Puerta Vallarta, Mexico
WHERE TO STAY
I recommend staying near the Malecon/Zona Romantica, old town Puerta Vallarta. Especially if you visit Dec 1 - 12, as there is the Fiesta Guadalupana with live music, local markets, parades in the downtown.
For more Budget Friendly Stays (NOT all inclusive):
Personally even if you don't look at these two accomodations, I really recommend this area (even for resorts).
Activities and Tours:
We did 2 tours during our quick visit. If I had more time and unlimited money I'd definitely book more with this company.
The first was a beautiful evening with their "Rhythms of the Night" Tour.
It included a boat ride from the port of Puerta Vallarta to Las Calatas, with unlimited drinks on board the boat, where you'll see the sunset. Then the most spectacular cirque show with fantastic acrobats, amazing singers/dancers, comedy and more, all before a delicious buffet dinner. I've never had a buffet dinner like this, their attention to detail and way they structured the event, groups are spread throughout the little island so you're only dining with a small portion of who was at the show.
The second tour we did was this fantastic Whale Watching Photo Safari. I've been whale watching in Hawaii once before and this was 10x better. We went in December, the start of whale watching season, and saw around 30 whales. I liked this tour more than others because it was educational with marine mammal experts who were recording info/doing research on the whales simultaneously. You also see better with this little boat in comparison to the larger ships.
Vallarta Local Food Tours is 100% Mexican owned and operated family business, run by women. They're socially responsible and sustainable, giving back to their community, and offer boutique small style tours.
Private Driver:
Set up a call with me and I can help you organize specific off the beaten path activities around/in Puerta Vallarta or airport pick ups/drop offs, etc with a private driver who also speaks English.
Ubers
I found getting around was very easy with Ubers / a little cheaper than taxis.
Tacos
We chose NOT to stay at all all-inclusive, end I stand by that decision. We were able to get out of the main street and try LOCAL, delicious food, supporting small local businesses and their culture.
For Happy Hour Drinks / Guac and Chips
If you're in Puerta Vallarta from Dec 1 - 12
They celebrate for the first 12 days of December the Fiesta Guadalupana. There are parades and local markets every day/night so definitely eat there along the Malecon, right by the Church.
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