Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, masterfully plays the part of a remote tropical getaway, even as it grows into a larger city that's connected to the outside world by multinational chain stores and a steady stream of jets and cruise ships.
Puerto Vallarta's success has a lot to do with looks. Although in recent years, unchecked development along every inch of Puerto Vallarta's beach has gradually turned the once-quaint fishing village into a mass-market destination for the hoi polloi as well as the moneyed few.
Still, there remains much beauty in Vallarta (as it is known to the locals and habitues). Whitewashed walls and terra-cotta-tiled roofs are nestled along Banderas Bay, with the ornate crown of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe serving as a focal point. The lush, green foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains make for a beautiful and dramatic backdrop.
Puerto Vallarta's style is another key. Even as more and more travelers have arrived, and more and more hotels have been built, Puerto Vallarta has somehow managed to retain—or at least appears to retain—a cultured grace (thanks in large part to its massive marketing push) that's rare in heavily touristed areas.
Artists, architects and chefs flourish in this rarified climate of tropical creativity. The restaurants, galleries and shops in Puerto Vallarta are some of the best in the country, drawing talent from Mexico City, Guadalajara, Italy, Switzerland and the U.S.
Location
Cruise ships sail into Banderas Bay and dock at Terminal Maritima. Tourist information is available in the terminal, and you'll also find local tour operators, immigration, souvenir shops, access to the Internet, taxis and a restaurant there.
Just north of the terminal is Marina Vallarta, a yacht harbor and resort. Puerto Vallarta's Centro is about five minutes south of the terminal. Buses and taxis provide transportation. Just across the main highway is the Liverpool shopping center with all manner of cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
Shore Excursions
Consider signing up for the excursions offered by your ship. They definitely aren't the least expensive way to see the area, but you won't have to waste your limited time making arrangements yourself—and you won't have to worry about missing the ship or being hoodwinked. Most cruise lines have established relationships with proven vendors, and given the number of fly-by-night operators that still exist in Puerto Vallarta, do-it-yourself excursions are chancy at best.
Shore excursions—and their prices—vary from cruise line to cruise line. Typical shore excursions offer tours of the city; beaches and the surrounding villages; day trips on the pirate ship Marigalante; zipline excursions in the jungle; horseback rides along the beach; tequila tasting; swimming and snorkeling; ecofriendly weekend retreats; shopping tours; or whale-watching excursions (December-March). Check with your travel agent or your ship's shore-excursion staff for additional information.
