Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Bienvenido to Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico where you are greeted with a genuine sense of welcome, beauty, warmth and receive a flavor of old world local charm mixed with history in a modern day world…

This is one our favorite destinations, so much so we bought a relaxing condo/ our retreat to enjoy part time living and stress relief downtime.

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“Puerto Vallarta Mexico’s small town atmosphere, friendly local people, simple lifestyle, and lower cost of living attract foreign residents who enjoy the good life. Offering an unrivaled combination of simple pleasures and sophisticated charms, this captivating city is home to a lively community of more than 5,000 expatriates who came to visit, fell under the town’s tropical spell, and stayed… read more” –www.pvlifestyle.com

“Banderas Bay is one of the 28 most beautiful bays of the world, framed by the majestic mountains of the Sierra Madre consisting of 40 miles of coastline with turquoise and emerald waters. Featured by international championship golf courses and an unimaginable number of activities for travelers seeking adventure to the most cultivated traveler who can expect the best from a world class destination.

But Puerto Vallarta is also a destination rich in culture and traditions and keeping all the spirit and charm of a small Mexican town and is home of many cultural festivals, sport tournaments, music, theater, cinema, gastronomic events, traditional indigenous culture, pilgrimages full of color and tradition, golf championships and sailing regattas.

Puerto Vallarta is home to some of the most prestigious Art Galleries in Mexico; also present an impressive collection of public art along its famous Malecon. Since the destination has a great range of internationally notable restaurants, it is the second gastronomic destination nationwide and makes visitors experience an excellent culinary journey.” – Copyright 2009 Fideicomiso de Turismo de PV. All Rights Reserved. – www.visitpuertovallarta.com

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Accommodations

  • PVR vacationspuerto-vallarta-vacations-rental-propertyfor great Vacation Rental Properties, General Rentals & Property Management has joined with the real estate investment company, G3Mex Group in a collaborative effort to help serve their clientele with a great deal of care.
    • Be sure to let them know that Emerald Travelutions referred you.

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Adventures

What is one of the most important elements of youthfulness that we often neglect to include in our lives on a regular basis? …the exploration of adventurous experiences especially in nature.

  • Los Vernanos Canopy Tourcanopy-tours-chicos-paradise-puerto-vallarta Vallarta’s leading eco-tour company… gives you a bird’s eye view of indigenous plants and other jungle life as you ride zip lines from treetop to treetop through the jungle. With more than 2 miles of cable in a series of 14 zip lines, you will become familiar with the lush beautiful environment.
  • Following your eco-tour you can swim in the river and use the complementary water slides or enjoy one of the local delicacies at the riverside restaurant.
  • Vallarta Adventures Inspired by Nature Las Caletas John Houston's Garden of Eden“Las Caletas …unique by day, exotic by night was for many years film director John Huston’s private Garden of Eden.”  And it is no wonder why… With ecological integrity this beautiful paradise is nestled in an exclusive tropical cove accessible only by sea.

    • Aside from lounging in a hammock or soaking in your vitamin “D” beside the water, you have optional activities to enjoy and explore by day which includes a wonderful lunch buffet (great for vegan vegetarians too!)    …or Rhythms of the Night where “you will witness Mexico’s mythological past.”
    • US Phone:  (888) 526-2238; Vallarta Phone: (322) 297-1212 ext 3
    • Email: info@vallarta-adventures.com
    • www.Vallarta-Adventures.com
    • This is an excellent experience if you are seeking tranquility and adventure within one of nature’s own tropical gems!

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Lets Eat! Where to go for a Youthful Evolution™ Lifestyle?

  • HappyCowhappy-cow-healthy-eating-travelersA directory of Puerto Vallarta Vegetarian Restaurants, Vegan Restaurants, Natural Food Restaurant, & Health Food Stores... read more

 

  • 100% NaturalRestaurante 100% percent natural restaurantesThis site is in Spanish but provides information and locations about their 100% Natural Restaurants.
    • Ovo, Lacto, Vegan-friendly, Organic, Juice bar, Not 100% Vegetarian, Serves meat, veg options available. Offers some vegan and vegetarian food options. Breakfast fruit plates, oatmeal, omelets, smoothies, vegetable juices, and healthy food.
    • Phone:  322-2232974
    • Address: Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 1630 (at opposite Sheraton Buganvilias)
  • El ArrayanPuerto Vallarta is an intimate little Mexican restaurant with a lot of soul. Offering a variety of authentic yet unusual Mexican food dishes using only the best traditional recipes and highest quality ingredients, and acquiring a wonderful reputation and large clientele along the way. Situated in the heart of Old Town, it’s an easy walk from the Malecón. El Arrayán opened its doors November 2003.The owner, Carmen Porras, a young entrepreneur with an enormous love of Mexico and its cuisine, decided to create EL ARRAYÁN because she felt a need to showcase genuine yet different and unique Mexican food in a casual and friendly atmosphere, with excellent service and great attention to detail.
  • Fruit Forestfirst started its operation in the city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in 2006, and is dedicated to supplying the city’s prime hotels, restaurants and supermarkets with superior quality fruits and vegetables.
    • Phone: 01 (322) 222-0606, 222-3787
    • Address: Calle Constitucion 363, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta, Jal. Mexico
    • Email: fruit_forest@lycos.com
  • Mary 100% Vegetariano
    • Breakfast: 9 am – 12 noon; Lunch Buffet: 1 pm – 6 pm
    • Phone: (322) 223-5761
    • Address: Honduras No. 309, Hotel Paloma Del Mar, Planta Baja, Col. 5 De Diciembre

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General Resources

  • G3MEX Group and PVLifeStyle… what a team!  As PV property living outside of Mexico we couldn’t be happier with the service we have received from G3Mex and PV LifeStyle.
    • G3MEX Group Real Estate Investment, Development, Broker Services for Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas.  The founders / partners are personal friends and we know them to serve their clients very well. In fact one of the partners Jeanne has basically grown up with and his mother is our friend/partner in ownership of our PV condo.
      • “G3MEX Group is a real estate investment, development and broker services company. We create wealth for investors by capitalizing on sound, ethical real estate opportunities generated through strategic networking and alliances with our partners and affiliates in the real estate communities…” read more
      • www.G3Mex.com
      • Investing in real property in Mexico can raise concerns about a variety of issues, so G3Mex Group can guide international clients through an assortment of business transactions – before, during and after purchasing real estate in Puerto Vallarta. “Our knowledge of the intricacies of foreign ownership of property in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta’s real estate market, and Mexico’s real estate laws and regulations allow us to assist our clients with professionalism and integrity.”

 

  • PVR vacationsfor great Vacation Rental Properties, General Rentals & Property Management has joined with the real estate investment company, G3Mex Group in a collaborative effort to help serve their clientele with a great deal of care.
    • 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
    • Be sure to let them know that Emerald Travelutions referred you.

 

  • A great online resource go to MexOnline.com as the “Oldest and Trusted Online Guides to Mexico”

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Are you looking for Natural Health Stores?

  • HappyCow
    A directory of Puerto Vallarta Vegetarian Restaurants, Vegan Restaurants, Natural Food Restaurant, & Health Food Stores... read more
  • Jabon arte
    • 100% Natural – Body Shop –  Hand Made
    • Proprieter: Jennifer Cardona
    • Monday through Friday: 10 am – 8 pm; Saturday: 11 am – 8 pm
    • Phone: 044 (322) 128 7445
    • Address: Lazaro Cardenas 286, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta
    • Email: jabonartepv@hotmail.com
  • Natural Life (food store);
    • R.F.C. SAGC-7801004-2E7;
    • Phone: 225-88-00
    • Address: Guerreo No. 267 B, Esq. Con 20 De Noviembre, El Pitillal, Puerto Vallarta
  • Organic Super Foods

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Are you looking for services related toYouthful Evolution™ Lifestyles?

  • Facilities

    • Terra Noble Spa… Art & Healing Center
      Terra Noble is located at the highest point of Puerto Vallarta’s center. It is surrounded by an ecological reserve called “Agua Azul” interlocked in the exuberant jungle of the Sierra Madre. In the middle of a beautiful esplenade an architectonic work called “Villa Kenya” you can witness the panoramic view. “Villa Kenya” has been featured in Architectural Digest and 25 TV shows worldwide.

      • Jungle Spa & Healing Center
      • Villa rentals
      • Individual & group forms of healing as well as beauty treatments, massages, and sweat lodge ceremonies.
      • Phone: 52 (322) 223 0308
      • Address: Tulipanes 595, Fracc. Lomas de Terranoble, Agua Azul, 48350 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
      • Email: info@terranoble.com
      • www.terranoble.com

  • Fitness:

    • DavannaYoga
      Davannayoga is a yoga school dedicated to its students growth in their yoga practice and in their lives. We have only certified and compssionate teachers who are skilled at teaching on an individual Asana Basis, adjusting the practice for the unique needs of each student. We are the only yoga school in Puerto Vallarta designated as a Registered Yoga School with the Yoga Alliance.

      • They also offer DavannaYoga for children
      • US Phone: (530) 534-9162 ; Local Mex Phone: (322) 223-0530; Mobile: 044 (322) 147 7008
      • Address: Calle Matamoros 542, Centro, Puerto Vallarta
      • Email: anna@davannayoga.com
      • www.Davannayoga.com
    • Pv Yoga & Pilates
    • Yoga Vallarta

  • Massage:

    • Migun Massage BedCenter located just south and left from the front of Marbella
      • A wonderful 40 minute therapeutic massage and  relaxing treat.
      • Owner: Martha Ilalia; Manager: Isabel
      • Monday through Saturday; 8 am – 9 pm; ranges from $50 – $80 pesos
      • Phone: 322-293-6241
      • Address: Plaza Caracol Local No. 4-I, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio Km 2.5, Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, JAL 48310 Mexico
      • www.MigunWorld.com
    • Spirit Hands
      • Professional Massages: Deep Tissue; Therapeutic Massage; Reflexology; Hot Stones; Relaxation; Body Treatments; Facials; Prenatal
      • Juanita de Dios Flores
      • Mobile Phones: 044 (322) 7288 842; 044 (322) 1357 189
      • Address: Basilio Badillo 329 Local B, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
    • Venus Sunshine Massage Center & Spa
      • Reflexology; Aromatherapy; Shiatsu; Facials; Body Treatments
      • Phone: 223-2714; Mobile: 044-322-135-0943
      • Address: Aquies Serdan No. 220, Downtown Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
      • Email: venusmassage@yahoo.es
      • http://www.VenusSunshinepv.com
      • My husband Gary & I had the  couples therapeutic massages by Arely and Irene in the tranquility of a palapa and enjoyed the experience immensely. Garaldin (also a therapist) received us and made the arrangements for our massages. She speaks good English. Mary-Karen who was attending someone else is also recommended. They are all very good and accommodating. The entire experience is fabulous and we highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to receive a rejuvenating massage.

  • Practioners:

    • Dr. Jose Luis Pena Montes de Oca: U. De G. Obstetrician Surgeon / Naturopathy (Medicina Naturista)
      • Dist. Products Dr. Silverio Salinas
      • Natural Store: The Lilly of The Valleys
      • Phone: 22-4-05-48
      • Address: Juarez No. 200, El Pitillal, Puerto Vallarta, Jal, Mexico
      • NOTE: We haven’t personally checked out these services of yet, but he was referred to us in case we are ever in need.
    • Oriental Healing
      • Acupuncture-Massage-Bach Flower Essence
      • Robin L. Manoogian, L. AC.
        • Licensed Acupunturist (US)
      • All services available for out calls. (extra charges apply)
      • US Phone: (646) 216-8616; Mex Phone:(322) 222 1449; Mex Mobile: 044 (322) 170 3027
      • Address: Hidalgo 173 (off Libertad), Col. Emiliano Zapata C.P. 48300, Puerto Vallarta, Jal
      • Email: orientalhealing@prodigy.net.mx
      • www.HealingPV.com

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Additional Puerto Vallarta Gems: What are some more tips we can share with you from our experiences in PV?

  • FRIENDLY LOCAL PEOPLE: The majority of people we have come in contact with in Puerto Vallarta are very friendly and accommodating including our experiences with the local police.
    • About the only annoyance we have found are Mayan Resort representatives about time-shares. They are always very nice but do their best to trap your time and are in many places at once. If this works for you great and pursue at your own risk of time! If not….
      • ….our tip to you is without taking time to stop let them know you already own a place.
      • Sources tell us once you accept their invitation to their establishment for a nice presentation it can be hours and hours before you can peel yourself away and it is difficult to leave without some level of commitment to their program.
  • CLEANING YOUR FRUIT & VEGIES: Although it is common to use a solution called Microdyn to wash/soak fruit and vegetables we prefer a more non-evasive product such as Apple Cider Vinegar (haven’t found there) or Essential Oil of Lemon. There is a blue plastic wash basin under the kitchen sink for this purpose.
  • LOCAL SHOPPING ANYONE?If you are interested in local small town shopping outside of the mainstream with less expensive local work, there is a small community of El Pitillal. From the main road Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, take a right turn (east) onto a side road that runs by Sam’s Club.
    • You will notice a shack like structure on the right hand side of the road as you approach El Pitillal with hand crafted furnishings. It is a short distance before the paved road ends and cobblestone begins. A great little place if you are interested in anything along this line.
    • If you take a bus, again be sure it is blue/white and has a destination of Pitillal on it.
    • You will want to get off the bus when the paved road ends and cobblestone begins.
    • If using a bus for your return from Pitillal, be sure the blue/white bus does not have Ixtapa marked on it, unless you want to venture to Ixtapa. Evidently those buses do Ixtapa/Pitillal runs
  • Plaza Caracol is located just south/left from the front of Marbella, offers many conveniences:
    • Banamex Bank
    • Money Booths (Cambios)
    • Indoor shopping mall
    • Soriana (supermarket)
    • Upscale department store
    • Boutiques
    • Drop-off Laundry
    • TelCel stores/stands (to buy cell phone time)
    • Fitness Center
    • Migun Massage Bed Center (if you haven’t tried this Jeanne finds them to be great, they have some locations in the states)
    • Beauty Salon
    • Movie Theater
    • Eateries
    • Juice Bars
    • And more….

Local flavor?

Puerto Vallarta’s CITY PAPER: PV Mirror; Vol.1 Issue 28, April 11 to 17, 2009; www.pvmirror.com

“If you’ve been meaning to find a little information on the region, but never quite got around to it, we hope that the following will help. Look at the map in this issue, you will note that PV (as the locals call it) is on the west coast of Mexico, in the middle of the Bay of Banderas, the largest bay in this country, that includes southern part of the state of Nayarit to the north and the northern part of Jalisco to the south.
Thanks to its privileged location -sheltered by the Sierra Madre mountains- the Bay is well protected against the hurricanes spawned in the Pacific. Hurricane Kenna came close on October 25, 2002, but actually touched down in San Blas, Nayarit, some 200 miles north of PV. The town sits on the same parallel as the Hawaiian Islands, thus the similarities in the climate of the two destinations.”

  • AREA: 1,300 sq. kilometers
  • POPULATION: Approx. 325,000
    Inhabitants
  • CLIMATE: Tropical, humid, with an average of 300 sunny days per year. The temperature averages 28oC (82oF) and the rainy season extends from late June to early October.
  • FAUNA: Nearby Sierra Vallejo hosts a great variety of animal species such as iguana, guacamaya, deer, raccoon, etc.
  • SANCTUARIES: Bahía de Banderas encloses two Marine National Parks – Los Arcos and the Marieta Islands – where diving is allowed under certain circumstances but fishing of any kind is prohibited. Every year, the Bay receives the visit of the humpback whales, dolphins and manta rays in the winter. During the summer, sea turtles, a protected species, arrive to its shores to lay their eggs.
  • ECONOMY: Local economy is based mainly on tourism, construction and to a lesser degree, on agriculture, mainly tropical fruit such as mango, papaya, watermelon, pineapple, guanabana, cantaloupe and bananas.
  • CURRENCY: The Mexican Peso is the legal currency in Mexico although Canadian and American dollars are widely accepted.
  • BUSES: A system of urban buses with different routes. Current fare is $6.50 Pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board another bus. There are no “transfers”. Students and seniors pay half price.
  • TAXIS: There are set rates within defined zones of the town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver FIRST. If you are staying in a hotel, you may want to check the rates usually posted in the lobby. Also, if you know which restaurant you want to go, do not let the driver change your mind. Many restaurateurs pay commissions to taxi drivers and you may end up paying more than you should, in a second-rate establishment! There are 2 kinds of taxi cabs: those at the airport and the maritime port are usually vans that can only be boarded there. They have pre-fixed rates per passenger. City cabs are yellow cars that charge by the ride, not by passenger. When you ask to go downtown, many drivers let you off at the beginning of the area, near Hidalgo Park. However, your fare covers the ENTIRE central area, so why walk 10 to 15 blocks to the main plaza, the Church or the flea market? Pick up a free map, and insist on your full value from the driver! Note the number of your taxi in case of any problem, or if you forget something in the cab. Then your hotel or travel rep can help you check it out or lodge a complaint.
  • TIME ZONE: The State of Jalisco is on Central Time, but the neighboring State of Nayarit (Nuevo Vallarta, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Bucerías, Punta Mita, etc.) is on Mountain Time. Nevertheless, most hotels and restaurants there function on Central
    Time to accommodate tourists to the Bay of Banderas as a whole.
  • TELEPHONE CALLS: Always check on the cost of long distance calls from your hotel room. Some establishments charge as much as U.S. $7.00 per minute!
  • CELL PHONES: Most cellular phones from the U.S. and Canada may be programmed for local use, through Telcel and IUSAcell, the local carriers. To dial cell to cell, use the prefix 322, then the seven digit number of the person you’re calling. Omit the prefix if dialling a land line.
  • LOCAL CUSTOMS: Tipping is usually 10%-15% of the bill at restaurants and bars. Tip bellboys, taxis, waiters, maids, etc. depending on the service. Taking a siesta is a Mexican tradition. Some businesses and offices close from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., reopening until 7 p.m. or later. In restaurants, it is considered poor manners to present the check before it is requested, so when you’re ready to leave, ask «La cuenta, por favor» and your bill will be delivered to you. If you’ve been meaning to find a little information on the region, but never quite got around to it, we hope that the following will help. Look at the map in this issue, you will note that PV (as the locals call it) is on the west coast of Mexico, in the middle of the Bay of Banderas,
    the largest bay in this country, that includes southern part of the state of Nayarit to the north and the northern part of Jalisco to the south. Thanks to its privileged location -sheltered by the Sierra Madrevmountains- the Bay is well protected against the hurricanes spawned in the Pacific. Hurricane Kenna came close on October 25, 2002, but actually touched down in San Blas, Nayarit, some 200 miles north of PV. The town sits on the same parallel as the Hawaiian Islands, thus the similarities in the climate of the two destinations.
  • MONEY EXCHANGE: Although you may have to wait in line for a few minutes, remember that the banks will give you a higher rate of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio). Better yet, if you have a «bank card», withdraw funds from your account back home. Try to avoid exchanging money at your hotel. Traditionally, those offer the worst rates. For today approximate rate go to Foreign Currency Exchange Rate as reported by The Universal Currency Converter at www.xe.com/ucc.
  • WHAT TO DO: Even if your all inclusive hotel is everything you ever dreamed of, you should experience at least a little of all that Vallarta has to offer – it is truly a condensed version of all that is Mexican and existed before  «Planned Tourist Resorts», such as Cancun, Los Cabos and Ixtapa, were developed. Millions have been spent to ensure that the original “small town” flavor is maintained downtown, in the Old Town and on the South Side.
  • DRINKING WATER: The false belief that a Mexican vacation must inevitably lead to an encounter with Moctezuma’s revenge is just that: false. For the 17th year in a row, Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for human consumption. It is one of only two cities in Mexico that can boast of such accomplishment. True, the quality of the water tested at the purification plant varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. So do be careful. On the other hand, most large hotels have their own purification equipment and most restaurants use purified water. If you want to be doubly sure, you can pick up purified bottled water just about anywhere.
  • EXPORTING PETS: Canadian and American tourists often fall in love with one of the many stray dogs and cats in Vallarta. Many would like to bring it back with them, but believe that the laws do not allow them to do so. Wrong. If you would like to bring a cat or a dog back home, call the local animal shelter for more info: 293-3690.
  • LOCAL SIGHTSEEING: A good beginning would be to take one of the City Tours offered by the local tour agencies. Before boarding, make sure you have a map and take note of the places you want to return to. Then venture off the beaten path. Explore a little. Go farther than the tour bus takes you. And don’t worry – this is a safe place.
  • MEXICO CALLING CODES:The international calling code for Mexico is: 011
    • When calling a local cell phone # within Puerto Vallarta from a landline phone/phone booth to a cell phone you must dial: 044 (area code) 7 digit #
    • When calling a local cell # from a local cell phone dial: (area code) 7 digit #
    • When calling a local cell phone # from the U.S. or Canada you need to dial: 011-521 (area code) 7 digit #
    • When calling a Mexican landline # from the U.S. or Canada you need to dial: 011-52 (area code) 7 digit #
    • Local calls dial 7 digit #, the area code does not need to be dialed

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