Outside Town, Puerto Vallarta

Los Arcos is the name given to the three huge rocks just off shore near Mismaloya. The name Los Arcos (The Arches) comes from the arching caves and grottoes that have been carved out by time and the pounding surf.

The area is now a federal underwater park and eco-reserve. It sports some of the best underwater exploring along the coast, and several tours take visitors there daily.

Los Arcos is also the name of the open-air Amphitheater at the end of El Malecon in El Centro, where the original namesake can been seen through the man-made arches that mark the site. Each Sunday afternoon free public performances are given and artists set up their wares.

I got to do a small bit of snorkeling here. Follow up link and I have a seperate Los Arcos page with plenty of pictures of the area in the travelogues.

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"The Predator" movie set is a tourist attraction where you can see the helicopter that was blown up in the movie. I never liked the movie that much, but I must admit that the movie location in the middle of the jungle rewards you with very nice views of the area.

There restaurant El Eden located on site, is where you can have a bite if you are hungry. Also, there is a canopy tour close by.

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Mismaloya, nice town with a very cozy beach, is also the place that director John Huston chose for the movie "The Night of the Iguana". The remains of the movie set and the forth that was built for the movie can be easily accessed from the beach. It makes for a nice 5 minutes stroll.

I felt overwhelmed imagining Liz Taylor (who was here the whole time with Richart Burton) and Deborah Kerr walking on the same pathway I walked to get to the movie set.

The view of the bay and the beach from the movie set area is also breathtaking! Try to imagine how it looked like when the movie was made and when there was absolutely nothing there...

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During your stay in Puerto Vallarta try to go to one of the beaches out of town at least once. We had the pleasure to enjoy several beaches during our vacation: Playa Los Muertos (in town), Playa Mismaloya (South of town) and Playa Sayulita (North of town). Each beach is unique and has its own beauty, you will not be sorry for checking them out.

There is a lookout that sits off the road just before you get to the hotel La Jolla De Mismaloya. Stop and look over the wall. The view is magical with the Bay of Banderas and the hotel grounds and beach in full view. Straight across in the hills is where the movie "Night of the Iguana" was filmed.

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There are abundant fishing opportunities in PV, with deep sea trips available as well as trips within Banderas Bay. Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Billfish, Jack, Snapper, and Wahoo can all be had. We took two boats out on our trip, and we didn't catch any of those. We did get some needlefish, which the chef in our villa used to make one of the best meals I have ever had in my life.

We used PUERTO VALLARTA FISHING, but there are a multitude of outfitters available.

Make sure you have a few hours for this tour. We left around 1:30p and returned about 6ish. I believe the website says $77per person but ask around at your hotel. I was able to get it for $50per person. Not for people with heart or health problems. (There is a bit of vigorous hiking that you have to do.) Weight limit is 250lbs for the zip line.

It's a bumpy ride up to the jungle but it's really beautiful up there. When you arrive at the outdoor restaurant, El Eden, the driver leaves you with the zip line guides. You're given a locker for personal items since you can only take sunglasses w/you. No cameras are allowed. I believe this is because they have a girl that takes your picture and then sells them to you afterwards.

You're given a quick rundown/demonstration before the guides strap you into the harness and give you your helmet. You do 2 short practice zip lines before you start your hike to the first actually zip line. Be ready to trudge up quite a few flights of stairs between each zip line with gear in hand.

Wow! So exhilirating! On some of the zip lines you're going about 85miles/hr. I felt totally safe though, so no worries. The guides are there with you. One at each end of your zip line.

Before your last line the guide tells you about their involvement w/Greenpeace and basically ask for a tip if you're happy w/the way the tour went. Every couple on my tour tipped them 300pesos each on average.

When the zip line part of the tour is done you're given the option to either buy pictures of yourself on the zip lines or a CD. You have about 30-40minutes before your driver returns to take you back. You can take pictures, jump in the water for a swim, or have a drink and eat at El Eden. On the way back the driver stops at a small village and you have a chance to do free tequila tasting. Unusual flavors such as almond and orange. A great tour that I highly recommend!

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If you can take this tour you will not be sorry. It is expensive 75 USD. But worth it if u like nature and like to get away and see the real Mexico....It starts off with a jungle tour and a ride on a Mercedes All terrain vehicle... fun but dusty... then you go into a small village with a gorgeous church. Then you visit a nice family and eat homemade tortilla: awesome!!! I loved this....then you end off with a huge barbeque and great food.. Excellent.. on the way home u sample tequilla have some cervesa fun fun fun....