Paradise comes in many forms, and I believe Puerto Vallarta offers many of these to its visitors. Its recent accolade as the Top Mexican Destination demonstrates its diversity and popularity as a vacation spot in Mexico. And people vacation in paradise.

So, is in your paradise, do you prefer a  walk on a remote beach or a dip in the pool with a view? Let us know?

an idyllic beach like Las Majahuitas is often "paradise"

a dip in the pool at the FS Punta Mita Resort qualifies as a paradise for many

Photo: by Craig Zabransky. This Friday photo post coincides with the #frifotos (on twitter) theme of paradise, let us know what is your paradise.

More accolades for Puerto Vallarta. Yes, after a successful Tianguis 2012 and also hosting the World Economic Forum on Latin America, Puerto Vallarta received recognition from Trip Advisor for top overall destination and placed ninth in the top beach destinations for Mexico.

Ninth Best Beach Destination in Mexico

a remote beach south of downtown Puerto Vallarta

With over forty beaches on the Bay of Banderas, it is no surprise Puerto Vallarta placed in the top ten beach destination. Visitors to Puerto Vallarta find crowded fiesta filled beaches such as Playa de Los Muertos along with private and secluded beaches such a Pizotita (photograph) on the edge of the Sierra Madre mountains and lush jungle.

From the northern edge along the Riviera Nayarit all the way down the bay to Yelapa in Jalisco there is a beach for everyone. This coupled with the “golden beaches and indigo waters” according to TripAdvisor.com really enabled the destination to receive the recognition.

Top Mexican Destination

the iconic statue of the sea horse and new logo

Beyond beautiful beaches, Puerto Vallarta also offers much for the traveler to enjoy. The diverse landscape, colorful Mexican culture, romantic vibe, appreciation for the arts, and its gastronomical scene all helped earn it Trip Advisor’s Top Mexican Destination for 2012. Congratulations!

Whether you enjoy the heart of the destination with its iconic cathedral, main square, and the newly renovated Malecón or choose to stay on the remote beaches or even explore the surrounding jungles and the bay, there is something for everyone. As a frequent visitor I agree, you can either relax and enjoy a combination of breathtaking scenes or take part in outdoor fun and adventure and world class gastronomy. It is no surprise to me it did well with Trip Advisor. What do you think?

For the list of the Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Awards click here.

Photos: by Craig Zabransky

Puerto Vallarta is famous for the romance, its beaches and the adventure that awaits.  But on my recent travels I discovered a few “off the beaten path” activities that made the destination even more special.

Salsa Dance Lessons

After the sun sets, both downtown and old town Puerto Vallarta come alive.  Visitors find a little Latin spice in the seaside town’s salsa. The bars and clubs become packed with talented dancers displaying both flair and flirtation. For many visitors salsa is just a spectator sport, but why  watch from the sidelines when you can take a lesson, learn some steps, and join the fun.

I met Marcella at Las Palomas on the malecon where she promotes a weekly salsa dancing get together. I arrived early for a quick lesson. I am no stranger to the dance floor, but salsa was always a bit difficult for me. Marcella instructed me on the basic 8 step (on one) with some side steps and turns.

Marcella teaching me a more advance move...

I got the basics down and eventually even asked someone to dance. Did I mistakes? Yes, but I just followed motto – “stay adventurous.” If you are interested you can contact Marcella through Latin Motion PV.

Help the Community with Investours

Travel allows us all to take a time out from our daily routine. We often appreciate how fortunate we are to have such experiences. Many times, I personally want to give back. Now in Puerto Vallarta you can.

With Investours, you sign up to visit locals who need micro-loans to start up and grow small business projects. Participants learn about their daily life and the crafts the locals create.  Visitors get to gain insight to the communities that surround Puerto Vallarta and also assist them develop.

the night spear fisherman prepares machaca - a special dish made of sting rays. Photo: is premaphotographic.com (taken by photographer Kiersten Rowland).

A tour includes transportation, local beverages and authentic Mexican cuisine.  All the proceeds from the ticket prices are lent via a micro-finance loan to a community member. It’s a win – win.

Mexican Cooking Class at EL Arrayan

The Cooking Class at El Arrayan is more than just a class, it’s a complete culinary adventure. Participants meet early in morning at the restaurant and head to breakfast to fuel up before the tour of the markets and tortilla factories. Carmen, owner of El Arrayan,  explains about all the ingredients used in Mexican dishes. I was amazed at all the different peppers involved with Mexican flavors (the peppers were harder to remember then my salsa steps). Then it’s back to El Arrayan and the kitchen to cook.

Once inside, participants prepare their own lunch with the head chef of the restaurant. The meal changes each class and not every dish is on the menu, but rather are local Mexican favorites. We prepared fresh salsa, beans, a spicy meatball dish, and a very memorable Mexican pudding for dessert.

dessert was a unique and tasty Mexican Shortbread or Pudding

Besides the tours of the markets, all “inspiring chefs” receive a book with the recipes (you can notes during the class), a special El Arrayan cooking apron, a house special margarita and sit down to eat the efforts from the kitchen. My meal was delicious.

Photos: The Salsa and El Arrayan image are from Craig Zabransky, the other is sourced above.

People often ask me about specific hotels or resorts in Puerto Vallarta and if they are safe. On safety, I already answered the question in an earlier post, Is Puerto Vallarta Safe for Tourists? And, yes it is.

As for specific resorts, I can’t possibly know them all, but I do know the neighborhoods. And when you are flying to PVR it is important to know not just what resort, but also what area you booked for your vacation.

Here are five areas people stay on vacation:

Punta de Mita

An hour drive north of the airport in the state of Nayarit visitors find Punta de Mita. Most visitors come for the luxury resorts located inside the Punta Mita development. Here five star resorts offer a relaxing vacation with clear blue ocean waters and two of Puerto Vallarta’s best golf courses. Plus, a few quaint Mexican pueblos are relatively close to visit if you have a car.

quite a lovely pool scene... (photo: Four Seasons)

Where did I stay? I rented a Jeep Wrangler from Avis and drove to the Four Seasons Punta Mita Resort. It was my first time at a Four Seasons property and it will not be my last. I still talk about the service.

Nuevo Vallarta

Just 20 minutes north of the airport and also on the Riviera Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta offers visitors the all-inclusive vacation. Here you are too far from downtown Puerto Vallarta to make it a nightly adventure, but not to worry, the resorts offer all the entertainment, food, drinks, and activities visitors need on a vacation.

the view of the property.. (Photo: Dreams)

Where did I stay? I spent my time at the Dreams Villamagna Resort. At the all-inclusive I enjoyed the fine dinning and the numerous bars. I found the festive crowd, but I also noticed many family friendly activities.

Marina Vallarta

Very close to the airport and the Marine terminal (the locations for cruise ships and sea excursions) visitors find Marina Vallarta. The location offers familiar American hotel names, proximity to the mall and popular chain restaurants, and is a small taxi fare from downtown.

the pool and beach at the Marriott. (photo: Marriott)

Where did I Stay? I stayed at the CasaMagna Marriott. The resort is very comfortable with all the typical Marriott amenities and also very family friendly. The resort’s two main highlights for me were the house made Tequila and Ohtli – the spa.

Downtown Puerto Vallarta

As much as Puerto Vallarta is a beach destination, the main city streets can be filled with hustle and bustle.  And if you want to stay in the action of Puerto Vallarta, a downtown hotel is a great option. Smaller boutique places are just walking distance from the heart of the city, the new malecon and the church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

the lobby of Hotel Catedral ... (photo: Craig Zabransky)

Where did I stay? The charming boutique Hotel Catedral is in a perfect location. The hotel is a short walk from the popular beaches (beach club access is included) and to the vibrant night life. Plus, it offers a majestic view of the Church’s iconic crown from its new sun deck. Definitely visit the rooftop at sunset.

Boca de Tomatlan, Majahuitas, Yelapa

Traveling south from Puerto Vallarta and along the coast the road ends at Boca de Tomatlan. From there guests must take passage via boats to get to additional coastal towns of Majahuitas or Yelapa. All places are popular day excursions, however many people find it an escape and spend a few nights in this part of Mexico.

the view from my open air room (photo: Craig Zabransky)

Where did I stay? Halfway between Boca de Tomatlan and Yelapa, Las Majahuitas Resort, offers that complete escape. In an iconic setting, visitors find a sense of seclusion and the ability to relax on the shore amidst jungle and mountains.

Photos: Hotel Catedral and Las Majahuitas  by Craig Zabransky. The other photos courtesy of the hotel mentioned. All the places I mentioned I stayed during my recent trip to Puerto Vallarta in February and they hosted my stay.

Another change comes to Puerto Vallarta. This one didn’t require the construction effort needed to provide a facelift to the malecon, but it did take ten weeks to finalize.  Puerto Vallarta rebrands and selects a multicolor seahorse as its new logo to represent the city.

Presented at the Tianguis Touristico 2012, Mexico’s premiere tourism event which opened yesterday in Puerto Vallarta, the new brand  was unveiled to over 200 members of the national and international press. After a comprehensive study, the new image was designed to differentiate the destination from other national tourism markets and highlight Puerto Vallarta’s main attractions.

The press release provided details on the nature of how the logo was selected. It was based upon the results of the study and comparison to other leading destinations.  They mentioned four “guiding principles” or commonalities that existed across other brands.

1. Rainbow (diversity of the destination)
2. Use of specific colors that refer to qualities of the place; here it was noted blue and red were most commonly used.
3. Use of an icon that references the destination
4. There are logos that are completely typographic in nature with reference to the destination’s tourism products (fun, culture, peace, diversity, etc.).

Then the Tourism Board agreed to select the “seahorse” as the icon and developed the following color scheme definition.

the new logo

As I often offer my two pesos on the blog, upon my initial review, I am a fan of the new logo. I like the colorful change as Puerto Vallarta is a colorful destination (except the new malecon) and love the selection of the city’s most iconic symbol, the Seahorse Sculpture.

But those are my two pesos, what do you think? Here is the evolution of the icon.

It’s an upgrade, no? Again, let us know what you think?

Photos and Source of Information: Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board Press Release

The malecon remains a must visit on any trip to Puerto Vallarta. The mile long seawall promenade stretches the length of downtown Vallarta and is arguably the highlight of the destination. A stroll along the seaside walkway allows visitors to: take in saltwater breezes, enjoy views of the Bay of Banderas, meet and greet friends, and appreciate the public display of art sculptures.  As one of the 5 things to do in Puerto Vallarta this season, I wanted to stroll on the newly renovated malecon myself. And I did.

the new malecon

Now, I agree with most everyone I conversed with while in Puerto Vallarta. A new, better, malecon has emerged. But what changed? And what improvements are still left to complete?

Malecon Enhancements

• No Cars. This is the biggest change. The main stretch of the malecon is now completely pedestrian only. No more taxis, local car traffic or tourists driving rentals. The road is gone and a new safer, slower, family friendly walkway has emerged to the delight of most everyone.
•  Certainly, the famous Seahorse sculpture remains a focal point of the malecon. But, it has moved to the center of the main stretch. The iconic sculpture, first unveiled in 1976 still draws, and remains a top photograph for any visitor. (I took a photo or rather a few photos)
  

  the iconic statue of the sea horse

• Carritos. Yes, no cars, but little cars are welcome and available for free. Making the malecon more family friendly both locals and visitors can borrow a baby car (stroller-size) and “cruise” the malecon. On Sunday, when the local families come out for a stroll the carritos can create a traffic jam to remind us all about the malecon’s prior days. Again, “carritos” are free to the public, you just need to drop of a license.

Suggestions to Further Improve the Malecon.

• Lighting. Although everyone loved the new malecon, but one improvement most everyone discussed was the lighting. At night, the lights didn’t illuminate enough of the walkway. I understand a change is on the way.

some of the only color I found on the malecon

• Color. The one surprise for me was the lack of color. I appreciate the additional plants and “life” given to the malecon, but was surprised it was largely green. Mexico is one of the most colorful cultures I know; more flowers would brighten the day  for most every visitor.

Well after your next stroll on the malecon, do let us know your thoughts.

Photos: All by Craig Zabransky

This month Puerto Vallarta plays host to Mexico’s most important travel industry event – Tianguis Turistico. After thirty plus years of the convention being hosted in Acapulco, Mexico made the decision to move the conference to different destinations around the country each year. First up, Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit won the right to host Tiangus Turistico 2012.

The official dates of the conference are March 25-28, but the city is planning a much bigger fiesta.  Here are a few noteworthy events to consider if you are planning to attend the conference or even if your time overlaps with the celebration of Mexican tourism.

Vallarta Wine Fest 2012

Each year, Puerto Vallarta holds a wine festival and this year the committee decided to move the event from February (in 2011) to coincide with the Tianguis event. So all the lucky visitors will have the opportunity to be part of the Vallarta Wine Festival.

After an initial ceremony at the court yard outside city hall, the pariticipating restuarants will offer wine tastings and pairings. The festival is slated for March 22nd – March 27th.

Tianguis Restaurant Week

It is widely believed that Puerto Vallarta provides the best cuisine and restaurant scene outside of the capital city. Whether it’s international fine dining or the local tacos al pastor, visitors always leave satisfied if not with a few extra pounds too. And for the Tianguis conference many of the same restaurants involved in the Puerto Vallarta and Rivieria Nayarit Restaurant Week 2011 are offering specials.

Normally run the last two weeks of May, this special Restaurant Week for the Tianguis Turistico conference will have many of the fine dinning restaurants are offering three course meals at steep discounts. Make sure you make your reservations.

The New Malecón Celebration

Puerto Vallarta’s newly renovated Malecon is much of the talk of the town this year. A recent visit has me giving the new pedestrian only walkway two thumbs up. A stroll passed the seaside sculptures, the sounds, smells, and sights of the ocean all combined with the  local Mexican flare is always a great way to spend an afternoon.

On Monday March 26th starting at 8pm, the city will provide a fireworks display along with songs from the famous Mariachi Vargas. It’s an event not to be missed.

Registrations for the conference are up from last year as the event approaches later this month, and the co-hosts Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit are making sure all visitors get to experience all the destination has to offer. If you are attending – have fun (and I might see you there).

Photos: Wine Photo by Craig Zabransky. Logos provided by the tourism board. 

Aguaventuas Puerto Vallarta

People have been visiting Puerto Vallarta for centuries. Its warm and friendly community has welcomed travellers from across the globe. The city has evolved over the last half-century to adapt to the growing number of foreigners that have relocated her to live.

Nevertheless, it has kept its charm as a quaint city with whitewashed buildings, red Spanish tile roofs and cobblestone streets. The city today is one of the safest in Mexico and has a number of different places that cater to families with children. There are also many activities that families with children can enjoy.

Three of the best places to take kids while visiting Puerto Vallarta are Aquaventuras Park Vallarta, Rancho el Charro and the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

Aquaventuras Park Vallarta

This is one of Vallarta’s most amazing tourist attractions. The park has ten water slides. A number of pools are located throughout the complex providing plenty of area for guests to swim and cool off from the hot sun. You can take rides along the river in one of many boats that have knowledgeable guides.

There are a number of playgrounds for the kids to use up all their energy while mom and dad rest. You can see a show performed by marine animals and then get a chance to swim with dolphins. The entire day will be fun filled for everyone including the older children and the adults.

Rancho el Charro

Rancho el Charro is one of the best places to enjoy a peaceful slow horse ride through jungle trails along the river to see some of the most picturesque scenery in all of Mexico.

The ranch is located just 15 minutes outside of the urban area of Vallarta. The area around the ranch has not changed in many years. Locals say it has been this way, peaceful and tranquil, since the early 1900s.

The ride starts at the edge of the jungle and heads up river to a swimming area and waterfall. After spending time in the water, the trip continues up a mountain to a lookout point where you can see beautiful views of the town and ocean below. Next, the trail leads back along the river to a restaurant located directly on the riverbank.

Best of all, the guides are experienced horsemen, knowledgeable the village and surrounding jungle loaded with flora and fauna.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens

Located on the only road heading south from Vallarta the Botanical Gardens are easy to find. The Gardens are just 30 minutes from the city center by car. The setting here is one of mountains full of nature’s bounty.

Getting there is part of the fun. A trek along the highway starts with the palms and the beautiful coastline and ends with the pines in the rugged mountains.

Along the way, you will pass a jungle gorge and a granite half dome filled with wild vanilla, plumeria and hundreds of orchids. Admission is inexpensive and kids under 10 get in free.

The Gardens opened in 2004 on ranch property and today are 20 acres filled with indigenous and imported plants and trees of all shapes, sizes and color. Tours through the Gardens are offered and many of the plants are labelled for the visitor.

The Puerto Vallarta airport, PVR, provides access to two world class destinations; Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit. Millions of visitors each year visit these pacific seaside paradises and pass through the airport with ease. You will too.

Direct Flight to PVR

Who doesn’t prefer a direct flight, and the small, efficient airport in Puerto Vallarta offers many.  Multiple cities in both the Unites States and Canada offer plenty with even more added in the winter “high season” months.

In fact, Virgin offered a new direct flight to meet the demand for this growing destination. But, if you can’t find direct flights, don’t be afraid to transfer through Mexico City. From New York, it’s usually the flight I select.

Connecting Flights Through Mexico City

Mexico City Airport Terminal 2

Sometimes flights connect via Mexico City to Puerto Vallarta. Don’t worry it’s easy. Benito Juarez, the airport in the capital city, is first class. And if you connect through it, there are two things you must know.

1) You will pass through customs and need to collect your baggage to recheck (just steps after passing customs) and

2) There are two main terminals  (1 and 2) that don’t connect by foot. You can’t walk between them.

Flights on Delta and Aero Mexico are in Terminal 2 and most other airlines in Terminal 1. A transfer exists between terminals on a bus outside or a “monorail-style” tram. However, you will most likely only need to change terminals if you mix and match airlines through a discount site on-line booking. To be safe, make sure you research what terminal and also allow transfer time and customs too.

if you connect, you will arrive as "llegades nacionales

Duty Free in Puerto Vallarta

I watch people who seemed surprised at the Duty Free process. Two things you must remember when buying.

1) You need to buy when flying internationally. If you are connecting to Mexico City, it’s in Mexico City you buy your Tequila.

2) Many flights connect in the United States (including some to Canada). Many travel and transfer planes through Houston (Continental / Untied) or Phoenix (US Air) or elsewhere. If so, you will need to pack your duty free (liquids) in to your packed luggage after customs before you recheck them. (don’t worry they don’t weigh it again)

For more flight information, visit Vallarta Flights Information page.

Photos: Craig Zabransky

Photo taken by Aldo C Zavala

Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful city on the Pacific Coast of Mexico that is rich in tradition and history and filled with a myriad of plazas and historical buildings. The city is located in Banderas Bay and is a mix of new and old. Conde Nast magazine once voted Puerto Vallarta as its friendliest city in the world. It has even been voted as a great worldwide place to retire and the best tourist destination in all of Mexico.

While staying in Puerto Vallarta there are a number of activities to enjoy. Adventure is never far away and one of the best activities to enjoy in this coastal destination. Three great adventure tours are the Canopy Adventure Tour, the Sea Safari Tour and an Off Road Adventure Tour.

Be Tarzan for a Day

Photo Taken By Becky Snyder

Just a short 45-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta you will find the Canopy Adventure Park. This park has the best treetop canopy and eco-tour in the entire area. From high above the jungle floor, you can enjoy the wonder of the jungle canopy via suspended walkways, zip lines and a number of viewing platforms.

The zip lines will make you feel as if you are flying through the tropical forest of the Sierra Madres. The zip lines are over 30 meters above the jungle floor giving you an ideal way to see the forest as you glide from platform to platform.

Visit Remote Villages

Since Puerto Vallarta is on the Pacific coast it is only natural that a sea adventure tour is near the top of any tour list. The tour takes you to fishing villages off the beaten track via a comfortable touring boat. The tour includes three stops at indigenous communities that are isolated from the mainstream tourism routes.

You can tour the villages and see the traditions, lifestyle and culture of these remote places. You can enjoy snorkelling in a peaceful pristine cove full of marine life. The tour concludes at a private beach with your choice of hammocks, sea kayaks, coconuts and an open bar to enjoy a tropical drink while filling your stomach with authentic Mexican cuisine.

Off Road Thrills

Photo taken by Corey Harmon

Want to see the real Mexico. Take an off road adventure tour and see parts of the country that are usually reserved for just locals. This tour takes you via a Unimog jeep into the depths of the Mexican jungle to remote villages to see the customs and traditions of the people that call them home.

You can enjoy a 45-minute wildlife hike through the Sierra Madre jungle to learn about the abundant flora and fauna found here. Enjoy a visit to an artisan village and see all the crafts they make. Visit the tiny village of Sayulita where surfers from around the world come to catch a wave. There you can eat authentic typical foods and refresh your body with a dip in the ocean.