Vallarta Blog

Villa Del Palmer flamingos sits on the front of a gorgeous white sand beach in Nuevo Vallarta, Bahia de Banderas (Bay of Flags). Just a short 20 minute ride away from downtown Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta is in the state of Nayarit bordering Jalisco.

Although very close there is actually a one hour time difference between the two states, but this isn’t much of a problem as most business’s go by Vallarta time to keep things easy.

This beautiful Mexican resort, literally within a stones throw to the ocean, has the finest sandy beach. Aquamarine water brings to mind cool tropical oceans, the perfect place for everything from a leisurely paddle to a speedy jet ski ride.

With a variety of activities available it is very hard to get bored in a place like this. Adults visiting villa Del Palmar Flamingos Resort Vallarta have full access to the double level swimming pool. If the open ocean is what you are looking for, go for a snorkel in the  beautiful Bahia de Banderas, home to thousands of tropical fish and sea creatures.

Enjoy windsurfing or work off last night’s dessert in Aerobics class. If you are in the mood for a little rest and relaxation take advantage of the resorts European style spa, offering many different luxurious treatments.

While you are at the spa there is no need to worry about the kids, Villa Del Palmar Flamingos has special children’s activities directed towards their age group (4-12). With an individual area that includes a pool, they will have a blast in the kids program, making new friends and learning all about the fish and animals the bay is home to. Aimed at keeping the young ones happy doing what they like to do best, this program helps everyone to have fun filled vacations.

If all this isn’t enough choose from the many other activities for adults and children available close to the resort. Send the men off fishing and do a little souvenir shopping at one of the authentic local boutiques, after a round of golf take in a colourful tropic sunset from the deck of a luxury boat. Ride along the sandy beach on horseback or be towed high above the bay for a birds eye view while parasailing, sure to excite any daredevil!

After all that fun in the sun and the fresh ocean air you are sure to be hungry! All Villa Del Palmar Flamingos vacation rentals are fully furnished with in suite kitchenettes or full-size kitchens. Cook up your favourite recipes after hitting up the on-resort grocery store. Don’t like to cook or just don’t feel like it; try out one or all four of the restaurants on the resort. Everything from traditional Mexican food to French fine dining, there is something for everyone’s tastes.

With so many choices of vacation rentals and resorts in Nuevo Vallarta, let Villa Del Palmar Flamingos make it easy for you. Four star quality at less then half the price and all the fun and sun you can handle, Villa Del Palmer Flamingos offers more activities for adults and children then any other resort of its kind. So whether you are wanting to kick back read a book and get a massage, or you want to teach your kids how to swim, this resort has the best options for a fantastic family vacation.

Those of us who live here in Puerto Vallarta know that September is the month many local  shops and businesses choose to close for vacation. Allot of the time this means everything from “gone fishing”  to catching up on building maintenance and repair.

What people refer to as “Low Season” has arrived in Vallarta. The Mexican tourism is tapering off and The winter tourists are yet to arrive. 

Many People take advantage of this “slow” time to expand and renovate their business, while others really do go on a true  vacation. Whatever the reason may be, a few favourite restaurants will be closed this month.

The list of closures is as follows:
Barcelona Tapas-open Sept.14th
Bocabento-open sometime in October
El Arrayan-open Sept.12th
Mestizo-open Oct.1st
Le Bistro-open Oct.1st
Hacienda Alemania-open Sept.23rd
Don Pedro’s-open Oct.1st
Archies Wok-open Oct.1st
Thierry Blouet Cocina de Autor-open Oct.2nd
Asaderos-open mid Oct.
Luise and Luc, breakfast at Mama Dolores-open mid Oct.
Mariscos polo-closed Aug.20th to Sept.5th
Encanto-open Oct.1st
La Tia Catrina-open Oct.1st will reopen in new location on Bassilio Badillo

There are many great restaurants here in Puerto Vallarta that will stay open this month, a great time to try out a new eatery. We hope everyone has excellent vacations and we are looking forward to experiencing all the new features business’s here in P.V. are working on this month.

August 25th was the first day of Ujena Bikini Jam here in Puerto Vallarta. A week long event with over 200 models and photographers from more then ten countries competing for money and exposure in the modelling business. Daily events will be held throughout this week, ending on September 3rd.

The second annual Bikini Jam held here in Vallarta, after last years great success of the event it was a unanimous decision to hold the Bikini Image awards here once again.

A unique event honouring bikini models, photographers and the bikini, a fashion item that has grown into one of the widest used marketing items ever.

This year the theme of physical fitness along with beauty will add a rounded approach to the judging. Two very competitive events being the El Tigre Bikini Golf Tourney and the Ujena 5km walk/run.

For the first time ever the Tuna Bites Bikini Model Big Game Fishing Tournament (quite the mouthful) and the Fame Ujena fitness model search, with winners of both events being awarded crystal trophies.

A fierce competition is expected for those participating for the title of Ujena Model of the year, Ujena Photographer of the year and Makeup artist of the year.

With over $200,000 USD in prize contracts being handed out at the Bikini Image awards show on Sept. 2nd at Crown Paradise Resorts this is sure to be an event not to miss! Also this year there will be awards handed out for many other various things including outstanding achievements in entertainment, business and athletics.

The new Flamingos Resort and Spa plays host to the first ever Wellness Week here in Puerto Vallarta, scheduled to take place September twenty-second through the twenty-ninth.

What a great way to spend a vacation, focusing on health and well being rather then excessive partying and feasting as many vacationers do. Wellness Week will be a free event that will focus on healthy living and healthy life choices; including everyday exercise courses on Pilates, yoga, weight lifting and healthy Nutrition seminars.

A couple of the Highlights being guest  professionals speaking on how to maintain a healthy heart and providing information on cutting edge cosmetic surgery and dental Work. Lydia Safarti, owner of The Repêchage® Spa de Beauté New York City, will be the key speaker on Beauty healthcare with answers on everything from the sun and skin care to healthy skin from the inside out.

Another great feature of Wellness Week will be the introduction guide to healthy travel, how to get top quality health care everywhere in the world.

With more and more people becoming aware of a healthier way of living, moving to Puerto Vallarta is part of that lifestyle change for many. Whether it is the heat, the fresh ocean air or a more relaxed lifestyle, Vallarta has attracted not only vacation tourists but healthy vacation tourists interested in a better way of living.

This sounds like a fantastic week filled with tons of information on healthy living. I expect it will be a big hit here in Puerto Vallarta and will be continued for years to come, what a great idea!
 
Featured seminars:

 Food & Nutrition
 Easy food swaps to cut calories, boost nutrition and energy
 For the Athlete: Five Healing Foods
 Seasonings That Boost Health As Well As Taste
 Making Heart Healthy Choices in Mexican Dining
 Read It and Eat: Know the Calories and Fat of Popular Mexican Dishes
 In Favor Of Mexican Flavor: These Foods Are Always Good Choices 

Your Body 
 The Power of Prevention – lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of breast cancer and other  cancers.
 How to Protect Your Skin
 Calorie Burn Chart For 5 Exercises
 Sink Your Teeth In These Facts About Cosmetic Dentistry
 Cosmetic Surgery: Is It For You? New techniques to consider
 The Picture of Health: Meet the Women CBS and Prevention Magazine Want you To Know
 Does Your Weight Put You At Risk? Go Online to calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index)
 I Screen, You Screen  

Mind & Spirit
 Yoga: Moves to Unite Body, Mind, Spirit
 Mind Matters: Effective Strategies For Reducing Stress
 Go Online to Calculate Your Life Stress Score
 
Health Travel 
 What in the World is Health Travel?
 Where in the World Do Health Travelers Travel To?
 Health Travel Is A Centuries-Old Practice!
 My Mexican Dentist: A Journalist is all smiles from her experience!
 
 for more information visit the flamingos Vallarta website.

Update thursday Aug.24, from Los angeles Times

MEXICO CITY — Hurricane Dean saved some of its worst for last, killing eight people after shrinking to a rainy tropical depression over central Mexico, authorities reported Thursday.

In the state of Puebla, a family of four, including two children, died when a mudslide hit a highway overpass Thursday and crushed their car, state civil-protection authorities said. Wednesday, a government official died in a car wreck while checking for damage during the storm, and a 76-year-old man was killed when part of his house fell on him.

A 35-year-old woman and a 14-year-old girl died after a roof collapsed Wednesday in the state of Hidalgo, state authorities said.

Another man died trying to ford a rain-swollen river in Veracruz state on Wednesday. But because he ignored warnings from rescue personnel, state officials said they would not count his death in the storm total.

The same held for a man who was reported electrocuted by power lines while trying to secure his roof before the storm hit Wednesday morning.

The storm toll in Mexico brought the total number of fatalities associated with Dean to 28, most in the Caribbean. The hurricane had reached its full strength, Category 5, when it struck a relatively isolated stretch of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Tuesday. So far no deaths have been reported there, although property damage was extensive.

Officials said Thursday that about 90,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in Mexico , with an estimated 60,000 people in shelters overnight Wednesday. The Yucatan lost nearly 400 square miles of crops.

After Dean landed on the Veracruz coastline Wednesday as a Category 2 hurricane, it quickly began to lose strength. Within hours it was downgraded to a tropical depression. But its arrival near the end of central Mexico’s rainy season caused some landslides and flooding.

By Thursday afternoon, the rains had stopped and Hurricane Dean was done.

Here in Puerto Vallarta we felt the repercussions of Hurricane Dean Wednesday night and all day Thursday the 23. The heavy rains, wind and cool weather brought out the quiet side of this usually happening city. With traffic at a slow minimum, everyone tried their best to stay out of the rain.

Could this finally be the start of the “rainy” season here in Vallarta? With the highest average falling in the months of August and September although the rainy season falls may-Oct, summer.

Vallarta sure seems to get a lot of rain in the fall, this summer with the rain averaging below normal for the area; the humidity often builds up to 90% and more hanging over the city for days on end. With that kind of intense pressure rain is needed to cool down the earth, coming in as early evening storms, lightening and thunder rocking Bahia de Banderas.

We were lucky looking at the magnitude of this category 5 hurricane, fortunately some areas were spared that initially looked  as if they would be hit harder by Dean, of course as nature works some areas were not as fortunate.

The Walt Disney comedy “South of the Border”, featuring Drew Barrymore, recently filmed in Sayulita first and then here in Vallarta.

The movie casts Drew Barrymore as the lead voice, “Chloe“, a Beverly Hills Chihuahua who is used to living the high life, when on vacation in Mexico she gets lost.

“Chloe” makes new friends while on the street, Andy Garcia, a former Police German Sheppard, Selma Hayek, who becomes Chloe’s spiritual guide to her heritage and Lopez as Papi, a macho Chihuahua who falls in love with Chloe. So begins the tale of a rich pampered pooch, finding her own way in Mexico and eventually back to her home with the help of her new Mexican amigos.

What few people know is that “South of the Border” was originally the title of a 1942 Disney documentary. The 30 minute documentary was shot when Walt Disney and a group of 18 artists, musicians and writers travelled South America in search for movie ideas.

South of the Border the original is a behind the scenes documentary on their travels and the cartoon characters that evolved from that trip. In 2000 the documentary South of the Border was released in the Saludos Amigos DVD set as an extra feature as Saludos Amigos was also a product of the same trip.

The film crew for the new “South of the Border”, Set up last Monday at the Peninsula. With extras, movie members and onlookers it was an exciting event which caused quite the traffic jam on the Malecon. With the beautiful backdrop of the Bahia de Banderas this animated movie is one for the entire family not to miss!

Greenpeace couldn’t express itself often enough and said several times that the information presented in their work wasn’t directed against the municipality of Jalisco and that they are only trying to point out the problems of all beaches in Mexico to find and suggest new solutions.

In response to the accusations made by Greenpeace (greenpeace.org), the mayor of Puerto Vallarta, Javier Bravo Carvajal criticized the non-profit organization Greenpeace of having unknown interests with the purpose of harming the port’s infrastructure. Greenpeace says that it has auto sufficient and independent politics with no economic interests and that the subjects they work on are ecological and are treated with absolute scientific rigor facing the Mexican society. More specifically the organization explained that the campaign that is being realized in different municipalities with beaches, has the objective of clean beaches in the entire country.

Greenpeace hopes that the last test results of the beaches of Jalisco, which were realized on the 6th of June, will be published in the same beach area instead of the internet.

For the World Health Organization, swimming in seawater with a higher level of bacterial feces than 137 parts per milliliter of enterococci means a risk of severe diseases like paratifoidea or infectious hepatitis.

Greenpeace pointed out that their presented information of their tests has not the objective to act against Puerto Vallarta or any other particular entity. “We only want to show everybody the problem in all beach areas of the country so we can find solutions because clean beaches are important for everybody”.

————————————– 

Dear Greenpeace,

We here at Vallarta Blog Wexico, admire your efforts to point out some of Vallartas biggest problems and we are not talking about the Beaches only, but about a common problem in Mexico like the corruption on cost of the environment and Vallarta’s traditional life.

In the past years, Vallarta has changed drastically. More and more people come to live here and more stores, buildings and cars are drawn on the maps of Vallarta. Only a few people have the patience and ear to hear and recognize the damage that is being done because everybody is focused on themselves. Almost half of Vallarta has worked for Vallarta Adventures, Timeshare Giants and tourist driven companies. Everybody relies on tourism and everything is growing fast enough to loose the picture. Soon enough Vallarta will be a second Acapulco and the ones in power now will be drowned in money.

What happened to the hundreds of people that protested against the illegal destruction of the historic parks in Vallarta? They are forgotten now. They stood up against the police attemt at 6 am in the morning to destroy the parks and anybody in their way ended up in jail or beaten up. What happened to the Human Rights reports that were filed from dozens of protesters? Thousands of flyers and information was given out through radiostations and local ecologists, but the only response they got was what the government had put into their heads: Puerto Vallarta needs modernization. It has to evolve and we need to construct parking lots on top of historical traditional parks. Too many automobiles need parking lots, no matter what the costs are.

History repeats itself and if we have learned something about it it is that it is not enough to just inflate a huge toilet for a few minutes in the early hours of the morning, so nobody notices it. Unless you are trying to warn the government of what you are capable, this event was totally confusing to many people here in Vallarta, which is why we hope that the next time you will make sure that locals and non locals have the possibility in joining your campaign, which means you have to speak out through the radio, newspapers and do more than just a quick photoshooting on the beach.

We are looking forward to Greenpeace’s results and will keep up to date with this issue. Anybody that has more information on these subjects, please don’t hesitate in commenting or contacting us.

The International Gourmet Festival celebrates 13 years this November!

From the 8th to the 18th, twenty-four of Vallarta’s most prestigious restaurants and hotels will open their kitchens to renowned chefs from all over the world. With select dishes that contain every kind of cultural influence, this event most definitely will be on the top of every foodies list of things to look forward to here in Vallarta, I know I sure am!

With delectable dishes to tantalize your taste buds, one thing is for sure; the guest chefs have a passion for food and they aren’t the only ones!

 Organizers of the International Gourmet festival put a tremendous amount of time and energy into the event, making sure that it expands and progresses each and every year. This year a main focus will not only be the quality of ingredients but also the freshness, allowing every dish to be composed with the utmost care and served with grand detail!

For those of you who have experienced Gourmet festival Vallarta before, not to worry; the events calendar remains the same. To launch the week off there will be a cocktail hour introduction of the visiting chefs, a sensational Sunday brunch complimented with authentic mariachi music and the grand finale event including a majestic fireworks display.

The main events for the week include learning about wine pairing, testing out new wines and tequilas and experiencing all the delicacies the chefs have to offer at the participating restaurants and hotels. Each restaurant and hotel will feature a different chef, making for a full week of extravagant eats to arouse, excite and satisfy all the senses!

International Gourmet Festival Vallarta 2007 will be another unforgettable experience of culture, class and most importantly the finest food you may ever indulge in. So, book the week in your calendars now so you won’t be sorry you missed it!

For a full list of participating hotels and restaurants and more information on the event, contact:  info@festivalgourmet.com
Ph. + 52 (322) 225 0109

The 28th of July, 2007 marks the anniversary of the Parque Lázaro Cárdenas as a parking lot since 2006. The city government converted 4 traditional parks of Puerto Vallarta into parking lots between October and July of the past year. The authorities promoted a plan, which should have cleaned up and improved the parks, reduced traffic in the downtown area and solved the parking problem in the city center. None of these objectives have been realized. The ecological group of Puerto Vallarta (Grupo Ecologista de Puerto Vallarta) protested these methods from the beginning, since the government dismissed their better proposal on solving the traffic problem in Vallarta.

Hundreds of locals and ecologists protested against what seemed to be a business oriented project rather than a solution to any problem. The big issue about the parks was that the locals didn’t see any need in destroying their historic parks which contained generations of history and a wonderful shade given by hundreds of years old trees. There were proposals to construct parking lots in many different areas then where the old parks where situated, but the mayor Gustavo Gonzalez Villasenor and the Construction Company “Guarantee Investments” had no interest in considering these proposals because they would have needed to spend more money on buying properties for the parking lots.

But the governor and his allies saw a much better benefit in the public parks which would not have to be bought since they didn’t belong to anyone but the “public”. By dressing this issue up as a “solution” to a public problem (the major traffic in this area) they acted as if there was no other way to save the city from its increasing traffic. They promised at the beginning that the trees would be spared, but ended up cutting every single one of them down, which now were only replaced in one park (Park Hidalgo) with ridiculous skinny palms providing no shadow at all.

The contrast between the old parks like Park Hidalgo and Park Lazaro Cardenas is that there are no people there anymore. No families nor tourist searching for a nice relaxing rest under the shadow with a cold drink in one hand and a tasty elote in the other.

Who benefits from this? Guarantee Investments and probably Gustavo Gonzalez Villasenor who have made a deal with the city to cash the produced income from the parking lots until many many years into the future, when THEN finally the city can get money out of it.

Who does not benefit from this? The people, the tax payers, the tourists, families and the increasing automobile drivers in town. Anyone who has sympathy with the originally old style of this town will not understand the arguments of the city.

The City said that Vallarta needs to “evolve” and to “modernize” but at the same time they do understand the importance of the “traditional” Puerto Vallarta like the cobblestone streets which are never replaced with cement because they represent the way Vallarta has always been. Also it generates a lot of jobs for all those workers that repair the cobblestone streets by the summer heat every and each year.

The new parks only provide shade at night and are little used in the hot day. The traffic in the downtown is really bad and getting worse. Parking remains a big problem. Further, the income to the city is minimal to none.

The street vendors who were removed from the traditional parks are still not relocated and have no other choice than sell their products by walking on the beach or streets so they can maintain their families. The authorities continue with a plan, which has been approved and announced on several occasions, to relocate the vendors to the Island of Rio Cuale in an “Artisans Commercial Center”, which already has hundreds of vendors that disagree in increasing the number of vendors in the area because the increasing competition will make it almost impossible to make enough earnings for any of them.

But the question of the parks is now past. We were never able to generate enough support to save them and they were lost. Many people that tried to support the local movement got hit in the face by the governor.

Even a international photographer (not named here) that works locally for the Puerto Vallarta Online News Magazines like “Banderas News” (www.banderasnews.com) and our Blog, had to go to jail for taking pictures of the destruction of the Hidalgo Park (Parque Hidalgo) in the early morning of the 10th of March in 2004. He was brought to “las juntas” a jail up north of Puerto Vallarta (the same jail where DOG “Chapman” the bounty hunter was imprisoned)  without a lawyer and no permission to make any calls. He was released under the condition to sign a paper where he admitted his act of “disturbing” the authorities.

Now the hillsides behind the city are being lost to excessive and legally questionable constructions. There are serious concerns about building permits, environmental impact reports, demand on services and yet more traffic. Even more alarming is a latent condition of structural damage which could result in property loss and personal risk.

In the campaign for mayor in the elections of July 2006, both major party candidates promoted the construction of a “Megalibramiento” (Beltway or Bypass) to be built in the mountains behind Puerto Vallarta from Ixtapa to Boca de Tomatlán. Although the specific route of this “megalibramiento” was never revealed, the portion from Ixtapa along the mountains has already been defined and construction along the side of the mountains above Coapinole can be seen.

While the discussion of building permits in the hills around Puerto Vallarta and the possibility of a “megalibramiento” in the mountains may seem in the future they are, in fact, being realized day by day. Most attention is currently focused on the Penninsula and Grand Venetian projects at the mouth of the Rio Pitillal and the Molino de Agua project along the Río Cuale. But there are numerous other projects which are currently under construction, being offered for sale or recently announced all of which will contribute to a fundamental change in the image, density and character of Puerto Vallarta.

In retrospect, the parks now provide perspective as to what is at stake in Puerto Vallarta. First, the parks. Then the hillsides. Then the mountains. And the shoreline will be converted into highrises. This is what is called “Acapulquización”. If the disregard for green areas and rate of high-density construction continues, this will probably occur in the next 3 years.

If the parks signaled the first step in a series of major changes in Puerto Vallarta, they also offer insight into what can be done if residents are not in favor of such radical changes. First, it was impossible to defend just one park. They all had to be defended …or they would all be lost. I still hear the remark, “I wanted Parque Lázaro Cárdenas to remain the same, but I really didn’t care that much for the other parks.” Since all 4 parks were included in a single vote in the City Council, the loss of Parque Lázaro Cárdenas was determined with the vote of the city council in October 2004. The successive losses of Hidalgo, Benito Juárez and Pitillal only confirmed the eventual loss of Lázaro Cárdenas. It will be the same with the mountains and shoreline.

Once there is a precedent of a 12-floor building in the center of Puerto Vallarta or a 30-floor condominium on the north beaches, others will follow. Second, all the authorities; federal, state and municipal; have made it clear that they either cannot or will not alter the present course of construction in the city. Questionably, the mayor has stated that he cannot change a decision made in a previous administration. Third, the public response of the residents of Puerto Vallarta to the current course of construction has been minimal, with a few exceptions. And Fourth, the private response of many residents of Puerto Vallarta has been one, initially, of disbelief and inconformity. Subsequently, the private response has changed to outrage or acceptance. It has seldom been made public.

Neither the law nor the authorities are proving to be timely or effective in bringing order to the building violations which are currently occurring in Puerto Vallarta. Public opinion is a recourse available to request the urgent attention that this matter requires. The Mexican Constitution (Art. 7) provides both Mexican citizens and foreigners the right to write and publish their opinions on any subject. While the rights of foreigners to voice opinion in México is clearly permitted, they should refrain from political comments. We encourage you to send a short letter to the local press in Vallarta by e-mail to express your personal opinion on the recent course of the development of the city.

On this anniversary of the loss of the traditional parks of Puerto Vallarta, we should reflect on the direction of the modernization program of the city government. The parks were but a first step in a much larger, unannounced series of changes that began in 2004. If the Grupo Ecológico had mentioned in 2005 the possible loss of the Island of the Rio Cuale to commercial development and the mountains above to condominium projects, we would have been classified as radical and extreme. What is your opinion now? What will Puerto Vallarta look like in the next 2 years if the changes that have occurred in the past 2 years continue?

July 28, 2006. A day to remember. And to realize that only the opinion of the local residents can influence the future. Or, through silence, will be responsible for the remainder of traditional Puerto Vallarta to be lost.

Enjoy Seeing Iguanas while You’re on Vacation

No idea of where to go for a holiday escapade? Why don’t you try Puerto Vallarta? Most people are desiring to enter the haven and paradise world of Puerto Vallarta and you could be one of those aspirants!

For one, there is the Banderas Bay. The place is fit for sunbathing, snorkeling, and surfing. If you love these activities then Puerto Vallarta is the best place to stay! There is no need to worry about the facilities and accommodations because there are inclusive condos and hotels all over the place. In Puerto Vallarta, you will be communing with nature in a relaxing manner. There are colorful butterflies, bountiful tropical flora, egrets, pelicans, scissor tails, geckos, and Puerto Vallarta iguanas!

When it comes to the enjoyable activities, Puerto Vallarta is also rich with them. Golf courses and bars abound the area. With all of its captivating sceneries, Puerto Vallarta has not only been once featured in Hollywood movies! In fact, it was in the year 1963 when the place was taken to center stage with the film “Night of the Iguana”.

A native Puerto Vallarta travel would be to take the local bus. The trip will not be boring since there are drumming, tooting flutes, “bus-kers”, singing, and strumming on board that do the entertainment of the passengers. As you reach your destination, you can settle in at a homey environment as offered by the number of hotels and condos around the area.

The Vallartenses are very hospitable in a sense that they will take care of you up to the utmost manner. You can go bar hopping, go to galleries, listen to the music, surf, snorkel, scuba dive, enjoy the lush beauty of nature, walk by the seashore, swim, tour the caves, and see the iguanas in Puerto Vallarta .

Because Puerto Vallarta is a place that is close to nature, the Puerto Vallarta iguanas thrive in it. They can be seen thriving close to streams and rivers. They can usually be seen atop the trees basking under the sun, eating fruits, seeds, flowers, and leaves of the bushes, and then diving into the water especially when predators aim at them. The iguanas are fast runners and splendid swimmers.

Other habitats of the iguanas are the cacti, burrows, and shrubs. Beforehand, they can be spotted near the coastlines but since the time that the area has been frequented by travelers and visitors, these reptiles had been forced to retreat into the further sides of the island. They do love to bask under the sun because they need to regulate their body temperatures.

For most of the visitors of Puerto Vallarta, get inspired to keep the iguanas for domestic pets. When these reptiles sense an oncoming attack, they usually strike its tail, bite, or scratch the enemy as a way of its defense mechanism. Aside from this, they prove to be harmless to humans.

Like other animals, the existence of the Puerto Vallarta iguanas are now also at risk especially with the rate in the destruction of their natural dwellings. The clamor of the iguanas may be taken as the restoration of their habitats so that they can enjoy their existence more.

source: iguana-care.com

Greenpeace allegedly set up a giant inflatable toilet on  Los Muertos beach this past Wednesday, August 1. Apparently it was inflated during the morning sometime as a symbol to represent their protest against sewage being discharged in to Banderas Bay. The sign on the tiolet reads”playas limpias ahora”, clean beachs now. Our scrutiny over the event stems from the fact that this photo and a short paragraph about it  was sent to yahoo news by Greenpeace.

We personally went to the area where it was supposedly setup and could find no evidence of the giant toilet or Greenpeace’s presence. The locals haven’t heard or seen anything; one would think that if Greenpeace were setting up such a protest people would know about it. Nobody is saying it didn’t happen but we’re wondering why, if it did happen, that there was no local coverage on the event anywhere in Mexico. Why did no newspaper or online source here in Vallarta get a heads up on a giant toilet being inflated here on Los Muertos beach, the most popular beach in Puerto Vallarta?

Even if it didn’t happen, we think it is still a good idea as the truth is that all the hotels pump their sewage into the bay, pretty yucky if you think about all the families on vacation here in Mexico going for what is thought to be a refreshing dip in the ocean!

If you have any more info or news on this issue,
please comment or contact us.

Alberto Perez, owner of La Palapa, Quimixto Mexican Grill and Vista Grill launches the fourth addition to his restaurant family; Tikul!

Located next to the lighthouse in Marina Vallarta, Tikul is another magnificent example of exquisite fine dining. Perez, not only the owner but also the designer of all his restaurants shows a sophisticated eye for luxurious eloquence while still upholding a traditional style.

A tropical atmosphere beautifully compliments the concept of gourmet pacific cuisine. The restaurant name “Tikul”, comes from the indigenous marble that their grand bar is made of, accented tastefully with marble chandeliers from Guadalajara.

The highest quality food prepared with knowledge and expertise is a tasteful show of gourmet art. Boasting a 750 bottle wine list, including 150 different labels, served in professional style, “Tikul” should be the first stop for every wine expert and lover.

With such menu items as braised lobster and Pecan encrusted fish fillet, Tikul offers the finest blend of Pacific cuisine while still providing its guests with favourite selections from the menus of La Palapa and Vista Grill! Exquisite food and  wine selection that is incomparable anywhere in Vallarta paired with a magnificent view of the marina and air-conditioning, Tikul should be on everyone’s list of restaurants to try.

And as if being the owner and designer of the restaurant isn’t enough, Perez also plays music a couple of nights a week as he does at his other restaurants. But don’t worry; even if Perez isn’t playing there will be live music at Tikul every night , making it easy not to miss!

Pulpito 377 • Colonia Alta Vista • 52 [322] 222-3570   info@VistaGrill.com

Puerto Vallarta Blog

The Ecological Group of Nayarit (Grupo Ecologistas de Nayarit) , AC and Turtle Camp El Naranjo have organized the second Marine Turtle Expo in Puerto Vallarta from the 28th  to 29th of July.

The objective is that the local population and its visitors aknowledge more information about these marine creatures that are in danger of extinction.

If you are interested, you can visit the expo in Plaza Caracol just under the cinemas, where you will be able to interact with the volunteers that will be glad to answer your questions. You can learn more about the seven different types of marine turtles that nest on Mexican beaches and how a turtle camp like this one works. You’ll also have the opportunity of viewing information rich videos and if you bring your kids with you, they’ll be encouraged to participate in recreational and educational activities.

The Turtle Camp “El Naranjo” has been around for over 10 years now and has been able to work its conservation and ambient education programs thanks to donations and help from dozens of volunteers in Mexico and around the world. You can help too! Give a gift to nature by buying a little turtle toy and receive a certificate of turtle adoption or buying a “T”urtle –shirt. Your participation helps these organizations to save hundreds of little turtle babies that could not make it without help this year.

Well, it is finally upon us; rainy season is here in Puerto Vallarta. We have had few cloudy rainy days this past couple of weeks and some big thunderstorms but beyond that its not as rainy as I remember it being last year or the year before. Perhaps it is just my thinking this or perhaps it’s just the usual slow start before the major storms.

All in all it hasn’t been bad, actually it is downright enjoyable when the clouds finally give in and start dropping down the moisture hanging so heavily in the air. The heat of the rainy season here in Vallarta is so different then in the winter, while still sunny and hot the average humidity is at around 90 %, making it hard to want to be doing any kind of work outdoors, unless it involves the ocean or a nice pool!

I like the rainy season and continue to enjoy every downpour we get, maybe because I grew up on the west coast of Canada, well known for its rain three quarters of the year. I am used to the rain and don’t mind getting caught in the occasional deluge, walking with the rain instead of trying to get away from it, ducking under a overhang or possibly into a favorite café or bar attempting to wait out the storm.

The surrounding mountains of Vallarta are growing green again; the small huts tucked into the foliage that are visible in the dry season disappear, turning into just a small light in the night forest. Grass causing curbsides to disappear, stairs often used growing narrow with the plant life renewing its hold on our man made world.

My favorite part about this rain may be the fresh scent of everything after its been washed clean, the lush scent of this tropical rainforest erasing the smell of hot dusty days. Yes, its rainy season again, time for all the flora and fauna to come back to life; land crabs and butterflies, mangoes and fresh herbs, I love the rain!

Rainy season also adds the opportunity to indulge oneself a little and enjoy the calm relaxed atmosphere that comes along with low season in any tourist driven city, all of my snowbird friends have gone home to enjoy the summer in another paradise, and although I love them all it does get to be quite the endless party! These are a few of my favorite things to do to get out of the heat for a little during the rainy season.
 
Enjoy it; being such a warm rain I sometimes like to just go walk around with the full intention of getting soaked, it’s a lovely shower not to mention during the hard downfalls there is the electric current of a storm racing through the air which adds a thrilling edge to the adventure.

Lounge around the pool or beach with a good book; a cold drink and some shade nearby. Extra fun at the beach or a lively poolside as a lot of Mexicans are on vacation and the families always are having fun. With so many choices of beaches in Vallarta it shouldn’t be hard to find one nearby that suits your action level (amount of people, water clarity, waves). If you don’t have a pool available to you many of the bigger resorts offer a day pass for onsite pool use.

Take in a movie; I use the rainy season as a good excuse for this as the air-conditioning provides some great relief if you have been walking around town doing errands or anything that requires a lot of time in the sun. There are many movie theaters here in Vallarta and the surrounding areas, check local listings for times of showings and language choices. I like to bring my own popcorn, I am still not sure if this is “allowed” but as I haven’t been stopped yet I guess I will just remain unaware of the rules, unless it becomes an issue.

Go to a favorite air-conditioned pub; giving myself the excuse of heat as to not feel guilty for sipping a pint or two in the middle of the day. It is extra nice if you bring friends and possibly play a game of cards, pool, darts or dice. (This is the most indulgent of the laziness I feel when the humidity is high.)

Go for a swim; the ocean is like a warm bath right now and there definitely have been times I felt like I never wanted to get out. The first summer I was here in Vallarta the tempeture of the water amazed me and I would spend hours a day snorkeling when I could, in Canada we were lucky to get a warm ocean for a week in august so I feel spoiled when the ocean is warm and flat.

Take in the growing greenery; there are many nature walks and tours to go on, getting lessons on natural flowers and plants is exciting and during the rainy season so very beautiful and diverse. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens is having an orchid series, to find out more about tours and lectures contact them or check out there web page online. Or take advantage of the rain and work on your own garden; with water like this your plants will flourish to giant proportions!

We are looking for people interested in setting up a webcam / video cam on good locations for internet streaming. If you have a webcam or even better a video camera and have a good view to the bay of banderas, you can join our little “PV Through a Webcam” project. As long as you have an internet connection, we can provide you with everything else necessary to start sending the lively pictures into our site. 

1. Contact us by leaving a comment. (we won’t publish your email address)
2. If you don’t have a computer, we can provide you with one.
3. If you don’t have a connection to the internet, please get a cheap DSL service at Prodigy (Telmex).
4. You will need a Webcam or a Video Camera. New ones cost in between $5 and $20 USD in stores.

That’s it! Also, if you don’t have a good view, but a used computer, laptop, camera (video / webcam) or anything that might help us, please contact us also by leaving a comment.

Thank you all for your support!
Go visit the Puerto Vallarta Webcam!

March 11-15th 2008 are the dates for the 2nd Vallarta Wine Fest. The Festival organizing committee said the first fest (2007) was such a success there was no doubts in holding a 2nd. 17 wine aficionados held courses and lectures concerning wine, Mexican wine and that of many different countries.

This year there were 14 hotels and restaurants that participated in the event and every one of them stated that the attendance was fantastic, encouraging them to put their names on the list for a 2nd Wine Fest.

“An exciting option for tourists that not only want sunshine and sand , the Fest offers cultural interest for people vacationing here on those days and for the citizens of Vallarta”, stated the organizer Nacho Cadena.

For the 2nd wine festival, a guest country will be adding their help to bring more culture to the interesting and diverse schedule. Not only about wine, the outside influence of another country will add flavor to complementary entertainment, Vallarta’s Department of culture will oversee a few short films having to do with the main theme.

With wine being a year round interest for many, the committee is putting together a series of events to be held at different times in the year, the first of which is a wine seminar scheduled August 29th through 31st. 3 hours per day of curricular value, featured wine testing and theory available to anyone who holds an interest in learning more about wine.

Info at:
226-4651 / 293-0900

By Eric Lindberg

A flurry of instructions, in English and Spanish, filled the small control booth and spilled out into the studio as students from Santa Barbara and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, prepared to produce their first live broadcast.

Then, as the numbers slowly ticked off the monitors above the control panel and a headphone-adorned teen signaled to the cast with a raised hand, the studio grew quiet.
“Roll intro,” Saul Gomez said, and broadcast began.

Gomez, who works with Santa Barbara Channels, brought exchange students from Santa Barbara’s sister city, Puerto Vallarta, into the studio with local kids, offering them a chance to experience the world of television, from both behind and in front of the camera.
“What I wanted to do this time is create a show with them, to train them in the use of our equipment,” Gomez told the Daily Sound.

The students, ages ranging from 15 to 17, interviewed each other about their relative trips to Santa Barbara and Puerto Vallarta. Eight teens from Mexico joined six local students from San Marcos and Santa Barbara High Schools to produce the show yesterday, broadcasting it live over Channel 21.

The opportunity to appear on television had some nervous and others excited. When asked if they were anxious in the few moments before the tape started rolling, Maite Lopez and Nallely Zarete chimed in at the same time:
“Yeah.”
“No.”

Lopez, a 15-year-old San Marcos student, said learning how to use the television gadgetry was “very interesting” and her interest in production is growing. Zarete, 16, is visiting from Puerto Vallarta, and had Lopez help translate some words for her.

“Yesterday we went down State [Street] and there were a lot of shops,” Zarete said. “It was a lot of fun.”

In the first segment, Zarete ran a Powerpoint presentation showing photos from the trip Santa Barbara students took to Puerto Vallarta a few months ago, during spring break. As she scrolled through the photos, out in the studio other students discussed the images and the trip, which featured a hiking trip, a boat cruise and a canopy tour.
The biggest difference between the two cities is their weather, judging from the amount of time dedicated to that topic.

“In Puerto Vallarta, it’s hot,” Zarete confirmed. “Here it is very, very cold.”
Only a few bumpy moments surfaced during filming, and the teens handled them smoothly as they discussed a range of topics in both English and Spanish, from how people in Puerto Vallarta seemed more welcoming and friendly to their first impressions when they met their exchange students and host families.

Channel 21 will rebroadcast the hour-long program at various times until next Friday. The next showing will take place this Saturday at both 12:30 and 7 p.m. Gomez, who started bringing exchange students from Santa Barbara’s sister city into the studio last year, said the project has been very successful.
“I think it’s a wonderful experience for kids that age,” Gomez said. “They’ll be able to see the possibility for their future, that it’s possible if they apply themselves.”

Has Vallarta found another excuse for not paying their bills?

“We got robbed, no money for you buddy, hasta mañana” might be the next excuse in Vallarta. There have been some rumours stating an ATM fraud in Olas Altas, Nuevo Vallarta and the entire Banderas Bay. No this is not the fraud from a year ago about the “insider job” nor the other one with the fake card reading attachments on the doors giving access to ATM booths; there are no card reading attachments anywhere in Vallarta anymore, but this is more about a new supposed kind of “Super ATM Hacking”.

It’s said that some people have been victims of this new ATM fraud by using the ATM machine in Olas Altas, which I use everyday without problems besides the fact that it is surrounded by people going to La Playa store and PvCafé. The claim is that somebody has managed to cash more than 3 times the withdrawal limit on the ATM machine and has robbed accounts being used by local people living in the area of Olas Altas.

There is no official statement, but some people assume that somehow the robbers had put fake keypads and card readers on the ATM machine, to get secret pin numbers and card info, which still leaves the excessive withdrawal without any explanations.

However, these scams or frauds happen all over the world and it seems PV has been talking about it more and more lately, even if there is no actual bank statement that proves or warns about this. Make sure you cash your money in a safe place, better in the same Bank and think twice whenever somebody tells you they couldn’t pay you because they have fallen victims of an unknown, illogical, irrational fraud at the ATM machines in Olas Altas.

If you have been to Puerto Vallarta more than a few times and in different seasons, you know that every year it’s the same thing: Low season is no money season. Hotels, Boats, Tours are all packed with money-spending tourists, but still you can notice the absence of money on the streets. There is no excessive tourism and many stores close their doors before 10pm if not located near a tourist zone. What locals experience every year is nothing new to them, but it is to every new business down here.

If you are planning to open a business in PV, be aware of the low season. Not so much because of the low tourism or the ATM frauds, but more because of other businesses. If they are in debt with you, you will most likely hear the same excuse to not pay you, over and over again: Low season. This excuse sometimes takes other less recognizable forms like “Mañana” (Tomorrow). Many people won’t tell you directly in your face that they won’t pay you… instead they will just tell you that they will pay you “tomorrow”.

A “mañana” in Mexico, or at least in PV can mean everything from a month to a never and there is nothing you can do than learn from it and move on. Try to find the kind of people that mean what they say and say what they mean, because the summer can and will bring a lot of heat into many people’s heads, that can and will result in unreasonable, illogical behaviour and or excuses.

Once you have accepted and gotten used to the fact that low season means no money, no work, no payments and a lot of unsatisfied locals and new businessmen grabbing on to their wallets (as if the world was coming to an end); you can still find a lot, and I mean A LOT of business down here in low season that won’t tell you they can’t pay you because of some fraud.

Many Hotels towards the north of Vallarta are packed and many tour operators like Vallarta Adventures can’t even handle the amount of people coming in. Badly this results in other hotels and tour operators south of Vallarta ending up with almost no clients and firing employees temporarily until there is more tourist activity in PV.

The only way to stop this is to stop doing business with irresponsible companies and people. Especially when excuses like “tomorrow we’ll pay you” or “We’re victims of the ATM fraud” are becomeing more common.

Hasta Mañana

Puerto Vallarta has more to offer than just the sandy beaches, tropical nature and compforting stays, it also is a very artistic city hosting more Art Galleries than any other in Mexico. Artists from all around the world have contributed to the amazing artistic landscape of Vallarta through paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, literature and a unique Mexican new fashion.

There is no way you will be able to avoid the overwhelming and artistic spirit of Vallarta. You can admire art everywhere, such as in public places or local restaurants. You’ll find walls decorated with colorful paintings on buildings or public sculptures, artists on the streets and malecon, creating or selling their work.

Vallarta’s Art Scene has to offer everything from contemporary to traditional folk art in various Galleries. Just to name some famous ones: Galeria Dante, Galeria Arte Latinoamericano; and some other than local Galeries: Galeria Omar Alonso, The Galerie des Artistes.

Huichol Art is also a traditional work known in Vallarta, done by the Huichol tribe living in the mountains around Vallarta. Some galleries offer some insight into how the Huichol Indians create their artwork, by displaying them while working the bead and woven art to the passing tourists.

Generally from the end of September to April, during the high season, there is an ArtWalk in and around old town (Viejo Vallarta) taking place each Wednesday. With detailed maps in your hand, you can visit at least a dozen of galleries that will be awaiting your visit with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshing cocktails.

The boardwalk of the Malecon along the beach is without doubt a kind of public art gallery featuring dozens of sculptures along the way. One of the beauties of this public art display is that it reflects the beauty of the bay and tropical surroundings combined with an amazing art scene.

There are some tours that will explain each sculpture and tell you about the artists behind the works. You will find something for everybody in PV, for every wallet, so be sure to take something with you when visiting Puerto Vallarta.

Vallarta with it’s Art and Culture awakens inspiration and creativeness wherever the eye can see. Come and see for yourself, because this place is open for new styles and concepts from around the world reflecting its hospitality to artists, art lovers and every type of visitors.

Just one day before Father’s Day, a strong whistle starts the exhibition game hold by professional soccer players from Mexico and Hollywood’s United team in Casa Magna (Marriott Resort and Spa in Puerto Vallarta) followed by a cocktail toast and a autograph session.

Casa Magna Marriot Resort and Spa is making an effort to open up a homeless shelter for youngsters and teenagers that have nowhere to go but to exploitation or unhealthy corners of the other sides of Vallarta.

On Father’s Day, the special guests take part in a Golf Tournament at the VistaVallarta Golf Course.

You will find players like Eric Wynalda, member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Frank Leboeuf, who won the ’98 Fifa World Cup and Vinnie Jones, now acting in movies like Swordfish, X-Men 3 and Juggernaut Roal taking part on this charity event in Puerto Vallarta. There were uncountable more celebrities taking part and teaching all kinds of soccer tips to the only 50 children chosen to learn and practice some soccer moves from these famous champions during the soccer clinics.

Marriot International has over 2,800 lodging properties in the US and over 60 around the world operating and franchising hotels under brand names like JW Marriot, The Ritz, Renaissance Inn, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn and SpringHill

Simple steps to enjoying a romantic getaway in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Vallarta Blog shares some tips on how to spend some romantic evenings in one of the most popular travel destination in the world.

1. It is almost impossible to miss a romantic sunset at La Palapa Restaurant, located in Los Muertos (The Dead) Beach in south Vallarta. This restaurant might be one of the reasons they call this area the “Romantic Zone”. Enjoy the elegant atmosphere with your feet in the sand, the sunset and ocean in front, romantic fire torches surrounding you and the unique fine dining experience accompanied by live music.

The professional musician team of Memo, Bob and Raul enhance the night with sounds of latin rhythms. We recommend the Spanish coffee, a flaming presentation performed by Jorge Bernal, one of the favorite waiters of returning costumers.

2. There is nothing more relaxing than enjoying a massage after a romantic evening in the tropical paradise of Puerto Vallarta. PV offers many Spa, Aroma Therapies, Mud Treatments and Body Massages that are in the price range for every type of tourist and add a touch of well being to the romantic vacation in Vallarta.

3. A must see is the ArtWalk every Wednesday night located around old town and malecon.  Galleries will open their doors for the summer Art Walk from 6:00pm-10:00pm with refreshing drinks awaiting your visit.

It is difficult to plan events that require walking around the Centro area during the summer season because of the heavy rains and storms but usually the rain doesn’t last for long. For a full list of galleries participating in Summer Solstice Artwalk Vallarta contact Barbara Peters of Galeria Vallarta (galeriavallarta.com).

4. Vallarta’s Malecon is one of the most famous places to go, whether you are a tourist or a local looking for a nice walk along the beach accompanied by local buildings of restaurants, art galleries, annoying Timeshare Salesmen, jewelry shops, traditional Mexican food stands offering delectable tamales wrapped in banana leaves rather than the traditional corn leaves and some original entertainment performed by clowns, fire stunts, papantla flyers, mimes, musicians, fireworks shot from a pirate ship at night and much more.

5. A few blocks inland from the Malecon you will find Lounge Bars and Nightclubs that offer a unique and special scene from the rooftop to the inside areas decorated with every inch of detail reflecting the more modern side of Puerto Vallarta’s Nightlife.

There are areas with sand floors at the bars and magnificent panoramic views to the horizon where you will be able to enjoy the stars, sunsets, birds or fireworks. Some of these places are almost hidden but not difficult to find.

What you will encounter might be an incredible Japanese Styled and decorated courtyard with cozy dining areas that you wont find anywhere else in Mexico, offering comfortable chaise lounge areas, adequate for romantic evenings accompanied by a bottle of fine wine in an intimate atmosphere.

Look into the eyes of any of the joyous children in Puerto Vallarta and it becomes difficult to imagine that these youngsters are living in a third-world country.

Mexico is among one of the poorest countries in the world, yet the children here seem to be abundant in riches. With their doting parents and simplistic lifestyles, they have love, something money just can’t buy.

Everywhere I went in Old Town , the downtown core of the old part of Puerto Vallarta , and other areas in and around the city, I saw the faces of happy children. No tears, no whining, no tantrums, just smiles and laughter.

In fact, in Yelapa, a picturesque secluded area accessible only via boat, one girl, about 10 or 12 years old giggled so much, I thought she just might burst at any minute. It was quite a refreshing sound in the sticky humid surroundings as we awaited the return of our water taxi to take us back to Boca de Tomatlán.

I watched two of the smaller children play, perhaps her younger siblings. They made a game of hiding amongst a bunch of cloth chairs that had been stacked in piles during the off season. No video games or TV’s for these kids. In fact, one local man told me that Yelapa had only received electricity four short years ago.

No pizza pops for these kids to stuff their faces with, no MP3 player blaring in their ears, no $110.00 pair of name brand sneakers endorsed by some sports mogul dawned their feet. And yet – they were ecstatically blissful. Imagine that

Apparently, no one had thought to inform these children that they live in poverty. I say that sarcastically for they are the wealthy ones. Some of the kids from the Vallarta area take a bus from school to catch a water taxi back to their homes in the heat of two o’clock in the afternoon.

A city bus driver looked caringly at a small child passenger who boarded the city bus in her school uniform. He waited to drive away until the child had safely exited to her mother’s open arms.

This seems to by why the children are so amazingly cheerful. Each of the non-crying faces I witnessed was a part of a loving community. Their parents showed affections for one another by holding hands, kissing, or hugging, perhaps instilling a security in the child’s mind of a secure family. Those same parents pay attention to their children; they show affection for them; they include them; and they watch out for them.

In the supermercado , one father was grocery shopping with his young daughter. She was standing in the cart with an adorable little halter top on. He leaned down to kiss the bare belly of his small child making her giggle with innocent delight.

We could learn a lot from the Mexican way of life when it comes to child rearing. These children I saw, though they live in a third world country, seemed to have the best of all the riches in the world – real love – by a family and community.

Though the average wage of a mason or construction worker is a mere 32 cents per hour, the parents seem to put more value on time with their children than trying to obtain material possessions. Despite of, or perhaps because of the poor living conditions around them, these families inspire a tight-knit community with the obvious love of family.

The faces of the proud parents and family members said it all at a Saturday night ballet performance at the municipal building located near the south end of the malecón (seawall.) Everyone came out in their Sunday’s finest to watch the children perform. The tiny dancers were dressed in adorable elaborate outfits of the finest looking materials.

After their performance, they showed their stuff in the gazebo in the square at the municipal building. There was no complaining about the heat, or the late hour, or whose turn it was to dance in the gazebo.

Happy times were had by all. Not even the babies in attendance fussed. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and in the case of the Puerto Vallarta area, this adage is quite apparent.

Exerpt from solotravel.org

This year the traditional Becas Ball is to be totally transformed into a grand night under the stars beside the beach at the Westin Resort and Spa Hotel. The “Dazzle in Starlight” theme will be executed by Michael Schultz of Kit Kat.

Michael’s skill as a brilliant organizer of social events was sought out by the Becas Ball committee to help them make the 45th anniversary Ball something unique and special.

The sea-edged patio of the hotel will be turned into a grand and glamorous spectacle of light.

For dancing, multiple loudspeakers will play romantic music at a comfortable sound level, under the direction of a professional DJ. An open dance area will ensure dancers have room to show off their skills.

The traditional free cocktail hour will again be offered to start the evening off on the right foot. Followed of course by a delicious dinner.

The silent auction will be set aside this year so that everyone can concentrate on simply having a good time. Novel entertainment is planned, including a tango demonstration by Joe and Kirstie Johnston. They recently returned from Argentina, where they spent three weeks polishing their tango skills. Los Bambinos – voted best musical group in 2006 – will perform during the cocktail hour.

The price of the tickets is $700 pesos (or $65 USD) per person. Proceeds from the event will help Becas Vallarta A.C. to continue its work in helping to ensure that hundreds more of the city’s bright but needy children will get the education they deserve – as they have been doing for forty-five years.

To mark this milestone, the committee is also appealing for extra support from those who can afford it and who agree that supporting children’s education in the poorer areas of the city is one of the best ways a person can contribute to the future welfare of our community.

A personal donation is also a way of honoring all the volunteers who have kept Becas Vallarta A.C. going strong over the past forty-five years. A box for receiving contributions will be available at the ball. (As a guide-line, the cost of supporting a student through the scholastic year ranges from $160 dollars to $600 dollars depending on the education level.)

Ball location: The Westin Resort and Spa Hotel
Date and time: Friday March 9th. Cocktail hour from 7:30 to 8.30 pm.
Ticket cost: $700 pesos ($65 USD)

Reserved tables are available if six or more tickets are purchased. Tickets can be obtained from: Buri Gray, 221-5285 (Conchas Chinas and south); Mary Ellis, 222-1478 (Centro and Los Muertos); Margarita Mora, 221-3760 and Mariel Fregoso 221-0789 (Marina); The Book Store, Venustiano Carranza #334, 223-9437 (Centro) and Plaza Caracol inside Gigante 224-1872.

Exerpt from Becas Vallarta AC

[USPRwire]

BelleCora Press & Writing Workshops have scheduled two one-week long workshops in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in the Fall of 2007.

Women Writing on Co-dependence is scheduled for October 27-November 3, 2007. A second week-long workshop, Memoir Writing, will be held November 24- December 1, 2007.

Women Writing on Co-dependence explores through writing the role women play in co-dependent relationships, our mothers, sisters, friends, ourselves. In the Memoir Writing workshop timed writing exercises and writing prompts will help bring old memories and experience to the page.

Both workshops will be facilitated by Martie LaCasse who designed and has taught both workshops for more than five years. Professional information can be seen at www.BelleCora.com/WritersII.html.

Workshops allow time for independent work in private workspaces, beach and pool time and local exploration. Work produced during the week will, with the permission of the author, be included in a collection, which will be published in the winter of 2008 by BelleCora Press.

Registration deadline is September 1 for the Writing on Co-dependence Workshop and October 1 for Memoir Writing. Space is limited to eight participants.

Fees includes accommodation, facilitated and scheduled activities, private workspace, maid service, two meals daily, round trip airport ground transportation, local tours.

Local activities and writing consultations will be available all week. More information and registration details can be found at www.BelleCora.com/Workshops.html.
 

By Kent Paterson

Elizabeth Rogers and Alex Kelly embarked on the trip of their lives. Selling their Chicago condominium, the couple flew to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, this past winter for a needed break from the old work routine.

Based in beautiful but expensive Banderas Bay, the young travelers visited beaches, endured roving street vendors and explored the wonders of the tropical Pacific coast, a place where the waters hop with migratory humpback whales, dolphins and sea turtles.

Rogers was struck by the gay-friendly atmosphere. “A lot of rainbow-colored flags and that kind of thing, which is nice,” said the young woman. “That’s accepted down here, I think.”

Lodged in a Puerto Vallarta condo, the Rogers-Kelly team quickly stumbled across the pricey real estate market that defines Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas.

Timeshare vendors hustled the couple, and ads for expensive properties leaped into their eyes from the pages of slick magazines and newspapers. “There is undeveloped land, developed land, high rise condos, gated communities,” Kelly observed.

Finding Puerto Vallarta a pleasant stay, the midwestern couple nevertheless departed for the next leg of their world journey. Other US visitors, however, are purchasing homes and remaining in Puerto Vallarta for the long haul.

Mark Anthony Venegas should know. A native of Carlsbad, New Mexico, Venegas lived in San Francisco before moving to Mexico in 2003. Now heading a “full-service” real estate company in Puerto Vallarta, Venegas brokers properties, helps potential customers get financing and arranges for new homes to be built on empty lots. One division of Venegas’ business caters to gay homebuyers.

Seated in the air-conditioned comfort of his office in Puerto Vallarta’s Olas Alas neighborhood, Venegas pointed to the push of the “rat race” and the pull of community, typified by a traditional family-centered culture, as attractions that convince gringos to move south. And as in his case, the prevailing state of politics north of the Rio Grande is a growing part of the picture, Venegas said.

“I love the US. It’s the greatest country in the world. However, it’s going through some difficult times right now with the Bush administration and the war and everything else,” he said. “And so yes, I do believe there are a lot of expatriates that are down here dissatisfied with what’s happening in the US.”

Ken Grover, a longtime US-born resident of Puerto Vallarta who works in the marketing business, observed that an earlier gringo migrant wave tended to be polarized between affluent migrants and poor ones. “There were two extremes,” Grover said.

Nowadays, a lot of the newer migrants are better-off baby boomers who are still forced to stretch their dollars, according to Grover. Still, a respectable number of the new Mexican residents must work for a living — just like their darker-skinned neighbors. For some, trying to survive on pesos is a bitter jolt of reality.

Almost entirely ignored by a press more interested in undocumented Mexicans in the United States is the phenomenon of US-born workers who labor away in the service and professional sectors without the proper papers. A company that runs a Puerto Vallarta call center promises Canadians and Americans “help in attaining the proper work documentation necessary.”

The New Migrant Wave
A recent, path-breaking article published in Dissent magazine described a group that doesn’t learn the new language, displays its native flag, maintains its traditional customs, and even celebrates its old holidays in the new country. “Some live and work without proper documentation and have even been involved in the illegal transport of drugs across borders,” stated the piece. Sound familiar?

Written by Sheila Croucher, a professor of political science at Ohio’s Miami University who is studying US migration to Mexico, the article delved into the complex aspects of the new Gringolandia south of the border.

Professor Croucher found that many of the same issues that surround the Mexican immigrant community in the US ring true with the US immigrant community in Mexico as well. As Croucher summarized it in an interview with Frontera Norte Sur, “The precise things that politicians and pundits are railing against in the US.”

Nobody knows for sure how many people of US origin reside in Puerto Vallarta and other regions of Mexico, but Croucher said that one US State Department estimate made several years ago pegged the number at about 600,000 souls. Since 9-11, the US government has become reticent about disclosing information concerning US citizens living abroad, Croucher added.

In addition to the older haunts of San Miguel de Allende and Lake Chapala in central Mexico, newer gringo “clusters” are emerging along the Baja California peninsula, at Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) in Sonora, around Banderas Bay in Jalisco and Nayarit, in Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa and Troncones in Guerrero, and along the Mayan Riviera on the Caribbean Coast.

Read the rest of this entry »

 By Lisa Ianucci

ICON Vallarta to Showcase Artistry of Yoo by Philippe Starck — Puerto Vallarta, MEXICO — Yoo by Philippe Starck will lend its design artistry to ICON Vallarta, a new $200-million luxury condominium development by Related International, located on four acres of oceanfront property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Yoo by Philippe Starck is an international branding, design and investment property company. ICON Vallarta will also include the architecture of Arquitectonica, an architecture, interior design and planning firm led by Bernardo Fort-Brescia and Laurinda Spear, and it is scheduled to break ground later this year.

The ICON Vallarta will include 336 one-, two- and three-bedroom condos, many with private elevators. The community will also feature seven two-story, two-bedroom villas with private roof top terraces.

Prices will range from the low $200,000s to $1 million. The residences include large living rooms; floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors opening onto outdoor living terraces; ocean and mountain views; Italian-designed kitchens with stainless steel appliances; and stone-clad bathrooms.

A hacienda-style wall will enclose the project, and the entryway to the towers will be through a lushly landscaped private drive and a porte-cochere in the front tower.

The design pays tribute to both modern and traditional Mexico, but will also retain the trendy, hip and modern flavor of The Related Group’s other ICON properties, ICON Brickell and ICON South Beach in Miami.

ICON Vallarta, located near the cobblestone streets, traditional festivals and open markets of Puerto Vallarta, will incorporate authentic Mexican touches such as sculpture in the exterior gardens, a native felled tree in the lobby and an openness that celebrates the seaside location.

“I imagine residents will feel a little like Alice in Wonderland,” says Philippe Starck, YOO creative director. “Especially in the gourmet restaurant, where 30-ft. trees sit in enormous red pots and a long white table invites all to share a sunset repast.”

Some of Starck’s unique design elements will include a shallow pool that will flow through the lobby of the first tower; a bistro and bar with tables set within the water of a second pool; and a third pool that will appear to flow over its infinity-edge into the Pacific Ocean.

By Joy ( joy@experiencejoy.com )

This week the children at the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza, (R.I.S.E.) aren’t focused on how tough their lives have been, they aren’t thinking about the pain of abuse or neglect or abandonment; they are too busy preparing for their concert at the Lazy Lizard on Thursday.

It is the opening night of the Lazy Lizard Bingo that will be held every Thursday between 7pm and 9pm to raise money for their food and medicine. This is a very big deal and they want to give back to the community that is supporting them.

Each week there will be six bingo games at just 10 pesos a game. It’s not a lot of money but it makes a difference when there are a bunch of people playing, and anything helps when the Refuge. is trying to raise 55 kids under the age of 14 on 3,000 pesos a month.

In fact it is far and away the best value for your entertainment dollar anywhere in Vallarta on a Thursday night!

The bingo is just a part of the game plan. It starts with a set of three games, called by a Vallatan celebrity, and ends with a further three game set. But it is the half hour intermission between the sets that makes Lazy Lizard Bingo THE place to be on a Thursday evening.

You never know what will happen in that intermission, but you can be assured that it will ALWAYS be interesting!

This opening week the celebrity is Vallarta’s infamous Mama Dolores, R.I.S.E. kiddies Mama for the night. The children will help her call the numbers, and in their intermission they will perform the concert they have been working so hard on.

It won’t be the Gay Men’s Chorus, but it will be the most heartfelt concert you’ve heard in a long time, as 15 of the children aged between three and twelve present a selection of musical performances for your entertainment pleasure.

Please come and support them, some concerts just shouldn’t be missed. This is one of them.

Get your awwww fix before Len from Blu takes over the Bingo next Thursday and does a ‘Beauty Intervention’ for as many hapless, er… happy, audience members as he can squeeze into a 30 minute intermission.

The Lazy Lizard is on the beach next to La Palapa, perfectly positioned to catch the sunset. Food is great, drinks are cheap, entertainment is the best in town, and it’s all for a really good cause! Mark it on your calendar as your night out with the gang.

When the rainy season arrives, the risk for acquire dengue fever increases…Dengue Virus is transmitted through a bite of mosquito named AEDES AEGYPTY, so if you avoid mosquito bites, you will be out of Dengue…

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST DENGUE
1. Step one: stay indoor during dawn and dusk. Dengue carrying mosquitoes bite mostly during dawn (5-9am) and dusk (6-10pm), so it is recommended retraining from outdoor activities during peak AEDES AEGYPTY (the DENGUE vector) biting hours: During dawn and dusk.

2. Step two: protective clothing, limit the amount of exposed skin. Wear long-sleeved cloth, long trousers with socks and shoes. Use White or bright clothes. Dark clothing attracts mosquitoes, as does perfume or after-shave lotion.

3. Step three: mosquito repellent.
Repellents are substances applied to the skin to keep away or “repel” mosquitoes and other insects. Their purpose is to prevent contact with but not to kill insects, Repellents work by reducing attractiveness of human for mosquitoes.

Products containing diethyltoluamide (DEET) are considered to be most effective. Depending on the formulation, insect repellent must be reapplied every 4 to 8 hours. DEET formulation as high as 30% are recommended for both adults and children +2 month of age, Repellent should first be applied to the caregivers hands and then to child.

In Infants and small children, DEET should not be applied nears the eyes or on the portion of the hands likely to have contact with the mouth or eyes A recent randomized placebo controlled trial examined the use of DEET-base repellent (20% DEET) during 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

No adverse effects were identified in mother or fetus, providing some reassurance regarding the use of low concentration DEET-based repellents by pregnant women. Brand names of Repellent containing DEET in Mexico are ULTRATHON and H24 repellent. There is a new class of repellent PIPERIDINE-based, (AUTAN)

4. Step four: pyrethrin insecticides.
Permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid originally derived from the Chrysanthemum spp of flower, is an insecticide that is extremely effective and safe.

It is nor a repellent but a contact insecticide and should be applied to clothing or mosquito netting and allowed to dry for 4 hour prior to use, Permethrin-treated clothing can be considered safe for a minimum of 2 weeks, even with regular laundering.

It is safe for children of any age, although if caregivers are concerned about its use on small infant clothing, it can be applied to mosquito netting environment as previously mentioned.

5. Step five: preparing your bed for the night.
A) Air-conditioned room / Windows and Door screens.
Those travellers who are not staying in well-screened or airconditioned rooms should spray living and sleeping areas with a pyrethroid-containing insecticide for flying insects (e.g., ordinary flying insect spray like Raid) during the evening and nighttime hours to kill any insect that may have entered the room during the day, Burning mosquito coils or candles formulated with mosquito repellents or using electric mats that vaporize pyrethroid insecticides also may avoid overnight exposure to insects. Insect “zappers” or electrocuters are not effective.

B) Insecticide-treated bed net.
Additional precaution should be taken for Travellers who are not staying in screened or air-conditioned rooms. Insecticide-treated bed net should extend to the floor or be tucked under the mattress to prevent access by mosquitoes.

What are some approaches that do not work?
• Thiamine (vitamin B1).
• Ultrasound devices.
• Electronic buzzers.
• Insect electrocution traps.
• Eating garlic
• Wearing perfume.

Exerpt from Healthy Living in Mexico.com
Healthy Living in Mexico.com

Retire in Mexico: Puerto Vallarta

Did you know that Mexico is the preferred retirement destination more than any other country in the world? Today, more than 500,000 retirees are already enjoying retirement in Mexico.

Mexico offers everything you need to fully enjoy your retirement. In Mexico, time stops to relax and enjoy every moment. Suddenly you find yourself spending time in what really matters, yourself.

Mexico is a very diverse country and every region has its own culture and history. It is this variety that makes it a very exciting place to live in. You will discover that every town is unique and has its own tradition and history.

Where to Retire in Mexico
Choosing a place to retire in Mexico can be just as fun as retiring itself.  Choosing a location where you will feel comfortable, happy, and safe is essential to maintaining the idea of starting a new life on the right path.

There are many places that offer just what you are looking for and at just the cost of living you can afford. RE/MAX Sites Marina suggests Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico as your ultimate retirement destination.

What does Puerto Vallarta Mexico offer to you?
Puerto Vallarta Mexico is more affordable, allowing for a better lifestyle. Puerto Vallarta Mexico has it’s exceptional weather, cultural diversity and beautiful beaches. You can safely travel around the city, using Puerto Vallarta’s upscale transportation network.

Health care provide many options and is afordable for the average by the city’s consumer. Many US doctors are trained in Mexico. International and National Mexican Cuisine is one of the most diverse in the world. Puerto Vallarta is one of the most safest and friendliest place to live in. For years is has been known and named the friendliest city in the world.

Moving to Puerto Vallarta
While every destination in Mexico has something to offer the visitor, romantic Puerto Vallarta has everything: beaches on a beautiful bay, great dining, accommodations for every budget, a variety of entertainment, art galleries, excellent shopping, world class golf and tennis, activities and excursions galore, and fun, fun, fun! And all of this in the atmosphere of a traditional Mexican village with cobblestone streets and friendly people against a background of exuberant tropical vegetation and the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains. 

Dozens of restaurants, many with internationally-recognized chefs, feature cuisine from around the globe. It’s a shoppers’ paradise with traditional market stalls as well as designer boutiques, fine art galleries and handicrafts from every corner of Mexico.

Vallarta offers championship golf, tennis tournaments, mountain biking, snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding, hot air ballooning and more! Day trips range from a flight to a mountain silver mining village to a cruise to the island preserve of many endangered species, from booze cruises to dolphin and whale watching.

Easily accessible by air, land or sea, Puerto Vallarta has won awards for its handling of tourism and 5 star hotels provide facilities for meetings and conventions. Safety and sanitation including it’s clean water supply receive high priority.

Exerpt from retiremx.com

Love tequila? Want to learn more about Mexico’s natural landscape and culture?

 Why not consider going on a  tequila tour!

The Puerto Vallarta area is a region known for its historic tequila tradition.

With many tours to choose from you are sure to find one that suits your interests, weather it is simply sipping tequila or learning about the traditional way of making it.

Although one thing is for sure on all the tours;  if you dont drink alcohol it might not be as fun for you!

Here is a outline of the tequila tour one company has to offer.

The Tequila Tour will take you to several places north of Puerto Vallarta, through Mountains and Volcanoes. You will make a stop in Rincon de Guayabitos with time for breakfast.

Then connecting to the Cactlan Valley where Compostela is found, a colonial city with a beautiful panoramic view. Continuing with the visit to the lava fields of the Black Giant, also known as El Ceboruco Volcano, one of the 9 active volcanoes in Mexico.

After that, meet the Pyramid Settlements of Ixtlan del Rio, one of the few round pyramids of the country that were built by the Mexican ancestors to honor Ehecatl, the God of Wind.

Next comes the exploration to the Tequila factory La Cofradia, where you will learn all about the process, from the cultivation of the plant known as Agave Azul, and the cooking to get the juices, to the fermentation and distillation until finally they obtain the world famous product known as TEQUILA. You will also enjoy the Typical Mexican food and taste the Nectar of the Gods.

Duration: 12 hours (approx.)
Departs from: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Inclusions:
Expert narration with bilingual guide
Breakfast
Lunch
Soft drinks
Transportation to/from hotel
|Exclusions:
Gratuities (optional)
Tequila
Drinks at restaurant (other than soft drinks)

As the seventh-largest bay in the world, Banderas Bay boasts depths of 3,000 feet. Most geologists believe the bay is a sunken crater from a giant extinct volcano. From the sky, it is easy to see this huge perimeter.

Locals believe the bay is protected from sharks. Many think it is because the dolphins protect the waters as a breeding spot.

One resident observed a dead shark in the bay that had been killed by a group of three or four dolphins the mammals team up and attack the shark by ramming it broadside. The dolphins mount patrols at the bay’s entrance to protect their colony from predators.

From December to April, you can witness another natural phenomenon in Banderas Bay, the seasonal home of the humpback whales. These gentle giants can be seen breaching out of the water as parents instruct calves in the ways of the sea.

A Puerto Vallarta company launched a photo study of whales, identifying more than 1oo individuals by distinct markings on their tails.

Puerto Vallarta also has a sea turtle preservation project. A protected nesting nursery doubles as a scientific research center that welcomes small, guided tours.

Visitors may witness a nesting turtle lay her eggs, newborn turtles hatching, or baby turtles making their first voyage to sea.
 

Mexico’s most beautiful boardwalk, Puerto Vallarta’s famous Malecon is a mile-long oceanfront boardwalk that follows the beach and runs along the main street in downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Malecon begins at Hotel Rosita – the first hotel built in Vallarta in the 1940s – and ends at a beautiful open-air theater known as Los Arcos, or The Arches. Known for its symbolic four stone arches, Los Arcos Amphitheater offers free performances every night, street venders, native foods and local artisans.

Along the Malecon, you can enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s famous sculptures,designed by local artists,these beautiful sculptures reflect Puerto Vallarta’s colorful culture.  Historic landmarks, such as the Virgin of Guadalupe Church are yet another amazing sight along the boardwalk.

Looking west, you can enjoy spectacular views of the sand and surf. Experience a beautiful sunset on Banderas Bay from the Malecon-one of the most beautiful miles on Earth!

Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon makes for a wonderful strolling, sightseeing and shopping experience, where art, culture, shopping, and dining are at your fingertips.

On the city side of the boardwalk, Malecon is lined with a plethora of trendy boutiques, downtown stores, gift shops, cafés, bars and wonderful restaurants that offer stunning views and gorgeous sunsets over Banderas Bay.

Watch the rolling surf from the wrought-iron benches, take pictures of the famous Dolphin and Seahorse sculptures, and relax in a café overlooking the sea.

By: Cathlen Evans

Anybody who has a knack for the good life knows that there are many areas in Mexico that offer just that.

Out of the many coastal resort-type offerings in the region, Puerto Vallarta is probably the biggest example of wonderland.

There are many sprawling five-star hotels that can accommodate any tourists, along with other leisure attractions anyone can absolutely enjoy, like art galleries, whale watching trips, wide golf courses, and several dining shops.

If hotels don’t appeal to you, then you can always check in Puerto Vallarta condo rentals. Puerto Vallarta has a certain appeal that lures any type of traveler. Its rich history permits it to be the bearer of so many interesting tales. Second, its people have always been so warm and friendly.

Lastly, luxuries spell for excellent savings in expenses. You can have a truly Mexican experience with all the conveniences and luxuries by taking advantage of Puerto Vallarta rentals.

There are beautiful places you can visit and unique people to meet while you’re in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico such as the age-old San Sebastian Village, which is only fifteen minutes away via airplane; great beaches and exotic local diners along Los Muertos; and, of course, the good Mexicans.

A walk at the spectacular Los Muertos walkway will have you forgetting that you are just in Mexico and imagining that you’re in heaven. Plaza Mar hosts some of the best Puerto Vallarta condos.

For example, the Zona Romantica, located in Los Muertos, is just a short distance away from restos, shopping centers, and banks. Moreover, Plaza Mar is also equipped with truly Mexican facilities, just to complete your experience in Mexico.

It also has a 24-hour tight security; this way, you can always enjoy your tours without worrying a single bit about your luggages and other things you’ve brought in your tour. Puerto Vallarta also lets you enjoy without having problems about your budget.

In fact, taking into account all the luxuries you will get to enjoy, Puerto Vallarta condo rental is very affordable. And if you want to avoid the confusion brought by too many holiday tourists, you should go at off-peak seasons, often from early May to late October.

To get the most of your pocket money and vacation, why don’t you stay in Puerto Vallarta’s rented condos than in hotels? Not only is it a more sensible option, it will also be the element that completes a Mexican vacation.

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

For those looking for a destination that offers everything from fiesta to siesta, it’s Puerto Vallarta and its surrounding environs.

The bayside community began as a small fishing village but found itself in the spotlight in 1963 with the filming of John Huston’s “Night of the Iguana.”The press followed Elizabeth Taylor to the bougainvillea-lined shores of Puerto Vallarta to record her not-so-secret romance with star Richard Burton, focusing the eyes of the world on this coastal city as a destination for the rich and famous. Since then there’s been no looking back.

Today’s lovers will find plenty of opportunity for romance, chances to steal a kiss beneath the brilliant bougainvillea or to enjoy a sunset sail that marks the end of another love-filled day and the promise of an evening where dreams can come true.

The setting itself sets the scene for romance. Puerto Vallarta is tucked around the picturesque Bahía de Banderas or Bay of Flags; sand the color of toasted coconut is lined with high rise hotels where couples can be tempted by a full menu of activities or relax under the shade of a tall palm and do nothing at all.

One such property is CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta. With the Bay of Banderas as a backdrop, couples escape to a world of romance.

Lucky lovers who choose the Imperial Suite have a commanding view of the bay that can be enjoyed with a frothy margarita in hand from the comfort of their own balcony whirlpool.

Active couples can buzz around the bay on a waverunnner, gallop down the beach on horseback, or enjoy the best view of the city with a leisurely sail.

Another favorite is Club Viva Vallarta, a romantic resort surrounded by 15 acres of fragrant gardens. You and yours can enjoy the relaxation of an all-inclusive experience in everything from international restaurants to an exciting disco.

And there’s no better way to work out the kinks after your flight to Mexico than a massage at the resort’s spa.Year around warm weather makes possible the hedonistic delights for which these Mexican beach resorts are known.

Whether the two of you want to slip out of bed for a midnight beach stroll or jog side by side on a sandy beach as the first rays of light illuminate the sky, you’ll find that temperatures are just right.

Even during the winter months, the only goosebumps you’ll experience are ones your lover delightfully produces.

Mornings are perfect for a jaunt into town, with its cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings topped by red-tiled roofs. Stroll hand-in-hand along the Malecón or seaside promenade, stopping for a little shopping along the way.

Read the rest of this entry »

Summer Art, Dance and Language Courses

During the month of July, the Municipality of Puerto Vallarta and the cultural associations of the city organize a series of courses for adults and children and include art, dance, singing and language courses.

Some courses may even include visits to artist studios to learn about the techniques they use to paint. Every summer, the locations and hours of classes vary, but information is available at the City Hall, in front of the Malecón or in the Isla Cuale Museum.

Information at City Hall
(in front of the Malecón)
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
48300

Summer Sailing Programs
Our famous author/sailor, Pat Henry is offering sailing classes for children, women and men this summer on our beautiful Banderas Bay. Children´s classes are from June 3 to July 22, women`s classes will start on June 18th  and two weekends in July are reserved for the men.

Classes run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with on shore lectures and time spent on the water developing skills…sail handling, trim, knots, boat control, points of sail, safety and rules of the road. For those lacking the time, Pat also offers a one day introductory program with 7 hours of hands-on sailing, instruction and a fun day aboard the Southern Cross, the boat she sailed solo around the world.

If you have not read her book “By the Grace of the Sea” which describes her incredible journey, you can call Pat Henry at 222-4119, 222-8771or 01-329-295-5613, and she can also give you more information about the classes.

Summer Cooking Classes at El Arrayán
$850 Pesos per person (tips included.) also includes breakfast, class participation, take-home printed recipes, an embroidered apron and a full meal, including one cocktail and Mexican wine.

The schedule of cooking classes through July is:

June 19, 2007: 10 am – 3:30 pm
Pan-fried Panela Cheese, green spearmint salsa, mole negro and glazed yams with piloncillo and cinnamon

July 17, 2007: 10 am – 3:30 pm
Aguachile Shrimp Ceviche with mango, Chile en Nogada (the King of chile rellenos) and chocolate flan with Mexican chocolate

Space is limited, so call 222-7195 after 5:30 pm for reservation details. (Class will only take place with a minimum of five participants.) Classes will be conducted in English.

Happy Canada Day all you Canadians here in Vallarta! There are a few celebrations here in Vallarta to celebrate your countries day!Canada Day Celebration
Jul 1, 2007
Neighborhood: Olas Altas–Restaurant Row

As part of a fraternal celebration, Tapas & Bar invites everyone to celebrate Canada Day during the early evening. Drink and appetizers are offered, as well as a lot of camaraderie.

It’s a fun way to spend and evening, and it sure makes the displaced Canadians feel right at home. After the festivities, stay and enjoy an excellent dinner at the restaurant. You might even opt for one of the dishes created just for this special day.

There will also be a Canada Day celebration at Casa Blakes Restaurant/Bar, Plaza Las Glorias, across the street from Josefino Restaurant, Francisco Medina Ascencio. It will be held from 3 pm until 9 pm.

$70.00 PESOS
Fried chicken (2 pieces) and potato salad or Chips with strawberry and
Vanilla Ice Cream
$10 PESOS
Beer (Indio o Sol) / Soft Drinks
$30 PESOS
Caesars (100% Canadian)

by Erin Roach

More Americans are opting to spend their vacation time participating in what Christians have known for years as mission work — building houses and schools or visiting orphanages.

The new term for this trend is “voluntourism,” and some say it was spurred by the tragedies of 9/11, the Southeast Asia tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.

College students are choosing charitable or humanitarian work over a week at the beach during spring break, the Associated Press reported, and baby boomers with money to spend and time to donate also are fueling the trend.

“Immersion with volunteerism is so much more than you could get by sitting on a beach or on a tour bus,” Sally Brown of Ambassadors for Children told AP, adding that the number of travel organizations that offer voluntourism trips has probably doubled in the past three years.

The nonprofit Ambassadors for Children lets participants mix purpose with pleasure by boarding them at a four-star hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and allowing them to spend three of the eight days visiting an orphanage, library and preschool, AP said.

Mike Wood spent a recent vacation in Honduras, building latrines and pig pens in a village without electricity, running water or cell phone reception, AP said. He spent the days digging holes, pouring cement and cutting wood, and he managed to sneak in some visits to nearby Mayan ruins.

“It’s hard work, but there’s nothing to worry about,” Wood, a history teacher, told AP. “No one can get ahold of you so you’re not worrying about the stock market or worrying about family too much. There’s no communication so it’s a very nice break from the pressures of the job.

“Some participants told AP that voluntourism is more draining than traditional vacations but much more rewarding. “To see the people’s faces — they were so happy we were helping them. That’s something you don’t forget,” said Peggy Fuller, a North Carolina dermatologist who used her sabbatical to build houses in Sri Lanka.

Others spend their time working as mentors to disadvantaged youth, tutoring and learning how the less fortunate of the world live, AP reported March 29.”You feel that you’re helping people and you’re also getting to learn about a different culture, whether it’s West Virginia or Tanzania,” Alyssa Stahl, a Chicago banker, said.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico stands out among vacation destinations as one of the very best.

Lying at the tip of the Bay of Banderas is one of the most sparkling jewels of the Pacific Ocean.

Puerto Vallarta is a unique mix of ecosystems and atmospheres, from the white sand beaches to the tropical forests and mountain vistas, to the historical colonial architecture and ancient ruins.

 With its blend of history and tradition, along with exciting sights and activities, Puerto Vallarta will leave you breathless!

Puerto Vallarta is one of the sunniest places in the world, ideal for those who enjoy outdoor adventure! Take advantage of the nearly perfect Puerto Vallarta weather and take an off-road tour of the tropical jungle framed by the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Or take an exhilarating zip tour over Puerto Vallarta’s primitive canopy, getting a bird’s eye view of all that Mother Nature has bestowed upon the tropical paradise!

Take a cultural tour of Puerto Vallarta, visiting the ruins at Ixtapa, and pass through small villages where you can learn about the Mexican culture from the people who live it. There is also hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking to keep you busy!

If you want to experience adventure at sea, your wish is Puerto Vallarta’s command! There is incredible snorkeling at the Majahuita Cover or Los Arcos. The scuba diving is superb, with the clear blue Pacific waters the setting for some truly amazing marine sights.

And the deep-sea fishing is truly first-rate, with a number of fish biting in the Bay of Banderas and the Pacific Ocean. And there is always surfing to try, of course.

In addition to all of the adventurous things to do in Puerto Vallarta, there is plenty of opportunity to relax and amble. Try relaxing beachside, with the rolling waves of the Pacific teasing your toes. Take a stroll down the cobblestone streets and stop in quaint little shops peddling their wares.

Dine at authentic Mexican eateries, serving both traditional cuisine of the region and the freshest seafood around. And stay up late and play at one of Puerto Vallarta’s lively clubs, featuring dancing, live musical entertainment, and plenty of margaritas!

Puerto Vallarta is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in the world. Catering to the wealthiest, many of the lodging options offer excellent amenities and services, at pretty steep prices. If you would rather get value for your vacation dollar, you should consider a vacation rental in Puerto Vallarta.

There are several vacation condos and rental homes that are beachside, that offer incredible views, convenience, and all the comforts of home!

You still have access to all of the activities and amenities of the resorts, but you have a spacious place to come back to every evening that you can call home, at least temporarily!

Puerto Vallarta rentals often offer more space than a hotel or resort room, and often at a better value.

Rentals give you everything that you are used to at home, including full-sized kitchens and multiple bedrooms, which is ideal if you are traveling with kids!

A vacation in paradise should equal comfort. A vacation rental in Puerto Vallarta will provide you with all of the comfort you could ever want in paradise!

By FLORENCE FABRICANT

Minutes after arriving at Casa Las Brisas near Puerto Vallarta, I felt like a houseguest, not a hotel client.

As my husband, Richard, and I entered through the large wooden gate set into a stucco wall, we were greeted with a breezy hello by Mauricio, a staff member.A sleek little gray dog with a smart red collar danced at his heels. ”That’s Tristan,” he said. ”You’ll get used to him.”

He immediately took our bags up to our room, flung open the French doors leading to the terrace and asked what we would like to drink. There were no formalities or papers to sign. Minutes later he delivered big, deliciously icy margaritas, which we sipped while we unpacked.

Casa Las Brisas, one of two small resorts near Puerto Vallarta where I stayed during a six-day trip in February, is a gracious, secluded six-bedroom villa. Right on Careyero Beach at Punta de Mita, it is a 45-minute taxi ride from the Puerto Vallarta airport. A sprawling Four Seasons hotel had recently put Punta de Mita on the tourist map.

Casa Las Brisas was just beyond and out of view on a generous curve of Pacific beach dotted with large private vacation houses, some still under construction. It was reached from a rutted dirt road off an efficient new highway that we picked up some distance from Puerto Vallarta and that led to Punta de Mita.

Our room was airy and spacious, with beautiful tile work and typical carved wood colonial-style furniture, king-size bed, some Indonesian accessories, a ceiling fan, air-conditioning, but no telephones or television (there is a TV room on the property). It overlooked stone terraces, a blue mosaic-tile pool, and the silken white beach.

We took a walk, a swim in the warm, somewhat forceful surf (the sea became calmer on subsequent days) and then a dip in the pool. A fellow behind the bar, which served both the pool and the adjacent thatched palapa-style dining room, asked if we’d like a drink. Absolutely.

He was the owner, Marc Lindskog, a genial American architect who first visited Mexico nearly 20 years ago, came to love it, and wanted to find an excuse to live there permanently. He finally designed and built Casa Las Brisas two years ago.

And he runs it as if it were his home. His personal suite of rooms is behind carved wooden doors off a little public salon. The bar is open and included in the room rate — under $400 a day for two people in high season. Mealtimes are flexible; Marc’s accommodating staff is always there to see to your comfort, and his two miniature Italian greyhounds, Tristan and Allegra, become your pets.

If you have to make a call, his cellphone is available. Miscommunication before our departure had left Richard and me with less cash than we intended to bring; Marc cashed our personal check. No wonder some of the guests we met, all Americans and a diverse group, were return visitors.

Casa Las Brisas is a seductively quiet enclave for walks on the beach, swimming in the sea or the pool, hours of lounging, reading or chatting with the other guests or the host, glorious sunsets and, if you can muster the energy, an excursion or two. There is a workout room, but we did not bother.

It was February, the season of the whale migrations. We arranged to take a boat from Punta de Mita to watch the whales and then go snorkeling. Fabrizio Aguilar, the manager, drove us to Punta de Mita and arranged for an open motorboat with guide.

At $40 an hour, plus an extra $5 an hour to the agency that arranged for our guide, Alberto, our four-hour excursion was the only extra fee we paid during our stay at Casa Las Brisas.

We saw humpbacks by the dozen, spouting, surfacing and gracefully diving with their broad, winglike tails slipping into the water. They were so close that the binoculars we had borrowed from the hotel were unnecessary.

Then the boat took us to the Marietas, a nature reserve of rocky little islands populated by flocks of gulls, boobies, cormorants and frigate birds wheeling in the air or perched on the cliffs.

Alberto led us snorkeling close to the rocks where the water was thick with tour groups in life vests, and then swimming through a cave to a tranquil little beach where we relaxed a bit before heading back to Punta de Mita. We had a pleasant lunch in town, under the thatch of a seaside restaurant known for grilled shrimp and red snapper.

Unfortunately, we missed the paella at Casa Las Brisas. No problem; they saved us a portion for dinner.

The food at the hotel was abundant and good. At breakfast under an umbrella around the pool, almost any egg or pancake dish was available, including huevos rancheros, of course, accompanied by fresh fruit, juices and good, strong coffee.

Lunches on the terrace, under the palapa or at the bar, started with a platter of nibbles like guacamole, salsa and chips, empanadas and even crisp spring rolls, followed by sandwiches, salads, or an occasional hot dish like enchiladas or paella, with fruit for dessert. The choices at lunch were limited; there were more selections at dinner.

The food served in the evening was more or less Continental, with occasional Asian or Mexican touches. Some of the highlights were a ruddy soup lightly fueled with chilies and studded with posole and chicken, grilled filet of beef with béarnaise sauce or a robust salsa, and chicken with peanuts on a bed of noodles. We would have preferred more Mexican specialties, but we seemed to be in the minority.

Wines from Chile and Argentina, Champagne from France, beer, bottled water and soft drinks, and a wide array of spirits, were poured liberally at no extra charge. ”It’s not worth the bother to keep track, have people sign, and all that,” Mr. Lindskog said.

After three days, we left around noon in a taxi that took us south, past the airport and beyond the cruise ships, high-rise hotels, malls and congestion of downtown Puerto Vallarta, to reach our next destination, Majahuitas Resort. The taxi dropped us at the beach in the village of Boca de Tomatlán, where a launch, which we had arranged in advance to have meet us about 2 p.m., was waiting.

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By DAVID KIRBY

A warm twilight settles over the Mexican resort of Puerto Vallarta as the sun slips behind the pink clouds of the Bahía de Banderas.

Tourists at a rooftop bar burst into applause and raise their cocktails to the fiery spectacle, before settling in for the evening’s entertainment. But this will be no night of Mariachi music.

”B-Seven!” coos a drag queen named Ida Slapter. ”B-Siete! Any lucky winners?”

If it’s Tuesday, this must be Gay Bingo at the Blue Chairs Beach Resort, perhaps the gayest event in the gayest neighborhood of what may be Mexico’s most gay-friendly town.

In recent years, this Pacific coast resort about 130 miles west of Guadalajara, has emerged as a premier destination on the gay travel map, joining a growing roster of places that are drawing gay and lesbian travelers.

So how does a place become a gay destination? For years, friends had told me that ”PV” was becoming a new gay mecca, but I was skeptical. I had been there in the 1980′s, and could remember just one gay bar, and that was about it. Now, the place feels almost like West Hollywood.

My friend Doug and I arrived on a Continental flight from Newark in March, with a plane change in Houston, early enough in the afternoon to check in at the Blue Chairs and hit the beach right downstairs. Blue Chairs is the unrivaled daytime epicenter of gay social life in Puerto Vallarta.

”Ten years ago, it was just a place on the beach, with blue chairs, where gay people would gather in the afternoon to play volleyball,” said David Lansley, an American whose Mexican boyfriend, Paco Ruiz, was a pioneer in Puerto Vallarta’s evolution into a gay-friendly place when he opened the Club Paco Paco disco, which beats until 6 o’clock each morning in the heart of the gay zone on the southern edge of the city, around Olas Altas Street and Los Muertos Beach.

Now, Blue Chairs is an institution. The six-floor, 40-room hotel, which opened in May 2001, rises high above the beach below. Its rooftop Blue Sunset Bar offers a nearly mandatory happy hour and weekly parties that range from bingo to karaoke to Hollywood movie night (outside under the stars).

Blue Chairs also offers massages and facials, and a weekly ”booze cruise.” And of course, there is the lively repartee found daily amid the blue chairs and umbrellas on the beach, where gay men (and a few women) are catered to by handsome waiters who ferry good food and potent drinks from the hotel’s kitchen out to the sands. When we were there, the crowd was friendly, mostly over 30, and mostly from the Midwest or West Coast.

For a gay beach scene, it was pretty low key. Many there said they go back to Puerto Vallarta every year, not only for the gay scene but also the relaxed atmosphere and gorgeous natural surroundings.

The neighborhood was a rundown area of low-rise buildings and empty lots and storefronts until about a decade ago, when gay Mexicans and Americans began investing in bars, hotels, shops and restaurants. Now it is known affectionately as the Zona Romántica.

Within its square mile or so, the Zona now packs in 16 gay bars and nightclubs (two more clubs lie just north of the Cuale River, downtown) and 12 gay or gay-friendly hotels and guest houses. Hotel Mercurio, for example, is a quiet lodge just off of Olas Altas, set around a peaceful Mexican courtyard. It was opened last year by Paul Crist, who moved there from Washington, D.C.

”This area has really taken off in the last year or two.” Mr. Crist said. ”I think we have reached critical mass in terms of gay businesses.”

Some travelers find the scene too intense, and get away from the bustle by heading for Paco’s Paradise, a sort of gay Gilligan’s Island sleep-away camp that can only be reached by boat. Isolated and beautiful on the south shore of Banderas Bay, Paco’s offers snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball and good food to those who find their way there.

We made Paco’s a day trip, taking a cab from Puerto Vallarta about 10 miles south along a winding coastal road with spectacular views of the rugged green mountains and brilliant indigo bay.

Just past Mismaloya, where John Huston filmed Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in ”Night of the Iguana,” we reached Boca de Tomatlán, a picture-perfect fishing village on a sharply angled cove, the departure point for launches to Paco’s.

The rustic outpost is carved from the jungle on a small cove. Overnight guests stay in a three-story stone structure with two private suites and a dorm room. There is hot water, but no electricity. We ate lunch, swam in the turquoise water and took the 5 o’clock boat back with a dozen or so day-trippers, most of them gay men.

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If you visit Mexico often or you reside there, you are certainly familiar with Mexican telecommunications and the hassle of acquiring reliable services and successfully dialing within Mexico.You’ve also dealt with the frequent changes to the country’s area codes.

Mexican telecommunications are generally more costly than in the United States and Canada and inherently come with plenty of down time. Below we offer recommendations to save money and time according to each type of visitor.

For Temporary Visitors:
Unless it is an emergency, it is not advised to make phone calls from your hotel room. An exorbitant hotel phone bill can leave a blemish on even the most pleasant of vacations. A 5 minute phone call can cost you US$25.

Pre-paid phone cards: If you are a temporary visitor your best option is to purchase a pre-paid Telmex phone card. For your convenience MedToGo sells $5, $10, and $20 Telmex cards online for the same price you would pay in Mexico at any convenience store.

You will save yourself the hassle of exchanging your money and hunting down a store that sells cards by pre-ordering your cards prior to departure.

Internet Telephone Calls: Skype has one of the most reliable and affordable internet telephone services available. Visit the Skype website, set up an account, and purchase a comfortable head set.

While you’re abroad you can plug your headset into most any computer and make calls anywhere in the world. Skype lets you make free calls to other Skype users through an internet connection and very cheap calls to traditional telephones. It’s free to download and you can add on voicemail for a small fee.

For Frequent Visitors and Business Travelers:
Depending upon how often you travel to Mexico there are several options available to you.

Mexico Cell phones (contract not required): Sanborn’s (a chain restaurant/convenience store locted in every major city) sells affordable cell phone units that do not require you to sign a contract with any companies.

Phone time must however be uploaded to the units by purchasing Telcel phone cards. Though the cards are not as economical as the pre-paid Telmex phone cards, having a cell phone where you can receive calls is possibly a necessary convenience. This is ideal if most of your calls are to Mexican phone numbers.

Global Cell phones: There are several global cell phone plans to choose from that will allow you to make and receive phone calls using one telephone number. Verizon offers a North America specific plan that allows you to receive and make phone calls using one unique phone number.

If you are from New York, for example, you keep your 917 cell phone area code with you while you travel. People phoning you while you are in Mexico will dial your number as if you were in NY. When you call the US or Canada you add the country code , 001, to the 10 digit number.

Though you use “001″ the call will only cost you the minutes you speak. Ironically, the plan is more affordable than most Mexican domestic cell phone plans. The one drawback with the North America plan is that if you phone Mexico at any time from Mexico, the US, or Canada you will be charged international rates.

Mexico Residents and Expatriates:
Internet: Telmex Prodigy Infinitum (349 pesos/month) is the best choice for internet connectivity.

There are other companies, such as Cablevision, but none are as reliable and offer as speedy of a connection as Telmex. The one drawback is that you must first contract a basic local telephone line (194 pesos/month) to have this service.

Mexico Cell phones: There are several to choose from (Movistar, Telcel, Unefon), but if you will be making several international phone calls your best choice is a iusacell phone.

They offer international plans, reliable service, bi-lingual customer service, and a live operator to take your calls when you are not available

Yelapa: Robinson Crusoe Meets Jack Kerouac 
It’s a cove straight out of a tropical fantasy, and only a 45-minute trip by boat from Puerto Vallarta. Yelapa has no cars, has one sole paved (pedestrian-only) road, and got electricity only in the past 3 years.

It’s accessible only by boat. Its tranquillity, natural beauty, and seclusion have made it a popular home for hippies, hipsters, artists, writers, and a few ex-pats (looking to escape the stress of the world, or perhaps the law).

A seemingly strange mix, but you’re unlikely to ever meet a stranger — Yelapa remains casual and friendly.

To get there, travel by excursion boat or inexpensive water taxi. There’s also a challenging mountain bike trip with Bike Mex. You can spend an enjoyable day, but I recommend a longer stay — it provides a completely different perspective.

Once you’re in Yelapa, you can lie in the sun, swim, snorkel, eat fresh grilled seafood at a beachside restaurant, or sample the local moonshine, raicilla.

The local beach vendors specialize in the most amazing pies you’ve ever tasted (coconut, lemon, or chocolate). Equally amazing is how the pie ladies walk the beach while balancing the pie plates on their heads; they sell crocheted swimsuits, too.

You can also tour this tiny town or hike up a river to see one of two waterfalls. The closest to town is about a 30-minute walk from the beach. Note: If you use a local guide, agree on a price before you start out. Horseback riding, guided birding, fishing trips, and paragliding are also available.

For overnight accommodations, local residents frequently rent rooms, and there’s also the rustic Hotel Lagunita (tel. 322/209-5056 or 322/209-5055; hotel-lagunita.com). Its 27 cabañas have private bathrooms, and the hotel has electricity, a saltwater pool, massage, and an amiable restaurant and bar.

Though the prices are high for what you get — and you may need to bring your own towels, which are known to be in short supply — it is the most accommodating place for most visitors. It’s quite popular for yoga students and other groups. Double rates run $78 during the season and $55 in the off season (MasterCard and Visa are accepted).

A stylish alternative is the fashionable Verana(tel. 800/677-5156 or 322/222-2360; verana.com).

If you stay over on a Wednesday or Saturday during the winter, don’t miss the regular dance at the Yelapa Yacht Club (no phone).

Typically tongue-in-cheek for Yelapa, the “yacht club” consists of a cement dance floor and a disco ball, but the deejay spins a great range of tunes, from Glenn Miller to Eminem, attracting all ages and types.

Dinner ($5-$12) is a bonus — the food may be the best anywhere in the bay. The menu changes depending on what’s fresh. Ask for directions; it’s in the main village, on the beach.

The malecón is the obvious centre of night-time activity, lined with places that specialize in creating a high energy party-time atmosphere.

Old favourites like the Hard Rock Café and Carlos O’Brian’s are here, along with local contenders Zoo and No Name Café . None has a cover charge and most are at ground level, making it easy to wander along and take your pick of the happy hours .

South of the river also has its share of clubs, more down-to-earth and maybe more varied.

Worth a visit is Club Roxy , Vallarta 217 at Madero, a popular bar-club with an excellent resident band playing blues, reggae and rock and a great atmosphere that attracts locals and tourists alike (no cover).

The Jazz House , Rodríguez at Olas Altas, hosts first-class jazz in a tastefully decorated venue that should be more popular; it also serves good if slightly pricey food.

The gay scene is thriving and clubs include Paco Ranch and Paco Paco , both on Vallarta.

More formal nightclubs charge up to US$15 for entry, though by asking around you’ll come across free nights early in the week, should find half-price coupons (try the timeshare touts), and can always try talking your way in.

Christine’s , at the Hotel Krystal way up in the hotel zone, is lively, expensive and pretentious.

There are two cinemas : Cine Bahía is south of the river at Insurgentes 189; and Cine Luz Maria is north of the river at Avenida México 227.

Both show predominantly Hollywood films in English with Spanish subtitles. Look for listings in Vallarta Today and other free handouts.

Sunday tends to be quiet – some places close – except on the zócalo where, from around 6pm, huge crowds gather around the dozens of taco and cake stands and listen to the brass band. And there’s always the pool hall , at Madero 279.

Puerto Vallarta has the most exceptional dining scene of any resort town in Mexico.

Over 250 restaurants serve cuisines from around the world, in addition to fresh seafood and regional dishes.

Chefs from France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Argentina have come for visits and stayed to open restaurants.

In celebration of this diversity, Vallarta’s culinary community hosts a 2-week-long gourmet dining festival each November.

Dining is not limited to high-end options — there are plenty of small, family-owned restaurants, local Mexican kitchens, and vegetarian cafes.

Vallarta also has branches of the world food-and-fun chains: Hard Rock Cafe, Outback Steakhouse, and even Hooters. I won’t bother to review these restaurants, where the quality and decor are so familiar.

Of the inexpensive local spots, one favorite is El Planeta Vegetariano, Iturbide 270, just down from the main church (tel. 322/222-3073), serving an inexpensive, bountiful, and delicious vegetarian buffet, which changes for breakfast and lunch/dinner.

It’s open Monday through Saturday. Breakfast ($3.50) is served from 8 to 11am; the lunch and dinner buffets ($5.50) are served from 11:30am to 10pm; no credit cards.

 A second location with the same prices and hours of service is now in Marina Vallarta (tel. 322/209-0555), located in Marina del Rey, local L-4.

Tapas Anyone?–Certainly, much of modern Mexico’s culture draws on the important influence of Spain, so it only makes sense that culinary traditions would be evident as well.

Within the last several years, dining on tapas has soared in popularity here. Of the many options, these are my favorites: the long-standing Barcelona Tapas, Matamoros and 31 de Octobre streets (tel. 322/222-0510), a large and lovely restaurant on a terrace built high on a hillside, with sweeping views of the Bay.

They serve tapas and a selection of Spanish entrees, including paella, from 5pm to midnight. La Taberna de San Pascual, Corona 186 (tel. 322/223-9371; Mon-Sat 5pm-midnight, with bar service extending to 2am; closed Sun) is a cozy eatery, rich with brick walls and dark wood accents, located on popular Corona Street, in the center of downtown.

All ingredients are imported from Spain, and there’s a selection of excellent Spanish wines to accompany their flavorful tapas.

 La Esquina de los Caprichos, Miramar 402, corner of Iturbide (tel. 322/222-0911; Mon-Sat 1-11pm) is a tiny tapas place, known as having the most reasonably priced ($1.50-$6) tapas in town, and perhaps the tastiest.

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Traveling to a city for the first time is a unique experience; new places, new people and a lot of fun… The bad thing about traveling to a city the first time is that you can loose time and money by making simple mistakes from your arrival to installing yourself in your Hotel room.

I arrived… Now what?

If you traveled on a bus, you should know that the Central Bus Station and the Airport are on the north side of Puerto Vallarta, 30-40 minutes from the city and any tourist attraction. Follow our steps to get directly and safe to your Hotel so you can enjoy and cool down at your hotels pool:

• Know the location of your hotel, buy a ticket where it says “TAXI” by the authorized Taxi Windows. The prices are per Zone and they are fair if you buy them in the Bus Station Central, but the ones in the airport are very elevated from 200% to 300% more. The taxis are monitored, so you don’t have to worry about safety on your way.
• If you are not sure of the location of your hotel, villa or stay, consult it before coming to PV on the internet, the hotels website or in a travel agency.
• If you are up to a little bit of adventure (and you don’t carry too much luggage) you can take a local Bus just in front of the station on the street. Take a bus that has a sign in the front window that says “centro” not “centro-pitillal” because if you do catch a centro-pitillal you’ll have to drive one hour extra before getting to the center of the city. All buses charge the same $5 pesos (50 cents), unless you are heading further away from Puerto Vallarta, like northern Bucerias or southern Mismaloya.
• Make sure to upload all your luggage onto the taxi or bus and don’t forget anything inside when leaving the bus or taxi because there is a very high chance of not getting it back ever again (especially in the public transportation facilities).

By car…

A street map will always be a big help, so try to get in contact with your hotel or any travel agency to ask for a map and directions on how to find your destination.In Puerto Vallarta, the hotel zone and the access to the Marina are on the principal boulevard Fco. Medina Ascencio; for Nuevo Vallarta and Bucerías, drive to the north, following the road number 70. !Bienvenido a Nayarit! Crossing the bridge of the Ameca river (Río Ameca) and don’t forget to take an hour of you clock since there’s an hour difference between the state of Nayarit and Jalisco.

¡Be practical!

• Write your name on a card together with your address, your destination information in Vallarta and keep it safe in your wallet; Also mark your bags, video or photo camera and other items; in case of loosing an item, taxi drivers, waiters and other service providers will have a way of locating you to bring back your lost item.
• Never take large amounts of money with you.
• Always keep handy a little bag with your camera, bathing suit and clothes to change because the beach is always tentative!!!
• Always check your map to localize yourself and the place of your stay.

¿Where do I go?

Relax on the Beach

First thing you should do is to get checked into your stay and go for the pool or beach. There are over 40 different beaches on Banderas Bay and you’ll want to take it easy the first day of your stay since the climate changes might exhaust you after a long travel.

The Sunset on The Malecon

One of the best places to enjoy the sunset is the Malecón. Start your journey at the northern zone (at the side of Hotel Rosita and close to the Buenaventura Hotel) and look for famous sculptures on the Malecon as are the arches of “Los Arcos” one of Puerto Vallarta’s icons.

Choose a Restaurant

Dolce Vita and El Tequila’s are an excelent option to dine on the Malecón. For seafood, Mauricio’s and Coleguita are only 10 to 15 minutes (from the airport) taking the road to the north to Ixtapa. One of the best places for restaurants and Cafès is Olas Altas (also called Old Town or Viejo Vallarta). It has dozens of places to eat, dance and shop. It’s also called the “Romantic Zone” for a reason.

Viejo Vallarta

Walk along the center into the romantic zone (Viejo Vallarta) over to the street of Olas Altas, where you will find little Cafés and Restaurants on the street side that give a special touch to this part of the city. Also you will notice there are a few Hotels like Molino de Agua, Playa Los Arcos, Tropicana and Suites Emperador. There are also other attraction near the River of Pitillal like the Art Market. Don’t miss the hanging bridges!!!

Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Flags)

Visit the extreme south of the bay, the tropical paradise of Mismaloya and its surroundings, scenery of some Hollywood movies. If you’re lucky and it’s the right season, you can see whales, dolphins and huge Manta Rays.

You also should go to the north; towards Punta Mita there are some beautiful beaches with fine sand and turquoise colored waters.

Explore Vallarta on the Sea

On Los Muertos Beach (Playa los Muertos = Beach of the dead) the water taxis can take you to Yelapa, Mismaloya, Las Ánimas and other hidden beaches between the tropical vegetation.

If you are looking for adventures over the sea, going to the Terminal Maritima will show you a lot of sea tours that will take you around the Bay of Banderas.

The Marigalante, is a pirate ship that will serve you a delicious dinner full of fun, music, competitions and artificial fire shows just in the waters in front of Los Arcos.

Another of the favorite tours with an irresistible price, is The Bora Bora, that starts a roundtrip through the Bay of Banderas while having breakfast onboard. They’ll take you to practice snorkeling to the maritime park Los Arcos and you’ll eat on a beautiful beach on the southern extreme of the Bay.

The Princesa Vagabundo is another ship that will take you along the Bay to beaches further away. Don’t forget your bathing suit and your camera!

Finaly the Princesa Sunset is a romantic cruise ship in the evening for people in love that are looking for a special sunset. They’ll serve you delicious food while the sun hides behind the waves accompanied by nice background music.

Visit the Marina

Come to visit the Marina, one of the biggest in Mexico, with space for over 400 Yachts. Go up to the “Faro Restaurant” to view a panoramic afternoon of the bay of Banderas and finally try their culinary specialties in their known restaurants.

¡Go up the Mountains!

Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains. There are exciting tours on vehicles of all type, horses and bikes that will take you through waterfalls and paths full of adventure and fun.

Have fun all night!

Vallarta has places for all kinds of taste, from the more fun juvenile ambient to the elegance and exclusivity. Some of our recommendations are De Santos, Carlos O’Brians, Sr.Frog’s, Zoo, Christine and with its traditional Cuban style, La Bodeguita del Medio.

Puerto Vallarta Blog, Wexico 2007

When visiting Puerto Vallarta, travel packages may save you a lot of money. There is plenty of choice, so you have a good chance of finding a deal to suit you.

As a general rule, the more elements of a package you book together, the more money you save overall. With some deals, you can pay less for airfare and accommodation than you would normally pay for the accommodation alone.

You can book all-inclusive travel packages from various sources: resorts, tour operators and Internet companies. The all-inclusive resorts on Puerto Vallarta’s coast usually include food and drinks in their prices. Most offer deals on air fares too.

The rise of the Internet has led to the declining popularity of tour operators, but you should still include a couple of quotes from them when you’re making your comparisons. Finally, Internet sites such as Expedia allow you to put together a package for yourself.

Visitors to Puerto Vallarta usually come for the choice of activities on offer: snorkeling and scuba diving, for example. Because of this, Puerto Vallarta travel packages are available specifically for people who enjoy watersports, fishing or even cycling.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a package geared to your particular interest – if it’s a popular activity, the resort or tour operator probably already offers such a deal.

Remember that Puerto Vallarta travel packages aren’t necessarily the same as escorted tours. Booking a package tour doesn’t commit you to a rigid schedule; it just means that you’re buying the different elements of your trip together to save money.

However, if you prefer a structured trip, this kind of package is available too. Travel packages are actually cheaper at the more popular time of year (the winter months). This is because air access is easier during those months.

However, if you want to avoid package deals and book everything separately, the peak season is more expensive for Puerto Vallarta travel.

When booking a Puerto Vallarta travel package, always check the small print to see what exactly is included in the price. For example, a fishing package deal might include free boat trips, but require you to provide your own rods and bait.

You should also prepare for the unexpected; as the holiday motto goes, “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.” If you had to cancel, would you get your money back? Many travelers take out cancellation insurance for peace of mind.

Finally, you need to decide when to book. It’s usually a toss-up between booking well in advance and booking at the last minute.

Last-minute deals can be excellent value, but it’s more risky to rely on these, because if there aren’t any available at your time of booking, you will end up paying a lot more money for your holiday.

Buses
There are buses at every corner. If you see one, just wave it down. It will stop.  The cost is $5MXP… about 50 cents.  There is no air conditioning, but this is the way normal people get around.

“Rite” (aka hitch hike)
This requires a lot of the right elements.  1.) Bravery 2.) A friend 3.) Daylight.  If you keep trying you can usually get picked up and taken as far as the car is going. 

I caught a rite from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara (5 hours) with some great people.  Just make sure you take all the precautions before you get in a car.  If you can, riding in the bed of a truck is safer.

Taxis
You can get almost anywhere for $5.  From the airport to downtown is $5.  If they charge you higher than $8, you can get them to lower their price by speaking spanish. 

When you are in Downtown PV, you will notice the over-abundance of taxis.

Nestled between palm-covered mountains, a river and an azure sea, Puerto Vallarta is seriously picturesque. It’s also full of cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses, and sits in front of a gorgeous sandy beach.

There are dolphins in the bay year-round, and humpback whales between November and March.

The peak holiday periods are July and August, mid-December to early January, and a week either side of Easter.

At these times, resorts attract big tourist crowds, room prices go up, and everything is heavily booked, so reservations are recommended.

November to April are reliably dry, warm, blissful and popular months for travel among North Americans and Europeans.

The water is perfect for swimming all year long. Diving and snorkeling can be good year-round, but visibility is usually highest (except during plankton blooms) in the dry winter months.

Fun surf can be reasonably expected year-round, but waves are biggest from May to November. Deep-sea fishing, also practiced all year, has its own species-specific seasons.

Bird-watchers often prefer winter visits, when birds migrate down to the coastal lagoons from North America. Whale-watching is best from January to March.

Learn Spanish at the Spanish Experience Center

Study abroad in Puerto Vallarta in the surroundings of a traditional Mexican Village,  live in the community and enjoy the culture while learning the language.

Living it is learning it!

We offer a unique program which will allow you to develop the language skills you desire in the beautiful setting of Puerto Vallarta.

Situated in the heart of the magnificent & romantic Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta is known as a premier destination in Mexico because of the beauty of the location and the variety of activities available.

The weather is fantastic throughout the year, the beaches & ocean are some of the best in Mexico. Located in the State of Jalisco, home to some of Mexico’s finest & most famous traditions, it is a short distance from numerous points of interest including Guadalajara.

We offer part-day and full-day Spanish language courses along with activity programming to give you the full immersion experience.

The school is located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta just 1 block from the beach and 3 blocks from the Malecon (boardwalk). Our Mexican Hacienda will provide all the modern comforts set in a traditional Mexican atmosphere.

The school is equipped with computers & wireless internet access which are available to all students during normal school hours. Additionally, all of our classrooms are air-conditioned.

With our small class size, individual attention and modern amenities, your experience will be ideal – living it is learning it!

Each of these fills one day. Together they touch on some of PV’s most quintessential experiences, from shopping to getting outdoors for adventure tours or golfing, or just relaxing at the best beaches and spas.

Romancing the Zone

Head south of downtown to the Zona Romántica for a day of excellent shopping and dining. Stop at Isla Cuale for trinkets and T-shirts; have an island breakfast overlooking the stream at the River Cafe or an excellent lunch at Le Bistro, where the romantic, neo-Continental décor and monumental architecture produce a flood of endorphins.

Most of the stores in the neighborhood will either ship your oversized prizes for you or expertly pack them and recommend reputable shipping companies. Crossing the pedestrian bridge nearest the bay, drop nonshoppers at Los Muertos Beach.

They can watch the fishermen on the small pier, lie in the sun, sit in the shade with a good book, or walk south to the rocky coves of Conchas Chinas Beach, which is good for snorkeling when the water is calm.

Meanwhile, the shoppers head to Calle Basilio Badillo and surrounding streets for folk art, housewares, antiques, clothing, and accessories. End the day back at Los Muertos with dinner, drinks, and live music.

Some of the musicians at beachfront restaurants work for the restaurant, others are freelancers. If a roving musician (or six) ask what you’d like to hear, ask the price of a song.

A Different Resort Scene

If you’ve got wheels, explore a different sort of beach resort. After breakfast, grab beach togs, sunscreen, and other essentials for a day at the beach and head north. Those with a sweet tooth might make a pit stop at Pie in The Sky, with excellent pie, chocolate, and other sugar fixes.

About 45 minutes north of PV, join Mexican families on the beach at Rincón de Guayabitos, on long Jaltemba Bay. Play in the mild surf; walk the pretty, long beach; or head just a mile south to Playa Los Ayala, where you can take a ride in a glass-bottom boat.

Vendors on the sand sell chilled coconuts and watermelon from their brightly colored stands. On the way back south, stop in the small town of San Francisco, aka San Pancho, for dinner.

You can’t go wrong at La Ola Rica, Gallo’s Pizzeria, or the slightly more sophisticated Cafe del Mar (brush the sand off your feet for that one). In high season and especially on weekend evenings, one of the three will probably have live music, especially Gallo’s.

Tips:
Take a water taxi out for a look at El Islote island, where with luck you might spot a whale between December and March.

Head for the Hills

For an unforgettable experience (at least for a few days, until your thigh muscles recover), take a horse-riding expedition into Vallarta’s verdant tropical forest.

Rancho Charro and Rancho Ojo de Agua have full-day excursions; the former has several multiday excursions as well, including tours to the former silver-mining towns of Mascota and San Sebastián. For those who prefer motorized horsepower, Wild Vallarta runs full-day ATV tours to San Sebastián.

Tips:
Full-day and overnight trips provide food and refreshments, but if possible bring a day pack with things to make yourself comfortable: bottled water, tissues or handkerchief, bandana, and plenty of sunblock. Don’t pack it so full that it’s unpleasantly heavy, however. Wear a hat.

A Day of Golf and Steam

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s best golfing destinations. And what better way to top off a day of play than with a steam, soak, and massage? At the south end of the Costalegre, Grand Bay Isla Navidad has variety of play (three 9-hole courses) and a spa with massage, facials, and a gym.

Above PV, the Four Seasons has 19 holes of good golfing (the optional 19th on its own little island) and an excellent spa, but the latter is for guests only. In between these two extremes are less-exclusive but still great courses.

The closest spas to the greens of Marina Vallarta and the excellent Vista Vallarta are those of the Westin Regina and the CasaMagna Marriott.

The El Tigre course is associated with the Paradise Village resort, but this excellent and moderately priced spa is open also to those who golf at Mayan Palace, just up the road and at Flamingos, at the far northern edge of Nuevo Vallarta.

Tips:
Ask your concierge (or look online) to find out how far ahead you can reserve, and then try for the earliest possible tee time to beat the heat.

If the course you choose doesn’t have a club pool, you can have lunch and hang at the pool at the resorts suggested above, or get a massage, facial, or other treatment (always reserve ahead).

Downtown Exploration

Puerto Vallarta hasn’t much at all in the way of museums, but with a little legwork, you can get a bit of culture. Learn about the area’s first inhabitants at the tiny but tidy Museo Arqueológico (closed Sunday), with info in English.

Come forward in time more than a millennium to the houses that love built…or at least bought. Occupied by lovers Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton during their much publicized Vallarta romance, Casa Kimberly, and the Burton House across from it, are open to visitors 9-6, except Sunday, for an $8 fee.

After seeing the memorabilia, wend through the hilly (and uneven) streets of Gringo Gulch for sea views and a look at homes of various eras en route to Vallarta’s Catedral de La Virgen de Guadalupe, dedicated to Mexico’s most revered icon.