazco is one of the new owners, English spoken by all. See website for details. For reservations call Tel. 322-223- 0504.
Mundo de Azulejos or “World of Tiles“ is located on V. Carranza # 374, about 4 blocks inland from the Malecon. They manufacture & specialize in customized tiles that you can personalize . You can select the colors, size & text, such as: “Welcome to John & Margaret’s Home” or “Casa de Juan” or what ever you want. You need to give them 4 days to make it. They’re open Mon.- Fri. 9 am- 7 pm, Sat. 9 am – 2 pm & closed on Sunday. They’ll carefully wrap it to take home. Ask them to attach the hook if you plan to hang it. The phone # is 322-222-2675. Visit hhtp://www.Telavera-tile.com for more details. Ask for Benigno Ibarra , the owner or Manuel Hernandez ,who speaks English. After your visit , go around the corner to see Kristian Ibarra who’ll show you the World of Crystal that has the same hours.
Remember to place you order 4 days prior to departure!
The Master Glass Blower at work !!
Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale, established in 1957, the best handicraft market in Old PV is located at Calle Agustin Rodriguez & Puente Insurgente along the Cuale River. It’s open Mon. – Sat. 9 am- 7 pm & Sundays 9 am-2 pm. It has over 150 stalls of handicrafts, clothing & art, plus a restaurant on the 2nd floor. If you can’t find it here, it doesn’t exist. Note: Look for Luis Corios on the 1st floor at booth # 44 who speaks English. He can tell you the history of the market .
At the Mercado Municipal you’ll find everything !
Vallarta Botanical Gardens are located south of Old PV just 45 minutes by public bus for 35 pesos. Just take the same bus that goes to El Tuito at Ave. Carranza & Aguacate. The buses leave on the hour from 7 am – 9 pm.The Gardens & restaurant are open daily year round 9 am- 5:30 pm. Early birding on Thursdays, Dec. – March at 8 am. April to November, closed on Mondays. They have a great restaurant. Their 12 acres have almost every types & species of ferns, plants & orchids found in Mexico. Tours in English & Spanish are at 1 pm December to March. During April to November, it’s a self guided tour. Ask for Angel Juarez. Adult Admission for ages12 & up is 200 pesos, Ages 6-11 is 100 pesos ,Children 6 & under are Free .Phone # 322-223-6182 .
Mama Lucia Tequila Distillery is located south of Old PV on 5 de Mayo Street, just a 10 minute walk from the bus stop in Mismaloya . Take the 20 minute public bus for 10 pesos to Boca from Old Town & get off in Mismaloya .They’re just a 10 minute walk from the bus stop . They give a Free Tour, explaining the process with free sampling after the tour. Mon.- Fri. 9 am -6 pm, Sat . 9 am-3 pm. (Closed on Sundays) They accept cash or credit cards. Ask for Tony or Cesar, who speaks English . They make & sell every type & flavor. Phone# 322-228-0009.
Mojoneras Tianguis Flea Market .. Every Sunday there’s a huge flea market covering 4 square blocks,where if you cant find something ,it doesn’t exist. Food stands, fruits & vegetables,clothing, shoes. hats, parts for your blender with a little live music thrown in. Open 7 am – 2 pm year round on cobble stone streets. So wear comfortable shoes. Best to take a taxi for about 150 pesos, that tales about 15 minutes depending where you start from. Allow about 2 hours to fully enjoy the atmosphere.Taking a bus takes about 45 minutes.
The Magic Market & Festival.. Every Friday between 5:00 pm – 10 pm .It’s located on Ave .Francisco Medina Ascencio # 2753, near the Shell gas station & across the street from the Immigration Office. If you would like to be entertained while enjoying some local foods & handicrafts, this is the place. Any questions contact Teresita Gonzalez,Tel. 322-105-0604
Ice Skating Arena or Pista de Patinaje Sobre Hielo. For all you North Americans & Europeans, here’s your chance to practice what to probable haven’t done since you were a kid. It’s located close to the Sheraton on a side road behind the Mega Flamingos. Open daily 9 am- 11 pm. 150 pesos per hour or 80 pesos for half hour includes ice skates, helmets & elbow protection pads. The ice is a little wet so wear appropriate clothing. There are stands to observe your family or friends attempting to learn . They have lessons for an additional fee of 50 pesos per half. On Friday ,Saturday & Sundays at 7 pm they have a special ice skating show with a live band for 250 pesos. Ask for Brian Giron, the manager,Tel. 322-307-943 .
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES
Mayra Palacios Beauty Salon. Why do we suggest it ? If you’d like to get a good hair cut, whether your male or female, for about $ 4 US or 80 pesos “let your hair hang down” till you get to PV & then visit Mayra or Juan Carlos . They’re located on Insurgentes # 161. Corner of Aquiles Serdan in Old PV. Open from 10 am – 8 pm Monday to Saturday ,closed Sunday. Just drop in or call 322-180-4624.
Do I get 50% off for less hair? Just kidding!
Elsa’s Lavenderia Laundry ,since 1978, is located in Old PV, on Olas Altos St., across from the Los Arcos Hotel. You pay only 70 pesos per load. Open Mon. – Sat. 8 am- 2 pm & 3 pm-7 pm Closed on Sundays .Bring in your laundry before Noon & it’ll usually be ready before 5 pm. If you prefer, ask for organic soap or bring you own . Ask for Elsa, Marisella or Rofina.Tel. 322-222-3465
Elsa will clean up your act !
Mercado Emiliaono Zapata is a great place to get fresh fruits, meat or seafood. It’s located on Calle Lazaro & Emiliano Zapata. Inside the market there’s a stall called Pescaderia Las Iglesias that sells all kinds of seafood. My favorite is the jumbo shrimp only 260 pesos per kilo. Take some home for a great Shrimp Cocktail at sunset. The owner is Rodrigo Diaz. Call him at 322-321-0324 to have your seafood ready .They’re open Daily 7 am-2 pm.
Tortilleria Faviola is located on Calle 5 de Febrero # 307 & Constitucion, just 1 block from the Rio Cuale. If you’d like to see how 3,000 tortillas are made in one day, visit them in the morning. Tortillas are 17 pesos per Kilo. Open daily from 5 am- 4 pm. Ask for Faviola Parra, the owner who speaks English. Tel. 322-222-1691
Fabiola “Huarachheria” Shoe Shop is located on Ignacio Vallarta just 1/2 block from the bridge heading south, over the Rio Cuale. They make custom leather sandals & can repair or put heals on men’s or women’s shoes for half the price in US or Canada. Marco Rios, the owner, speaks English & has been there for over 35 years. So bring the shoes you need repaired. Their open 11 am- 7 pm Monday – Saturday & Sundays 11 am- 4 pm. Tel. 322-779-9711.
Rudy’s Paddle Board & Kayak Rentals is located on Playa los Muertos Beach ,about 100 yards south of the Main Pier. Renting equipment from 8 an till 1 pm for 300 pesos per hour. You can reach Raul Arias at 322-151-0600