puerto vallarta visitors guide

THE BASIC GUIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME VISITOR

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PUERTO VALLARTA VISITOR’S GUIDE & SURROUNDING AREAS

The Seahorse Sculpture

WELCOME

We want to give you the warmest

welcome to our beautiful Vallarta-

Nayarit and Banderas Bay consists of

the municipalities of Puerto Vallarta,

Riviera Nayarit, Cabo Corrientes and

surrounding areas where you will find

, beautiful towns, relaxing beaches,

local hangouts, world class

restaurants, and most important :

friendly people who wants you to

have your best time in one of the most

beautiful places in the world ! All this

, surrounded by the scenery of

mountains, rivers, and emerald green

waves of the Pacific ocean


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GOOD TO KNOW TIME ZONE & AREA CODE

Puerto Vallarta lies in the Central Time Zone. To place a phone call to our city from US and Canada , dial (011) 52 322 and then the seven-digit local phone number. Other nearby áreas Punta Mita, Sayulita, Bucerias, La Cruz uses the prefix 329 instead the 322 Other countries: dial your international access number depending on your country. In some countries is 00 in others is 001, etc. then the country code : 52 then Puerto Vallarta code 322 and the 7 digit phone number , for a mobile phone add 1 before the 52 country code.


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MONEY

EXCHANGE

The local currency is the mexican peso. We recommend to pay in pesos , the exchange rate has been change constantly along 2015 and you will find many places giving you different exchange rates. However if you don’t have another option, most of the places will take your CAD and US dollars but no GBP and EUR , for this, go to the Money Exchange offices like Intercam or CI Banco which gives you the best rates,

These are few recommendations:

ATM's give the best exchange rate

Be sure to tell your bank when you'll be in Mexico so they do not suspect fraud and shut off the card.

Please check with your bank if they add an international fee.

Try to withdraw the maximum amount each time to keep fees to a minimum.

You can not "exchange " dollars for dollars (i.e. a $ 20 for 20 singles) not in an ATM nor in the hotel (probably with the bellboys) is better if you go to the Bank or Casa de Cambio (Money Exchange offices) just remember you need to present your passport or copy of it . Also at your hotel you can exchange with a slightly lower exchange rate


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TAXIS

You can find taxis everywhere in town, they charge based on zones and are not very expensive , just make sure to confirm the price before. Minimum rate is around $4.00 ( US dollar) $ 60 pesos and a set fee of around $ 4 (US dollar) per zone. Tips is not included in the fare, but if you received a great service you can tip around 10%. They are easily identified by their yellow-white color and signs. A taxi fare list are available at most of the hotels, check with your concierge, bellman, or hotel receptionist.

If you need a special taxi service or a vip service within the town, to Guadalajara, Sayulita, Punta Mita etc or from/to airport, we can make arrangements, please contact us [email protected] Note

If you are going to a specific restaurant, hotel or tour , do not let the taxi driver

takes you into some other "better" place ( he's probably taking you to his buddy's

business where he will receive a commision from.)


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LOCAL BUSES

A nice and inexpensive way to explore Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. Local

buses cost $ 7.50 pesos within the city $ 8.50 pesos to Mismaloya , $13.00 pesos

to Nuevo Vallarta $ 18.00 to Bucerias $ 35.00 to Punta Mita and $35.00 to

Sayulita

Buses drive from around 6AM until around 10:00-11PM all week within the

city and 6am to 10 pm in other areas outside Puerto Vallarta . For Sayulita ,

Punta Mita and San Sebastian there are special Schedule , please check before

The local buses can be identified by color: Blue buses pass by the Marina

Port Terminal and Wallmart's,; orange ones travel from the Romantic Zone

to Mismaloya and Boca; the gray color buses with the sign ATM go to Nuevo

Vallarta, Bucerias, Punta Mita and the Green and White with the sign

Compostela will take you to Sayulita, all these buses you can take them at

Wallmart's near port terminal , there are other green buses that go to the

neighborhoods outside the hotel zone, don’t take any of those unless you want

a real “city tour” ,

If you are in a hotel outside downtown PV and want to go to downtown the

local buses marked "Centro" go to downtown and on to Olas Altas, and the

buses marked "Tunel" take the bypass to Olas Altas ( avoiding downtown

Puerto Vallarta)


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WATER-TAXIS

If you plan to visit the beaches only accesible by boat (Yelapa, Quimixto, Majahuitas, Las Animas) and dont want to take a tour you'll need to take a water taxi, either from the Los Muertos Pier or from Boca de Tomatlán. The price of the Water Taxi is 120 pesos one way, or 250 pesos roundtrip per person from Los Muertos Pier and about half price from Boca de Tomatlan. The price of the Water Taxi trip does include your baggage, but only that of which you can carry. If you have extra baggage, you will be required to pay a little extra. Boat leaves 10 am and 11 am from Los Muertos Pier every day and 9, 10 and 11 from Boca de Tomatlan,


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WHAT TO DO

WALKING If you are looking forward to a relaxing day, stroll through

historic downtown or along the Malecón, the flea Market and along the

Cuale Island to buy some souvenirs. Also you can walk through the

malecón of Los Muertos and visit the new pier and walk around the

Romantic Zone where you will find cafes, restaurants and the shopping

área of Olas Altas and Basilio Badillo street with fine silver jewellery,

boutiques, accessories and the famous blown glass.

BUS. Take a bus to the southern área and visit MIsmaloya, Boca de

Tomatlan or take a wáter taxi to one of the beaches accesibles only by

boat ( Yelapa, Mahauitas, Las Animas among others)

In the northern side you can visit Marina Vallarta and walk around the

malecón with a view the yachts at the Marina. Also you can visit one of

the beautiful towns like Bucerias or La Cruz.

RAINING?

During the day you can go to one of the covered malls like Galerias

Vallarta in front of the Port Terminal or Plaza Caracol mall located on the


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Medina Asencio Av (the main street) 5 minutes south . both places have

stores, restaurants and a cinema where you will enjoy best movies

MORE ADVENTURE? Enjoy a cruise , take a tour to watch the whales

, go deep sea fishing, ride a horse or swim dolphins and sealions. Enjoy

the Marietas Island (a protected ecological place)

Try experience extreme sports and wild eco adventures, rent an ATV to

tour the rainforest, ride a zipline or rappel down the Sierra Madre

Mountains, go fishing from a kayak, go snorkeling or scuba diving near

the Arcos, ride a jet ski, go to Punta Mita, or Sayulita and take a surf

lesson .


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DO YOU HAVE MORE TIME? Perhaps a visit the beautiful city of

Guadalajara with its colonial history and Tonalá or Tlaquepaque to buy

fine crafts, or improve your knowledge on tequila - the traditional drink

and representative of Mexico - by visiting one of the most famous

“haciendas” in Tequila, Jalisco, or visit the Magic Town of San

Sebastian del Oeste or Mascota and Talpa, a town known for its

religious tradition and in which you will find over 25 churches, or perhaps

a visit to Tuito, traditional village where is produced the "raicilla"

beverage similar to the tequila and also the tasty panela cheese.


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GENERAL MAP OF PUERTO

VALLARTA 6 BANDERAS BAY

Below , you will find an interactive map in which you will find towns,

places and beaches of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay. Also,

recommended restaurants and shops. You can check or uncheck each

category and clicking on each you can see the features of each site as

well as the link to their website

Please click on the link

http://www.vallartavisitorsmap.com/general-map.html

http://www.vallartavisitorsmap.com/general-map.html


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PUERTO VALLARTA AND

SURROUNDING AREAS

THE TOWN

El Malecón. The newly renovated section of the Malecon begins at Hotel Rosita, the oldest center hotel, and ends at the stone arches in front of Parque Lazaro Cardenas, the main square. A new breakwater was built along the 12-block pedestrian mall and expanded. Many new palm trees and benches provide comfortable seating with shade.

Designs made with stones in the pavement attract the attention of passersby and provide an artistic touch to the project. The designs were created by the artist Fidencio Benitez, a member of a group whose magnificent fascinating Huichol artwork made with accounts can be seen in galleries throughout the city..

This is a water front promenade, starts in front of Hotel Rosita one of the oldest and traditional in town. Every Tuesday at 9:30 in the morning, visitors gather in front of the sculpture Millennium beside the Hotel Rosita, to participate in a free tour of bronze sculptures that adorn the Malecón promenade, to along the seashore, with breathtaking Banderas Bay as a backdrop. This collection of sculptures has grown since the laying of the sculpture, the Seahorse, which was placed in 1976. Since then, the Caballito de Mar has become an iconic symbol of the city.

Less than a mile long, visitors admire the genius and creativity of the modern sculptures that add extra beauty to this popular walk not to be missed: El Caballito (The Seahorse) by Rafael Zamarripa set in 1976 was the first sculpture in the malecon; Los Arcos, the original arcade was a gift from a hacienda in Guadalajara, demolished by hurricane “Kena” in 2002, the


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current arcade is a gift from the municipality of Zapopan; La Fuente de la Amistad ( Friendship Fountain), featuring three flipping dolphins was a gift from the City Santa Bárbara, California Sister City of Vallarta, the sculpture was inspired by a native legend refers to some men falling from a rainbow into the sea and the gods turned into dolphins to save them. Neptuno and Nereida by Carlos Espino, set in 1990. La Naturaleza como Madre (Nature as a mother) by Adrián Reynoso y la Rotonda de los Magos (Circle of the wizards) by Alejandro Colunga conceived as “interactive art” entice the visitor to sit down and climb on them. En busca de la razón (In search of reason) by Sergio Bustamante, set in 1999. Los Milenios (Millennium) by Mathis Lidice set in 2001 celebrates the beginning of a new century. Among these expressions of art is found Nostalgia (also known as The Lovers) inspired by Ramiz Barquet, in his own first love.

En busca de la razón (In search of reason) by Sergio Bustamante


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The Papantla Flyers are one of the many attractions in the Malecon. The five flying, dressed in traditional costumes, climb up a pole of 15 meters. One plays the flute while sitting on the top of the post, while the other four are literally thrown headlong from the top of the pole, hanging from his ankles with a rope down to the ground. This important religious ceremony, which dates from 500 thousand years ago, began in central Mexico in honor of the Sun God, in order to boost the year's harvest and improve fertility. Flying epresent fire, earth, water and air. They work for tips, so we encourage people to be generous.


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Guadalupe Church, The main Catholic Church, crowned with a replica of the Empress Carlota’s, it is another of Vallarta’s hallmarks around the world. Every year from the 1st. To the 12th of December numerous pilgrims make their way in a traditional festivity of the Guadaloupe Virgin. On one side of the Main Square, the city hall boasts murals of artist naif Manuel Lepe, depicting the foundation of the city.


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THE CUALE ISLAND.

La Isla del Río Cuale, splits downtown Puerto Vallarta and Old Vallarta, strolling

along this tiny island there is a miriad of arts and crafts shops, first class

restaurants like the River Café surrounded by serene views of the river Cuale.

Conected to the Municipal Market by a hanging bridge you can find here all

kind of souvenirs. On the opposite side another hanging bridge connects with

Old Vallarta.

On

the east side of the island there is a cultural esplanade with art exhibits on

painting, music, dance and cinema, It is as well a school for the arts for the

local population. At the seaside tip the island connects with a new bridge the

downtown area with the Zona Romantica side of Old Vallarta, strolling and

exploring this side is recommended any time of the day especially at

sunset.


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THE ROMANTIC ZONE.

The seaside of Old Vallarta was named La Zona Romantica, for the new water front

walk, and the outdoor cafes living up the side streets where locals and visitors


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alike enjoy the scenery, and the unique Vallarta lifestyle. Los Muertos Beach is

the most popular in Puerto Vallarta, water sports are the order of the day. At los

Muertos pier there are water taxis available to visit isolated beaches accessible

only by water, such as Yelapa, Quimixto, Las Animas, Majahuitas.

A selection of restaurants lines up the water front: with different cuisines from

casual to gourmet there are many options, among them Daiquiri Dicks offers

Asiatic fusion dishes and famous lobster tacos. ; a few steps ahead immerse

yourself in a shopping oasis, unique jewelry, silver and accessories in Joyería

Yoler.


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On the Basilio Badillo street you will find many boutiques & restaurants. A really

nice wine & liquor store Vinos America (America Wines) where you will find prime

selection wines, champagne, fine liquors and many more.

Another wonderful store is Banderas Bay with unique antiques, furniture and

decoration ítems.


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Two blocks ahead Mundo de Cristal gives you the opportunity to match hand

blown glass artisans work on site, creating beauty in all possible shapes; Ceramic

of Talavera and clay from Tlaquepaque are also available, merchandise can be

securely packed and shipped all over the world.


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EL PITILLAL

EL Pitillal: Fifteen minutes away northeast from downtown Puerto

Vallarta, it still preserves that picturesque flavor of small Mexican

town, where Sundays families and friends gather in the main

square, to leisurely stroll or go to mass. Urban growth has merged

El Pitillal with Vallarta, this is a popular site with an eclectic

commercial center for clothing, shoes and other businesses

mainly oriented to locals. Generations of hand crafters working

out of their homes, specialize in custom made genuine leather

sandals. San Miguel Archangel Main Church boasts an impressive

15 ft image of one piece hand carved work of art depicting Jesus

Risen . Being the only church that has two patron saint festivities:

Jesus Risen for the day of its foundation: March 23rd. 1992 and St.

Michael Archangel, from September 21st. to 29th.


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MARINA VALLARTA

You will find Marina Vallarta 5 minutes south from the

international airport. The “ Whale and her Calf “ a monumental

bronze sculpture by Octavio Gonzalez at the main entrance

gives you a welcome to the zone . This área offers a great

variety of attractions: a world class golf course, an exclusive

hotel and condominium zone, and a marina with luxury yachts

and boats from all over the world. The boardwalk with a variety

of restaurants from casual to gourmet, and a lighthouse from

where one can enjoy a spectacular view of the Marina and

Puerto Vallarta.


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GOING TO SOUTH

MISMALOYA

Located 15 minutes following the highway 200 south of Puerto Vallarta,

we find Mismaloya. Well known for having been selected to the set of

classic movie ”Night of the Iguana” which gave Puerto Vallarta an

important impulse to become a tourist centre. Mismaloya is the name of

the small bay where the river of the same name reaches the sea with

the majestic frame of the Sierra Madre. Close by Los Arcos graciously

rises from the ocean waters, rocky formations are home to sea birds of

different species such as different types of seagulls and pelicans, bay

cruises have had made it a mandatory stop to swim, snorkel and dive in

its bountiful waters. Five minutes walking into the mountain we find the

quaint village of Mismaloya a little bit further away the new Puerto

Vallarta Zoo . Twenty minutes more on the same road is El Eden,

formerly a movie set to Schwarzenegger’s 1987 movie “Predator “, a

helicopter used during the film is still as part of the original set.


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BOCA DE TOMATLAN

Boca de Tomatlàn five minutes ahead of Mismaloya, a luxuriant

environment surrounds a tiny bay where Tomatlàn river becomes one with

the sea. Get away by water taxi from here to beaches accessible only by

boat such as: Yelapa, Quimixto , Las Animas or Majahauitas, private boats

for hire are also available. Small family restaurants dot the beach offering

the opportunity to tray fresh seafood and drinks. An ideal place for

swimming, snorkelling, diving or simply bask under the sun.


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LAS JUNTAS Y LOS VERANOS

Located 5 minutes ahead of Boca de Tomatlan, you will find this

quaint town nestled in the Sierra Madre home of the Boanical

Gardens with a world-class plant collections and miles of hiking

trails through native forests From this point the road goes into the

mountain, five minutes ahead to reach the laid back picturesque

town of Juntas y los Veranos, recently rising interest in visitors to

watch the process of tequila making, enjoy the various river-side

restaurants with view to the water falls, horse back rides, bird

watching and the nearby practice of “Canopy” (zip line) with one

of the longest sections near 1000 ft, a 150 ft above the river.


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YELAPA , MAJAHUITAS , QUIMIXTO ,

LAS ANIMAS

Departing from Playa de los Muertos takes about 30

minutes south, on the way is suggested to make a stop in

natural rock formations over 60 ft high Los Arcos, it’s a

natural habitat of a variety of sea birds, an ideal place for

swimming, diving and snorkeling in its surrounding waters

and formations like natural tunnels. Further ahead we find

Las Animas and Majahuitas, white sand beaches are an

open invitation to swim and relax , or enjoy fresh fish and

seafood in the beach side restaurants. In Quimixto there is

a secluded water fall, a few minutes into the mountain

walking or riding a horse. Yelapa has become one of the

favorite spots for those who want to get away from it all, it’s

name means “place where the waters form a pond”, simple

constructions and palapas dot the low key place. Flanked

by El Tuito and the Yelapa river end up here in impressive

water falls about a 15 minutes walk into the mountain.In

Yelapa shore there are a few fish and seafood restaurants,

taking a walk along the streets where the locals live, you

will find home made bread and fruit pies famous among

locals and visitors alike.


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EL TUITO

South of Puerto Vallarta and 66 miles by the federal road 200, El Tuito

is a picturesque quaint typical Mexican sleepy town, with important

agriculture and cattle farming; offers visitors an atmosphere

of tranquillity and natural beauty. Located in a small valley surrounded

by high and green luxuriant mountains of the West Sierra Madre, a rich

diversity of flora and fauna adds to the reasons to be visited by those

seeking relax in contact with the natural beauty that the region has to

offer.

Separated from Puerto Vallarta by a some 12 miles of vistas blending

the mountain and beaches such as Punta Negra, Playas Gemelas,

Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán are left behind to high cliffs and

refreshing rivers. The vegetation scenery changes from tropical to

mountain due to the cooler climate, palm trees change for pines and oak

trees. Every visitor to El Tuito has an opportunity to enjoy its

charm and specialties, such as “raicilla” tasting, similar in flavour to

Tequila, the famous fresh cheese from el Tuito, both home made in small

family businesses with the particular humble and simple amiability of its

locals.


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GOING TO NORTH

BUCERIAS

Amazingly unspoiled, the north side of the Bay corresponding to Nayarit state

offers the visitor a number of attractive activities. Bucerías. Located some 20

minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, passing Nuevo Vallarta we find Bucerías, which

means “place of divers”. Bucerías shore offers beautiful beaches, restaurants y

rustic typical thatched roof establishments by the sea in order to enjoy fresh

seafood in a very casual atmosphere. An accelerated growth in recent years offers

lodging from bungalows to small hotels and a few outstanding restaurants. Every

January the festivities of Virgen de la Paz celebrating with numerous activities

headed by the pilgrimage by sea with boats lined up in the shape of a cross.


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NUEVO VALLARTA

Located 15 minutes north from Puerto Vallarta airport boasts a

first class hotel and restaurant facilities. Considered a modern

turistic corridor of over three miles of beautiful beaches and luxury

resorts. The lush landscape is completed by green mountains and

three professional championship golf courses. Inner sailing canals

allow transit to small boats and medium size yachts, two full

service marinas, Marina Norte and Marina Paradise, adding up

to 297 berths plus a Shopping centre with stores offering jewelry,

souvenirs and arts and crafts.


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LA CRUZ DE HUANACAXTLE

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. The name of this fishing village is due to the

existence of a unique tree know also as guanacaste, huanacaxtle o

parota, its fine hardwood is used mainly to make furniture and some

architecture typical of this coast. La Cruz seems to have grown a lot,

nevertheless maintains its laid back charm, ideal for those seeking to

hide from the worries of the world, Lodging is simple in the manner of

hostels and bungalows. With some excellent restaurants and bars. The

main beach in La Cruz is la Manzanilla well known for locals and visitors

alike as is one of the most tranquil waters. La Cruz is facing a significant

transformation with its new marina with a capacity for 380 small and

medium yachts, along with a promenade walk.


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PUNTA MITA

Located some 45 minutes north west of Vallarta at the tip of the bay, this quiet fishing village offers a variety of attractions. Some of the best swimming and surfing can be practiced in its beaches, or simply bask under the sun and relax. Top of the line restaurants are worth the trip to savor fresh fish and seafood. A Surf pro shop features equipment, instructors and all services to enjoy the sport. Anclote beach is the gateway for the boats to visit Marieta’s islands, a nature’s eco-system and natural habitat for the blue-footed booby bird and other sea birds, ideal for diving in a small reef and bird-watching.

Punta de Mita development has been a fast paced one in the recent years, developing world class resorts and a private golf club designed by world famous Jack Nicklaus


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SAYULITA

Located less than 30 miles north Puerto Vallarta along the coast of

Nayarit, there is this small paradise enclave of sea, beautiful

beaches and luxuriant vegetation the most recent Pueblo Magico :

Sayulita

Sayulita started its tourism activity at the same time than Vallarta

around 1965 with the construction of the road Las Varas-Vallarta,

actually Sayulita is a typical village with cobbled stone streets, red

tiled roofs; with its main temple and plaza, and thatched roofed

restaurants, making it an ideal place for relaxing and leisure. Every

year an important surf tournament takes place with competitors

from all over the World

Small and boutique hotels offer a match to equally magnificent

restaurants


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SAN FRANCISCO

Less than 30 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, better known as San

Pancho, this small fishermen’s village offers the visitor lodging

places like bungalows and small hotels. In the vicinity there are a

number of restaurants and small souvenir shops; Playa Azul is

the place to enjoy fresh fish and shrimp. Surf and Polo are

important sports specially the winter season.

Playa San Francisco


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LA TOVARA

La.Tovara

Located just near a hundred miles north of Puerto Vallarta, following

road 200 south of Nayarit to Las Varas take the detour to San Blas, there

you will find the ecological reserve La Tovara. Take time to visit the

Crocodrilarium as well as a boat ride through the channels of the river,

the luxuriant vegetation here forms a maze of tunnels for more than ten

miles of vines, fruit trees, plam trees home of birds, parrots, egrets, some

aquatic inhabitants include turtles, fish and rarely alligators, at the end

of the ride there is a natural swimming pool to freshen up. There are

facilities for visitors and it is open daily from 8am to 6pm. In San Blas we

also suggest a visit to the old church and the ruins of Fort San Basilio.


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RINCON DE GUAYABITOS.

For those who like to escape to a beach day Guayabitos is a beautiful place among the beaches of Nayarit. Its beach with calm waves is part of Jaltemba Bay. Located about 78 kms from the airport of Puerto Vallarta, in Guayabitos find small hotels and bungalow style accommodations with kitchens, living and all the tourist needs. There you will find fresh seafood and nice restaurants along the beach .

Among the other beaches found in the region is Playa Las Minitas, located two kilometers (one mile) south of Guayabitos, near the town Lo de Marcos. This beach measures 500 meters (1,640 feet) long by 40 meters (131 feet) wide, and is separated from the neighboring beach of Playa Los Venados by a small rock formation. Found just half a kilometer (0.3 miles) from Las Minitas, Los Venados is a semi-virgin beach with exuberant vegetation, and it is the ideal place to rest and admire the natural beauty of the region. Don’t forget to visit the islands: Isla Coral and Isla Cangrejo, a representative symbol of this destination. Here you can admire beautiful natural landscapes close up and gaze upon a variety of birds such as pelicans, seagulls and Blue-Footed Boobies. You can also try your hand at scuba diving or snorkeling in the turquoise- blue waters surrounding the islands.


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SAN SEBASTIAN DEL OESTE

San Sebastian del Oeste

Located 2 hours from Puerto Vallarta in the Sierra Madre this Magic

town was a major mining town of 20,000 inhabitants in the 17th

Century, now inhabited by only 600 people. San Sebastian del Oeste

retains the grandeur of the good times, and has the charm of the

tranquility and natural sights to surprise the visitor.

To enjoy San Sebastian del Oeste you must go in the holidays in

January . Also the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Rosary and

the Christmas celebrations, when traditional inns and pastorals are

organized. Do not miss the sunsets from the top of Cerro de la Bufa.

Walk around the village and the roads to Mascota and La Bufa and check

out the parish museum.


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WE THANK YOU FOR

READING THIS GUIDE, IF

YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS

PLEASE CONTACT US :

[email protected]

puerto vallarta visitors guide

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