Puerto Vallarta
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Photo
by Nadine Markova |
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on the image for larger version |
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Located in Jalisco State, Puerto Vallarta is nestled on the Bahia de
Banderas (Bay of Flags), the second largest bay on the American continent,
and surrounded by the majestic Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains. The
city offers 25 miles of golden beaches on the Mexican Pacific and is characterized
by its impressive colonial and modern buildings, deluxe hotels, shopping
malls and golf courses. These attractions have made the city a favorite
among vacationers and retirees, who now call the city home.
The beaches at and near Puerto Vallarta are breathtaking,
each with its unique charm. The best beach for such water sports as sailing,
fishing and jet skiing, for example, is Bahía de Banderas, while
Quimixto, Punta Mita and los Arcos are ideal for diving. Boat rides around
the bay offer the chance to observe dolphins, turtles and humpback whales.
Ecotourism is another popular attraction in Puerto Vallarta.
Los Arcos Marine Ecological Reserve is a group of three rock islands located
across Mismaloya Beach and featuring a variety of marine birds, marine
mammals and a sample of ocean organisms. Ridley turtles lay their eggs
on Vallarta’s shores.
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Photo
by Bruce Herman |
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on the image for larger version |
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The historic downtown area of Puerto Vallarta is quaint
and walk-friendly, with cobblestone streets, white-walled houses, wrought-iron
balconies and red-tiled roofs, complemented by impressive colonial structures
like the Templo de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and original murals
by the artist Manuel Lepe. The local Museum of Archaeology is also worth
noting for its display of pre-Colombian artifacts from the nearby archaeological
site.
Puerto Vallarta is an important indigenous handicrafts
center for the Huichol Indians, an ethnic group that has managed to preserve
its traditions in an ever-changing city. Travelers can learn to make their
own artifacts at Terra Noble, where the locals teach visitors their artistic
techniques. Silver, blown glass, pottery, serapes, clothes, masks and
many other handicrafts are also available in the stores on Juarez and
Morelos streets, Plaza Marina, Plaza Neptuno and Plaza Caracol.
Puerto Vallarta’s more than 250 restaurants offer
a wide array of delightful local seafood dishes as well as a broad range
of international cuisine. Quaint sidewalk cafes and coffee houses also
abound in Puerto Vallarta, often featuring live music. Try Carlos O'Brian's,
the Cafe de Artistes or De Santos in the downtown area. For night owls,
check out the many bars and nightclubs in Puerto Vallarta, offering everything
from live jazz and salsa, to popular DJ mixes. For more information, visit
www.puertovallarta.net.
Puerto Vallarta boasts numerous festivals throughout the
year. And in November, Puerto Vallarta hosts one of Mexico's premier culinary
arts events, the Festival Gourmet (www.festivalgourmet.com), attended
by more than 20,000 people annually. Local chefs at participating restaurants
and more than 20 guest chefs from around the world serve up some 500 gourmet
foods, cheeses, tequilas and liquors. The event also involves cooking
classes, wine tasting, beer samplings and other activities. |
