If you've ever been to Puerto Vallarta...?

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Janet C

I hope you and your daughters have some great experiences. The malecon (the "boardwalk" along the beach in town) is so nice - especially on weekend evenings when the local families come to enjoy it. There are many many great shops and restaurants.

Our "good experiences" include: bus rides (sometimes you'll be serenaded), street tacos in old town (the area south of the Rio Cuale, just up a few blocks from the beach there are several great taco/quesadilla stands), a boat ride in the bay (the south part is our favorite - absolutely gorgeous from the water!), the towns north of PV such as Bucerias (where we've stayed for years) or San Pancho, lots of surfers in Sayulita....I could go on and on!

The only bad experience we've had - and this can happen anywhere - is credit card fraud, which the bank takes care of at no cost to you, but it's a hassle. And I don't care for the timeshare sales people who are all over PV in the tourist area....they do get to be a "pain" after awhile.

I'd like to respond to "friendly...."s comments above.
He/She stayed at the Four Seasons resort at Punta Mita - about an hour away from downtown Puerto Vallarta....an area of new development, all "Americanized", which IMO lacks Mexican flavor and charm. The Four Seasons is probably one of the nicest upscale resorts in the area.......but not the place to stay if you want to experience the "real" Mexico - as evidenced in his/her comments:
"....we were sheltered from the ugly experiences.....". I can't help but wonder why people go to Mexico - which we know is a very poor country - and then are disgusted when they see poverty, dirt, etc. Why travel to another country if you want to be "sheltered" from the life and customs of the people who live there? There is so much beauty in and around PV, and the local people are absolutely wonderful. It's so unfortunate that "friendly..." was disappointed at his/her glimpse of Mexico when they peeked from the shelter of a glitzy resort. (Sorry for the rant)

Lprod

It's a small town and very pretty, where you can stroll the narrow streets, have an ice cream, sit down on the Malecon to see the sunset, do some water activities such as parasailing, etc...... there are plenty of restaurants and clubs, shops, art galleries..... so it all depends on your interests and what you want to do there. The weather is great although it'll still be hurricane season so you may have some rain and bad weather if a hurricane passes by the Pacific coast... but other than that it's one of my favorite vacation spots, with lots to see (also out of town) and do, not too high prices, not crowded because it's not as touristy as Cancun or Cabo.... I just love it. Have a nice trip.

Joe P

Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful place to visit. You can spend hours strolling the streets shopping. Make sure that you walk along the sea. The walkway is right downtown. It is peaceful, pretty and there are some statues to view. Visit the churches. They have wonderful architecture. The beaches are beautiful. You will have a wonderful time.

TravelGirl

The salsa and guacamole are fantastic

Don't drink the water or have ice cubes in your drinks

Depending on the age of your children and whether they like the water - sailing, snorkeling trips are available

Do try the "street" food, by this I mean the small out of the way cafes that the locals frequent, the food is delicious and very inexpensive

If your condo includes staff be sure to tip them about $5 each for each day you are there.

Swim with dolphins is a wonderful experience

Stroll the boardwalk, at night the street performers come out

Have your children chew gum on take off and landing so their ears don't hurt. If your children are very young, bring along a bottle for them to drink as the plane lifts off and begins to descend for the same reason.

If you plan to eat in and it's available, have your condo rental company stock the refrigerator with basics so if you arrive hungry or thirsty you can give your children something to eat or drink right away.

Ask the condo rental agent a lot of questions about what is stocked to determine what you need to bring.

For more information - here is a guide to Puerto Vallarta - http://www.smarttravelreport.com/articles/4/1/Puerto-Vallarta-Travel-Guide/Page1.html

Arky's Girl

I have been to Puerto Vallarta several times. By air, by sea and by land. I love it there. It is one of the most charming cities I have been to in Mexico. Tipping 15% is adequate, but be sure to check your bill or the menu. Sometimes the tip is already included. If your condo is outside of the City you can always catch the bus, or one of the hundreds of converted golf carts run privately. They are not very expensive and it is also more fun. Be sure to ask the price before you start your ride. I don't know how old you or your daughters are, but if they are old enough be sure to check out the night life in the old downtown. If not, it's always fun to go to the downtown anytime. Lots to see and many good restaurants. Check out the Mercado and the Cathedral. Just walking along the Alameda ( The walkway by the water downtown) is a treat in itself. A jeep trip up into the jungle or down to Banderas Bay is enjoyable also. You can rent your own Jeep or be driven. Have a good time.

Allen A

The only down side of Puerto Vallarta are the time share sharks. As soon as you get your luggage at the airport they are on you like a rash. Don't let them convince you to visit any of the resorts for a free tour. This will ruin your holiday. Just keep on walking out of the airport to the taxi area. It is best if you have transportation booked ahead of time to take you to your destination.

Other than this, you will enjoy everything about Puerto Vallarta.

David R.

We are going for the 7th time in early nov. The weather by that time is usually starting to dry out, still a little hot and humid, but everything is green from the summer rains and the waterfalls around in the mountains are at their best. If you take a boat trip down to Quimixto, you can rent horses to ride up a trail to a waterfall with a nice swimming hole at the base of it. Your girls might also enjoy swimming with the dolphins at the Vallarta Adventure center in Nuevo Vallarta.

OsteodontokeraticMan

I would also recommend a bus-ride into one of the smaller towns like Mascota, to get a feel for the color and vitality of the more rural Mexico. Mascota would only be about an hour away, and it's in the foothills of the Sierra Madres.

goldie_10_99

You'll have a great time in Puerto Vallarta. In January, it will be my 6th visit to that lovely place. Walks along the Malecon are always good.there are plenty of nice restaurants there too. Shopping ???...just look around you while you're there. Some shopkeepers will barter with you for a good price. As for hurricane season in Oct....don't be too concerned about that. A few times I've been in Puerto Vallarta during October and had GREAT weather. Only once in history did a hurricane manage to do extensive damage in Vallarta.That was about 4 years ago, and the residents there are still scratching their heads on that one. The Sierra Madre mountains have a history of thwarting that type of storm, but the hurricane of 4 years ago, seemed to get around those mountains. The townspeople got together very quickly, and before anyone knew it, the town looked as though it had never suffered any damage. You'll love the people.They're always trying to please; and they're very friendly. A warm smile, "yes please & no thank you" goes a long way. Don't be surprised to hear "it's my pleasure" after you say thank you to something.

Level Headed, I hope

There's good shopping downtown and some ok restaurants.

The restaurant El Set is phenomenal.

Visit http://www.vallarta-adventures.com ahead of time to book excursions. My husband and I didn't do that and a lot of the good tours were booked by the time we got there.

wannaplaytoo2001

no I can't but printed out your answers this morning and book and paid for my flight in March,also have a condo...ty and have a great time!

drewskimillmills

with two daughters you should definitely take them to a dolphin encounter...its not expensive and they will remember it for the rest of their lives...little kids love it...so much...

check out the companyÂ´s website

www.vallarta-adventures.com

friendlyplumber

my husband, dog and i just came from Puerto Vallarta 2 weeks ago. this was our first and maybe our last time. we stayed at the Four Seasons and this was the only saving grace to the entire trip since we were sheltered from all the ugly experiences one shouldn't have to go through while on holiday.

good experince - my husband catching a 10'-4" marlin since this is his first time w/ sport fishing, on a boat he chartered alone.

bad experience - dirty place :( the price doubles and triples as soon as locals find-out we were staying at the Four Seasons.

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