Picture this: sparkling blue waves gently lap at golden sands, bright flowers spill from balconies. Laughter fills the air. Welcome to Puerto Vallarta, a Mexican paradise that stole my heart! Recently, I went on a trip packed with delicious food, exciting adventures, and a surprise proposal that made it unforgettable.
Finding Your Perfect Beach Paradise: Sheraton Buganvilias Resort
First things first, finding the right place to stay sets the mood for your whole trip. We chose the Sheraton Buganvillas Resort for our romantic getaway, and it was amazing! This luxurious resort sits right on the beach. We had a balcony with a breathtaking ocean view – perfect for morning coffee with a sunrise chaser. We spent lazy afternoons soaking up the sun by the giant pool. The sound of the waves was very calming. Even though the resort is great for families with lots of things to do, it still had a romantic feel that’s perfect for couples. We liked having different restaurants to choose from, ranging from casual to fancy. The swim-up bar was a nice place to relax after a day out, and the entertainment at night was a fun way to end the day under the stars.
One of the most unexpected perks of our stay at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort was its convenient location. We were within walking distance of most of the places we explored, saving us time and hassle. This included all the fantastic restaurants I’ll be raving about later, making it easy to sample the city’s culinary delights without relying on taxis or public transportation. Additionally, being a short walk from the pick-up point for our Canopy River adventure was a delightful bonus we hadn’t considered when booking. Overall, the central location really made our experience better. It let us easily explore Puerto Vallarta and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city by walking around..
Dining in Puerto Vallarta: From Street Tacos to Fancy Feasts
The food scene in Puerto Vallarta blew us away! We tried everything from mouthwatering street tacos bursting with flavor to fancy restaurants creating incredible dishes.
La Leche
Do you want an amazing food adventure in Puerto Vallarta? You should try La Leche! It’s not just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Picture this: colorful Mexican dishes on your plate, each bite a fun surprise. Later, you can enjoy special cocktails while watching the sunset over the ocean. The restaurant’s white interior makes the food look even more colorful. La Leche’s modern vibe and friendly staff make it perfect for food lovers and romantics. Don’t miss out on this special place – treat yourself to a taste of innovation and beautiful views at La Leche!
IK Mixology Bar & Cuisine
While trendy and boasting a stunning ambiance with its aesthetic décor and creative cocktails, IK Mixology fell a bit short in terms of flavor for us. The food was decent, but it didn’t quite live up to the hype and price point. However, if you’re into exploring innovative cocktail creations and enjoying a trendy atmosphere, it might still be worth a visit. Nonetheless, we had a good time here and got to take some really pretty pictures!
La Madalena
La Madalena, on the other hand, was fantastic! From the charming and intimate ambiance to the expertly prepared dishes using fresh, local ingredients, this restaurant offered an authentic Mexican culinary experience. We really enjoyed every bite of their tasty dishes, and the friendly service made us feel comfortable and welcome.
Lastly, don’t forget to try the street food! Grab a cheap and yummy taco from a vendor and experience real Mexican flavors. Check out the detailed reviews of these restaurants and some others here!
Unleashing Your Inner Adventurer in Puerto Vallarta: Ziplining and Magical Island Nights
Puerto Vallarta isn’t just about beaches. We unleashed our adventurous side with Canopy River, a thrilling jungle adventure. We glided through the lush canopy on zip lines, descended down waterfalls with ropes, and enjoyed cooling off in natural pools. The expert guides kept us safe while sharing cool facts about the plants and animals. Following our zipline adventure, we rode horses back to the top of the mountain! While it got a little scary at times, it was exciting and educational!
For a magical evening, we went to Rhythm of the Nights with Vallarta Adventures. This special event happens on a private island, where guests are taken to a world of fun and entertainment. We had a yummy buffet dinner under the stars, while being serenaded by a mariachi. Following dinner, we watched an amazing show with fire dancers, acrobats, and talented performers showing Mexico’s rich culture. The whole thing was really exciting and left us feeling amazed.
A Picture Perfect Proposal: Capturing Memories with Car and Mel Photography
Speaking of amazing, our trip got even more special thanks to Carlos of Car and Mel Photography. We hired Carlos for a photo shoot, and he did an amazing job capturing our love and happiness. He even helped with a surprise proposal that will always make Puerto Vallarta special to us. Carlos found some amazing spots around the city, making sure our photos showed both the beauty of Puerto Vallarta and our love story. He was professional, creative, and made the whole experience really enjoyable. Now we have lovely photos that we’ll treasure forever.
Beyond Our Itinerary: More Puerto Vallarta Fun
Our trip was packed, but there’s so much more to see in Puerto Vallarta! Here are some things you shouldn’t miss:
- The Malecón: In this lovely area south of the Malecón, you can see Puerto Vallarta’s history. The streets have cobblestones and old buildings with colorful shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Walk around, experience local life, and find surprises everywhere. Also, enjoy the lively culture and explore the special charm of Puerto Vallarta. Surprisingly, there was a Starbucks along the walk. Undeniably a plus for me!
- Zona Romantica: This charming area south of the Malecón offers a glimpse into Puerto Vallarta’s past. Cobblestone streets wind through the historic district, lined with colorful buildings housing art galleries, trendy boutiques, and unique restaurants. Wander through the streets, get a taste of local life, and discover hidden gems around every corner. Moreover, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and explore the unique charm of Puerto Vallarta.
- Markets and Street Vendors: No Mexican trip is complete without exploring the bustling markets. Puerto Vallarta has several options like the Isla Cuale flea market, where you can find handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local produce. Don’t be afraid to bargain for the best prices, and embrace the energetic atmosphere of these lively marketplaces.
Tips for Your Puerto Vallarta Getaway:
Transportation:
- Getting Around: Getting around Puerto Vallarta is quite simple. Taxis are easy to find, but Uber is a cheaper option. However, if you’re okay with driving on new roads, you might want to rent a scooter or car for more freedom to explore. Just make sure to agree on the taxi fare before you start to avoid paying too much. Pro Tip: Always negotiate taxi fares beforehand to avoid inflated prices.
- Booking Flights: Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta? Snag the best deals on flights by using Kiwi.com. This new search engine looks for hidden deals and special combinations of airlines on the internet. Plus, it often has flights at much lower prices than regular booking websites. You can try different departure and arrival airports, flight times, and even nearby destinations to find the best value for your travel budget.
Safety:
- Puerto Vallarta is usually considered safe for tourists. But, as with any place you go, it’s smart to be careful. Keep an eye on what’s happening around you, especially at night.
Best Time to Visit:
- Peak Season (November-May): Enjoy sunshine and minimal rain, but expect higher prices on flights and accommodation.
- Shoulder Seasons (April-June & September-October): There might be occasional showers, but you can get better deals on travel expenses.
Additional Tips:
- Pack light, comfortable clothing and swimwear.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Bring small bills (pesos) for tipping and purchases at local vendors.
- Download a Spanish translation app for easier communication.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind.
Bonus Tip: Travel Rewards Rockstar!
As someone who loves traveling, I enjoy saving money and getting rewards. During this trip, I used points from the Marriott Bonvoy program to stay at the Sheraton Buganvilias. I recommend joining a travel rewards program that suits your travel preferences to enjoy fantastic perks!
My Puerto Vallarta adventure left a mark on my soul. The breathtaking scenery, delicious food, thrilling adventures, and of course, the surprise proposal created memories I’ll treasure forever. My trip was amazing. Overall, the city has something for everyone, like romantic moments, exciting adventures, and cultural experiences. Finally, I hope this guide inspires you to plan your own unforgettable escape to Puerto Vallarta!
With a little planning and this guide, you’re well on your way to experiencing the magic of Puerto Vallarta.
What were your favorite places to visit in Puerto Vallarta? Any special things you think other people should see or do there? Maybe there are some cool places that not many people know about, but you really enjoyed. Your ideas could help other travelers have a great time!