pete

We are going to P Vallarta in early May. First timers, any advice on must do and eat things??

Clarisa

If you haven't already, do a 'search' on this BB. Use Puerto Vallarta, PV, Old Town, etc. There's several really good, fairly complete threads on the subject, both for activities and for restaurant recommendations.<BR><BR>To better answer your question it helps to know where you plan to stay (Nuevo Vallarta, The Marina, Hotel Zone, Old Town, etc.) since PV is fairly large. Also what you're interested in. My 'must dos' might not be yours I've spent alot of time in PV and am more than happy to share what I know but the questions as put is just too big.

Meegan

I've only been to Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta but hated Mazatlan (too many spring break kids acting nutso) and LOVE Vallarta. My mom and I have been back at least three times. <BR><BR>One of my favorite things is taking a boat tour out of the marina. Not sure how much they cost or what one was my favorite. I just remember being on a boat - big and flat "pontoon" I think - with the sun beaming down and Bob Marley playing. They did do some mildly agressive tequila popper activity though - they'd have you tilt your head back and they'd squirt alcohol something in your mouth and spin you around - annoying to hostile if you're not down with that. I did comment on the card about that after too because one of my friends is a recovering alcoholic (also quite a bit older) and he didn't even realize what they wanted to squirt in his mouth!!!<BR><BR>Also I went to the market downtown and last time I dont' know how we found it but we did attend an actual bull fight right there in town - I think closer to the airport or marina. Not sure I'd describe it as fun since I felt bad for the bull but seemed like one of the more native things I did.<BR><BR>oooohh there are lovely restaurants up the hill from downtown - in addition to the bullfight I'd have to say the bus ride I took to Le Kliff restaurant was the next most native thing I did. Check out the web site - be sure to get some kind of flaming coffee after your meal<BR>www.lekliff.com<BR><BR>have fun its my favorite vacation spot

Meegan

I've only been to Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta but hated Mazatlan (too many spring break kids acting nutso) and LOVE Vallarta. My mom and I have been back at least three times. <BR><BR>One of my favorite things is taking a boat tour out of the marina. Not sure how much they cost or what one was my favorite. I just remember being on a boat - big and flat "pontoon" I think - with the sun beaming down and Bob Marley playing. They did do some mildly agressive tequila popper activity though - they'd have you tilt your head back and they'd squirt alcohol something in your mouth and spin you around - annoying to hostile if you're not down with that. I did comment on the card about that after too because one of my friends is a recovering alcoholic (also quite a bit older) and he didn't even realize what they wanted to squirt in his mouth!!!<BR><BR>Also I went to the market downtown and last time I dont' know how we found it but we did attend an actual bull fight right there in town - I think closer to the airport or marina. Not sure I'd describe it as fun since I felt bad for the bull but seemed like one of the more native things I did.<BR><BR>oooohh there are lovely restaurants up the hill from downtown - in addition to the bullfight I'd have to say the bus ride I took to Le Kliff restaurant was the next most native thing I did. Check out the web site - be sure to get some kind of flaming coffee after your meal<BR>www.lekliff.com<BR><BR>have fun its my favorite vacation spot

Elaine

Hi Pete,<BR> I just returned from PV, it is wonderful, so much to do, the closest to hawaii i'v ever seen. The beaches are either narrow or rocky, the water is a bit rough, but still beautiful. As for places to eat. For home cooked mexican that is fantastic go to Las Cazuelas. El Set was also great, and if you like Italian Mezza lUNA. Stay away from Cafe des Artistes, and LeKliff the food was awful.<BR>Have a great time, you will love it.

Elaine

P.S. If you happen to go to nuevo vallarta stop at Pie In The Sky, the best brownies I'v ever had, worth the trip. Also swimming with the dolphins was a wonderful experience. If you would like more info. e mail me

celeste

Elaine--<BR>Any recommendations on where to stay in PV? Last year we went to Hawaii and loved the atmosphere. This year we are trying PV--but, not sure of where to stay.

not Elaine but

For Celeste concerning places to stay. PV is a large town (pop. 300,000) with 100s if not 1000s of hotels (from $15-$350+US per night). What kind of place are you looking for? Also the atmosphere is totally different in the different areas of town as I mentioned above (Nuevo, Marina, Hotel Zone, El Centro, and Old Town).

lbotello

If you go to Vallarta make sure you go on the day curise that takes you into the jungle all the way to the waterfall, I can't remember the name but you can easly find out from the one of the guys who take you on the tour. You get off the boat and walk through a small village, then you walk or rent a horse to go thru the jungle and the final destination is an incrediable water fall with a little place to eat and you can also go for a swim. It's worth the $20 or so it costs. Plus on the boat ride over there you get free drinks. DO NOT MISS OYT ON THIS!!!