TravelTST’s Experts

All-inclusive resorts are great but if you never venture outside of your hotel you’re missing out on the so many things Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

Unlike some other Mexican tourist hotspots Puerto Vallarta maintains the feel of an actual Mexican city.

Hit the cobblestone streets of the Malecon and do some shopping. The Malecon is the main strip in downtown Puerto Vallarta and has a boardwalk, beach and water on one side and shops, restaurants and bars on the other. The Malecon remains busy into the wee morning hours as people walk the boardwalk or dance in the nightclubs.

If you’re in a dancing mood check out Zoo, which has 2-for-1 drink specials. While you’re there be sure to try the lime margarita. But be prepared, if you begin to hear whistles that means the waitresses are coming around to force feed customers shots. It’s not a free drink however as afterwards they’ll whisper the cost to you.

If you’re not much of a partier go across the street and walk along the boardwalk and take a look at the magnificent sand sculptures that litter the beach.

Journey further south and you’ll hit old town. Old town still has a very authentic Mexican feel with its narrow cobblestone streets, colonial buildings and restaurants.

Another popular activity when visiting the area are catamaran tours. The tours take customers through Banderas Bay to various destinations and gives them a great view of the majestic buildings that line the beach and the ones behind that sit on the cities’ mountains.

The Cielito Lindo Boat Cruise tours take customers to the Los Arcos islands. The Los Arcos are a small group of islands about 200 metres off of the beach and several of the islands have caves. Passengers are provided with flippers, goggles and a snorkel and can swim through one of the caves or just stick near the boat and get a good look at the colourful fish swimming below.

After that pit stop the boat continues on to the secluded Las Animas Beach where it anchors about 50 metres out from shore. At this stop passengers can go for a swim or just sit and relax. To complete the experience one of the crewmembers swims to the beach with a container full of drinks.

After an hour of lounging the boat begins its journey back to the marina.

The trips costs $60 USD for adults and $30 USD for children and snacks, lunch and drinks are included.

So however hard it is to do be sure to leave the comfortable confines of your all-inclusive resort a couple of times to truly experience Puerto Vallarta.