Puerto Vallarta Attractions: Shopping

You know whenever you go on vacation you want to bring a little piece home with you! And, of course, a little something for everyone else. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what gifts to get for everyone. Puerto Vallarta is just crawling with colorful open-air markets and adorable boutiques, so we want you to get the most out of your shopping excursions. Here’s a few shopping tops and a gift guide for everyone on your list.

The three major shopping plazas in Vallarta are The Marina Plaza, The Plaza Caracol and the Plaza Genovesa. Here you’ll find everything from pottery and sterling silver to clothing and groceries.

For Mom and Dad: The markets have tons of little stands and stores selling painted ceramics and other handcrafted items. How about a beautiful, hand-blown glass vase? Or, for those parents who love the touristy items: some colorful, Puerto Vallarta salt and peppershakers or coasters are cute too. Try places like Granada, La Reja, or Arte Popular Mexicano.

For the girlfriend OR your best gal pal: Sterling silver jewelry! Mexico is known for its beautiful and wide selection of silver. Make sure you look for the little .925 mark on the back of any silver item you buy, that’s how you know it’s real! Astrid and Pladi are two of the many places that you can find while shopping in PV.

For the neighbor that’s pet sitting for you: No matter what their taste, a piece of art is a thoughtful and timeless gift. Puerto Vallarta offers an amazing selection of Huichol art. Another perk: Art is duty free back into the U.S.! You’ll find a nice range of art in the different galleries, from small decorative items to pieces made by celebrated masters. For that helpful neighbor, try a small sculpture or a custom-made stained glass piece that captures the essence of the PV culture!

For the boyfriend: Leather goods are another Puerto Vallarta specialty. Any guy would surely love a new leather wallet or belt! For a simple guy, any of the many t-shirt shops will provide you with tons of tourist t-shirts, mugs and magnets. Wanna go for the cheesy approach? “Someone who loves me went to Puerto Vallarta and got me this t-shirt” will surely do the trick!

For anyone: Tequila! Mexico is known for it’s tequila and anyone would love to get a bottle as a gift. Don’t forget to throw in a lime and some salt!

Puerto Vallarta Vacations: Go Green!

Driving around in a Prius? Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs? Eating out of the new Sun Chips bag? However you’re making an effort to go green is awesome…now how about a green vacation? Here’s a list of 5 easy ways to stay green while you’re vacationing in Puerto Vallarta:

1. Pack a water bottle to refill instead of buying a plastic one each time you’re thirsty. Try a nice Nalgene or Camelbak one. Puerto Vallarta has the cleanest water in Mexico. Just to make sure though, ask the staff, “Agua purificada?” and you should be good to go! Take it with you when you go zip lining or ATV-ing, or even just lounging on the beach!

http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/

http://www.camelbak.com/

2. Put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your hotel room so you can skip the housekeeping. Cleaning hotel rooms’ daily wastes tons of electricity and cleaning supplies. Skip getting your bed made for a day and sleep in!

3. Hang your towels up to dry on the racks instead of requesting all new towels each day. This tip goes along with the whole wasted electricity notion.

4. Use public transportation when going to shop or explore. And, the bus system in Puerto Vallarta is something you’ve just got to see! The buses come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Each one is uniquely decorated, so bring the camera. They are very inexpensive and totally worth it. Sometimes, entertainers will sing and play instruments for the duration of the ride!

For more info and prices: http://vallarta-info.com/puerto-vallarta-transport.html

5. Be a conservationist for a day with EcoTours de Mexico! Activities like their Sea Turtle Camp and Whale Watching/Whale Adoption Program allow you to do your part for the wildlife of Puerto Vallarta and have fun at the same time.

Start planning your eco-adventure: http://www.ecotoursvallarta.com/index.php

Puerto Vallarta Vacations: For the Dating Vacationer

For some, the promise of an exciting vacation fling is the best part about travelling. I mean what single person wouldn’t want a romantic little rendezvous while in a beautiful, exotic place? We’ve compiled a list of some places where you can find that special someone on your trip!

1. Have a Need for Speed

Try speed dating! Quickly find someone cute to hang with on your vacation! Try the Oceanside Dating Club, held several nights a week. This speed-dating service has a set price and includes a couple of drinks for the night. It’s an easy, fun way to meet new people!

2. Hop Around

Go bar hopping one night. Try one of Puerto Vallarta’s many dance clubs; a fun and flirty environment to meet someone new! Popular hangouts include Senor Frogs, La Vaquita, Mandala, Hilo, The Zoo, etc. Shimmy up to someone cute and leave your heart on the dance floor!

3. Be Adventurous

Puerto Vallarta has many different zip lining tours that take you through the lush forest canopies while you’re flying through the air! Many people will come on these tours in groups of friends so it’s a great way to meet that new special someone and all of their buddies too. And, all of that adrenaline pumping might make you extra courageous!

4. Get In the Game

Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are covered with beach volleyball nets, and playing sports is a great way to meet people. Join in on the game and you’re sure to get acquainted with your teammates and get competitive with the other team while showing off your skills.

5. Keep Your Eyes Open

Take one of Puerto Vallarta’s hiking and birding tours. They give you the opportunity to see over 350 species of birds, iguanas and monkeys. It’s a great escape from the beach and another one of those good group-meeting spots. Grab a pair of binoculars and start looking for love!

Puerto Vallarta Vacations: Volunteer Vacations

Puerto Vallarta has so much to offer as a great vacation spot…perhaps we could all give something back in return? Well, as it turns out there’s a lot you can to do help. If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity we’ve found some great ones!

Don Quijote

Learn to speak Spanish and work with a local community at the same time! Don Quijote has put together a program that combines a 4-week Spanish course with 4 weeks of volunteer work with a charitable organization in the Puerto Vallarta. You will come get the opportunity to help with the issues that the local people of Puerto Vallarta face while getting a valuable learning experience in the process!

Children’s Shelter of Hope

The Children’s Shelter of Hope known as: Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (R.I.S.E.) shelters 45 children who are in need of housing and care. These children are usually very young but will likely live in the shelter until they are preteens. Catholic nuns live in the shelter to take care of the kids, as well as several other staff members. Volunteers from all over the world help by performing chores such as bathing, feeding, changing diapers, cleaning the facility, etc. If you’re good with children this could be a great opportunity to help kids that really need love and care.

The Ecology Group of Vallarta

This group of local citizens works constantly to conserve the natural beauty and wildlife of the area. They strive for a beautiful and even cleaner Puerto Vallarta. They welcome visitors to their activities and meetings. You could sign up for a beach clean up, which means you get to help the environment with your toes in the Puerto Vallarta sand!

So, whether you’re looking for a beautiful vacation spot or a place to do some good deeds, Puerto Vallarta has got you covered. Happy helping!

Puerto Vallarta Vacations: Easter Break 2010

Going anywhere for Easter break? Think about bunny hopping on over to beautiful Puerto Vallarta! This year Easter falls on April 4^th. During Pascua (Easter) Puerto Vallarta is at its peak occupancy! Whether you’re a student looking for an exciting spring break or a family looking for some Easter fun, Puerto Vallarta has so much to offer! Many events and festivals take place during this time, drawing lots of people to PV. Whale watching season ends in April so it’s one of your last chances to see the migrating Humpback whales. Also, April is the last month for the Old Town Art Walk. The art walk showcases artists from around the world in Puerto Vallarta’s many beautiful art galleries. It’s a cultural event you don’t want to miss! These festivities along with so many others will entertain you during Easter break in Puerto Vallarta. Most resorts will also have Easter celebrations like special dinner parties and egg hunts for the kids. Before Easter Sunday make sure to stop by Xocodiva (located next to the San Marino Hotel in the Romantic Zone) for some delicious, handcrafted chocolate eggs and bunnies. Book now and have an egg-citing Easter in Puerto Vallarta!

by: Brittany Mignanelli

Puerto Vallarta Attractions: Festival Gourmet International

Though it’s a little early to be thinking about this event, it’s never too early to plan a vacation. And personally, food is always on my mind!  What I’m referring to is the Festival Gourmet International in Puerto Vallarta! 

Every November visitors get to dive into a night of delicious dishes with cuisine from around the world. In Banderas Bay, food and drink lovers get to experience the cookery of local chefs, chefs from all over Mexico, and chefs from across the ocean! Food tastings are held throughout the duration of the 10-day festival; along with cooking classes, education in wine pairings and tequila tastings. Participating chefs and restaurants will have you begging for more than just a sampling of the savory flavors that they have to offer.  

The festival ends with a bang as a firework show dazzles the crowd. Spaces for this event go quickly so make your reservation today! If you’re planning a Vallarta visit in November 2010, this event is one you won’t want to miss.

Puerto Vallarta Vacations: Spring Break 2010

For some students, spring break is in as little as 2 weeks away. Scrambling trying to find plans? Consider Puerto Vallarta, you’ve still got some time to book! Puerto Vallarta offers an exciting nightlife, fun excursions and perfect tanning conditions for college students looking to get away with friends. 

Many of the resorts will offer spring break packages or student rates that sweeten the deal. And, as much as Puerto Vallarta is a very family friendly destination; students know when it shows up on sites like StudentCity.com and Gradcity.com that they’ve got the party aspect of spring break covered. 

Hot spots include places like your standard, Senor Frogs to local dance clubs like El Zoo downtown. For those wondering, the legal drinking age is 18; making Puerto Vallarta that much more appealing to thirsty spring-breakers. The nightlife here will definitely give students more than one or two facebook albums to fill up. 

For daytime activities, most students love water sports like jet skiing and many indulge in the booze cruises that can be booked by the hotel concierge. College students looking for a spring break party on the beach should consider making their memories this year in Puerto Vallarta!