Bpesta

Hi - Heading to PVR next week and wondering what are some of your must do's when you get there...

Staying at La Jolla de Mismaloya, so anything close would be great, but not necessary.

Thanks in advance!

Bpesta

Oh, one more question. Have you done a zip line tour or any whale watching tour? Looks like an awesome time, but want to make sure I pick a reputable company. Thanks again.

suze

I've been to Puerto Vallarta 19 times, been going since the early 90's, and I've yet to "do" a thing!

You might also want to post on Trip Advisor's PV forum, it's a very active group there with loads of ideas for you. These two websites are your other best sources for information: www.vallarta-info.com and www.allvallarta.com

I just enjoy my time walking around in El Centro (the downtown area), spending time at the beach, the hotel pool, all the excellent bars & restaurants, a little shopping, watching sunsets, riding the local busses around, stop in to the church with the crown on the top, strolling the Malecon (seawall promonade) stuff like that.

brendazzzz

We went there a few years ago and had a blast. I don't know where that resort is but chances are you can catch a bus somewhere very close and go downtown. They run right after one another so the wait is very short and it cost about a dollar. That's the best transportation. I can't remember names of restaurants but don't be afraid to try the street vendors either. They're very good and cheap. As Suze said, the malecon is a great place to visit at night. That's where the locals go and there will be little side shows all up and down it. There used to be a wonderful website updated by someone who lives there that critiqued all the different restaurants, street vendors, weather, current temperature and had all sorts of invaluable info. Try to google it and see what you come up with.

brendazzzz

I didn't notice but Suze gave you the website.

suze

That resort is approx. 15 mins. to the south of the south end of downtown PV. You can use bus or taxi to get around.

MichelleY

We did a zipline tour with Los Veranos several years ago. We had a blast and felt they were very professional and safe. They zip thru an area just up river from where you will be staying, so you could possibly arrange for them to pick you up on the way instead of you having to go into town.

Here are links to two of our trip reports:

http://www.fodors.com/community/mexi...rip-report.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/mexi...o-vallarta.cfm

Hope this helps.

KVR

We went a couple of years ago. We enjoyed the Yelapa & Majahuitas tour with Vallarta Adventures. We went snorkeling at Majahuitas and then a tour of Yelapa and to the waterfalls. We then headed down to the beach and had lunch.

We also enjoyed The Jungle Trio/Escape to Paradise Tour with Best Day. We went to Mama Lucia Tequila Tasting, El Eden and Chino's Restaurant. El Eden and Chino's had very nice waterfalls. Chino's restaurant had the best shrimp platter.

We also did the Rythems of the Night. The boat ride was a little uncomfortable, but the show was very nice and the meal on the beach was good. The thousands of candles and tiki torches were beautiful. Wear good shoes for walking. I felt sorry for the girls I saw in high heels.

We also walked the Maceleon and did some shopping. We went to Andale's bar one night and had a blast.

nancyjacky

There is a small island very close to PV to visit for the day. There is actually a small waterfall there, a hotel and a beautiful beach.It was incredibly beautiful and private.
I am sorry that I don't off hand remember the name. If no one else knows, I will try and find out the name.

nancyjacky

YELEPA!!!! tHAT'S IT. We went on our own, by water taxi...but we speak spanish and my husband is very adventurous. A tour makes sense.

suze

Yelapa's not an island, but you can only get to it by boat (it's actually on the mainland but with no roads in). It is a nice suggestion for a day trip, either on your own by water taxi or with an organized tour.

nancyjacky

You are so right. It was a long time ago when I went and I just remembered getting there by water taxi.

rpowell

La Jolla is a great resort. You can catch a bus across the street from the main entrance. The ride into town is beautiful and the bus trip is a true PV experience. Walk the Malecon during the day as well as in the evening. There is always something going on. Try the coconut pie.

You can also catch the bus and go away from town to the town of Boca de Tomatlan. From there you can get a water taxi to Yelapa. Don't worry about speaking Spanish. They are familiar with tourists and will help you get a boat. It is a lot cheaper than taking an organized tour.

Another option is to travel north of the city to the town of Bucerias. The beaches there are awesome. You can get there by bus or rent a car for a day.

Other activities we've done: ATV ride into the mountains, El Eden/Chino's Paradise, villa tour, art walk, Rhythms of the NIght. Most of all just enjoy the town, people, great restaurants, and beaches!

Bpesta

Thank you all for the information. Looks like I need to spend some time reviewing all your suggestions...

Thanks much!!