Puerta Vallarta is on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, near the Baja California Bay. Puerto Vallarta is defined by the natural charm of its beaches embraced by the Sierra Madre mountains. Puerto Vallarta has a more authentic Mexican feel to it than many tourist destiantions across Mexico. Everything from the presence of Mexican eateries to Mexican Cartel can be seen and felt on many streets and in many businesses.
Other than beaches, restaurants and hotels, there are jungles and rivers in close proximity where visitors can explore and adventure.
Playa del Amor (Islas Marietas) hidden beach & wildlife
This wildlife-rich uninhabited islands has the authorities placing strict limits on the number of daily visits allowed to prevent overcrowding and an ecological disaster. Playa del Amor is the national park’s underground crater beach, with only 116 spots permitted per day. Plan ahead.
Snorkeling, diving and bird-watching are as good as it gets at this Unesco biosphere reserve. Aquatic life including mantas and sea turtles easily traverse the warm waters, while on land the endangered blue-footed booby and more than 90 other bird species provide a theatrical display. The islands require a boat ride about 22 miles (36 kilometers) west of Puerto Vallarta and 6 miles (9 kilometers) southwest of Punta de Mita. You will have to hire a reputable tour guide to make this trip if you haven’t already secured an ocean voyage.
Puerta Vallarta also sports a very healthy and eccentric art scene, with a recently re-esatblished artists’ gallery in the Romantica district. We met a lovely British woman, Emma, during our week long visit to the city. Also a solo traveller, we all found that each day was more exciting than the previous day. We walked for hours sight-seeing and absorbing the local culture, the beaches and the jungles. It was certainly a pleasure experiencing all Puerta Vallarta has to offer with our team and recently acquired friend from London. We had all been traveling for extended durations and it is with deepest gratitude we were able to enjoy our remarkable time together. These times are silent reminders of how we connect on many different levels and in many different circumstances thoughout our journeys.
Between art gallery visits, walks along the beach, incredible dining experiences, and nightlife, we look forward to meeting others in our future travels and connecting with them on deeper levels.
