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.

In less than a week I will be in Puerto Vallarta once again. I arrive on February fourth. Ah, just typing those words puts a smile on my face. Yes, I am returning to a pacific paradise. My plans are almost complete and include many of the activities I listed as my must dos for high season coupled with some pure R&R (rest and relaxation) too.

What Vallarta Activites will I do?

Sunsets to start. I have reservations for a late lunch and watch the sunset at Le Kliff, I have a signature cocktail waiting for me at the Punta Mita on the Riviera Nayarit, and will definitely visit the new malecon at sunset. I always love the magic of the sunset in Puerto Vallarta, it’s definitely part of the charm of the seaside city.

a sunset on the beach in Puerto Vallarta

For culture, I”ll attend a cooking class at the popular Mexican restaurant El Arrayan, visit the Saturday Farmer’s Market, meander the downtown streets on the Wednesday Night Art Walk and finally take a few salsa dance lessons with Latin Motion.  Yes, I am packing my dancing shoes, the nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is another reason to visit.

photo: LatinMotion

And no trip to Puerto Vallarta is complete with out getting out on (and in) the Bay of Banderas. A whale watching tour with Vallarta Adventures, a half day fishing charter, and time to paddle out past the break and surf an afternoon all made my list.

Plus, I look forward to the chance to connect with nature. I  visualize myself relaxing and appreciating the beauty of the the seashores of Mexico. Yes, I do.

taking it easy... that's always an activity on my list

Where am I staying in Puerto Vallarta?

There are countless hotels, resorts, and boutiques at nearly every price point in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit. And I’ll visit a few gems.

My first night will be in Punta Mita at the Four Seasons Resort and from there I”ll be spending time  at the boutique favorite in the heart of Old Town, the Hotel Catedral, then to the secluded  and boat accessible Las Majahuitas and finally the CasaMagna Marriott, a hotel with its own Tequila.

the CasaMagna tequila will not be the only I sample

How Can I Follow You?

I’ll post stories about my adventures once I return here on the blog, but you can also follow me in “real-time” too. Starting February 4th I’ll be social tweeting (I’ll use Facebook too) about my adventures. You can follow me (@stayadventurous) or follow the hashtag #StayAAPV (Stay Adventurous – All About Puerto Vallarta). Ask questions, make comments, view the photos, and learn more about the adventures that await you on a holiday in Puerto Vallarta. Viva!

Photos: Craig Zabransky

Disclaimer: Stays, activities and meals may be received at a discount.  I will provide a disclaimer, but rest assured, my opinions are always my own.

I normally drink tequila straight. I sip it (most times). That’s my choice, but cocktails exist. Good cocktails too. So when you find yourself in Puerto Vallarta, a seaside town that resides in the state of Jalisco (the birthplace of tequila) it is time to taste a few.

Wake Up to a Tequila Sunrise

I like to see the sunsets, and sunsets of Puerto Vallarta delight. But when it comes to a cocktail, I’ll drink a sunrise. Usually ordered at brunch, the Tequila Sunrise appears on tables many hours after the sun appears in the sky.  The multicolored, layered drink resembles what a sunrise would look like if you woke up early enough to see it.

the tequila sunrise; stir before you sip.

Three simple ingredients; grenadine, orange juice, and tequila make the cocktail. But if you want something closer to “home,” you can always order the ‘Bloody Maria.’ You guessed it, you just substitute of tequila for the vodka.

An Afternoon Margarita

The most popular tequila drink, the margarita, contains just three ingredients; tequila, triple sec and lime juice with the option of a salted or unsalted glass. The ratios vary depending on the bar or bartender and whether you select frozen or on the rocks.

However, the most important ingredient is not the tequila. The ingredient to ask about is the lime juice. Is it freshly squeezed? If it is, I order it (with a favorite tequila) on the rocks, and if it’s not (and you still want one) frozen might be the better call.

Frozen - if the lime juice isn't fresh squeezed or I'm poolside

Variations of themMargarita, such as mango, strawberry, etc… do appear on menus too, but it’s the lime, salt, and tequila that make it Mexican. So when in Puerto Vallarta, do what the Mexicans do – you will not be disappointed.

La Paloma or Tequila Refresca

Most times I find myself with straight tequila on the nights out on the town. But in night clubs or to just slow down the intake, you can order a La Paloma. It’s grapefruit soda (or Squirt), ice, tequila and a squeeze of lime.

After sunset, besides a straight tequila, this is really the only way you’ll find men drinking tequila. The colorful or blender drinks seem to be no longer an option for the locals, but don’t worry, for you anything goes when you are on holiday.

Those are a few tequila cocktails to try, which is your favorite?

 All photos by Craig Zabransky

Over the holidays many people travel home, others take vacation.  This year I am personally spending time with my family in New York City, but if I was lucky enough to be traveling to Puerto Vallarta, here are a few things I might consider for the Christmas holiday weekend.

Friday, December 23rd Yin Yoga in Puerto Vallarta

A Yoga session might just be the perfect way to start the holiday weekend. A chance to clear the mind, refresh the soul and head in 2012 with a new outlook. And on December 23rd visitors can join Heidi Ellison, a visiting teacher from Chicago, for an extra long practice of Yin Yoga.

Yin Yoga is a slow, deep series of floor postures desinged to focus on the energy flow and encourages awareness.The practice is seen as a compliment to the more muscular yoga style and can be a great way to move and activate energy (Qi/prana) through your body. So at 11am on Friday, December 23rd, in Davannayoga venue you can join for a cost of  $250 pesos.

the instructor

Christmas Eve at The Old Town Farmer’s Market

Back for it’s third year, the Old Town’s Farmer’s Market is a perfect place to be festive and also get in some last minute shopping. The market is open from 10am-2pm and the street sees over fifty vendors set up to sell locally grown and made products. Each perfect for a gift or for your holiday celebration in Puerto Vallarta or maybe even a souvenir-present.

the entrance to the market

Children Christmas carolers were there on Saturday the 17th, but on Christmas Eve the vendors all plan to decorate their tables and set up a Christmas Tree.

Christmas Day Dinner in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is widely recognized as one of the premier food destinations in Mexico. Many restaurants will be open serving fine dining. It makes for a most difficult decision, but here are two options I’d really consider.

El Arrayan, an authentic Mexican restaurant in down town, will be serving a special Christmas Turkey. The Turkey will be marinated in adobo, a mix of different spices an dried peppers served with a dried pepper gravy. Also, the stuffing is made with minced meat, raisins, apple and almonds. And it sounds delicious.

Another option, a little outside of Puerto Vallarta, is Le Kilff. The restaurant is probably more famous for its sunsets than its cuisine. A friend of mine mentioned the Christmas menu is one of the best in town, but the sunset might be a perfect substitute for snow.  I can’t think of a better way to spend Christmas on vacation then watching the sun set on the last  Sunday of the year.

a sunset on the beach in Puerto Vallarta

Photos: Yoga Teacher provided by Yogamind; Farmer’s Market provided by the Old Town Market Committe,  Sunset by Craig Zabransky

One of my goals of the new year, or one of the five new things to do in Puerto Vallarta on my list is visit Riviera Nayarit.

I started to research the towns, the resorts, and the sunsets. And with my work as an Mexico Today Ambassador I initiated a contest late last week. So, I apologize for the late notice, (contest is December 12th) but it’s a contest, and with a great prize for those considering Puerto Vallarta

the view from your room @ Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

What is it?

Well, if you participate in a chat on Twitter on this Monday December 12, 2011 at 1pm ET / 10am PT you can become eligible to win 2 nights for 2 at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. And yes, Punta Mita is in the Riviera Nayarit, just forty-five minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport.

So, what do you need to do:

You need to 1) be on Twitter, 2) Join a Twitter Chat talking out the holiday celebtations – Christmas (on Hashtag #MexicoToday) on Mexico, and 3) answer a question relating to where would you want to spend your Christmas Holidays in Mexico. It’s simple.

the lovely pool scene...

Afterwards, all answers are entered into a random drawing. One winner is selected. It can be you.

I describe all the details on I post I wrote tweet to Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and also you can read all the contest rules to learn more. Good Luck.

Photos: courtesy of the Four Seasons.

New – Virgin America started offering five weekly non-stops to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) from San Francisco (SFO). The US domestic award winning airline expands it’s Mexican coverage to its third destination. Puerto Vallarta joins the ranks of Los Cabos and Cancun as the other Mexican destinations served by the airline.

Commenting on the expansion and the new non-stop route to Puerto Vallarta, David Cush, President and Chief Executive Officer of Virgin America shared, “We continue to see strong demand for Mexico travel and we’re pleased to launch new service to these historic and world-class destinations.”  As for destinations, the 3 million annual tourists who travel to Puerto Vallarta region and the Bay of Banderas can chose a from vacation on the Riviera Nayarit or Puerto Vallarta itself.

The mayor of Puerto Vallarta excited for the new airline’s arrival offered these remarks, “Virgin America offers guests an unparalleled flying experience, just as Puerto Vallarta offers visitors a vacation unlike any other.” Salvador González Resendiz continued with “Puerto Vallarta is the perfect location for their newest warm-weather destination.  We look forward to complementing Virgin America’s excellent service.”

The passengers flying on the inagural flight receive access to a gate-side fiesta at SFO complete with margaritas and a mariachi band. Certainly each passenger will be able to find both items plentiful in Puerto Vallarta, but it is what else they’ll find that will really make for memorable vacation. The adventures, the resorts, the food, the sunsets, and the hospitality will keep bringing them back; I know, I’ll be heading back soon.

For additional details on the Puerto Vallarta airport, flight durations, and contact information for all airlines, check out flights and information.

Photos: All About Mexico and Virgin America (logo)

Sometimes when we head to a destination we learn about events that happened last week or are slated for the week after our departure. Disappointing. But thankfully certain events occur weekly in Puerto Vallarta and are available to visitors all (high) season long. Two such events that returned this year are the Historic Center Art Walk and the Old Town Farmers Market.

Wednesday: Historic Center Art Walk

This season nine galleries signed up to be part of the Art Walk. Each and every Wednesday from November to the end of May visitors can search for inspiring pieces of art and walk between the participating galleries. On display patrons will enjoy sculptures, paintings, ceramics and exhibitions from local, national and international artists.  Entrance is free and so is the wine.

map of the Art Walk 2011-12

So on Wednesday evenings between the hours of 6pm and 10pm take a stroll through the old city historic center and enjoy the Historic Center Art Walk

Saturday: Old Town Farmer’s Market

In it’s 3rd season and at a new location, on Pino Suarez between B. Badillio and V. Carranza, the local farmer’s market continues to expand. With its mantra “make it, bake it, grow it” the producers only market give access to sellers within 50 kilometers of Puerto Vallarta and each vendor sets up shop to sell to both locals and tourists alike.  Shoppers, will find handmade crafts, fresh farm produce and most everything in between all locally sourced from the Bay of Banderas region.

The market is open each Saturday between the hours of 10am to 2pm and is quickly becoming a place to spend one’s Saturday morning.

Photos: Courtesy of VallartaArtWalk.com and OldTownFM.com

Mexico continues to grow as a global golf destination. Puerto Vallarta along with the neighboring Riviera Nayarit are emerging as one of the premier locations in Mexico to play 18.

The region offers courses with stunning scenery and for all skill levels. Golfers can enjoy courses built along the pacific coast highlighting the beautiful blue waters of the Bay of Banderas and spend the next day challenging themselves against a course designed with the majestic mountain views of the Sierra Madre.

course along the bay at the Four Seasons Punta Mita

Championship Courses in Mexico

The region has championship courses that hosted a PGA event, the Blue Agave Classic, two course designed by Jack Nicklaus, a course names to Golf Digest magazine’s “Places to Play” in 2004, and a course with a signature hole and optional “19th” par-3 hole. And that special hole, referred to as “the Tail of the Whale,” is also known for whale watching.

I'd like to play this hole. "Tail of the Whale" at Four Seasons Punta Mita

You will find a list of all the Puerto Vallarta Championship Golf Courses here. So if you play, next time to Puerto Vallarta it might be a good decision to pack your golf clubs.

Photo: Golfer from All About Mexico and the two course images courtesy of the FourSeasons Punta Mita. 

The high season begins this week as the calendar enters November. It’s based on the weather. As the Canada and the US start to cool and snow enters the forecast, the “green-season” (rainy) ends in Mexico and the sun shines bright in Puerto Vallarta.

With the new season, the Puerto Vallarta calendar starts to pick up with events, festivals and fiestas.  I decided to highlight a few new (for me) activities I plan to attend (or attempt to) this year. Here are five on my list, I’d love to hear what’s on your list?

Humpback Whale Watching

Humpback Whales are intelligent. Every winter they migrate south to return to Banderas Bay. Sounds like the proper winter vacation to me. Recently, I have watched the Whales from the shore, but this year I plan to take a tour boat to experience these magnificent mammals up close. Whale Watching in Banderas Bay  makes my list.

Explore Riviera Nayarit

I don’t know much about the resorts, beaches, and beauty offered in this region. So, on my visit I plan to spend sometime away from downtown Puerto Vallarta and discover  ”Mexico’s Pacific Treasure,” the Riviera Nayarit.

I expect luxury and also idyllic beach settings. A paradise awaits.

Walk the Reconstructed Malecon

No trip to Puerto Vallarta is complete without a seaside stroll on the malecon. And this year, the reconstructed walkway adorned with sculptures will be a new experience. It’s reconstructed. It’s renovated. It’s revitalized.

I’ll discover what changed and I’m also sure to have opinions just like everyone. But one thing I am certain that everyone will continue to agree on, the fact that it remains a must do on trip to Vallarta.

Attend a Surf Contest in Mexico

I’ve surfed in Mexico numerous times, but I have yet to try any breaks around Puerto Vallarta. With forty beaches in close proximity, I am bound to find some quality waves. And with the annual Long Board Surf Contest in Sayulita, a town just and hour north of Puerto Vallarta, I plan to explore a surf contest too.

Sounds like a perfect beach weekend to me.

Take a Sunset Sail in Banderas Bay

I want to be on a sailboat just like this...

Whether I need to wait for the Banderas Bay Regatta to sail in or decide to hire a captain on a random evening, the goal remains the same, to capture a sunset in Puerto Vallarta from the Bay. With the colors reflecting on the water and an open horizon, I look forward to the moment I love so much, the sunset.

These are the activities I look forward to this season, what do you look forward to in Puerto Vallarta this high season? Let us know

Photos: Craig Zabransky

Princess Cruise line prepares to return to Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan in its 2012 and 2013 schedule.

After an hiatus based upon US Government warnings and security concerns, the cruise line recently added the Mexican Pacific Riviera ports back to its schedule.  Although many other major lines have yet to follow suite, the positive news continues to show confidence in Puerto Vallarta as a destination.

Cruise Ships off the coast of Mexico

Puerto Vallarta Offers Cruise Passengers Day Excursions

With a full day in port, visitors can take one of the numerous day excursion to explore this part of Mexico. From snorkeling off a secluded beach on the Banderas Bay to one of the many adventure tours available in Puerto Vallarta, enjoying a day here is easy.

On a trip last November, my excursion to horseback ride to waterfalls included a few passengers from a cruise ship. When we spoke, they  shared about how the cruise really helped them discover a taste of Mexico. I agreed.

A Cruise Can Introduce You To Puerto Vallarta

It's me under the Vallarta Arches...

Actually a cruise was my introduction to Mexico too, and I am not talking about the TV show “The Love Boat.” As a child my parents took me South of the Border for the first time abroad on cruise vacation down the Mexican Pacific Riviera. The trip started my discovery of Mexico. I can recall walking the cobblestone streets of Puerto Vallarta and experiencing colonial Mexico. A memory I still cherish today.

When I reviewed my childhood photos, I see a young kid smiling, happy. I might not often cruise to Mexico now,  but when I am in Puerto Vallarta, I still show the same happiness and smiles I did when a kid. I trust the return of Princess and other cruises can offer the same for many  families today.

Photos by Craig Zabransky