Puerto Vallarta: I Can't Wait to Go Back!

This is an ideal location for cheap local food and absolutely glorious, albeit sweaty, weather!

One of my favorite things about PV is that the beaches in Mexico are public, so you can walk a 5 mile stretch of beach without being kicked off by any 'private hotel' property (though the chairs are off-limits!)

Quick Tips:

What I wish someone had told me: When arriving at the PVR airport, pass up the offers for taxis inside the airport—they'll triple charge you. If you leave the building, make your way to the yellow taxis lined up to your far right. These will be far cheaper—just ask how much it will cost to go to your destination before getting in the cab.

Another thing to know...you can't depend on your credit cards here. Be sure to get plenty of pesos, so you're not stuck when you realize that you can't charge the delicious meal you just ate.

Best Way To Get Around:

Although the buses look rather intimidating, rambling up the cobblestones at record speeds, they are a fast, easy and cheap way to get around town. And the ones I rode on all appeared cleaner on the inside than the outside. The main destinations are written on the front or sides of the bus, and they stop every few blocks in between. You pay the driver 45-50 pesos depending on the route (about 50 cents) and find a seat. Be prepared for a very bumpy ride, as the roads are all cobblestone, but it beats walking 5 miles, and you can buy four beers with what you saved from a taxi!

I marked this as a budget hotel because we got it at a budget price on Travelocity, but it really is high-end. We received a free upgrade to a one-bedroom suite, which was really worth far more than we paid.

Our well-appointed suite was located just steps from the lovely pool. Our very large private patio could have served as a dance floor, completely surrounded by gorgeous flowering plants and palms.

The suite could have easily slept and entertained six, and felt spacious for only two of us. The kitchen was fully stocked with appropriate appliances, stove ware, and tableware, and it's a short trip to a grocery store to stock up.

The bathroom did have a slight mildewy odor, but I suppose that's hard to avoid in tropical climates.

My only complaint is that there is nearly no soundproofing between the rooms and the hallway. Rolling suitcases down the tile hallway in the early mornings have a tendency to jolt you out of a sound sleep.

The malecon is a 3 mile stretch of seawall in downtown Puerto Vallarta. It’s lined with sculptures, art, vendors and overall, it’s a great slice of Mexican culture—truly great people-watching. The mid-day hours are less busy, as there isn’t a lot of shade, but the afternoon attracts school children, grabbing a treat on their way home, and families having a cool snack. The evening brings out the entertainment, from traditional Aztec acrobatic performances to concerts on the boardwalk.

It’s lined on the west by the ocean and on the east by the trendier, touristy restaurants, but walking a few blocks inland will bring you to some authentic taco stands and hidden gems of local flavor.

Though it’s published that the stretch is over 3 miles long, it never felt like it, and I walked it several times. There’s so much to watch that the miles just fly by.

It’s the BEST place to watch the sunset for tourists and locals alike. Don't miss it!

This island is located smack between the centro and the zona romantica. This romantic little island has great little nooks and crannies to find special treasures of the art and souvenir kind, but more original than in the 'flea market' area. Great local pottery and very friendly locals who are happy to help you brush up on your Spanish and bartering skills! There are also a few restaurants, complete with happy hour specials. An artist colony on the east end of the island looked promising, but it was closed for the low season. You can access the island from the malecon, or for the more adventurous, from some shaky, but sturdy footbridges. Watch out for the iguanas in the trees and for the dropping mangoes! Check it out!