Zona Romantica

strolling the Malecon
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When I returned from my trip, I wrote a Top 10 list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Check it out:

1. Ride a local bus

This may be a matter of preference, but I always like to experience a city as a local would, or at least get a little glimpse into that experience even though it’s not quite possible to really do it. Often I ride local transportation even if it’s not necessary. And I always make at least one local friend whenever I travel. (In Puerto Vallarta I met Josue, a nice young man who showed me all around town one evening with his wife (who I didn’t really get to know since I don’t know Spanish, unfortunately).) It’s fun to learn about their culture and answer questions about where I’m from, too.)

sculpture on the Malecon
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I took a bus from the Zona Romantica to the Marina district and Nuevo Puerto, about an hour journey with two bus changes. The bus was open-doored, bumpier than I’m used to, and navigating it was slightly confusing, but I’m glad I did it nonetheless. I saw views of houses and hillsides I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. And was humbly reminded once again that I really must learn Spanish ASAP!

2. Do something adventurous

As you’re walking around town or lying on the beach, you will be constantly asked if you want to take a canopy tour, go snorkeling, parasailing, sailing, whale-watching, and more.  Why not partake?  Just know what you’re getting into. For things like parasailing, which I did, you can really go with anybody who is offering it along the beach as they all charge the same prices (I asked around), though you may want to take a look at their harness equipment to make sure it seems solid to you.  For things like canopy tours, stick with a reputable company. Vallarta Adventures is the most well-known local company that offers a lot of activities from dolphin encounters to zipline canopy tours. They’re more than legit.

Plaza Principal
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(By the way, if you’re sick of being harassed for your business, just be polite and say no without hesitating. A simple smile while shaking your head will suffice. There’s no need to be rude or harsh, but if you waffle for too long before answering you may find yourself surrounded by vendors or live musicians.)

3. Order a frothy pineapple drink.

Hey, you’re on vacation. With or without alcohol added to it, you must try the pineapple drinks. I got one for breakfast every morning and though it was simply juice, the way they’d whipped it up was like a dessert. If you’re looking to imbibe, I suggest avoiding the notorious “coco loco” drink unless your taste buds regularly defer to your need for inebriation, because it tastes like lighter fluid.  Sure it’s cool to drink a cocktail out of a large melon, but it’s not worth it. I took one sip and pushed it aside.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Guatelupe
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4. Eat at the Planteta Vegetariano Right around the corner from the beautiful Lady of Guadalupe Church is one of the coolest vegetarian restaurants I’ve ever had the pleasure of frequenting (and frequent I did, throughout the week). If you’re a vegetarian and have done any traveling (anywhere other than California), you know that it can sometimes be a challenge to find good, nutritious meals away from home. This eatery is an all-you-can-eat buffet and the menu changes daily, sometimes throughout the day, even, and features well-balanced meals (Mexican and otherwise), free drinks of fruit juice, coffee, tea, and delicious horchata, and dessert.

a fishing pier
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5. Stroll the Malecon

The Malecon is a half-mile boardwalk that borders the shoreline in the El Centro (downtown) area, riddled with art galleries, shops, and sculptures. With a stunning backdrop of the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, it’s a lovely way to spend an evening. An outdoor amphitheatre by Los Arcos features performances like clowns and musicians that are perfect for families. The Plaza Principal across the street has a gazebo with more live music.  Perfect area to go during sunset.

cute scampering birds
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6. Get a massage

Need I say more? If you’re from the United States, you will love the price of a massage in Puerto Vallarta. See my review about a genius masseuse I came across at the Playa Los Arcos Hotel (even if you’re not staying there you can make an appointment with him), located in the Zona Romantica. Jean Suarez is his name.

7.  Check out the local arts scene

sidewalk on Los Muertos beach
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Puerto Vallarta has an incredible arts scene. From November to April there is are weekly Art Walks along the Malecon, and throughout the year you can visit the many galleries throughout town.  Galleria Dante (Basilio Badillo 269, 222-2477) is a villa gallery with a garden setting and is said to showcase the best sculptors and painters of Vallarta and beyond; Galeria Uno (Morelos 561, 222-0908) is a local artists’ hotspot; the electric Gallardo Eclectic Art (Basilio Badillo 250 at I.L. Vallara, 222-5712) is operated by artist Patti Gallardo and her partner, Wendy.

general style of beachside hotels in the Zona Romantica (vintage flair)
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8. Eat some local seafood.

This is a fishing village first and foremost, despite it’s tourist bent in recent years. You will see fishermen (and women) out on the pier and in boats at all times a day, and fishing is crucial to the local economy. I'm ordinarily a vegetarian, but on my last day there I gave in and tried the best of the local cuisine. From fish-on-a-stick along the beach to the more expensive seafood restaurants, all the fish is fresh and delicious.

9. Stay in the Zona Romantica

Why stay at a secluded resort away from all the action when you can stay in the Zona Romantica (Romantic Zone) and be surrounded by cobblestone streets, countless small cafes, bars, and restaurants, beautiful beaches, and charming colonial architecture? Just a few blocks from the Malecon and Los Arcos, you can spend your entire vacation exploring this area and leave Mexico satisfied. I'm so glad I chose to stay in this area instead of the more modern, touristy mega-resort sections of town.

10. Swim in the ocean, fight the waves, learn to boogie board.

My #1 reason for visiting Puerto Vallarta was the ocean. I adore swimming, and love it the best in natural water. My hotel, Playa los Arcos, was located on the Los Muertos beach, known for having rougher waves and undercurrents than other sections. More fun for me, though, as I got to play in the challenging waves for hours. Around dusk the riptides seemed a bit too strong, though there was no lifeguard to tell me not to swim, so I sometimes opted for the hotel pools instead, which were heated to a lovely 80 degrees.