Downtown, Puerto Vallarta

If you want to get a unique view of Puerto Vallarta, you can try parasailing. Parasailing
is offered at nearly every beach in the area. Just look for the jet skis and parachutes. Always make sure you bargain with the guys so you can get the best deal possible. I've never tried it myself, but several of my friends did and really enjoyed it. Not sure what the exact costs were, but I'm guessing around $50CDN or so(?).

Downtown there is a sort of flea market, new items though. A combination gift shop/mall that stretches for blocks behind the store fronts. So much fun! Be prepared to barter. Prices are flexible, depending on what you negotiate. As you go further into the market, prices get lower. Lots of pottery, sarongss, sombreros, hand crafts etc. A wonderful experience!

The older downtown of Puerto Vallarta is one of the best places to see real Mexico.
Its not a bunch of overpriced tourist hotels.
I like staying near the older part of town instead of out by Nuevo Vallarta because I like experiencing the culture a little bit.
You can get some good deals in the stores in the downtown area.

Upon arrival we take the bus to the hotel, check in, and then walk directly to hotel Los Cuatro Vientos for a sunset cocktail at their roof top bar El Nido.

The view, atmosphere, and gentle breeze...and this is all before the sun sinks into the Pacific...will create an immediate and lasting love affair with PV. By the time you leave El Nido you wil likely be planning your next trip to PV.

After El Nido walk directly to El Palomar for the seafood platter.

If you do the traditional El Nido + El Palomar first night in PV you could do nothing else for the rest of your trip and still consider it a great success and experience.

The Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Cathedral is a famous landmark of the Puerto Vallarta skyline. This church looks much older than it is. It was completed in 1951 and crowned with a unique steeple, which some say was modeled after Maximillian's wife Carlotta, who wore a crown with a similar design.

Whether or not this is true, Guadalupe Cathedral is one of the most photographed churches in Mexico. An English-language mass is held every Sunday (10:00 a.m.). Shorts and sleeveless T-shirts are prohibited inside the church.

Most tourist never leave their wonderful resorts when they vacation in Puerto Vallarta. You don't know what you are missing. Take a walk downtown and enjoy the richness of the city. Get out and meet the people, go in to the stores and shop, frequent the restaurants (the food is excellent).

2 more images

If you take the time to walk up the hill past all the stores, traffic and bars, there is a oasis of gorgeous mexican hill houses. Quiet and safe walk with great windows and doors.

1 more image

This church (more than any other symbol) represents Puerto Vallarta and is topped by an ornate crown that replicates the one worn by Carlota (the empress of Mexico) in the late 1860s.