Downtown, Puerto Vallarta

The Huichol Art Museum (Arte Magico Huichol) is one places that I am really sorry I did not manage to fit into my schedule. The museum was closed when I was in the area and unfortunately I did not have the time to go back for a visit during the open hours. The Huichol collection displayed here (bead masks, jewelry and tapestries) is the biggest in the world. Next time I go to Puerto Vallarta I will definitely put this museum on the top of my "to do" list.

We had heard from a fellow passenger on the ship that PV has some awesome places which provide massages...and relatively inexpensive. He mentioned that there were a number of places near the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church. So after the tequila pit stop, we headed off in search of a massage.

After doing some shopping at the Río Cuale Flea Market, we started walking along the street and found a place called Yin-Yang Professional Massage. Didn't seem like much outside, but once inside, you could feel calmness take over. I didn't need a massage, but LJ did, so I went across the street to the internet cafe.

1 1/2 hours later, LJ said that she had the best massage ever, and it only cost $30 (USD)...where else are you going to get an awesome massage for that price (certainly not on the cruise ship). They specialize in aromatherapy, shiatsu, reflexology, facials, sea salt body scrubs, mud treatments, manicures & pedicures.

This is a great restaurant in the middle of downtown with an amazing view! The food is good and reasonably priced. The best part of this place is they ALWAYS have $1 margaritas and $1 beers...ALWAYS! I’m not talking about a Dixie cup of beer or a watered down marg. They have full 12oz beers and STRONG margs. Let’s just say that is the place to start every night out downtown if you want to get tossed and save money!

Located in downtown in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. This church is the focal point of an elaborate 12-day festival each December. The structure itself was built during a 12-year period beginning in 1929. The interior is filled with hand-carved columns, decorative moldings and other rich detailing. An earthquake damaged the ornate crown that originally adorned the church. It was replaced, but the repair still creates controversy. The original crown is said to have been modeled after a tiara worn by the mistress of the Emperor Maximilian.

*Please be respectful when visiting this or any other is a religios place. Mini skirts, shorts and tank tops or bare shoulders are not allowed.

English Mass: 10a Su

the downtown open market is a very exhilarating experience in itself, but you can get worn out quickly by all of the fast-paced activity, so don't stay long on your first visit there. many of the little stalls in other shopping clusters downtown are also quite reasonable. the smaller shops are usually not quite so hectic.

And although we are outsiders in their hometown, their is a church right downtown, I forget the name of this spectacular church, but knew there was only one church Guadalupe that spoke english service on Sundays at 11am.

This is a very touristy thing to do but fun. There are two Fiestas in the city, on different nights. All the food, drinks and music for one price. Be careful how you get tickets to this. There are a lot of "corner" salespeople with "deals". Usually revolving around a time share sales pitch. Prices vary from one person to another.

december 12 is our lady (the virgin mary) of guadalupe day, a very important and festive religious holiday commemorating a peasant's vision of the virgin. every evening the children have parades, dress up as religious figures and aztecs, and sing folk songs. all of this happens for two weeks before the actual day.

the singing is absolutely beautiful. it is representative of the real mexico, and people are happy to share it with others.