Suggestions - Purto Vallarta - Must does & Must Avoids

[soon2b6]

Hi All:

We've never been to Puerto Vallarta & are looking to go Sept-Nov. Wondered if any of you veterans of this area would share some suggestions with a couple that's never been to that side of Mexico.

We're looking at staying at the Club Regina @ Westin. Looks like it's had some great reviews. Are there better places I should look for? Are there specific units to avoid if we go there?

If we really like being on the beach - nice, clean, safe beach - are there better locations that this in the general area? Are we better looking at Cabo or Acapulco?

What are some of those "definitely AVOID" things?

Thanks for your help & suggestions,

Mark

 

[dsfritz]

puerto vallarta things to avoid

The only thing I would avoid in Puerto Vallarta is the EVERYHERE promotions for the Mayan Palace Tour.. Otherwise, have a great time. We love it there.

 

[california-bighorn]

I would go in November. It can be very hot and humid prior to that. If you want great beaches you won't find them right in PV. You will need to go south or preferably north for any beaches worthwhile. But, there is so much to see and do in PV we don't mind making a couple of half day trips to Sayulita or Boca de Tomatlan to enjoy some really nice beaches. Too many great restaurants to name.
Cabo has much better beaches, but that's about all it has over PV for us. We have timeshares in both PV and Cabo and overall enjoy PV the best. We go to Cabo for scuba diving because the water is usually clearer and it is easier to get to good sites for diving and snorkeling.
At either location avoid timeshare presentations unless you are a glutton for punishment.

Marty

 

[davilin88]

Agreed about avoiding T.S. presentations. Must do's, depending on taste, would for me include: Tequila tour in Pitillal, snorkle tour with Vallarta Adventures,( check their website) or Geronimo, horse back ride to waterfall in Quimixto (take a water taxi from Mismaloya or Play Los Muertos), shopping on Isla Cuale in the middle of town, canopy tour, San Blas day tour (a long bus ride, but seeing wild crocodiles in the swamp is a thrill), and trying out every restraunt in town. The only problem is, finding any time to relax by the pool.

 

[ronandjoan]

We walked on the Westin/Regina beach and it seemed fine to us to enjoy. The beaches downtown were fun to walk along and you can have a meal on them or right near them which I enjoy

No, it's not as good for surfing as out at Sayulito but for sitting and enjoying it...

Take the 1/2 day whale watching tour

Go to Roberto's to buy any silver. He has a booth 5 booths down from Daquila Dicks on Olas Altas.

Go to Chez Elena's rooftop bar at sunset. It is on the street behind the cathedral and one block up.
www.chezelena.com

Pamela Thompson will help you with lots of info
Puerto Vallarta pmt@hotmail.com

 

[laynemiller]

I agree with the horseback ride and I would walk the malecone (a raised sidewalk) on Sunday night. The locals show up dressed in their traditional finest and there are all kinds of entertainers. It is a great cultural show. We were there less than a year ago and the Fliers were entertaining. They climb a high pole and gradually lower themselves off the top attached only by one leg as the pole spins. They fly around making it a very dramatic show. The whole thing is spring and I count it as one of my favorite Puerto Vallarta experiences.... and the best part- no timeshare salesmen.
Layne

 

[davilin88]

How could I forget to mention Sunday eve on the Malecon? A definite must.