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Pass(e)port - Puerto Vallarta

17 dec

Under the Puerto Vallarta Sun

Conveniently located between mountains covered in lush forests and the emerald waters of Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most coveted destinations. Ecotourism, gastronomy, aquatic sports and culture—the region delivers unforgettable moments to visitors of all ages.

Bord de mer Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta’s historical centre is best explored on foot, with its distinctive neighbourhoods, restaurants, art galleries, and the Malecon, a promenade along the blue waters of the bay. Many tourists also choose to explore the city by bike. In fact, Francisco Medina Ascencio Boulevard, in the hotel district, is closed to car traffic on Sundays to give free rein to cyclists and pedestrians.

Romance by the Sea

Zona Romantica Puerto Vallarta

Because of Holywood, Puerto Vallarta’s image became that of  a glamorous destination. The Night of the Iguana, directed by John Huston in 1964, brought its fair share of stars, including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who fell in love with the city during the shoot, and with each other as well. In fact, Burton bought two neighbouring villas, one for himself, one for Elizabeth, in the Zona Romantica. They were later converted into a nine-room luxury hotel called Casa Kimberly.

Prime Destination for Outdoor Recreation

Puerto Vallarta

By walking from Boca De Tomatlan, a small fishing village, to Playa Los Colomitos, you get a two-hour hike through the tropical jungle. Others opt for horseback riding in the mountains of the Sierra Madre to visit ranches and taste traditional Mexican barbecue. Hop on a mountain bike and pedal all the way to El Tuito to see colonial architecture, eat country cooking, and drink Raicilla, an agave alcohol with a smoky flavour stronger than tequila. Don’t forget to cross Jorullo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world, hanging 150 metres in the air over the Cuale River. 

Thrilling Aquatic Sports

Boca de Tomatlan and Colomitos Beach are two excellent starting points to glide over the calm waters in a sea kayak or on a paddle board. Surfers of all levels will have a hard time choosing between the more than 60 spots for hitting the waves in Banderas Bay, the most popular being Ipala, Las Peñitas, Playa el Tecuán, Playa la Manzanilla, and Barra de Navidad.

Tourists seeking an adrenaline rush should head to Los Muertos Beach for some parasailing or plan a parachute jump from 3,000 metres above the bay’s crystalline waters. You can also choose one of the many Tyrolean trails through the forest. The most daring will dash through the air at speeds exceeding 100 km/h on the Superman, the longest zip line in Mexico.

Of course, Puerto Vallarta is also shops, museums, art galleries, bars, and clubs. Hyperactive twelve months out of the year, this Mexican city has something for everyone, whether you’re travelling with your family, alone, with friends, or as a couple.

Plage Puerto Vallarta

Gourmet Adventure: 
Address Book 

Café des Artistes par Thierry Blouet

In the heart of the city, in a magnificent century-old house, elegance and luxury meet. This shrine to fine cuisine has been open for 27 years. 

740 Calle Guadalupe Sánchez 740
cafedesartistes.com

116 Pulpito Gastro Bar

This pub, located in the Zona Romantica, is part of the Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel. Mostly patronized by tourists, you’ll find tapas, tartares, salads, and pizzas.

Calle Pulpito 116

Playa Detox

This restaurant is the vegan place to be, and you know whatever you find here will be good for you. Highlights: the juice bar, smoothies, and coconut ceviche. A take-out menu is also available.

Avenida Los Tules 300

La Leche

Dark and minimal black-and-white decor. A different menu every night, helmed by chef Alfonso Cadena. An unparalleled culinary experience.

Boul. Francisco Medina Ascencio 5
lalecherestaurant.com

Red Cabbage Café

Ouside Puerto Vallarta’s central tourist area, the Red Cabbage pays tribute to Frida Kahlo by serving her favourite dishes and those of her husband Diego as well.

Calle Rivera del Rio 204A
redcabbagepv.com

 

Travelling With Your Dog in Puerto Vallarta

Many beaches, parks, and cafés allow dogs. Many hotels have also made strides towards making Puerto Vallarta an ideal destination to explore with your pet. The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta, Hacienda San Angel, Hotel Puerto de Luna, Los Tules, San Trópico Boutique Hotel, and Sheraton Buganvilias Resort all welcome dogs and even offer a dog-sitting service. There’s no quarantine in Mexico for dogs travelling from Canada.

 

Written by Charles-Edouard Carrier and published int the Magazine Y No 3

To consult Magazine Y No 3Click here