Official Language:
Spanish
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Currency:
Peso
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Population:
Approximately 250,000 people call Puerto Vallarta
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Puerto Vallarta: Experiences two seasons wet and dry. The rainy wet season extends from June through October, with the dry season making up the remainding months. Summer in Puerto Vallarta is like a sultry steam bath (with highs in the upper 80s°F/27°C, but prices are more reasonable then. From September to December, expect nice weather (highs in the upper 60s-upper 70s°F/16-21°C, with only occasional showers (unless there's a hurricane coming through). December-March is the high season, when the weather is at its best.
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The cruise pier is not close to downtown so it is too far to walk. Taxis or shuttles cover the distance in minutes. Puerto Vallarta has beautiful sandy beaches, gorgeous mountains, and the allure of a small-town. It is located in the heart of the Mexican Riviera. It is a beautiful stretch of coastline running from Mazatlan to Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta is very popular with tourists. Only Cancun is more popular.
Puerto Vallarta is a great, quaint little town to stroll through. The narrow, cobblestone streets paint a wonderful colonial picture of town, whereas the waterfront promenade, offers a refreshing, view of the city and bay. The long stretches of beach to the north of town, and a series of delightful coves to the south, are among the most beautiful in the world.
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Attractions |
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There is plenty for cruise passengers to see in Puerto Vallarta inside and outside the downtown area. Whatever you like to do, whether it is sighseeing, relaxing on the beach, or playing sports, the possibilties here are endless.
Banderas Bay:
Banderas is the Spanish word for flags or banners. An early explorer to the bay was greeted by some 20,000 Indians bearing feathered flags; hence the origin of the name. Banderas Bay is Mexico's largest, offering a sweeping, 30-mile view from tip to tip.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe:
This church and the shining gold crown atop its steeple is Puerto Vallarta's most distinctive landmark. Construction began in 1918 and was completed 33 years later. The church's crown is a replica of a replica. The original, fashioned after the crown once worn by Carlota, Empress of Mexico in the 1860s, was damaged in a 1995 earthquake. What you see today is a replica of the original.
Malecon:
The mile-long, waterfront boardwalk offers a perfect place to stroll and take in the beauty of the city's scenery (buildings and beach-goers). Two sculptures along the way, "Boy on a Seahorse," and "Los Arcos" (at the south end amphitheater) add further interest to the walk. Young Vallartenos and their families turn out in big numbers each Sunday afternoon to strut and flirt on the malecon.
Viejo Vallarta:
The "old" Vallarta features cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings that march up the hills from town. Most visitors are pleased by the cleanliness of the city; daily garbage pickups play a major role.
Isla Rio Cuale:
A river divides Puerto Vallarta. Downtown, centered in that river, stands a little isle bustling with boutiques, cafes, and a botanic garden.
Marina Vallarta:
Mexico's largest (500 slips) and "most sophisticated" marina is surrounded by a boardwalk, art galleries, shops, luxury hotels, condos, and restaurants. shopping malls and a golf course.
Playa de los Muertos ("Dead Man's Beach"):
The name of this stretch of sand is no reflection on the lifesaving abilities of local lifeguards. It's name came from a battle among gold and silver smugglers and locals that took place on the beach. The aftermath of the fight left the sand strewn with bodies.
Mismaloya Beach:
This is where John Huston's movie "Night of the Iguana" was filmed. Flanking the beach are rugged cliffs. Look closely at those cliffs - they may appear to be moving. They are. Iguanas find the terraced cliffs a perfect spot for "sun-bathing." When the movie was filmed, there was no road to Mismaloya: all equipment had to be shipped to the site. The original movie set still exists, now operating as a popular restaurant.
Gringo Gulch:
The residential area has been a popular address for U.S. and Canadians for decades. The residents cherish their privacy but things got shaken up a bit when Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton took up residence in the mid-60s. Her home, "Casa Kimberly," boasts nine bedrooms and eleven baths. Nearby to Gringo Gulch are the tropical gardens at the Cuale River Bridge.
Conchas Chinas:
Just south of downtown, facing Banderas Bay is the picture-postcard community of Conchas Chinas. If you're thinking of returning to Puerto Vallarta for a long vacation, think also of renting a villa or condo here.
El Eden:
A lush, jungle-like, tropical park hides a few miles inland from the beach. The location, featuring waterfalls, pools, and riverside restaurants, was used for the filming of 1987's "Predator."
Dolphin Encounter:
At this "zoo", you are the one inside the "cage." The Puerto Vallarta Dolphin Encounter puts you waist-deep in the water, as bottlenose dolphins introduce you to their home. The experience is unforgettable.
Banderas Bay Whale Watching:
You won't have to travel far to find what you're looking for - the deep and broad waters of Banderas Bay are a winter breeding ground for humpback whales. Underwater microphones allow you to eavesdrop on their conversations. You'll also spot green sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins on your way to Marieta Island, where you'll have a chance to do some snorkeling.
Shopping
Choose your venue:
a bazaar-like flea market, the quaint shops of Viejo Vallarta ("Old Town") or the slick boutiques of the malls - Marina Vallarta, for instance. Bartering is expected in local markets, but not in the stores.
The Mercado Municipal Flea Market:
On the Rio Cuale, just north of town, you'll find the two-story marketplace crammed with vendors. Test your bartering skills for leather goods, silver jewelry, souvenirs, and local handicrafts.
Downtown Shopping:
Shops can be found on almost every street and alley but they're concentrated on Juarez and Morelos Streets. Look for silver, blown glass, pottery, arts and crafts, and sandals. Resist the hand-made furniture and home furnishings unless the shop can arrange shipping for you.
Malls:
Villa Vallarta, Plaza Marina, and Plaza Neptuno are just a few of the shopping plazas and malls around town. Expect to see much of what you'd see at home.
Charter sailing:
A big business in Puerto Vallarta. Full and half-day arrangements can be made and most offer onboard meals and amenities. Whether you're aim is to fish or fall asleep in the sun, there's probably a boat waiting that fits your budget.
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More Information |
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Web: http://www.vallartatoday.com/
Web: http://www.puertovallarta.net/
Web: htp://www.puerto-vallarta.com/
Web: http://www.ocvpuertovallarta.com/
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