Puerto Vallarta History
Puerto Vallarta is located in the area of Mexico’s west coast known as the “Mexican Rivera”. Constructed where the mountains of the Sierra Madre meet the gorgeous waters of the Pacific Ocean, the town of Puerto Vallarta has long been home to boats and people who came to find safe harbor from storms on the Bay of Banderas. Over the last fifteen years, travelers from around the world have come to Puerto Vallarta in droves, seeking solace not from storms, but from the rigors of their everyday life. As a result, Puerto Vallarta is now considered to be one of the most popular travel destinations in all of Latin America.
Puerto Vallarta has experienced this sudden rise in popularity at a relatively young political age; the document history of town goes back only to 1850! The area was actually discovered in 1541 by Don Pedro de Alvarado, but remained uninhabited until the arrival of Guadalupe Sanchez and his family to farm at the mouth of the Cuale River in 1850. At this time, the area was known as Puerto Las Penas, and kept that name until 1918 when it was renamed Puerto Vallarta in honor of local politician Don Ignacio L. Vallarta.
The region first received international notoriety thanks to American film director John Houston. Houston had read accounts of travelers that lauded Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding areas for their beauty and Houston decided the location would be perfect for his next film. The film was Night of the Iguana, which starred Richard Burton and Ava Gardner and was a tremendous hit. In the years following the film, Puerto Vallarta gradually became a more popular destination for tourists until the pace quickened with its most recent explosion in popularity. The recent rapid rise in popularity has led to a massive boom in construction and the town now features a wide variety of golf courses, tennis courts, spas, resorts, and breathtakingly beautiful villas. These attraction and the area's astounding natural beauty make Puerto Vallarta a world-class travel destination.
Puerto Vallarta Airport
The Puerto Vallarta International Airport is easily accessible from almost anywhere in North America. With twelve major airlines offering flights to Puerto Vallarta from cities across the United States and Canada, getting to Puerto Vallarta by air should not be a problem for any traveler.
Puerto Vallarta Airport
Puerto Vallarta International Airport - Ordaz International Airport
011-52-322-221-1325
Documents for arrival at Puerto Vallarta Airport
A tourist card, easily attainable from any airline, and a valid passport are required for travelers entering Mexico from the United States or Cananda. Travelers from Europe are required to have a valid United States Visa. A Mexican Visa is not necessary.
Airlines that offer service to Puerto Vallarta Airport
Aeromexico
Alaska Airlines
America West
American Airlines
Continental Airlines
Delta Airlines
Mexicana Airlines
United Airlines
Approximate flight times
From Los Angeles: 3 hours
From Dallas: 2.5 hours
Puerto Vallarta Airport Transfers
Transfers can be arranged for a slight cost, usually less than securing a taxi from the airport, directly to your Puerto Vallarta villa rental. This is a service we highly recommend to all Puerto Vallarta villa rental clients.
Puerto Vallarta Airport Departure Tax
All travelers must pay a $23.00 departure tax before leaving Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta Communications
Telephone:
Please note that in most cases the phone numbers listed here are as dialed from Puerto Vallarta, if you are dialing from the United States or Canada, dial 011 (international long distance code) plus 52 (country code for Mecico) plus 322 (area code for Puerto Vallarta) then the number. For area codes in other cities in Mexico check the phone book or go to www.telmex.com.
Most cell phones do not work in Puerto Vallarta, but most can be reprogrammed to work while you are there. If you do choose to have your phone reprogrammed, do not forget that you must have it reprogrammed again before leaving Puerto Vallarta. Renting a prepaid cell phone is also an option should you find it necessary to have a cell phone for Puerto Vallarta Communications. Phones with international roaming should work in Puerto Vallarta, but it is always best to first check with your service provider.
Internet:
CYBER CAFES and INTERNET SERVICES:
Seems like there are Cyber Cafes springing up on just about every corner! One of the most well run is The Net House. #232 Ignacio L. Vallarta (Across the street from Roxys), Phone 222-6953, www.vallartacafes.com, jamie@vallartacafes.com.
Other cafes in the area are, Surf's Up, #391 Olas Altas. PVC@fe.com, #250 Olas Altas, Phone 222-0092.
AOL USERS:
There is now a local access number for a direct connection to AOL 226-0208. You have to have an AOL account. There are no long distance charges.
Puerto Vallarta Transportation
Puerto Vallarta is one of the few destinations where renting a car is not always recommended. The taxi and transfer service in Puerto Vallarta is excellent. Drivers are very knowledgeable and should have no trouble getting you to and from your villa or anywhere else you may want to go. The cab service is also very prompt; cabs usually come within 10 minutes of being called and are very professional.
Airport transfers, to and from the airport, are easily arranged and usually less expensive than taking a cab to your villa. Transfer service is highly recommended when renting a Puerto Vallarta villa.
Guests may find that there is a use to renting a car in Puerto Vallarta if you are staying at a hillside villa. Villas located in uppper Conchas Chinas (or farther locales) or one that are not within walking distance to the beach may be villas you would like to have a rental car for. If you are staying in one of these villas and plan to spend a great deal of time at the beach, renting a car may be advisable. However, be sure to check on the parking situation at the villa.
Puerto Vallarta Shopping
Whether you are looking for local art and antiques, designer fashions, or a sombrero to prove you actually went to Mexico, you will be able to find it while shopping in Puerto Vallarta. Shoppers are able to find particularly good bargains on silver jewelry, as Mexico is the world’s largest producer of silver.
There are several excellent shopping areas in Puerto Vallarta. Among these are the Marina Vallarta, the municipal market - located just north of the Rio Cuale, and of course the beach. Some of the best Puerto Vallarta shopping takes place along these sandy stretches, where local vendors sell almost everything imaginable to people who can’t be bothered to leave the beach to go shopping.
For art collectors, Puerto Vallarta shoping is second only to Mexico City in terms of the quality and selection of Mexican Art it features. Of particular note is the art of the Huichol Indians, which is widely available in Puerto Vallarta. The Huichol Indians are descendants of the Aztecs and one of the oldest tribes still in existence. Their art is sure to delight and intrigue any collector or art lover. Taking some time to at least look at the Huichol artwork that is on display at various shops and galleries is a must for any visitor planning a Puerto Vallarta shopping trip.
Puerto Vallarta is also home to an excellent selection of contemporary Mexican art. As with most popular travel destinations, tourists will also find plenty of shops and stands selling hats, t-shirts, and other trinkets emblazoned with the Puerto Vallarta name. No matter what you are shopping for, you should be able to find it in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta Restaurants
The recent boom in popularity that Puerto Vallarta has experienced has led to there being at least one of every type of restaurant cuisine imaginable. Whether you are looking for a restaurant serving four star cuisine, authentic Mexican fare or a Hard Rock Café to remind you of home, you will find it in among Puerto Vallarta restaurants. Freshly caught seafood is the specialty of many restaurants, but excellent cuisine of all types, from Italian to American can be found in Puerto Vallarta.
Villas Caribe Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Selections
Restaurant Bianco:
One of the finest restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, Restaurant Bianco serves exquisite French cuisine infused with the flavors of Mexico in a setting that is second to none
El Arrayan:
Home to some of the best and most affordable authentic Mexican food in Puerto Vallarta, El Arrayan is the place to go to enjoy tacos the way they were meant to be prepared.
Blue Shrimp:
Offering shrimp prepared in a wide variety of ways, this new restaurant is not to be missed by any visitor to Puerto Vallarta restaurants who wants to enjoy fresh caught shrimp.
Le Kliff:
Located 15 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta, this restaurant is worth the short trip away from town. Offering one of the best views in all of Mexico along with fresh caught seafood infused with international flavors, Le Kliff is the perfect place for a romantic evening. Reservations are a must.
Vista Grill:
For those looking for a restaurant with a menu that reminds them of home but a view that reminds them of Mexico, Vista Grill is the place to go. Featuring a fantastic porch where patrons can enjoy the beautiful sunset while dining, Vista Grill has a menu where freshly caught seafood is offered alongside traditional favorites like rack of lamb and beef tenderloin. Reservations are recommended.
Si Senor:
Features upscale traditional Mexican fare. The traditional Mexican dishes are highly recommended, particularly the delicious lobster enchiladas.
Las Palomas Restaurant:
One of the oldest restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, Las Palomas is also home to the best Mexican breakfast in town. Set in a hacienda right on the waterfront, the location of Las Palomas is almost as good as the food!
Puerto Vallarta Golf
Puerto Vallarta is home to several world renowned golf courses that have been designed by some of the game’s most revered and respected architects. Courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf can be found and played in Puerto Vallarta; the Weiskopf designed Vista Vallarta actually played host to the Wolrd Cup of Golf in 2002. As is the case in most resort towns, golf in Puerto Vallarta is not cheap, but the excellent courses that offer some of the best views in all of Mexico, as well as fun and challenging golf, are certainly worth the price.
Note: Significant Discounts are available at many courses when tee times are booked in advance
Villas Caribe Puerto Vallarta Golf Course recommendations:
Vista Vallarta Tom Weiskopf:
18 Holes, Par 72, 6,993 yards
Built in 2001, this course played home to the 2002 PGA Wolrd Cup of Golf. Set against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre Mountains and offering stunning views of the Pacific, this course is renowned for its views as well as its golf
Green Fees: $152.00
Cart: $40.00/person
Caddies: Not mandatory, $10.00 plus tip
Golf Club Rental: $40.00/set (Taylor Made clubs)
Clubhouse, Restaurant, Pro Shop
Vista Vallarta Jack Nicklaus
18 Holes, Par 72, 7,073 yards
This Jack Nicklaus design is the companion course to the Weiskopf design of the same name. The Nicklaus course co hosted the 2002 Pga World Cup of Golf and will play host to the Senior Tour Puerto Vallarta Open in late March 2006. Like the Weiskopf course, the Nicklaus course offers astonishing views of both the Sierra Madre’s as well as the Pacific Ocean.
Green Fees: $163.00
Cart: $40.00/person
Caddies: Not mandatory, $10.00 plus tip
Golf Club Rental: $40.00/set (Taylor Made clubs)
Clubhouse, Restaurant, Pro Shop
Flamingos Golf Club
18 Holes, Par 72, 6,982 yards
One of the oldest courses in Puerto Vallarta, the Flamingos course is still as fun and challenging as the day it opened. The course is surrounded by tropical mango, orange, and lemon trees and is a course that will prove enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
Green Fees: $130.00
Cart: Included in Green Fees
Caddies: Mandatory, $15.00/person plus tip
Golf Club Rental: $30-$40.00/person
Paradise Village Golf Course “El Tigre”
18 Holes, Par 72, 7.239 yards
This Robert Von Hagge design is the newest course in Puerto Vallarta and already considered one of the most fun to play. Despite its length, difficulty is not the hallmark of this course. With its wide fairways and 5-6 sets of tees per hole “El Tigre” is the perfect course for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation round of golf. But for those who wish to be challenged, the back black tees are where “El Tigre” bears its teeth.
Green Fees: $150.00
Cart: Included in Green Fees
Caddies: Not available
Golf Club rental: $45.00/set (Calloway Clubs)
Clubhouse, Restaurant, Pro Shop
Tamarindo Golf Course
18 Holes, Par 72, 6,615 yards
Tamrindo Golf Club is one of the most beautiful golf courses in all of Mexico. With the ocean visible from nine of the eighteen holes, a camera is as necessary as your clubs when playing at Tamarindo.
Green Fees: $210.00
Cart:Included in Green Fees
Caddies:Mandatory $10.00 per person plus tip
Golf Club Rental: $55-65.00
Puerto Vallarta Water Sports
Puerto Vallarta offers almost every type of water sport for those looking for adventure in the Pacific during their vacation. Puerto Vallarta offers world class scuba diving and snorkeling, excellent fishing, and a wide range of other water activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, waterskiing, and much more. With the recent surge in popularity of Puerto Vallarta as a vacation destination, there has also been a surge in the popularity of Puerto Vallarta water sports. As a result, there are a plethora of diving outfitters, deep sea fishing companies, and parasailing companies in town. It should be no problem to locate a guide to assist you in whatever water sport you hope to enjoy on your vacation.
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling:
The diving and snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta is excellent. Whether you are an experienced diver or will be putting on a snorkel mask for the first time this trip, you will find much to enjoy in the waters of Puerto Vallarta.
Fishing:
Mexico is one of the top countries in the world for sport fishing and the fishing off the coast of Puerto Vallarta is a big reason why. There is excellent fishing year round off the Puerto Vallarta coast. Fishermen can hope to reel in marlin, sailfish, and red snapper on their deep sea fishing trip. Deep sea fishing trips are one of the most popular activities in Puerto Vallarta, so making reservations in advance is recommended.
Parasailing:
Parasailing has become a popular activity all over the world, and Puerto Vallarta is the perfect place to try it for the first time or continue to pursue your new-found passion. The views of the Sierra Madres and the Mexican Coast are breathtaking from high in the air and there are plenty of safe and reliable parasailing outfitters in town who will take you on a ride you will never forget.
Water Skiing:
The waters off the Puerto Vallarta coast are calm enough to allow for thrilling water skiing runs out on the Pacific. For all those who have enjoyed water skiing on freshwater lakes, the experience of water skiing in the ocean with the horizon on one side of you and the coast on the other is an unforgettable experience.
Puerto Vallarta Nightlife
The bustling nightlife of Puerto Vallarta is one of the town’s biggest tourist draws. Whether you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a nice meal, a local bar to unwind with a drink after a long day out on the water, or a club where the dancing and partying goes into the wee hours of the morning, Puerto Vallarta has it all. There a great many restaurants in town and no matter what type of delectable cuisine you are in the mood for, you should be able to find a restaurant that serves it. Puerto Vallarta is also home to plenty of waterfront and beachside bars for those who wish to enjoy an after-dinner drink.
The nightclubs of Puerto Vallarta, however, are what help to make the destination one of the most attractive vacation spots for young people in Mexico. Drinks and dancing regularly go until five or six in the morning; and as a result, guests never show up to a night club before 11. It is probably best to wait until midnight before beginning your night of clubbing. If you do stay until the crowd finally begins to dwindle early the next morning, there are usually plenty of cafe’s right outside the club that are just opening and are more than willing to help you end your night with a delicious Mexican breakfast. Before you go, be sure to check the cover that the different nightclubs charge. Some offer an all inclusive cover which includes all you can drink, while others charge a smaller cover that does not include drinks.
Puerto Vallarta Weddings
A Puerto Vallarta wedding is a wonderful way to celebrate the beginning a new life together. Whether you seek a small ceremony on the beach or a lavish ceremony on the balcony of a luxurious villa, it is all possible in Puerto Vallarta. Many villas are happy to play host to weddings and accommodate larger wedding parties. The villa owners are also able to give invaluable advice on wedding planners, florists, and caterers for a Puerto Vallarta wedding. In terms of setting, it is difficult to imagine a more beautiful place to hold a wedding event, as almost everywhere in Puerto Vallarta offers stunning views of either the Pacific, the Sierra Madres, or both.
A Puerto Vallarta wedding is sure to be just what the bride and groom hve envisoned for their special day. There are certain Mexican regulations that must be adhered to in order to make a Puerto Vallarta wedding legal, so it is highly advisable to contact the office of the Mexican Registrar to get up to date information on all necessary paperwork and other requirements.
Puerto Vallarta Activities
By far the most popular activity in Puerto Vallarta is spending time on the town’s beautiful beaches. There are several beaches in town, ranging from small secluded beaches set in picturesque coves, to the large and exciting beaches of the so called “hotel zone” a favorite of tourists. The more populated beaches will have far more amenities; such as parasailing trips, jet ski rentals, beach volleyball courts, and nearby bars and restaurants. The smaller less populated beaches will not have as many of these amenities, and it may be advisable to bring a picnic with you to the beach if you do not wish to leave for lunch.
Popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta include Nuevo Vallarta, the ‘Hotel Zone”, Mismayola (where Night of The Iguana was filmed), and Los Muertos, so named because of the battle fought over a hundred years ago between gold and silver smuggler and the natives.
Another activity in Puerto Vallarta that is extremely popular and somewhat unique to the area is whale watching. Available beginning in late November and going through the end of March, whale watching excursions are offered by many companies in Puerto Vallarta. Every winter, large groups of humpback whales journey to the waters off the coast of Puerto Vallarta to mate, give birth, and nurse their calves. This provides for a wonderful opportunity to witness these magnificent and massive animals in their natural habitat. If you are visiting Puerto Vallarta during the winter months, a whale watching expedition is an opportunity not to be missed. Because of the popularity of the whale watching excursions, making reservations in advance is highly recommended.
Aside from wonderful beaches and whale watching, Puerto Vallarta offers wide range of other activities. The town is home to several world class golf courses, two of which have played host to PGA and Senior PGA events. The scuba diving and snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta is some of the best in Mexico, and diving trips can easily be arranged in town. Puerto Vallarta is also home to excellent collections of native Huichol art as well as a great deal of contemporary Mexican art. No matter where your interests lie, you will have no trouble finding a plenty of fun and exciting Puerto Vallarta Activities.
