When hearing the words “Puerto Vallarta,” many people of a certain age probably think of Captain Steubing and Julie the Cruise Director of the Love Boat. It was the weekly destination on that popular show that ran in the late 1970s-early 1980s. Puerto Vallarta, however, is a vacation spot that is worthy in its own right. This Mexican resort city is situated on the Western side of Mexico, on Banderas Bay, in the state of Jalisco. The city boasts a year-round population of 178,000 and hosts millions of visitors annually, who enjoy the white, sandy beaches, quaint shops, posh restaurants, and hot night life.
In addition to these popular pastimes, visitors to Puerto Vallarta enjoy beach volleyball, water sports, and diving and snorkeling in the bay, where one can see numerous stingrays, coral, and tropical fish. Los Arcos, a row of arches that has become Puerto Vallarta''s symbol, is an awe-inspiring sight, as is the outdoor amphitheater located there. For shoppers, the Mercado de Artesanias is full of souvenirs like jewelry, pottery, and clothing, where tourists can haggle over prices with the local sellers.
Affordable lodging choices abound in Puerto Vallarta. The area caters to tourists, and hotels have adjusted their prices accordingly. The Hacienda Alamena Hotel (http://www.haciendaalemana.com/puerto-vallarta-hotel/Accommodation.html), one of Puerto Vallarta''s newest, is just minutes from downtown and offers ten romantic, secluded rooms from just $110 per night. A restaurant specializing in German food is also located here, and is open for lunch and dinner.
Hotel El Pescador, (http://www.hotelelpescador.com/ ), located near the beach, offers rooms from $73 per night. Within walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, this hotel is popular not just for its reasonable prices but also for its proximity to tourist destinations.
Over 300 restaurants exist in the Puerto Vallarta area, and they run the gamut from cheap to expensive. Cafe des Artistes ( http://www.cafedesartistes.com/) , featuring a French menu, offers indoor, more formal seating, and outdoor garden seating. Renowned Chef Thierry Blouet prepares the meals, ans prices are said to be inexpensive and the food delicious, as visitors report.
For traditional Mexican food, try El Arrayan (http://elarrayan.com.mx/) . Serving dinner only, the restaurant is also family-friendly, even offering a diaper changing area. La Palapa Restaurant (http://www.lapalapapv.com/) is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is located in the “romantic” area of Puerto Vallarta. It has been famous for its delicious food since the 1950s.
For your next Mexico Beach vacation, leave the Love Boat behind and explore the beautiful, exotic Puerto Vallarta.
Author: Susan F. Maphis 2009-02-26
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