55. Puerto Vallarta Uncovered: A Coastal Paradise in Mexico
From Beaches to Boardwalks: Exploring Puerto Vallarta
Traveling during the post-pandemic period had its uncertainties, as the world was still getting used to things. This was actually one of those trips I took about 3 years ago.
Growing up in India during the 1980s has given me a deep appreciation for its rich history, culture, and beauty, which can be difficult to fully experience from afar. Still, I often find myself cherishing those memories. Hyderabad, with its vibrant cultural heritage, has developed alongside that history, fueling my curiosity to learn even more. Like Hyderabad, Mexico also shares a wonderful richness in cultural heritage, delicious food, and much more. We explored several lovely cities along the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s eastern coast, like Cancun, Tulum, and Chichen Itza (a modern marvel), as well as some charming nearby towns. We’ve been wanting to explore Mexico’s Pacific side, and we’ve come across wonderful places such as Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco. We’ve decided to visit Puerto Vallarta, a lovely small town on the Pacific Ocean near Guadalajara, which is in the heart of the midwestern part of the country.
Starting at DCA (Washington Reagan Airport) and transiting in Chicago, we arrived at PVR (Puerto Vallarta Airport). When we arrived in western Mexico, we immediately fell in love with the place. We used Uber for local travel, as recommended by the Airbnb condo unit owner. Uber has transformed transportation worldwide. I have used Uber in Asia, Europe, and the United States for over a decade. It has provided meaningful income for many less advantaged people who are forced into the workforce, and has revolutionized how people travel. It is one of the top three apps that have made a real impact through technology, especially on global travel (others include Google Maps and WhatsApp).
Puerto Vallarta Airport is a small airport with a single runway. Similar to many tropical cities, there are often too many people outside the airport waiting for a pickup or taxi drivers holding signs. Suddenly, the weather changed from cold in the US to a perfect breeze. We booked an Uber; unfortunately, since the airport is new, figuring it out for the first time in Puerto Vallarta was challenging. I enjoy challenges in a foreign country (this is what makes traveling to a new place beautiful), the unpredictability, and surprises. The first Uber was canceled, so I ordered another one. A young man named Hamilton arrived on the other side of the airport. It was already mid-afternoon, and we needed to go to the hotel condominium because the housekeeper was leaving soon. After checking into the Grand Venetian condo and settling in, I found the ocean views from the apartment were fantastic; the condo is located in the prime area of Puerto Vallarta.
The Grand Venetian is a cluster of three buildings, primarily occupied by expatriates or used as condominiums for vacation rentals by owners. Each building has 27 floors, and all three offer great views, as shown in the Ocean Bay picture with mountains. There are several large pools with saunas. This location is part of the new town, just 10 minutes from El Centro (City Center), and near Marina Vallarta. If you arrive by cruise ship, you can drop off here for day trips. There's a restaurant that blends modern and traditional styles; you can't go wrong with guacamole. The condos are just a short walk from the beach. Security is top-notch; we’ve never felt unsafe in Puerto Vallarta. Also, outside the condos, there are fantastic restaurants and a shopping mall—it feels like Miami. If you need to go out, call an Uber.
Hamilton helped us Uber around Puerto Vallarta as we started discussing his livelihood. He had moved from Colombia a few years ago. According to him, Colombia has been free from drug cartels; however, there are still some pockets. He provided good insights into Colombia. He didn't know any English, but his communication skills were excellent, and he was very good with technology usage. He had opened the Google Translate voice app, where we can openly talk about anything, and he responds in Spanish and vice versa.
Sayulita is a small beach town 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Due to the heavy single-lane traffic, we went on Monday, and traffic wasn't bad, according to Hamilton. So he took us to the nearby towns for the tour; first, he took us to a small place in San Poncho (San Francisco). It has a small street with restaurants and unpaved roads. The town has a typical village atmosphere and is surrounded by many trees, especially when you spot the mangoes. At the start of mango season, bunches were hanging from the trees. Chickens were everywhere, some cuckooing. We parked the car, walked around, and sat down for lunch. It was almost noon, and the sun and heat reached their peak. We're not accustomed to this heat, having come from winter in the US. After lunch, we headed to Sayulita, a small town that was busier than before. According to Hamilton, most Canadians and US expats call this place home. Most of them get around on golf carts, two-wheelers, etc. The carefree attitude, lifestyle for every budget, good food, freshly made guacamole—no one worries about tomorrow. Life is chill. We stopped for pictures and bought souvenirs from local artisans, which were more beautiful and cheaper than the big stores because these vendors are the direct source. So, the prices were much lower. After Sayulita, we went to Bucerías, a town closer to the city, now a lively village.
El Centro, the heart of Puerto Vallarta, is where the city originated; it was once a small port town a few centuries ago. It boasts a vibrant culture. As evening falls, the city transforms into a bustling bazaar, with many people gathering at the Malecon (boardwalk). At the start of El Centro, it is notable to see various sculptures placed every 50 feet along the Malecon, extending throughout the area. Most cities have historical sculptures, but El Centro chose a theme close to me: art and sculptures. Each sculpture is unique, alongside the Malecon's shops, bars, and restaurants. Mexicans are content and happy with their lives; they work hard, play, and welcome visitors. On the boardwalk, people from all walks of life gather. Many Americans and Canadians consider it their home. The area fits every budget (from monthly rent to USD monthly rent). There is a significant South American presence in this region. The city streets are narrow and mostly unpaved.
Next, we enjoyed the beach and splashing waves. Nothing beats having guacamole and seafood with a beer nearby. We sat in a restaurant that placed tables on the beach sand, with sunset views and stunning scenery from every part of Vallarta. The boardwalk featured street performers, taco stands, and fruit stands—lots of small makeshift shops selling jewelry. The food at these stalls is delicious. The Church of Guadalupe is also one of the most prominent churches in the area. Corn with cheese and mayonnaise was amazing. During our walk in El Centro, we came across Zona Romantica, a romantic neighborhood. It’s packed with good restaurants, bars, and clubs, and very LGBTQ-friendly. The vibe is lively when you drive through these areas. Overall, it’s a great place to walk around and enjoy good food.
After swimming with dolphins and exploring the water park, we headed to Marina Vallarta, an upscale neighborhood with restaurants and a marina. The yachts were docked, and the view was breathtaking. It was evening, and we captured the best sunsets on our iPhone, as noted below. We then went to eat near the restaurant known for having one of the best saxophone performances; the music was excellent. The sunsets at Puerto Vallarta are simply unbelievable. Watching the dusky sky turn yellowish-orange as the sun sets is mesmerizing. Every day for a week, it showed how beautiful the sky could be, even when we weren’t doing anything.
Puerto Vallarta offers a diverse range of attractions, from mountains and oceans to excellent food and a safe environment. It is one of the top family destinations in Mexico. Unofficially, according to Hamilton, safety is a top priority. Seeing kids from various backgrounds, I don't need a certificate to know this place is safe. Another development is that many expatriates are relocating here due to social and local factors. Nuevo Vallarta's growth has transformed the northern beach towns, which were once small shanty towns, into bustling hubs with numerous skyscrapers and thriving establishments vying for attention. As remote work becomes increasingly common, cities like Puerto Vallarta are likely to experience significant growth. Locals say the last decade has drastically changed the town’s landscape, especially in the northern areas. The cost of living is adaptable, and a variety of excellent food and relaxation options are available. Places like Sayulita and Bucerias have also become crowded and are quickly filling up. Puerto Vallarta looks like a wonderful option and one of the top destinations for expats to consider for retirement.
"Books are windows to the world, travels are windows to the Soul.”
Suman Manchireddy MD.