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Destinations » North America » Mexico » Estado de Jalisco » Puerto Vallarta » City Guide: Getting There/Around

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico » Getting Around Tour Information

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In the beginning, somewhere around the eighth day, Puerto Vallarta must have been created. Once you see the beauty of the area, you'll likely agree. Sunshine will be your daily companion as you walk the magnificent beaches, sail in the Bahia de Banderas, or hike the secluded areas. These are only some of the ways to enjoy this tropical paradise:

Water World One of the great ways for the whole family to enjoy the sights and water activities is by sailing on the Marigalante, a magnificent reproduction of a Spanish Galleon. Meals are served on board as you set sail for a day of snorkeling or other activities near the Marieta Islands. Evening cruises allow passengers to sail into the sunset while enjoying delightful cuisine, Mariachi music and fireworks. Eco Tours allows visitors the experience of communing with the families of humpback whales that return to Banderas Bay every year. You will be able to hear these wonderful creatures communicate with one another by the use of special hydrophones on board. Turtle Camp is another interesting and educational trip offered by Eco Tours. Visitors can help release baby Olive Ridley Sea Turtles into the bay in an effort to preserve this endangered species.

Alegre Cruises will take passengers to the beautiful and secluded fishing village of Yelapa. Once you arrive, enjoy swimming and snorkeling; or just bask in the peace and quiet of this unique area accessible only by boat. The Puerto Vallarta Fishing Company will take you on your quest to bring home a trophy fish. Blue, black and striped Marlin swim these waters, as do wahoo and yellowfin tuna. If you are here in November, you may want to participate in the annual International Sailfish Tournament. Cash prizes are awarded for the biggest catch and a great time is guaranteed, win or lose. Terra Firma If water sports are not your thing, there are still plenty of things to do besides lounging in the warm sunshine with a cool drink and being waited on hand and foot. Golf fans will be happy to see some excellent venues to perfect their skills. The Marina Vallarta Golf Club combines a magnificent ocean view with palms, lagoons and waterfalls. Herons, ducks, sand cranes, iguanas and alligators will help you keep score. Flamingos Golf Resort offers a par-72 challenge designed by Percy Clifford.

Bicycle and hiking tours are available through B-B-Bobby's Bikes located in downtown Puerto Vallarta. This outfit has an excellent reputation for guided tours through the area including trips to Las Animas and Yelapa. If you wish to pedal around town and see the sights on your own, you can do that also. BikeMex Adventures will take rides to many venues for all levels of riding skill. One exceptional day trip will take you to Punta de Mita, a beautiful costal area north of Puerto Vallarta.

For an enjoyable tour on foot, visit the seaside walkway called Malecon, part of Old Vallarta and considered the heart of the town. Art lovers will enjoy the works of internationally known Mexican artists featured at the Galeria Pacifico, and the place is well worth your time. This gallery offers not only fine works by Mexican artists, but a “Walking Art Tour” as well. These enjoyable jaunts take place every Tuesday morning from January through the early part of April. Another must-see is the Galeria Sergio Bustamante, hosting the artistry of this famous sculptor. Visitors can also enjoy the architecture of the Church of Guadalupe, one of the most recognized landmarks in town. With the beautiful bay as a backdrop, visitors will also see noted statuary such as Los Arcos (the arches), The Dolphins, and El Cabillito (the sea horse).

Sun, Sand and Surf Offering a combination of both water and land activities are the playas in and around Puerto Vallarta. Punta Mita, located in a small fishing village to the north, offers spectacular scenery and water sport venues. Off the coast sits the Marieta Islands that provide exceptional diving and whale-watching sites. Next, going south towards the city, is Bucerias, a quaint beach community and fishing village with sandy coves and cobblestone streets.

Heading into Puerto Vallarta proper, visitors will come to Playa de Oro, a paradise for surfers looking for the perfect wave. This beach is popular with both tourists and the many wandering vendors who cater to their every need, offering helpful items such as sunscreen as well as knickknacks like Aztec symbols. Playa de los Muertos, the “beach of the dead,” is located south of the Hotel Zone. Despite its notorious treacherous undercurrents, it is an extremely popular beach. Conchas Chinas, a quiet beach also in the hotel area, features natural wading-pools created by rock formations. At the southernmost point of Banderas Bay, and accessible only by boat, is the Playa Yelapa. As beautiful as it is secluded, its breathtaking views, waterfall, hiking trails and horseback riding make this a hidden paradise.

For a variety of land and sea excursions, as well as eco-tours, contact Vallarta Encountours.

However you choose to see the sights of this city—by land, by sea, or a combination of both—Puerto Vallarta will delight you with its beauty and friendly people. Those who visit are likely to dream of returning.

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