| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Puerto Vallarta. |
Top Puerto Vallarta Attractions
The first time you visit Puerto Vallarta, or any new destination,
the question asked isn’t usually what attractions should be
scene but what attraction to see first, what to expect, how to get
there, and how much time is needed. We’ve provided tips, advice,
and other information about the top tourist attractions in Puerto Vallarta
to help with your itinerary planning.
|
|
|
Snorkeling and
Scuba Diving
Some hotels rent out snorkeling and scuba diving equipment, but
if you are staying at a smaller hotel and would like to rent equipment,
or if you need PADI or NAUI certification, or you are looking for
diving trips, head for Chico’s Dive Shop where the divers
are experienced and helpful.
If you are interested in going on your own, you might want to check
out the popular Los Arcos reserve off the Playa Mismaloya and the
bay at Quimixto. Punta de Mita also offers the Marietas Islands
which have lava tubes and caves.
|
Adventure Tours and Whale Watching
The large staff at Vallarta Adventures can take you on just about
any kind of tour you are interested in. They offer day and evening
cruises, snorkeling, diving, jeep treks, and visits to local towns
by plane.
From around December 15 through the end of March, the Vallarta
Adventures can also take you out to enjoy whale watching.
|
The Malecón
The malecón, or boardwalk, filled with sculptures, runs the length of
downtown Puerto Vallarta and it is a great place to enjoy a leisurely
stroll. At the southern end of the malecón, see what is going
on at Los Arcos, an amphitheater where concerts and cultural events
take place. As you walk north, stop in at one of the dozen small
shops and boutiques facing the malecón. This is also the
center of the town’s nightlife. In they evening, you can also
explore the lively bars and dance clubs on the strip. A walk along
the boardwalk is a local custom and should not be missed.
|
Side Trips
The small towns surrounding Puerto Vallarta – Punta de Mita,
Bucerias, Sayulita and San Francisco, Quimixto, Yelapa, and Mismaloya
-- are also worth a visit. Punta de Mita is home to two exclusive
resorts: the very elegant Four Seasons and the boutique resort Casa
Las Brisas. Bucerias is a favorite among retirees, with laid back,
beautiful beaches. Sayulita is a small fishing village with great
surfing, but it is beginning to undergo rapid development. The very
small town of San Francisco is a great place to rent a horse to
ride along the beach or into the jungle. Quimixto is a small town
with limited water sports activities, but beautiful and quiet beaches
where you can enjoy snorkeling or just relaxing on the sand. Yelapa,
a peaceful kind of artists’ retreat, is one of the most famous
of these small towns. A jungle waterfall is the main attraction.
But, perhaps the most famous small town is Mismaloya, a pristine
bay when The Night of the Iguana was filmed here, is now
home to a large resort and expensive restaurants.
|
Puerto Vallarta Travel Guides
 Frommer's Puerto Vallarta
Lonely Planet Puerto Vallarta
Let's Go Puerto Vallarta
Fodors Puerto Vallarta
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
