thevinoman

Hi all, have been reading with interest the many subjects on this forum. Lots of great advice, but still have a few questions, this will be our first trip to PV.

Background: Couple, mid 50's, fairly laid back, unfortunately no Spanish. Love most all kinds of food, especially Mexican. We also like to get away from the touristy areas to shop, really love Farmers Markets, and funky cool areas of town. We particularly like a great margarita, and sitting on a bar patio just people watching and enjoying the weather.

We are tentatively staying at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit. Wondering if anyone can comment on this place, and give us some info on the beach there, how far from town, etc. Anything, from anyone, is much appreciated!!

suze

What I can comment on is only that what you have picked is *not* even in Puerto Vallarta. Nayarit is the next state to the north (PV is in Jalisco) where the larger newer resort developments have gone up in recent years.

So while I think PV does offer everything you describe (farmers markets, funky cool areas of town, etc.) those are actually *in* Vallarta (south-side/zona romantic and downtown/el centro are the most central neighborhoods).

I think you're about 30-40 mins. from town(?)

thevinoman

Thanks, I understand that. I am still interested in comments, suggestions, etc. We have no problem taking a bus, taxi, whatever.

suze

There's two farmers markets on Saturday morning on the south-side. One at Paradise Community Center and one at the Lazaro Cardenas plaza.

For funky cool areas, again I suggest the south-side around Olas Altas, B. Badillo, I. Vallarta. Loads of great shops and restaurants there. But this is also the 'touristy' part of town.

To find less touristy, basically anywhere in downtown PV, you simply walk inland away from the beach and hotels and you will quickly be in the local residential neighborhoods of the city.

andrews98682

The thing about the touristy areas is they still have a very local feel to me. Puerto Vallarta is not like, for example, Cancun, where you almost feel like you're in the U.S.

garyrbeck

You we it to yourself to head south, ATM bus to a local city blue and white one which says Olas Altas. Head to Playa Los Muertos. Neighborhood called Old Town by some, but is Southside with the old part north of Rio Cuale where the church and entertainment amphitheater called Los Arcos are. Good food, people-watching, hiking, taking notes, finding a different place to stay in the future. The Real Vallarta, not man-made and designed 'Mexico in Miami' feel to Nayarit, though many people love this area!

sunbum1944

I just spent six weeks in Pv- did a home exchange with a friend. I lived close to the Old Town area so could walk or take a bus ( see my trip report) and I loved the opportunity to mix with the locals, expats and tourists.

You will find many restaurants where you can have margaritas, dine and watch people along the Malecon which is the paved walkway that goes along the waterfront.

One of my favorites is the Sea Monkey where they have $1 margaritas ( not high quality but OK with me) If you are lucky, you will find a lounge chair where you can stay all day if choose as long as you keep buying a little food or beverage. The waiters will adjust your umbrella for you
so you don''t get burned and its a great way to spend the day.

There is a company that does food tours of PV which I thought would be a fun way to try some restaurants and see the Old Town area- you might look into that

I enjoyed taking the water taxi to Yelepa - watch for the pie lady on the beach- loved the coconut pie.
If you want to snorkel, I recommend PVSea dive- small boat, only take 6 out at a time and are very fun -

Enjoy- I hope to go back next year for a couple of months

Stewbear

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