justin

My fiance and I are going on our honeymoon in January 2003. We are curious about Puerto Vallarta? Is it a really beautiful place? We want this to be the best trip ever so any information regarding premier honeymoon spots in Mexico or anywhere else would be awesome. We want to stay away from the really crowded stereotypical Mexican vacation spots. Thanks.

Ally

Hi Justin,<BR>I've been to PV and while some areas away from town are pretty, I wouldn't call it 'really beautiful'. That's just my opinion, others will say differently. My other concern for you would be your issue with staying away from really crowded stereotypical vacation spots. PV can be very crowded, especially in Jan.<BR>Maybe you might add Zihuatanejo to your possibilities? I don't think they get the crowds that PV gets, so that might be an option.<BR>If it were me...I'd go to Punta Islita Hotel in Costa Rica! Where ever you end up, have a great trip!

PV

I'll give my vote for Puerto Vallarta as being "really beautiful" (at least in El Centro and the old parts of town south of the river). Having said that... it IS a city of 300,000 people, lots of hussle and bussle, business, traffic, noise, busses, diesel fumes, timeshare sales, along with the postivie - cobblestone streets, red tile roofs, white stucco buildings, black wrought iron, out-of-the-way neighborhoods, mariachi bands, bouganvilla, palm trees, gorgeous sunsets. The local people are extremely friendly and the service and tourist industry well developed (in a good way).<BR><BR>So love that town as I do, and I hope you will visit one day, I don't think it fits what you want for your honeymoon.

JoJo

I have to agree with Ally, Puerto Vallarta is not really what I would call beautiful. The sunsets are really pretty and yes there are some spots away from town that are nice. What did amaze my husband and I was that the poeple there are incredibly nice and clean but they throw trash everywhere.<BR>The outsides of buildings are no indication of what is inside though. <BR>The outside of a building may have trash and be in need of paint but walk inside and it will be modern and sparkling clean. <BR>Again I can't say enouh about how nice everyone seemed to be.<BR>The prices are reasonable too. <BR>If you go have a good time.

Carole

You may want to consider the Tankah/Tulum area of the Mexican Caribbean. Here you will find the perfect mix of privacy, adventure, romance, beautiful beaches and great restaurants . Go to bed listening to the waves just a few feet away, get up and watch the sun rise, snorkel, visit ancient ruins, sunbathe, visit authentic Mexican towns or drive to Playa del Carmen for the day or for a little night life. The Yucatan has a lot to offer.<BR><BR>

my impressions

"they throw trash everywhere" ??? I am curious what part(s) of town JoJo is referring to. I ask only because this is so different from my own experiences there. Trash collection does happen from the sidewalks, into dump trucks in certain days, but it is all very orderly.<BR><BR>And the local beach can be a mess at the end of a busy weekend day, but it picked up, racked, and sparkling clean by morning.<BR><BR>For goodness sakes, the shop keepers sweep and wash the sidewalks and even dirt paths each morning!<BR><BR>Definitely agree with the friendliness and warm hospitality of the local people!!! More than anywhere else I have ever visited including Hawaii, parts of Europe, other parts of Mexico, Caribbean.