Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
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Spaggia
Overlooking Playa Camarones, this cosmopolitan beach restaurant knows how to make an impression. Even in the heat of the afternoon the feeling is breezy and contemporary. Dine on rack of lamb, seafood pozole, tuna sashimi, baked oysters, or pan-fried duck - but be sure to wait at least 20 minutes before taking a dip.
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Los Xitomates
This innovative restaurants targets younger diners with its hybrid alta cocina Mexicana (gourmet Mexican) cuisine, which takes pre-Hispanic and Mexican recipes and rounds them out with Mediterranean, Asian or Caribbean influences. It can be noisy when busy, but the service is always top notch.
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La Hormiga Feliz
Madero has several open-late taco stands, and every one of them brags about their freshly-made salsa. The salsa here is so good that Miguel - who's been chopping it up and mashing it down since 1998 - just lets it speak for itself. Slather it on an adobado (marinated pork) taco and then do it again.
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Four Seasons Punta Mita
At the Jack Nicklaus–designed Four Seasons Punta Mita, golfers are blissfully distracted from the challenging course by the sweeping ocean vistas. One hole, nicknamed ‘Tail of the Whale, ’ is located on a natural island and requires the use of an amphibious golf cart.
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Museo del Cuale
Puerto Vallarta has a growing number of cultural attractions, of which the art galleries are definitely a highlight. The tiny Museo del Cuale has a small collection of beautiful pottery, grinding stones, clay figurines and other ancient objects, as well as changing art exhibitions.
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Las Caletas Day Tour from Puerto Vallarta
7 hours (Departs Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
by Viator
Explore Mexico's answer to the Garden of Eden on this Las Caletas day trip from Puerto Vallarta. This day trip to the exclusive and enchanting coastal haven on…Not LP reviewed
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Época
A civilized option overlooking Playa Olas Altas, Época has quickly taken its place among Vallarta’s top tier of beach restaurants. Dine on chipotle crab cakes, mixed citrus salad or mahi mahi in tequila-lime sauce with roasted nopales (cactus), rice and vegetables.
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Ecotours de México
Run by a couple of enthusiastic naturalists, t his is your best option for whale-watching (adult/child M$1040/780), sea kayaking and snorkeling tours (M$975/715), guided hiking tours (M$780/625), birding tours (M$1040/780) and nocturnal sea-turtle experiences (M$625/ 495).
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Rancho Manolo
Headquartered in Mismaloya beneath the highway bridge opposite the resort, this cheerful operation keeps 25 horses and ponies fat and happy. Their most popular tour is a three-hour jaunt through jungle landscape to a remote rustic restaurant with a terrific swimming hole.
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Mariachi Loco
Attracting a very enthusiastic all-Mexican crowd, this restaurant-bar presents an entertaining (if slightly amateur) show of music, comedy and mariachi every Tuesday through Sunday evening starting at 11pm. It’s a great bit of local color. Dinner costs M$80 to M$145.
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Casa Kimberley
Richard Burton bought this house for Elizabeth Taylor in the 1960s, and it has been left virtually untouched since an American family bought it in 1990. You can take a guided tour, and, if you ask the host family nicely, you might even be able to stay overnight.
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Day Sailing on Banderas Bay
6 hours 30 minutes (Departs Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
by Viator
This wonderful sailing tour is the perfect way to spend a day in Puerto Vallarta! Relax on board, sail into the wind, swim in crystal clear blue water and…Not LP reviewed
from USD$94.99 -
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Esquina de los Caprichos
This tiny little place has only six tables and a lot of class. Most of the dishes you would expect to find at a tapas bar in Barcelona – delicious gazpacho, fried calamari, garlic shrimp and paella (Saturday only) – are served here on charming handmade plates.
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Puerto Vallarta Outdoor Adventure Tour
5 hours 30 minutes (Departs Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
by Viator
This Puerto Vallarta Adventure is a truly thrilling ecological experience packed with challenges, adventure and most importantly, fun! This Puerto Vallarta…Not LP reviewed
from USD$97.99 -
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Marisma Fish Taco
Shrimp and smoked marlin rule the roost at this streetside taquería. Pull up a stool and watch as the women behind the counter press fresh tortillas and grill up tasty treats from a simple menu weighted heavily toward seafood tacos and quesadillas.
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Isla Río Cuale
A trip to Vallarta wouldn't be complete without lingering on Isla Río Cuale, where the city's earliest residents built their humble homes. Upstream you'll notice two rickety cable suspension bridges, connecting the island to the Zona Romántica.
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Archie’s Wok
This elegant, urbane restaurant has long showed Puerto Vallarta a thing or two about good eating. The menu changes, but it’s always Asian fusion, with savory fish in rich tropical sauces the highlight. Vegetarians will also find plenty of options here.
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Marietas Islands: Cavern Swim and Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta
7 hours (Departs Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
by Viator
The Bay of Banderas and the Mexican Pacific offer a vast array of wildlife and are available for you to explore during this exciting day tour. You'll have the…Not LP reviewed
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Los Arcos Amphitheater
This outdoor amphitheater, a Vallarta landmark, is backed by Los Arcos, a row of arches that has become a symbol of the city. It's also regularly used as an open-air theater for cultural performances and festivals on weekends and during holidays.
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La Hacienda
Locals escape the noise and bustle of the Zona Romántica at this gracious courtyard eatery. Good breakfasts and bottomless cups of Mexican coffee with cinnamon and sugar are served on a sunny brick patio surrounded by flowering plants and trees.
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Los Chilaquiles
This tourist-oriented hideaway above the Plaza Principal merits a visit just for the ocean view from its 4th-floor terrace. The trademark chilaquiles, served in countless variations, are delicious, as are the oakwood grilled steaks.
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El Mole de Jovita
Its tables glowing with colorful Mexican oilcloths in classic fruit and flower designs, this little family-run restaurant specializes in chicken with mole, but also serves good breakfasts and reasonably priced Mexican standards.
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Cooking Classes
One-day classes in traditional Mexican cooking (around $850) are held monthly May through July at El Arrayán Cocina Tradicional. The fee includes breakfast, instruction in the restaurant's kitchen, take-home recipes and a full meal.
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Puerto Vallarta Canopy Adventure
5 hours 30 minutes (Departs Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
by Viator
The Puerto Vallarta Canopy Adventure is a one of a kind ecological experience situated in the heart of the Sierra Madre mountains. Ideal for both adults and…Not LP reviewed
from USD$98.99 -
Puerto Vallarta City Tour
8 hours (Departs Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
by Viator
Get more from your vacation in Puerto Vallarta! Visit all points of interest including Guadalupe Church, City Hall, the Malecon (Seawall), Rio Cuale, and many…Not LP reviewed
from USD$34.99