Around Vallarta
Why Get Married in Puerto Vallarta?
Getting married in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a dream come true for couples looking for a tropical wedding and honeymoon destination that offers everything from fiesta to siesta. Of all the exotic places to get married, Puerto Vallarta remains one of the most popular tropical wedding destinations in the world.
The setting itself sets the scene for romance. What better backdrop for your wedding than the gorgeous tropical foliage, set off by the sparkling bright blue ocean? But perhaps the best thing about getting married in Puerto Vallarta is that there's no need to jet off from the wedding reception to the airport in order to begin your honeymoon.
When you get married in Puerto Vallarta, you can simply say your vows in an incredibly romantic wedding celebration, then start enjoying the hedonistic delights that make this popular beach resort known as "the place to honeymoon in Mexico." Here's why:
Below you will find the following sections in this order: 1) PV Sightseer, 2) Extracurricular Activities, 3) Getting Around the Zones, and 4) Weather or Not?
PV SIGHTSEER
If
you are a Hollywood buff, you will
find some interesting things around
the bay of Banderas. If you aren't
aware, Puerto Vallarta was just
a small sleepy fishing village
until director John Houston decided
to come and film a movie in 1964.
This movie put Vallarta on the
map, and tourist from around the
world started coming in droves.
The movie was Tennessee Williams' "The Night of the Iguana" and it starred
Richard Burton, Ava Gardner and
Deborah Kerr. The movie originally
starred Elizabeth Taylor as Maxine
Faulk opposite Burton as Rev.Dr.T.
Lawrence Shannon, but controversy
immediately started on the set
when Taylor and Burton has a mad
passionate affair. Both were married
to other people at the time, and
it became too much for Houston
to handle. Taylor was fired and
replaced by Gardner.
In
the meanwhile the Taylor-Burton
affair continued. Taylor & Burton
lived in a house called Casa Kimberly
which you can still find today
in Vallarta's Gringo Gulch, just
south of downtown. Liz wanted a
pool, which Casa Kimberly did not
have, so Richard bought the house
across the street for its huge
pool and surrounding bungalows.
The press was so bad at the time
of the filming; Burton had a bridge
built between the two houses, to
walk over the press (painted pink,
Liz's favorite color). To this
day you will find the now famous
Pink Bridge.
Angelica Houston and her brother
have carried on the tradition with
the Puerto Vallarta Film Festival
in the fall. Vallarta also hosts
an International Latino Film Festival
in the late spring. Today the tradition
continues with many stars coming
to Vallarta to relax, fish, and
beach, such as Kevin Costner, Nicholas
Cage, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.
Besides the film festivals, Vallarta
also boasts a couple wonder Food
Festivals. Puerto Vallarta has
many incredible restaurants, and
many flavors beyond Latino. French
food from places like Café des
Artiste and La Petite France, Asian
food from Archie's Wok, Akira and
Tsunami, German-Austrian food from
Kaiser Maximillian and Trios, Mediterranean
food from DeSantos and Dolce Vita,
along with amazing Mexican food
from a La Palapa or El Arrayan,
make up just the start of an huge
variety of places to please your
palate.
There are also some fun Mexican
holidays that are fun to experience
if you have the chance. In September
there is Mexican Independence Day,
similarly to American 4 th of July,
but more like a Mardi Gras here
in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Colors,
flags, dancers, costumes and music
surrounds you, with of course,
fireworks to top it off. Semana
Santa is also a huge festival time
for Mexican's, which is the two
weeks leading up to Easter. Since
the weather is so nice this time
of year in Vallarta, Semana Santa
becomes a two week "spring break" for
Mexicans, where entire families
come to Vallarta to picnic on the
beaches and enjoy their time together.
On November 1 st , the Day of the
Dead, is also a huge holiday, now
becoming one with the American
holiday Halloween. There are other
Catholic holidays throughout the
year that are also celebrated here
in Vallarta. Come see for yourself.
Also remember to take these holidays
into account when picking a date
for your event in Puerto Vallarta.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
EMV offers many extracurricular activities outside of the actual event. Not only can we help you with your lodging & transportation needs, but we have many other connections that can add even more fun to your trip to Vallarta. We have many different spas to choose from. There are also Tequila Ranch Tours. If you and/or your group are more outdoorsy then we can hook you up with Vallarta Adventures who have a plethora of activities such as swimming with the dolphins, whale watching (seasonal), scuba diving, snorkeling, Sierra Madre mountain expeditions, sailing on the bay, canopy jungle tours, and a dinner show in the jungle called "Ritmos de la Noche" (Rhythms of the Night).
GETTING AROUND THE ZONES?
The bay of Banderas is a big area, reaching far beyond the city of Puerto Vallarta. Below will give you an idea of where to have an event, or just where to go while you are in Vallarta during your event and/or vacation.
NORTH COAST VALLARTA (40 minutes north of the airport)
In the state of Nayarit. The North
Coast of the Bay of Banderas, from
Punta de Mita, stretching south
to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. You'll
find long pristine beaches, shallow
waters, and wide open spaces. A
few larger resorts are in this
area, but mainly you'll find private
luxury homes, gated communities
and some new development projects,
plus a couple of little peaceful
villages.
Places to check out:
El Anclote beachside restaurants, (there are a couple of small hotels here) Los Veneros Beach Club, and my favorite: Destiladeras Beach.
Getting there: You can easily take a Medina ATM bus from the hotel zone, either in front of HSBC Bank (across from Coppell Department Store or in front of Sam's Club and Wal-Mart. Stand at the SECOND bus shelter, closest to VIPS.
The windshields of the bus will state where they stop. Look for Punta de Mita on the bus window, or La Cruz (Many times written La and a "cross" symbol) if La Cruz is where you want to go.
BUCERIAS (20 minutes north of the airport)
In the state of Nayarit. A developing area growing by leaps and bounds. A favorite of snowbirds and people looking for something a little more remote, but easily accessible to Puerto Vallarta. Many family run restaurants and accommodations, plenty of shopping, and a nice town plaza to enjoy.
Places to check out: Casa Blanca, Villas Del Sol, Mark's restaurant, Meson Bay, Dugral's Plays, Café Magaña and the little shopping stands near the beach.
Getting there: You can easily take a Medina ATM bus from the hotel zone, either in front of HSBC Bank (across from Coppell Department Store or in front of Sam's Club and Wal-Mart. Stand at the SECOND bus shelter, closest to VIPS. Make sure the bus says Bucerias on the windshield.
NUEVO VALLARTA (just north of the airport)
In the state of Nayarit. This zone is known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses and giant resort complexes. Many of the resorts are All Inclusive, catering to people who prefer to spend most of their vacation within the resort complex. Prices in the shopping areas and stores tend to be higher than in Puerto Vallarta and restaurants are few and far between. The flavor of Nuevo Vallarta is pretty plastic and not representative of the beauty of Puerto Vallarta.
If you are staying here, it is highly recommended you get into Vallarta and experience the true flavor of Mexico!
Places to check out: El Tigre Golf Course, Mayan Golf Course and the paved streets near the golf course which are perfect for jogging and rollerblading. Vallarta Adventures also has an office here. Mayan Palace has a new bar which is cool, Tribu.
Getting there: Take a Nuevo Vallarta bus from hotel zone heading north.
MARINA VALLARTA (just south of the airport)
In the state of Jalisco. The marina area is home to grand tourismo hotels, such as the Westin Regina, Marriott Hotel and the Quinta Real, plus beautiful condos, and a wonderful Marina boardwalk filled with shops and restaurants. With over 400 private boat slips and marinas, this is the perfect destination for the yachting crowd. The beaches are typically man made, but hotels without beaches have an alternative beach to use.
Places to check out: Stroll the boardwalk and check out the variety of sailing vessels docked, shopping at Plaza Neptuno for delightful gifts and house wares, Marisma's Fish Tacos for lunch, Mr. Cream for Breakfast, Victor's Café Tecuba, Portobello, and Morgan;s Crab House.
Getting there: Take a Marina bus, clearly marked on the windshield.
NORTH HOTEL ZONE
In the state of Jalisco. The hotel zone is primarily large resorts and beachfront accommodations. Not as slick and plastic as Nuevo Vallarta. The hotel zone offers a wealth of activities, excellent shopping and close proximity to all other areas. Beaches are a little rockier and the water is deeper than the north tip of the bay. Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Gigante grocery stores are close by, as well as plenty of places for lunch and dinner.
Places to check out: Wal-Mart and Sam's Club for food and necessities, Collage, Christine's Disco, La Petite France Restaurant, Plaza Caracol and Lan's Department Store, and the Corona store for cases of beer!
Getting there: Any bus marked Sam's Club on the windshield, as well as Marina buses. Taxi cab rides from hotel zone to downtown are under 50 pesos.
SOUTH HOTEL ZONE (just north of downtown)
In the state of Jalisco. Similar to the North Hotel
Zone. Close proximity to shopping, activities and the downtown core. From most areas, you can enjoy a nice walk to downtown from the south hotel zone. From the Sheraton to the Malecon, for a leisurely 15 minute walk. While the beaches are not as nice as Nuevo, they are a hub of activities, shopping and sunning. Popular hotels here are the Sheraton, Sun Get-Away, Punta Arena, and Pelicanos.
Places to check out: Mega for groceries and other necessities, PVNET Internet Café across from the Sheraton, the Sports Stadium for some exercise.
Getting there: Any bus marked Centro will take you to the south Hotel
Zone, or a bus marked Centro will take you from hotel to downtown and south of the Rio Cuale. Taxis are a mere 25 to 30 pesos for a trip to the Malecon.
DOWNTOWN PUERTO VALLARTA
In the state of Jalisco. Home of the Malecon, Los Arcos, the Church of Senora de Guadalupe and the Plaza de Armas. This is where you will find some of the best shopping, dining and nightlife, truly the heart of the Bay. The area is quite safe for a bustling city and easy to navigate your way around town. A must do for anyone traveling to the area.
Places to check out: The list could go on and on, but a stroll down the Malecon is a must, especially on Sunday evenings when the locals and travelers alike enjoy the multitude of activities. Best area for nightlife in a small radius. The Malecon is closed to through traffic Saturday and Sunday evenings, stages are set on the street for local and visiting musicians, bands and performances. Be sure to head down to Los Arcos, the Arches for more live entertainment, plus all the food vendors. From funky techno music while dining on pasta at DeSantos, to live Cuban music surrounded by handwritten walls and yummy Mojitos at La Bodegita del Medio, to the British owned salsa dance floor with Asian fusion food at The Rex, you'll find the coolest variety of night life in this area.
Getting there: Any bus marked Centro will take you to Hidalgo Park just north of the Malecon, the street behind the Malecon, or just south of the Plaza and Los Arcos.
ZONA ROMANTICA/OLD TOWN (just south of downtown)
In the state of Jalisco. Just south of the Rio Cuale. A wide spectrum of shopping, restaurants and accommodations for every budget and taste. Cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings with red tile roofs flow down the mountains and line the streets. Home of Los Muertos Beach, the most popular beach for people watching, parasailing, sunset bars, shopping and fun. This is the hottest area to be in.
Places to check out: Los Muertos beach and all the fantastic restaurants and bars on the beach, Olas Altas street, Lazaro Cardenas Park, the many shops, Rio Cuale Island, Basilio Badillo which is known as "restaurant row", Viva (amazing jewelry store), Ningun Picado for fantastic bikinis, Senor Frog's, Kit Kat, La Palapa, Andales on Olas Altas where you can ride the burro, and so much more. Not only do you have a plethora of night spots but also tons of coffee shops and places for breakfast that day after. In fact, there is so much to do in this little area, you will want to stay here!
Getting there: any bus marked Centro or tunnel heading south. Taxis will be 30 pesos from south hotel zone.
CONCHAS CHINAS (10 minutes south of downtown)
The Beverly Hills of Puerto Vallarta. Exclusive condos and villas, lush tropical foliage, excellent views, mountains and beautiful beaches. Excellent accommodations dot the beachfront and downtown Vallarta is just a few minutes away.
Places to check out: Conchas Chinas beach, Lindo Mar restaurant, El Set Restaurant, the views from upper Conchas Chinas, and any of the gorgeous public beaches. There is snorkeling in front of Lindo Mar and to the right over the rocks.
Getting there: Take a blue and green Mismaloya/Boca de Tomatlan bus from the corner of Constitucion and Basilio Badillo.
SOUTH ZONE VALLARTA
South of Conchas Chinas to Mismaloya and then on to Boca de Tomatlan. Known for the scenic views of the Sierra Madre mountains and lush tropical foliage. This area includes the Los Arcos Islands which are a nature reserve, the film locations of Night of the Iguana and Predator, plus many day getaways, such as Chico's Paradise, Chino's Paradise and El Eden.
Places to check out: Mismaloya Beach, enter on the left side of the La Jolla de Mismaloya Hotel and walk down to the cove, the sea side village of Boca de Tomatlan, from which you can water taxi to Las Animas, Quimixto, Yelapa
and Majahuitas. If you are a movie buff, like mentioned above in "The Sightseer", then you'll enjoy the "Night of the Iguana" restaurant and the partial sets left from the famous movie, just south west of Mismaloya beach.
Getting there: Take a blue and green Mismaloya/Boca de Tomatlan bus from the corner of Constitution and Basilio Badillo.
"Getting around the Zones" from Brenda of www.allvallarta.com
WEATHER OR NOT?
Two things to know right off
the bat, Puerto Vallarta does
not have a weather station and
almost any weather website you
check will be wrong .
With that said, even we locals have no idea what the weather will have in store on any given day. In fact, none of us check the weather forecast, as there really isn't one, and the weather here doesn't really impact our lives. The rain doesn't even stop us from our normal routine! If anything, a good downpour gives us something to talk about.
Basically, there are two seasons in Puerto Vallarta, the rainy season and the dry season .
The rainy season starts in late May or early June and usually lasts until mid to late October.
In the rainy season expect high humidity . While it does rain frequently, most mornings and early afternoons are hot and sunny. The rain clouds usually build up by mid to late afternoon and it typically rains in the evening or late at night. Of course, it can rain at any time depending on tropical storms.
During the cooler months, November through May , (dry season) the rain is very infrequent. Most days are completely sunny and the relative humidity is quite low for a tropical climate.
Then again, January 2004 was an oddity as high winds and rain came to Vallarta and stayed here for over a week. While it was not a great experience for vacationers in Vallarta at this time, the crazy weather dropped enough rain to green up the mountains and jungle for at least a month after.
The "winter" months, from December through March, some nights can drop as low to 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 Celsius. So, pack a light sweater or jacket, especially if you plan a sunset boat trip, or for dining in air conditioned restaurants.
Hurricanes?
For over 50 years, most people assumed that Puerto Vallarta would not be hit by a hurricane due to its protective barrier, the Sierra Madres.
Needless to say, being virtually hurricane free for years and years, people were not expecting Hurricane Kenna , (October 25th, 2002) to come so close to Vallarta and do the damage she did. Most hotels, shops, restaurants and businesses lining the Bay assumed they would be protected and did not take the necessary measures to protect themselves from damage.
While the eye of the hurricane never actually entered the Bay of Banderas, the subsequent damage done by the storm surge and waves have made people recant their "We've never had a hurricane" proclamations.
"Weather of Not?" from Brenda of www.allvallarta.com