• Itinerary
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Description:
Puerto Vallarta, on the Mexican Rivera, is book-ended by tall luxury resorts and a long line of white sand beach but in its center there are charming colonial buildings and the remnants of a sleepy fishing town. The most popular activities are water-sports on any part of the Golden Zone, a resorty stretch of sand. The Old Town is an attractive district for sightseeing and the perusal of some picturesque colonial architecture.

​Puerto Vallarta, is a Mexican beach resort city situated on the Pacific Ocean's Bahía de Banderas. PV or simply Vallarta is the second largest urban agglomeration in the state after the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area. The City of Puerto Vallarta is the government seat of the Municipality of Puerto Vallarta which comprises the city as well as population centers outside of the city extending from Boca de Tomatlán to the Nayarit border (the Ameca River).

History:
Puerto Vallarta's proximity to the Bay of Banderas, the agricultural valley of the Ameca River, and the important mining centers in the Sierra have given the town a more interesting past than most Mexican tourist destinations. Puerto Vallarta was a thriving Mexican village long before it became an international tourist destination. Tourism is a major economic activity because of the climate, scenery, tropical beaches, and rich cultural history.

Puerto Vallarta is my favorite city in Mexico. Start the day by strolling down the Malecon. It's a lively area. You can get free tequila tasting at Chile Tequila. They have all kinds of wonderful and different flavors. Then stop by Devil's Bar for great margaritas. If you want a quick bite, you'll find the best tacos towards the end of the Malecon on the street.

Taco Time is my favorite Taco stand. Better than any restaurant on the Malecon. In fact, avoid any of the beach front restaurants unless you want a constant flow of people stopping by your table to sell you stuff.

Check out Barcelona Tapas for great food and jalapeno Margarita's
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If you want to do an excursion, I highly recommend Marietas Islands. I've seen whale's breach, sea turtles, and dolphins. You may also see blue footed booby's which typically are only seen in the Galapagos.

​Simple Taco Tour with Tequila stop

​Overview

1. Have the taxi take you to this McDonald’s to start your walk along the Malecon
2. From their walk to Chile Tequila and try all their flavors. If you don’t purchase anything, please tip. Bonus: Stop by Devil’s Bar right there on the corner for great Margaritas!
3. Head to Panchos Tacos for the best Al Pastor Tacos in town. I like it alambres style with onions, peppers, and cheese, but you may prefer it plain traditional. 
4. Now walk to Don Chava for Tacos Dorados. These are crunchy style tacos filled with picadillo (ground beef) and all the fixins’. 
5. Finally, no taco tour would be complete without stopping for street tacos. Head to this specific Farmacia Guadalajara and on the left-hand side of the store, you’ll find street food heaven. 
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   View tour in Google Maps

Puerto Vallarta City Tour

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Explore every corner of Puerto Vallarta’s cultural landscape on this full-day sightseeing tour. Visit all of the city’s legendary landmarks and monuments including the Guadalupe church, the City Hall and the magnificent Malecon. Travel around the city by coach and on foot to discover history as rich as Puerto Vallarta’s architecture. Upgrade to cap your tour with a meal in the rainforest.

• Enjoy a complete city sightseeing tour of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Visit the Marina Vallarta and its many attractions
• Travel through both downtown and the popular suburbs
• Visit a tequila factory and learn about the elaboration process
• Complimentary pickup and drop off from most Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta hotels

Puerto Vallarta Walking Tours

Overview
Consider these two self-guided walking tours during your time in Puerto Vallarta. The first one is great if you just want to get straight to tequila tasting and eating tacos. The other one includes tequila, tacos, and more!


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Deluxe PV Walking Tour

Overview
Walk along the Malecon and make stops as you wish. Consider.....

1. Have the taxi take to this McDonald’s to start your walk along the Malecon
2. ChocoMuseo Puerto Vallarta - to learn about the chocolate making process or even take a class and make your own chocolate
3. Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe - You can enter the church if you wish
4. Devil's Bar - One of my favorite places for Margaritas. It's super tiny so don't miss it.
5. Across from Devil's bar, taste some tequila at Chile Tequila. Don't feel obliged to buy anything although I always come home with a couple of bottles. The tasting is free, but if you don't purchase anything, I would leave a tip. 
6. Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale - For souvenirs. Walk through all the little huts until you reach a bridge where you can cross over Isla Cuale.
7. Walk until you get to this specific Farmacia Guadalajara. Right outside the pharmacy you will find great options for street food and tacos. Inside the pharmacy, you can purchase Mexican vanilla.
8. Once you've had a taste of some food, continue your walk to Mundo de Cristal to look at some really cool glass items for purchase.
9. Now cross the street and walk along Basilio Badillo. Stop along the way to peek in shops or anything that interests you. You might find a good massage here. 
10. Stop when you reach Panchos Takos. They open at 4pm and that's when you want to arrive to avoid lines. They serve some of the best Al Pastor tacos in town. I like them plain or alambres style.
11. If Panchos Takos' line is too long, my favorite alternative is Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas. Don't order the chicken or the prime rib here. It's disappointing. The best choices are Al Pastor and Arrachera. I like them alambres style where they add peppers, onions, and cheese.
12. ​This concludes your self-guided tour. Feel free to explore on your own as you wish. 
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    ​View tour in Google Maps​

San Sebastian Tour

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Leave Puerto Vallarta behind to explore one of Mexico's last hidden vestiges: San Sebastián, tucked within the Sierra Madre. On this tour, take in scenes of daily rural life as you travel by comfortable vehicle into the mountains toward this colonial enclave. Meander among its whitewashed structures with your guide, see remnants of its mining past, and simple enjoy a town mostly untouched by tourism. Lunch is included.

• Day trip to San Sebastian from Puerto Vallarta
• Fantastic views on the scenic mountain drive
• Colonial church and buildings
• Lunch and beverages included
• See rural Mexican life play out in this traditional village

Marietas Islands Ecotours

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If you are serious about snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters off Puerto Vallarta, this is the excursion for you. Visit the wildlife sanctuary of the uninhabited Marietas Islands, (Long Island and Round Island) by boat. Enjoy the beauty of the marine wild life found in abundance in the pristine waters. A boxed lunch, guided instruction and use of the snorkeling gear is all included.

• Spend roughly 5 hours snorkeling off a boat in a wildlife sanctuary
• Groups are kept small to maximize personal attention from the instructor
• If possible, visit Hidden Beach (access is limited by the government)
• Lunch and beverages included
• Visitors must be able to swim 656 feet (200 meters) to visit Hidden Beach