Puerato Vallarta is a popular destination on the Mexican Riviera, with most of the major cruise lines calling there. Conde Nast rates Puerto Vallarto among the TOP 10 CITIES to visit world-wide!
LOCATION: 20°40′N, 105°16′W - South of the Baja Penninsula, on Mexico's Pacific Coast... on the Bay of Banderas.
POPULATION: about 165,000
NEAT FACT: Puerto Vallarta has 25 miles of beaches on Banderas Bay.
Here's a general description from Royal Caribbean's website:
This once-sleepy fishing village became a popular resort after The Night of the Iguana was filmed here in 1964. Nestled on the 28-mile curve of Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta has steadfastly held on to its character. Red tile roofs and rows of balconies, spilling over with colorful bougainvillea, still line its cobblestone streets. A pleasure for both the eye and the camera
The Cruise Ship Terminal is currently undergoing a major expansion that includes a new pier, and 'streretside parking' for several ships.
(Click photo to see enlarged version on Wikipedia site)
2004 Aerial photo that includes the cruise ship area (pre-expansion)
From Vallarata Online.com:
The cruise ship terminal is located in the Marina area, just north of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Here you have many pick-up points for a variety of day trips and tours. To the south, you have the heart of the city and the famous boardwalk, the Malecón.
Traveling a little farther south, you have the Zona Romantica, which is known for Olas Altas street and Los Muertos Beach. Still further south, you have little villages known for their quiet beaches and laid back atmosphere.
More from RCL's website -
Here's what they have to say about shopping in Puerto Vallarta:
Mexican arts and crafts are among the finest in the world, and Puerto Vallarta shops are well stocked with them. While in this exciting port, load up on papier mâché decorations, leather goods and rare skins, embroidered cotton blouses, original ceramics, local art and pre-Columbian replicas, and be sure to take home a bottle of Kahlua, the Mexican coffee liqueur. The bay was originally developed as a port to transport silver from nearby mines, and fine sterling silver jewelry still abounds at bargain prices in Puerto Vallarta. (Caution: Please shop at recommended stores for authentic .925 silver.) You will also find great prices on gold and jade jewelry.
See the above website for a complete list, and specific holiday dates - but here are some of the more general events that cover ranges of dates:
DECEMBER - APRIL Whale watching: Each winter season a growing number of travelers enjoy excursions to view the migrating Humpback whales in Banderas Bay. From December to April, these gentle giants can be seen breaching out of the water as parents instruct their baby calves in the ways of their watery world.
February Regatta Action! Banderas Bay fills with sails as a series of regattas takes full advantage of the gentle breezes, clear skies and calm waters surrounding Puerto Vallarta.
April - May
Spring is for Seniors: Senior Travelers are offered an extra special welcome to Puerto Vallarta during these spring months. Hotels offer special rates and value packages, the town puts together an extensive calendar of activities, concerts, events and excursions geared just for seniors. In addition, many shops and restaurants in town offer discounts just for those over-60 travelers enjoying Vallarta during springtime.
May Cultural Festival
Each year during this month the city organizes the Festival Cultural, where important local, national and international artists (painters, musicians, actors, etc.) organize various events and happenings all over the city.
September Mexico's independence
Commemorated during the month of September, with the famed Independence Eve celebration taking place on the 15th. On this night, the central plaza is filled with revelers participating in the traditional grito, or Cry for Independence. The following day is a national holiday, celebrated by a parade through the center of town and continuing festivities.
November Festival de las Artes
Each year during the month of November the city organizes the Art Festival, where important local, national and international artists (painters, musicians, actors, etc.) organize various events and happenings all over the city.
December
December 1 - 12 "Guadalupe" Processions.
During these twelve days, processions take place to the Guadalupe Processions; during these twelve days, take place to the downtown cathedral that bears the name of the patron saint of both Puerto Vallarta and of Mexico. Guadalupe Day (Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), is celebrated on December 12, and almost every business, hotel, restaurant, neighborhood and civic association makes a procession to the church for a special mass they have devoted to the Virgin. For the larger groups, these processions resemble a small parade, with folkloric dancers, floats, singing and even fireworks following their brief mass. .
Puerto Vallarta is at the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands (20 degrees north), and so, has a sub-tropical climate..
Rainy Season: June to September, rainiest in September.
While the rain can spoil a day at the beach, the storms can be quite beautiful, with rain seeming to march across the hills and lightning illuminating the sky. Runoff from the rains can turn the seawater brown in some areas, detracting somewhat from the beauty of the beaches.
I've not been here, but ran across mention of a restaurant that is highly recommended for its spectaculaar panoramic view:
If you aren't afraid of heights, grab a taxi and head up, up, way up to Las Carmelita's restaurant, 1,200 meters above sea level and the most spectacular view in all of Vallarta. Have lunch, and enjoy the entire city from high above. If you have a panoramic camera, this is the place to bring it!
(from Vallartaonline.com)
Snorkeling with sea lions and a complete day at Las Caletas, a private coastal hideaway, offers an incomparable time of utter self-indulgence. This has to be one of THE most enchanting coastal havens in the world!
This entertaining and amusing day cruise begins at 9 am with a workout session on deck, followed by a delicious Mexican-style breakfast buffet. Pirate shows, contests and games keep you entertained while cruising across Banderas Bay to Playa Majahuitas, where we anchor just offshore so you can snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear waters. ... banana boat rides, kayaking, boogie boarding, and loads of fun!
... a barbecue feast is served on board. After lunch the fun continues with an open bar, music, games and surprises for the entire family, as we make our way back to the Maritime Terminal, arriving at 3:00 pm.
Tour Pricing: Adults: $65 US per person Children ages 3-8: $32.50 Children under 2: Free
Sunset on Los Muertos beach in Zona Romantica
(Click on photo for a larger view from Wikipedia)
The downtown area, with its oceanfront boardwalk, offers plenty for those looking for art galleries, gourmet restaurants, boutique shops and a lively nightlife. Zona Romántica, found in front of Playa Los Muertos, is best described as funky and fun, with lots of good restaurants, sidewalk cafes and streetside bars. In between is the river Cuale, which offers a colorful marketplace and plenty of more excellent restaurants. Wherever you go in Puerto Vallarta, there are always wonderful restaurants! (From: PUERTO VALLARTA TODAY)
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Puerto Vallarta (general Information)
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This once-sleepy fishing village became a popular resort after The Night of the Iguana was filmed here in 1964. Nestled on the 28-mile curve of Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta has steadfastly held on to its character. Red tile roofs and rows of balconies, spilling over with colorful bougainvillea, still line its cobblestone streets. A pleasure for both the eye and the camera
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