Casa Condor guidebook
Puerto Vallarta: Beaches, shops, art galleries and food scene
I have traveled to Puerto Vallarta, my “home away from home” for nearly 25 years. The Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit region boasts ideal weather. There are so many reasons to love this place: its culture, its people, its beaches and, of course, the food. The average daily temperature is about 80F with a breeze. Nights are generally cool and balmy and sleeping with a ceiling fan is often sufficient; although if you need it, we do have air conditioning. The restaurants and markets provide for great variety of fantastic food options—from Mexican to Italian to Thai.
The Banderas Bay region appeals to all types: it is senior friendly, gay friendly, single women friendly, couples friendly, family friendly… even dog friendly. You rarely need a car because public transportation (buses, taxis, Ubers and Lyfts, and collectivos) is efficient and cheap. Here's my update of where to spend, splurge and make the most of your visit to the Bay of Banderas. Every year, I make it my goal to discover new things and pass them onto you. You won’t likely find many of these off-the beaten-path discoveries in your average guidebook. Although it focuses primarily on the Zona Romantica, there are some suggestions for day trips to the jungle, nearby magical towns, and a boat trip to the fishing village, Yelapa.
This guidebook will provide you with some suggestions and recommendations for restaurants, bars and clubs, things to do, and practical information. However, the best thing to do in Puerto Vallarta is to just get lost. Wander the cobblestone streets of the Zona Romantica, check out the craft stores in El Pitillal, or chill in a cafe in Versailles – put down your phone and put away the map. The neighborhoods, especially Zona Romantica – are generally safe – both day and night – so long as you follow simple guidelines and take practical precautions, as set forth in this guidebook.
190 locals recommend
Puerto Vallarta
I have traveled to Puerto Vallarta, my “home away from home” for nearly 25 years. The Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit region boasts ideal weather. There are so many reasons to love this place: its culture, its people, its beaches and, of course, the food. The average daily temperature is about 80F with a breeze. Nights are generally cool and balmy and sleeping with a ceiling fan is often sufficient; although if you need it, we do have air conditioning. The restaurants and markets provide for great variety of fantastic food options—from Mexican to Italian to Thai.
The Banderas Bay region appeals to all types: it is senior friendly, gay friendly, single women friendly, couples friendly, family friendly… even dog friendly. You rarely need a car because public transportation (buses, taxis, Ubers and Lyfts, and collectivos) is efficient and cheap. Here's my update of where to spend, splurge and make the most of your visit to the Bay of Banderas. Every year, I make it my goal to discover new things and pass them onto you. You won’t likely find many of these off-the beaten-path discoveries in your average guidebook. Although it focuses primarily on the Zona Romantica, there are some suggestions for day trips to the jungle, nearby magical towns, and a boat trip to the fishing village, Yelapa.
This guidebook will provide you with some suggestions and recommendations for restaurants, bars and clubs, things to do, and practical information. However, the best thing to do in Puerto Vallarta is to just get lost. Wander the cobblestone streets of the Zona Romantica, check out the craft stores in El Pitillal, or chill in a cafe in Versailles – put down your phone and put away the map. The neighborhoods, especially Zona Romantica – are generally safe – both day and night – so long as you follow simple guidelines and take practical precautions, as set forth in this guidebook.
Lively scene with ocean front restaurants (Daiquiri Dick's, La Palapa) great people watching, surfside beach clubs - gay and straight, parasailing, bodysurfing, relaxing with a pina colada or coco loco. Condo is one block from the beach.
397 locals recommend
Los Muertos Beach
Lively scene with ocean front restaurants (Daiquiri Dick's, La Palapa) great people watching, surfside beach clubs - gay and straight, parasailing, bodysurfing, relaxing with a pina colada or coco loco. Condo is one block from the beach.
Art galleries and markets
Shopping
You’ll find innumerable art galleries, shops (jewelry, antiques, handicrafts, shoes, Talavera and tiles), bookstores, markets, coffee shops (cafés), bars, large and small restaurants and many street-side taco stands on the side streets that are also part of the general scenery. There are also ice-cream parlors , bakeries, barbers, Tequila and the list goes on.
Consider a shopping excursion to the Isla Río Cuale Flea Market, on the north side of the Romantic Zone on Cuale Island. Here you’ll find souvenirs and many unique options of artisan treasures, for example, great blown-glass drinking glasses and pitchers, serving platters, dinnerware or glazed clay mugs, plates and dishes painted in typical and colourful Mexican patterns, all kinds of textile options, sarapes (traditional Mexican shawls), leather products (sandals, purses, wallets), hammocks, Mexican toys, beachwear, jewelry in silver or pewter, hand-beaded bracelets and earrings, Mexican vanilla and much more.
If you find yourself asking, what is a Magic Town in Mexico?, Tequila may just be the best example to answer your question. As you may have guessed by its name, Tequila is home to the renowned alcoholic spirit that has taken the world by storm. Native to this small town, Tequila is one of the best places to go near Puerto Vallarta if you are interested in learning about the rich history of your favorite drink. When you visit this magic town, you’ll be astonished by the massive fields of agave plants that blanket the horizon; the only place in the world permitted to grow and distribute authentic tequila. You’ll also get to learn how tequila is made, taste the different flavor profiles of reposado, blanco, and anejo, and pick up a few bottles of your favorites. While there is nothing quite like experiencing this pueblo magico with your own eyes, if you can’t make the day trip, tequila tasting is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta and given its close proximity to the city, you are likely to find a vast array of brands and flavors to sooth your cravings and pique your interest.
286 locals recommend
Tequila
If you find yourself asking, what is a Magic Town in Mexico?, Tequila may just be the best example to answer your question. As you may have guessed by its name, Tequila is home to the renowned alcoholic spirit that has taken the world by storm. Native to this small town, Tequila is one of the best places to go near Puerto Vallarta if you are interested in learning about the rich history of your favorite drink. When you visit this magic town, you’ll be astonished by the massive fields of agave plants that blanket the horizon; the only place in the world permitted to grow and distribute authentic tequila. You’ll also get to learn how tequila is made, taste the different flavor profiles of reposado, blanco, and anejo, and pick up a few bottles of your favorites. While there is nothing quite like experiencing this pueblo magico with your own eyes, if you can’t make the day trip, tequila tasting is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta and given its close proximity to the city, you are likely to find a vast array of brands and flavors to sooth your cravings and pique your interest.
Neighborhoods
The Old Town Farmers’ Market takes place in the Lazaro Cardenas Square in the Romantic Zone on Saturday mornings. It’s full of vendors selling everything from fresh bread and baked goods to organic vegetables to crafts. Plan to have breakfast as you graze from stall to stall.Make Friends Drop into the International Friendship Centre in the centre of Puerto Vallarta (Calle Libertad near the bridge) to make new friends, learn new skills and be entertained. The Centre has a busy schedule of activities including bridge, meditation, yoga and Spanish lessons, movie nights, lectures and home tours. A portion of the fees goes to various charities and good causes.www.ifcvallarta.com
178 locals recommend
Zona Romantica
The Old Town Farmers’ Market takes place in the Lazaro Cardenas Square in the Romantic Zone on Saturday mornings. It’s full of vendors selling everything from fresh bread and baked goods to organic vegetables to crafts. Plan to have breakfast as you graze from stall to stall.Make Friends Drop into the International Friendship Centre in the centre of Puerto Vallarta (Calle Libertad near the bridge) to make new friends, learn new skills and be entertained. The Centre has a busy schedule of activities including bridge, meditation, yoga and Spanish lessons, movie nights, lectures and home tours. A portion of the fees goes to various charities and good causes.www.ifcvallarta.com
Sightseeing
Hop on the bus that says El Tuito at the corner of Carranza and Aguacate. The scenic ride takes you along the coast to the Botanical Gardens. Wear walking shoes so you can explore the various trails and collections of palms, roses, ferns, agaves, orchids, wildflowers, coffee and vanilla trees. A fascinating variety of birds and butterflies call these gardens home too, so bring your camera and binoculars. The gift shop is full of unique items, including vanilla beans grown on the property. www.vbgardens.org
187 locals recommend
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Km 24 Carr. Costera a Barra de NavidadHop on the bus that says El Tuito at the corner of Carranza and Aguacate. The scenic ride takes you along the coast to the Botanical Gardens. Wear walking shoes so you can explore the various trails and collections of palms, roses, ferns, agaves, orchids, wildflowers, coffee and vanilla trees. A fascinating variety of birds and butterflies call these gardens home too, so bring your camera and binoculars. The gift shop is full of unique items, including vanilla beans grown on the property. www.vbgardens.org
Food scene
Thierry Blouet has been delighting locals with his elegant Franco-Mexican bistro cooking for more than three decades: dishes like tender roasted suckling lamb in Mexican herbs, marinated octopus and albacore tartare with avocado (served on a salt block) are dished-up al fresco in the leafy garden or the elegant dining room. The best way to sample the cooking is the five-course tasting menu, complete with amuse bouches and wine pairings.
I like this place because it has a wonderful outdoor garden in the back. The food is elegant and service is attentive.
192 locals recommend
Café des Artistes
740 Calle Gpe. SánchezThierry Blouet has been delighting locals with his elegant Franco-Mexican bistro cooking for more than three decades: dishes like tender roasted suckling lamb in Mexican herbs, marinated octopus and albacore tartare with avocado (served on a salt block) are dished-up al fresco in the leafy garden or the elegant dining room. The best way to sample the cooking is the five-course tasting menu, complete with amuse bouches and wine pairings.
I like this place because it has a wonderful outdoor garden in the back. The food is elegant and service is attentive.
Joe Jacks has a nice open-air terrace for dining upstairs. The atmosphere is funky and casual but the cooking is superb. On Fridays, they serve all-you-can-eat beer battered fish and chips.
The seafood at Joe Jacks is fresh and artfully prepared, it never disappoints. This year, Joe Jacks celebrates their tenth year in Vallarta. The red snapper seasoned with Sichuan pepper, fennel seed, cumin, and coriander. Is a fave. www.joejacks-fishshack.com
319 locals recommend
Joe Jack's Fish Shack
212 Basilio BadilloJoe Jacks has a nice open-air terrace for dining upstairs. The atmosphere is funky and casual but the cooking is superb. On Fridays, they serve all-you-can-eat beer battered fish and chips.
The seafood at Joe Jacks is fresh and artfully prepared, it never disappoints. This year, Joe Jacks celebrates their tenth year in Vallarta. The red snapper seasoned with Sichuan pepper, fennel seed, cumin, and coriander. Is a fave. www.joejacks-fishshack.com
Since 1986, Archie’s Wok has been legendary in the Banderas Bay for serving vibrantly
original cuisine influenced by the exotic flavors of Thailand, the Philippines and the
Pacific Rim. Archie’s helped establish the culinary foundation of Puerto Vallarta and
continues to be one of the bay’s most beloved, longtime established restaurants. This restaurant has a very sweet outdoor dining space in the back of the restaurant, or you can eat in the very
pleasant and relaxed indoor restaurant. It’s got great pan-Asian food in a relaxed atmosphere with good service.
168 locals recommend
Archie's Wok
130 Francisca RodríguezSince 1986, Archie’s Wok has been legendary in the Banderas Bay for serving vibrantly
original cuisine influenced by the exotic flavors of Thailand, the Philippines and the
Pacific Rim. Archie’s helped establish the culinary foundation of Puerto Vallarta and
continues to be one of the bay’s most beloved, longtime established restaurants. This restaurant has a very sweet outdoor dining space in the back of the restaurant, or you can eat in the very
pleasant and relaxed indoor restaurant. It’s got great pan-Asian food in a relaxed atmosphere with good service.
This fun place serves up some serious margaritas of all types and flavors. The foods pretty good as well, I particularly like the fajitas. The tableside making of homemade salsa is impressive and tasty! I enjoyed the fajitas here and there is good value for your money. Lively place.
72 locals recommend
Margarita Grill
321 Pino SuárezThis fun place serves up some serious margaritas of all types and flavors. The foods pretty good as well, I particularly like the fajitas. The tableside making of homemade salsa is impressive and tasty! I enjoyed the fajitas here and there is good value for your money. Lively place.
Day trips
Yelapa
Accessible primarily by water taxi, Yelapa provides a taste of rustic Mexico with not an all-inclusive or high rise in sight. You’ll find plenty of aging hippies, artists and laid-back locals. Take a hike or ride a burro to the waterfall, then sprawl out on the golden beach. Buy a slice of pie from one of the lady vendors who balance the homemade goodies in plastic containers on their heads and chill out. Boats leave daily from Marina Vallarta, Boca de Tomatlan, and Los Muertos Pier.
86 locals recommend
Yelapa Beach
Yelapa
Accessible primarily by water taxi, Yelapa provides a taste of rustic Mexico with not an all-inclusive or high rise in sight. You’ll find plenty of aging hippies, artists and laid-back locals. Take a hike or ride a burro to the waterfall, then sprawl out on the golden beach. Buy a slice of pie from one of the lady vendors who balance the homemade goodies in plastic containers on their heads and chill out. Boats leave daily from Marina Vallarta, Boca de Tomatlan, and Los Muertos Pier.
City advice
Don't miss
Vallarta ArtWalk
Wednesday Night Art Walk
From the end of October to the end of May you can participate in Art Walk every Wednesday evening. About 20 galleries and studios in the historic centre open from 6 to 10 p.m. Most serve snacks and drinks; often they’ll have an artist or two on the premises. Café des Artistes,(see Restaurants, above) offers early-bird dinner specials (three courses for about $40) in a lush garden setting. www.vallartaartwalk.com
Don't miss
Rhythms of the Night show
Rhythms of the Night at the old John Houston estate. SAVIA show: “An explosion of color, sound and spectacle, SAVIA tells a powerful story about the persistence of the human spirit using colorful imagery, music, dance and movement. Legend has it there were four civilizations of humanity prior to ours. Each new period saw the evolution of the human race . . . as well as its demise. These previous worlds were destroyed by tornadoes, fires and floods, yet rituals and sacrifices have kept the human spirit alive. https://www.vallarta-adventures.com/en/to
Don't miss
Zipline! Looking for something a little more adventuresome?!
There are actually quite a few zip line tours that you can take outside of Puerto Vallarta. The one that I have used a couple of times is Los Veranos. Obviously, you’re looking for fun, but safety and training is a high priority for these folks. Thoroughly enjoyed it and it’s a great way to explore the jungle and to get away from the pace of Vallarta. https://losveranoscanopy.com/