We would like to go to PV but also like to do side trips. Is it reasonable to get outside PV on side trips- possibly to nice colonial cities or basic enviropnmental trips (not adventure).A full week of beach and shopping probably isn't something we want to do anymore.

Patrick,
Buses rule and are cheap! Take a trip to Sayulita, San Pancho or La Penita for the Thursday flea market there, which are all north of PV, but not far. Take a ponga (small boat)to Yelapa. Take a bus (if avaliable) to the quaint mountain town of San Sebastian, or hire a driver for the day.

However, if you plan to travel during Semana Santa (the two weeks prior to Easter), then you had better be ready for packed highways and beaches, as it's a huge holiday time in coastal Mexico. Ole!

There's all kinds of stuff to do, both within Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area. PV is MUCH more than the beach and shopping!

Seeksocean describes it well. Moon Handbook by Bruce Whipperman titled Puerto Vallarta is excellent for the entire area. Give you details for everything described above.

SUZE! I always love your posts and maybe I have your attention and can ask your opinion on something. I have the opportunity to go for two weeks this summer (late August) to an immersion Spanish language school. The areas I am interested in visiting are; Oaxaca, Guanajuato (many of my friends have attended Acadaemia Falcon there) and Cuenca, Ecuador (my daughter just did three months there and loved it). I have Continental Miles for my ticket.

Given the time of year and destination, which would you recommend? Any other feedback from anyone else out there would be gratefully appreciated!

seeksocean~ geez thanks for the compliment! I'm no expert on this subject, but would choose Guanajuato for myself. I have always heard wonderful things about that city, and you know I love Mexico. I would still be worried about lingering political unrest in Oaxaca.

I have never been to Ecuador, but two friends who went (one on a nursing school trip, and the other an Elderhostel tour) really enjoyed it, had only good things to say.

With the new road to Talpa de Allende, you can easily bus to San Sebastian, Mascota or Talpa. Even to Talpa is about 2.5 hours.

You could bus or rent a car and drive north. Bucerias, Punta Mita, San Pancho, Sayulita, San Blas are all right along the coast within about 3 hours of Puerto Vallarta.

Thanks for the advice, Suze! I think I am leaning to the Acadaemia Falcon in Guanajuato.