Puerto Vallarta is a perpetual paradise with exceptional scenery. Surrounded by exotic tropical mountains with thick picturesque jungles and bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta has a personality all of its own. This Mexican coastal village has evolved into a modern day treasure-trove for tourists without diminishing all of the rich cultural heritage and local traditions which have existed in Puerto Vallarta centuries before it turned into an exquisite vacation destination. Adventurous travelers searching for adrenaline will discover majestic pleasures while experiencing nature at its finest. Vacationers looking for rest and relaxation will savor the hypnotic sound of rhythmic waves pounding upon the golden shoreline.
The best way for visitors to experience the wildlife, plants, and natural beauty of the tropical jungles surrounding Puerto Vallarta is by hiking deep into this exotic environment. The Sierra Madre Tour is what many avid hikers consider the best. The guides will lead hikers toward waterfalls and many spectacular vistas. This activity is especially ideal for those wanting to venture well off the beaten path.
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Located on the edge of the Bay of Banderas are the El Morro rock formations. Here amid these magnificent pinnacles which rise above the surface of the ocean visitors will find underwater caves, arches, drop-offs, and an amazing variety of sea life. This is a scuba diver’s paradise. Turtles and dolphins are abundant.
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What better way is there to explore and experience the rich tropical jungles of Puerto Vallarta than zipping amid the treetops, above rushing rivers, animals, and waterfalls at speeds upwards of 30 miles per hour? Taking a canopy tour is the ultimate ecological rush. Many visitors boast that this is the best activity in Puerto Vallarta. Canopy Tours de Los Veranos is one of the leading companies, and the scenic plants and wildlife are abundant in the region. They also have a tequila bar and restaurant for those too timid to fly through the air on a zip line.
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Situated above the summit of one of Puerto Vallarta’s most impressive Pacific cliffs sits the ultimate adventurous vacation activity, bungee jumping! Visitors can either jump with the bungee cord secured to their chests and wastes or have it linked to their ankles so that they can dive face first toward the earth. The waters below will rush toward the jumper at an amazing velocity that will leave their heart racing with pulsating adrenaline. Thrill seekers must make sure they are determined to jump though, since once payment is received there is no refund for second thoughts. Also, those voyeuristic adventurous who decide to jump naked will receive their thrills for free.
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The best way for visitors to experience the views of Puerto Vallarta is by taking a cruise in the Bay of Banderas. The Sunset Cruise is the best tour to showcase the spectacular beauty of the town and water. This is a romantic excursion and is very peaceful and scenic. Although there are many boat tours in Vallarta, the Sunset Cruise is insider information because this is what most locals consider the best party cruise.
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This small tropical village south of Puerto Vallarta is only accessible by water taxi, but the rewards of seclusion are priceless. Only about 250 families live on the island. Renting a horse will allow you to explore the island at leisure. Hiking is also spectacular in the region. The beaches are scenic, the waterfalls are picturesque, and the tranquility flutters through the air like a warm summer breeze.
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Accessible by boat, Yelapa offers a mellow jungle lifestyle that has rushing rivers and an impressive jungle waterfall. This is a hippie village, and some people can arrive here by hiking through rugged cliffs or mountain biking. Until recently there were no modern conveniences, but electricity has now arrived to this remote beach location. The scenery is amazing and the beach village is situated a world away from the rapid velocity of modern-day existence.
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Stroll along the Malecon.
The malecon is the stone boardwalk adjacent to the Ocean. The views of the bay and the Pacific sunsets are magnificent. Many great restaurants, cafes, bars, and artists can be found in the area. This is the heart of Puerto Vallarta and a must see attraction.
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The tropical Caribbean flavor and scenic bay vista merge together in this delicious international restaurant. The latitude of Vallarta is perfect for savoring delectable recipes from the West Indies.
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This marina restaurant offers spectacular marina views and some of the best seafood in Vallarta. Mexican food is also available and the wide array of delicious deserts are also worth tasting.
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This Spanish Caribbean restaurant serves up delicious food amid an ambience of lavish Havana style. The mojito is a house specialty drink and the live music and dancing will keep you entertained while you savor the flavors of one of Vallarta’s most popular restaurants.
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An exceptional Tuito River view amid tropical Sierra Madre Mountains gives this jungle restaurant an exotic ambience that is unprecedented. This establishment is off the beaten path and the ceviche and spicy Mexican seafood is mouthwatering. Sit and relax by many of the small natural pools.
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This Oriental cuisine serves up great food from numerous countries in the region, including Tae, Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, and Filipina. The spicy flavors deliver a fiery shot of old Mexico into the traditional Asian dishes. The seafood is amazing.
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This is where the movie “Night of the Iguana” was filmed. Diners can view the original set. The panoramic high altitude views provides a full glimpse of the entire Bay of Banderas. White umbrellas and live mariachi music make the ambience warm and friendly.
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Mariscos 8 Tostadas is a local favorite and is usually very crowded. You may experience a bit of a wait, but the delicious food is well worth your time. The specialty is fresh seafood spread upon tostadas. The ceviche is amazing. This restaurant closes early, around six pm, usually due to the fact that all the food is gone by then since this is such a popular fish and seafood eatery.
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This restaurant is located on the seventh level of the Lindo Mar Hotel. The elevated view and the Spanish flair of the recipes makes this a great choice. Steak is the house specialty.
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This fish and seafood restaurant is situated within the luxurious Westin Regina Hotel, and the food is exceptional. The lobster is especially delectable, and cooked in many unique styles. The beachfront location offers amazing views.
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This is a nice martini bar located conveniently in the downtown area. The martinis are decorated with strawberries and Lemons, hence the name. This is a good place for couples and those other than young spring breakers searching for their next beer to funnel. Patrons should expect friendly service and a simple yet comfortable ambience.
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Puerto Vallarta is a relatively safe Mexican city. However, women should always exercise caution when walking alone late at night. Staying in the tourist areas away from the outskirts of town will minimize being put into any precarious situations. Do not flash money on the streets and do not wear excessively valuable item such as jewelry and watches. El pitillal is an especially dangerous neighborhood outside of Puerto Vallarta between New Vallarta and Vallarta which should be avoided by tourists.
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This is one of the most famous nightclubs in Mexico. The later the evening gets, the younger the crowd. Older vacationers will also enjoy this place, but it is mainly a spring break type mentality, with drinking contests, pulsating music, and bikini contests. It is a very fun nightclub and a great place to dance and be seen.
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This is a colorful festive nightclub with crazy people getting drunk and having fun. It is also a family friendly atmosphere, before the contests late at night make many girls take off their tops. The service is friendly and the ambience is very casual and fun. It is perfect for young people, but older visitors will also enjoy some of the experience, and everyone should stop in for at least a quick drink.
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