Please help.
We would like to go to mexico in about 8 days (last minute vacation). We are deciding between Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is closer to home, but is it very cold to swim in January? Is there anything else to do in Cancun besides lying on the beach?
Thanks

in cancun you can visit the Mayan ruins, which are fascinating, go to the small island of Isla Mujeres, visit the town of Playa del Carmen -- there is plenty to do!

Someone here will be able to tell you about PV weather. I think it should be very nice, but not sure about ocean swimming...

I'm not an ocean swimmer so can't comment on the water temperature. But Puerto Vallarta is a lovely town, with all kinds of options (Cancun-style resorts out in Nuevo Vallarta, modest family owned local hotels, a regular normal Mexican town around El Centro, strolling the Malecon, fabulous restaurants, art galleries, shops, etc.).

I would definitely choose P.V. have been many times including January and also have been to Cancun in January, Both are warm weather however it does rain in Cancun and never rains in P.V. at that time of year. As far as the Ocean it has always been cold whenever I have gone but also is very rough the red flag is always up. The pools are all along the beach and most are heated and warm enough to go swimming. Wish I was going now just got back from Florida and had 1 day of Sunny weather turned cold and rained was so disappointed, nice trip bad weather you won't have that problem in P.V. We are going in April. Good Luck

By now you have probably decided, but having "just returned" from PV, I can assure you that it was warm, as was the ocean (in fact, much warmer than our pool) and so very much to do.
Entertainment nightly on the Malecon which they are in the process of extending (should be completed by April) and we found several new restaurants we hadn't tried on previous visits. Great prices for nice restaurants at so much less than in Seattle. Sun, Sand & Surf + great shopping!

Enjoy,
Jean

Pumpkin, where did you stay?

Pumpkin,
Better yet, where did you eat? Going late February and haven't been in over 10 years, so I would love to know new restaurants or recommendations.
Thanks.

ok winnie I have a few for you been going every year since 1989 sometimes 2x a year. What kind of restaurants do you prefer? here are a few Our favorites are La Palapa right on the beach it is a great experience tropical and good seafood little pricey but same as US for a nice place. For Italian we go to the Marina it's called Portobello good food and not expensive at all. There is a place for Steaks at the Marina also I think it's called Buenos Aires it's near Portobello at the Marina My husband is a meat cutter and he thinks they are really good there, not too expensive either. Another place people love is El Panorama it is at the top of an old hotel and if you get there before sunset you will see it from the window you must ask for a window seat it overlooks all of Puerto Vallarta it is truly an unbelievable place good food actually I would say it is fine dining. The only thing about dining in P.V. is that things change from year to year so one time it will be the best thing you ever had and the next year it's different. There are so many places to eat let me know if you need any more help or suggestions. My emial is [email protected] and please let me know how you liked P.V. I am going in April can't wait.

for winnie

Agree 100% with butsey above about how quickly things can change in PV (year to year). That said, I'll suggest:

The Red Cabbage

Tino's Mariscos

the entire street of Basilo Badillo recently dubbed "restaurant row" (go 4 blocks south on Vallarta from the bridge over the river)

Pie in the Sky for desserts

anyplace along Playa Los Muertos (main local beach southside) that puts their tables out in the sand, has torches, and mariachi bands strolling

old favorites that are closed are Adobe Cafe and Ibiza (not to mention Pizza Joes but that was a looong time ago).

Thanks Suze and Butsey. Lots of good information.

Suze-( or anyone else!!)
Can you tell me about the food that is served at Red Cabbage or Tino Mariscos? Prices, ambiance etc. Thanks.

www.redcabbagecafe.com tells all about The Red Cabbage.

Tino's Mariscos has a very nice true 'Mexican' atmosphere in the Pitillal neighborhood. Both for tourists but also where local families might go for a special meal. Seafood grill, etc. I belive they sometimes have live music.

Both are mid-price range IMO.

Thanks for the info. suze. I am going next month and want to try some new places in addition to the ones i already want to try again!

Hi livitaly I have a new place for you that I am going to try this year it is called Las Carmelitas it's on a mountain I hear the view is unbelievable.