Villa Nellcote Guidebook
Restaurants & Taco Stands
A spinoff of the very successful La Docena in Guadalajara. Great oysters and grilled meats. The cooking here is excellent and you won't find a better chocolate clam (called that for the color, there is no actual chocolate involved).
Great people watching on the Malecon, sunset view, and sometimes you're lucky enough to see whales.
Ask for a table on the side of the restaurant that's not near the night club as it's very very noisy.
6 lokalkjente anbefaler
Oyster Grill de La Docena
610 Paseo Díaz OrdazA spinoff of the very successful La Docena in Guadalajara. Great oysters and grilled meats. The cooking here is excellent and you won't find a better chocolate clam (called that for the color, there is no actual chocolate involved).
Great people watching on the Malecon, sunset view, and sometimes you're lucky enough to see whales.
Ask for a table on the side of the restaurant that's not near the night club as it's very very noisy.
The best fish tacos in the world. Period. A declaration made by multiple world class chefs.
Homemade tortillas. These ladies really know how to fry. Pescado o camerones, both are great. Also try the crab tostadas.
Lunch only, close at 6pm.
55 lokalkjente anbefaler
Marisma Fish Taco
320 NaranjoThe best fish tacos in the world. Period. A declaration made by multiple world class chefs.
Homemade tortillas. These ladies really know how to fry. Pescado o camerones, both are great. Also try the crab tostadas.
Lunch only, close at 6pm.
You could get a quesobirria here long before it became trendy in the US but also try the adobado as not every stand has it.
Tacos El Moreno
304 Calle Fco. I. MaderoYou could get a quesobirria here long before it became trendy in the US but also try the adobado as not every stand has it.
A sit down restaurant with excellent el pastor. They'll bring a little stand to your table with six salsas ranging from mild to blow your head off. If you're feeling really indulgent, go for the queso fundido too.
By day they're known as Macareno and do great breakfasts - traditional chilaquiles and as well as sweets.
8 lokalkjente anbefaler
Taqueria Las Güeras
457 Venustiano CarranzaA sit down restaurant with excellent el pastor. They'll bring a little stand to your table with six salsas ranging from mild to blow your head off. If you're feeling really indulgent, go for the queso fundido too.
By day they're known as Macareno and do great breakfasts - traditional chilaquiles and as well as sweets.
A stand on the street with a full service restaurant beside it. Great seafood including a really special seafood rellano which isn't on the menu but they'll make it if you ask. Good aguachiles as well.
Note that they're closed Tuesdays and close at 8pm (very early for PV).
9 lokalkjente anbefaler
Mariscos Cisneros
271 AguacateA stand on the street with a full service restaurant beside it. Great seafood including a really special seafood rellano which isn't on the menu but they'll make it if you ask. Good aguachiles as well.
Note that they're closed Tuesdays and close at 8pm (very early for PV).
This place looks a little new and slick but don't let that fool you. The el pastor is the real deal and the drinks are delicious. It's often our first night's meal when we land. Try the tacos Sonora style and the Michelada (usually we get cielo rojo but here the plain michelada is outstanding).
17 lokalkjente anbefaler
Sonorita Olas Altas
232 Pino SuárezThis place looks a little new and slick but don't let that fool you. The el pastor is the real deal and the drinks are delicious. It's often our first night's meal when we land. Try the tacos Sonora style and the Michelada (usually we get cielo rojo but here the plain michelada is outstanding).
Go here for one thing - the chiles en nogada. Can't vouch for the rest of the menu but this stuffed chile (your choice of beef, shrimp, or vegetarian), with a white creme sauce, and pomegranate seeds is worth a visit.
Friendly service.
6 lokalkjente anbefaler
Restaurant Adobes
259 C. Fco. I. MaderoGo here for one thing - the chiles en nogada. Can't vouch for the rest of the menu but this stuffed chile (your choice of beef, shrimp, or vegetarian), with a white creme sauce, and pomegranate seeds is worth a visit.
Friendly service.
When we fell in love with el pastor over a decade ago, this was a favorite. Well it's many people's favorite now and the line is often around the block. Your call as to whether the wait is worth it given other great el pastor options in town.
158 lokalkjente anbefaler
Pancho's Takos
162 Basilio BadilloWhen we fell in love with el pastor over a decade ago, this was a favorite. Well it's many people's favorite now and the line is often around the block. Your call as to whether the wait is worth it given other great el pastor options in town.
A modern take on Mexican ingredients and a bit more upscale than most of our recommendations and in a really cool up and coming neighborhood. It's worth the trip out of the Zona Romantica.
The bar specializes in cocktails made with raicilla, the state of Jalisco's version of mezcal. It's the new trendy, hipster Mexican spirit.
(note that the photo included was auto-added by Airbnb and is out of date. The patio is much nicer now)
45 lokalkjente anbefaler
Barrio Bistro
305 C. EspañaA modern take on Mexican ingredients and a bit more upscale than most of our recommendations and in a really cool up and coming neighborhood. It's worth the trip out of the Zona Romantica.
The bar specializes in cocktails made with raicilla, the state of Jalisco's version of mezcal. It's the new trendy, hipster Mexican spirit.
(note that the photo included was auto-added by Airbnb and is out of date. The patio is much nicer now)
We love ice cream! Much of the ice cream in town tends to have large ice crystals. Not Lix. Creamy and full of flavor.
They specialize in ice creams made of Mexican chocolate but also have salted caramel and a yummy roasted cherry.
There are is a new location on the Malecon but we haven't tried it.
8 lokalkjente anbefaler
Lix Homemade Ice Cream
168C Basilio BadilloWe love ice cream! Much of the ice cream in town tends to have large ice crystals. Not Lix. Creamy and full of flavor.
They specialize in ice creams made of Mexican chocolate but also have salted caramel and a yummy roasted cherry.
There are is a new location on the Malecon but we haven't tried it.
Smoked marlin tacos and a delicious consommé called salta pa'tras. The smoked fish is almost like ham.
10 lokalkjente anbefaler
Mariscos La Tía
215 Calle HondurasSmoked marlin tacos and a delicious consommé called salta pa'tras. The smoked fish is almost like ham.
The only place we're recommending outside of PV proper...
Makai will blow your mind. Unassuming, on the side of the highway, but truly original and delicious. The chef/owner brings ingredients from his garden, treats them with care, and is making some of the most interesting food we've had in the region (tuna cured like prosciutto anyone?).
The trick about the location is that it's across the street from the entrance to La Lancha, one of the best surf spots in the area, so the hours are 12-6 to allow the owner to surf before and after service.
6 lokalkjente anbefaler
Makai Restaurant
The only place we're recommending outside of PV proper...
Makai will blow your mind. Unassuming, on the side of the highway, but truly original and delicious. The chef/owner brings ingredients from his garden, treats them with care, and is making some of the most interesting food we've had in the region (tuna cured like prosciutto anyone?).
The trick about the location is that it's across the street from the entrance to La Lancha, one of the best surf spots in the area, so the hours are 12-6 to allow the owner to surf before and after service.
Part of Versalles burgeoning food scene, the chef/owner makes fresh, modern food (mole chilaquiles, veggie bowls, etc) and his wife has a boutique in the back with fresh, modern clothes (linen separates and jewelry). Everything is created onsite - food and clothing!
At last check, they are open for brunch Tuesday - Sunday 9-4 and dinner Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 6-11.
https://www.facebook.com/chacocinalibre/
22 lokalkjente anbefaler
Cha'
148a HamburgoPart of Versalles burgeoning food scene, the chef/owner makes fresh, modern food (mole chilaquiles, veggie bowls, etc) and his wife has a boutique in the back with fresh, modern clothes (linen separates and jewelry). Everything is created onsite - food and clothing!
At last check, they are open for brunch Tuesday - Sunday 9-4 and dinner Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 6-11.
https://www.facebook.com/chacocinalibre/
David's favorite taco in town. They steam the meat with aromatics, not greasy. Head and tongue by request.
Open nighttime only.
Tacos de Cabeza el Chulo
263-209 AguacateDavid's favorite taco in town. They steam the meat with aromatics, not greasy. Head and tongue by request.
Open nighttime only.
Fresh churros! You'll see him extrude the dough, cut with a large knife, fry, and toss in cinnamon sugar. Then tell him how many you'd like and he'll bag them up.
Evenings usually until 9pm.
The Churros Guy
216 AguacateFresh churros! You'll see him extrude the dough, cut with a large knife, fry, and toss in cinnamon sugar. Then tell him how many you'd like and he'll bag them up.
Evenings usually until 9pm.
Caribbean curry, chicken wings, oxtail, and amazing potatoes. Plus a pet pig! Yes, pig… Tako Pigman (he’s on Instagram too)
10 lokalkjente anbefaler
Caribbean Cuisine
130 AldanacaCaribbean curry, chicken wings, oxtail, and amazing potatoes. Plus a pet pig! Yes, pig… Tako Pigman (he’s on Instagram too)
This is a casual sit down, family run place for tacos dorados (crispy) and enchiladas. Everything is good but the tacos with papas (potatoes) are really special. Mashed potatoes in a fried taco shell! Also try the picadillo (shredded beef).
Doña Chela
430 Venustiano CarranzaThis is a casual sit down, family run place for tacos dorados (crispy) and enchiladas. Everything is good but the tacos with papas (potatoes) are really special. Mashed potatoes in a fried taco shell! Also try the picadillo (shredded beef).
Birria, just birria, nothing else. In a bowl or a taco. Unctuous!
(Breakfast or early lunch only - birria is a morning thing)
Birria Robles
271 Calle ConstituciónBirria, just birria, nothing else. In a bowl or a taco. Unctuous!
(Breakfast or early lunch only - birria is a morning thing)
A special treat - hike or boat in only. 3 seatings 11, 1, and 3, must have a reservation, and cash only. Good food, fantastic experience. Be sure to read all the info they provide on their website about getting there. Hike starts from Boca de Tomatlan - you’ll have to go away from the ocean, up the river to get a foot bridge and then follow the only path you see back towards the ocean and about 30-40 minutes to the restaurant. Take the boat back to Boca de Tomatlan.
40 lokalkjente anbefaler
Ocean Grill Vallarta
A special treat - hike or boat in only. 3 seatings 11, 1, and 3, must have a reservation, and cash only. Good food, fantastic experience. Be sure to read all the info they provide on their website about getting there. Hike starts from Boca de Tomatlan - you’ll have to go away from the ocean, up the river to get a foot bridge and then follow the only path you see back towards the ocean and about 30-40 minutes to the restaurant. Take the boat back to Boca de Tomatlan.
Puerto Vallarta’s take on fine dining. Great wine list, solid cooking, the rabbit dish is a favorite.
51 lokalkjente anbefaler
TRIO
264 GuerreroPuerto Vallarta’s take on fine dining. Great wine list, solid cooking, the rabbit dish is a favorite.
Looking for a special occasion restaurant? This is the finest (and priciest) dining experience we recommend in Puerto Vallarta. Not straight ahead Mexican, you’ll taste many international influences but very very well done.
44 lokalkjente anbefaler
Tintoque
445 Aquiles SerdánLooking for a special occasion restaurant? This is the finest (and priciest) dining experience we recommend in Puerto Vallarta. Not straight ahead Mexican, you’ll taste many international influences but very very well done.
Located in the boutique hotel Casa Kimberly, this restaurant is about the beautiful setting and gorgeous view. Food is good but really you go for the ambiance.
The original house was Richard Burton and Liz Taylor’s love nest and their imagery abounds.
One of the more elegant places in PV.
44 lokalkjente anbefaler
The Iguana Restaurant & Tequila Bar
445 C. ZaragozaLocated in the boutique hotel Casa Kimberly, this restaurant is about the beautiful setting and gorgeous view. Food is good but really you go for the ambiance.
The original house was Richard Burton and Liz Taylor’s love nest and their imagery abounds.
One of the more elegant places in PV.
A neighborhood you wouldn't otherwise find but only a 15 minute walk away. La Fina is colorful restaurant with great takes on Mexican classics (and an insane burger).
8 lokalkjente anbefaler
La fina
151 AtmósferaA neighborhood you wouldn't otherwise find but only a 15 minute walk away. La Fina is colorful restaurant with great takes on Mexican classics (and an insane burger).
Authentic Spanish tapas, great wine list, and gorgeous view - a winning combination.
171 lokalkjente anbefaler
Barcelona Tapas
906 C. MatamorosAuthentic Spanish tapas, great wine list, and gorgeous view - a winning combination.
Dumplings and noodles in PV? Yep, and they're good. Beautiful back patio as well.
12 lokalkjente anbefaler
Bonito Kitchen & Bar
512 InsurgentesDumplings and noodles in PV? Yep, and they're good. Beautiful back patio as well.
Stunning view, beautiful room, competent Italian food. You really go for the setting.
52 lokalkjente anbefaler
La Cappella
363 B C. MiramarStunning view, beautiful room, competent Italian food. You really go for the setting.
Tacos El Gato
Very good el pastor tacos.
Delicious zarandeado (roasted fish). You pay by the kilo.
33 lokalkjente anbefaler
Restaurant Río Grande - Puerto Vallarta - Pescado Zarandeado
1175 Avenida MéxicoDelicious zarandeado (roasted fish). You pay by the kilo.
Homún
A dinner spot by the same chef/owner as Cha.
Lux and expensive but worth the splurge. Take a boat there or a strenuous hike from Boca de Tomatlan. Then relax, have a drink, swim in clear water, ahhh.
Ánima Beach Club
Lux and expensive but worth the splurge. Take a boat there or a strenuous hike from Boca de Tomatlan. Then relax, have a drink, swim in clear water, ahhh.
Raíces Resto Bar Puerto Vallarta
Craving a steak? Argentinians know how to cook over fire.
Necessities
The Zona Romántica is full of little pharmacies but this is the largest in the area.
56 lokalkjente anbefaler
Farmacia Guadalajara
261 InsurgentesThe Zona Romántica is full of little pharmacies but this is the largest in the area.
Costco Wholesale
134 Av Fluvial VallartaYep, there's a Costco here
Renting a car in Mexico can be leave you feeling like you've been cheated. There's always a big push to upsell insurance and it's not clear what you really need. Gecko is not like that at all. Clear pricing, multiple drivers allowed, great VIP taxi service from the airport, and they rent soft racks in you want to transport a surfboard.
https://geckorentcar.com/car-rental-puerto-vallarta/
7 lokalkjente anbefaler
Gecko Rent a Car
140 Las PalmasRenting a car in Mexico can be leave you feeling like you've been cheated. There's always a big push to upsell insurance and it's not clear what you really need. Gecko is not like that at all. Clear pricing, multiple drivers allowed, great VIP taxi service from the airport, and they rent soft racks in you want to transport a surfboard.
https://geckorentcar.com/car-rental-puerto-vallarta/
The best supermarket is La Comer. It is across the road from Costco. It is customary to tip the person who bags your groceries a small amount (5 pesos). Bring shopping bags as they’ll charge you for reusables. We’ve got some in one of the kitchen drawers. You will need a taxi to go there. You can also order online at lacomer.com.mx if you can manage the Spanish.
65 lokalkjente anbefaler
La Comer Fluvial
63 Av Fluvial VallartaThe best supermarket is La Comer. It is across the road from Costco. It is customary to tip the person who bags your groceries a small amount (5 pesos). Bring shopping bags as they’ll charge you for reusables. We’ve got some in one of the kitchen drawers. You will need a taxi to go there. You can also order online at lacomer.com.mx if you can manage the Spanish.
Best wine and liquor store in the Zona Romantica
17 lokalkjente anbefaler
Vinos América Basilio Badillo (Puerto Vallarta)
284 Basilio BadilloBest wine and liquor store in the Zona Romantica
Baca’s is the best fruit and vegetable store. They have everything: butter, milk, eggs, organic coffee and other necessities. They also have local artisan breads and baguettes. But you should stop by before noon to make sure you get some. Around the corner to the right on Camuchin is a tienda that sells good fresh chicken and chorizo, the Mexican sausage used in quesadillas and served with eggs. There is a good tortilla tienda on the outside southeast corner of the Mercado on Camuchin. There is a good butcher on the outside of the Market on Lazaro Cardenas (next block from Baca’s) who will make up an arrechera for you. This is a skirt steak that is marinated and tenderized naturally. This is usually served with guacamole and salsa Mexicana (aka pico de gallo). And there is a small tienda that sells locally-caught fish and shrimp.
Baca Market
502 Lázaro CárdenasBaca’s is the best fruit and vegetable store. They have everything: butter, milk, eggs, organic coffee and other necessities. They also have local artisan breads and baguettes. But you should stop by before noon to make sure you get some. Around the corner to the right on Camuchin is a tienda that sells good fresh chicken and chorizo, the Mexican sausage used in quesadillas and served with eggs. There is a good tortilla tienda on the outside southeast corner of the Mercado on Camuchin. There is a good butcher on the outside of the Market on Lazaro Cardenas (next block from Baca’s) who will make up an arrechera for you. This is a skirt steak that is marinated and tenderized naturally. This is usually served with guacamole and salsa Mexicana (aka pico de gallo). And there is a small tienda that sells locally-caught fish and shrimp.
We’ve found two reasonably priced places for COVID tests in the Zona Romántica. Antigen tests are 599 pesos here.
I recommend you contact them on WhatsApp and make an appointment. They process the tests offsite so it takes about 5 hours to get the results. They’ll email you and you can stop back by if you prefer to have a print out.
They also partner with this company to book and prepay. It’s a little more expensive but nice to have an online booking system. (You want the Emiliano Zapato location) https://mexicocovidtest.azova.com/?current_page=3&pg_nav_num=0
Laboratorio San Pablo Sucursal Emiliano Zapata.
267 D Lázaro CárdenasWe’ve found two reasonably priced places for COVID tests in the Zona Romántica. Antigen tests are 599 pesos here.
I recommend you contact them on WhatsApp and make an appointment. They process the tests offsite so it takes about 5 hours to get the results. They’ll email you and you can stop back by if you prefer to have a print out.
They also partner with this company to book and prepay. It’s a little more expensive but nice to have an online booking system. (You want the Emiliano Zapato location) https://mexicocovidtest.azova.com/?current_page=3&pg_nav_num=0
A great option for COVID tests in walking distance from the house. You can make an appointment on their website or just walk in https://setac.com.mx/en/home/ At last check hours were:
Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Antigen test 599 pesos
SETAC Wellness Center Zona Romantica
379 Lázaro CárdenasA great option for COVID tests in walking distance from the house. You can make an appointment on their website or just walk in https://setac.com.mx/en/home/ At last check hours were:
Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Antigen test 599 pesos
Drinks
Pinocho's Bar
170 C. MatamorosDive bar in the best way possible.
Great cocktails. They do a tiki night that includes a really skillfully made mai tai. While it’s not on the menu on other evenings, they’ll make it by request.
You might catch a film as the project old movies on the wall of their covered rooftop bar.
Seems to be a hangout for salty ex-pats and an interesting mature crowd.
11 lokalkjente anbefaler
Twisted Palms Rooftop Lounge
228 Ignacio L. VallartaGreat cocktails. They do a tiki night that includes a really skillfully made mai tai. While it’s not on the menu on other evenings, they’ll make it by request.
You might catch a film as the project old movies on the wall of their covered rooftop bar.
Seems to be a hangout for salty ex-pats and an interesting mature crowd.
Opened in December 2021, this cafe by day and wine bar by night is a great find. Very reasonably priced wine, friendly and informative staff.
Granvas
277 GuerreroOpened in December 2021, this cafe by day and wine bar by night is a great find. Very reasonably priced wine, friendly and informative staff.
Neighborhoods
A super cool neighborhood most tourists miss. It’s got a young, hip vibe. Brooklyn of Vallarta?
34 lokalkjente anbefaler
Versalles
A super cool neighborhood most tourists miss. It’s got a young, hip vibe. Brooklyn of Vallarta?
Sightseeing
One of three popular beaches reachable only by boat (the other two are Las Animas and Yelapa).
Take a panga from Boca de Tomatlan for 200 pesos/person or Playa de las Muertos (not sure of the cost from there).
Quimixto has the fewest restaurants but a little village you can walk through to a waterfall, horseback riding, and the only surf break south of Punta Mita.
Quimixto
QuimixtoOne of three popular beaches reachable only by boat (the other two are Las Animas and Yelapa).
Take a panga from Boca de Tomatlan for 200 pesos/person or Playa de las Muertos (not sure of the cost from there).
Quimixto has the fewest restaurants but a little village you can walk through to a waterfall, horseback riding, and the only surf break south of Punta Mita.
One of three popular beaches reachable only by boat (the other two are Quimixto and Yelapa). Take a panga boat from Boca de Tomatlan (should cost you 200 pesos/person) or Playa de los Muertos (unsure of the cost) and spend the day on a chaise lounge while someone brings you lunch and cocktails.
Las Animas
Las AnimasOne of three popular beaches reachable only by boat (the other two are Quimixto and Yelapa). Take a panga boat from Boca de Tomatlan (should cost you 200 pesos/person) or Playa de los Muertos (unsure of the cost) and spend the day on a chaise lounge while someone brings you lunch and cocktails.
Our favorite surf spot in the area. You've got to hike in but it's worth it for the gentle, longboard wave.
Park at WildMex Surf Shop and rent a board.
38 lokalkjente anbefaler
Playa La Lancha
Our favorite surf spot in the area. You've got to hike in but it's worth it for the gentle, longboard wave.
Park at WildMex Surf Shop and rent a board.
We're not actually recommending the resort but there is a good surf break here.
Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa
KM. 11.6 Carr. Federal la Cruz de Huanacaxtle - Punta de MitaWe're not actually recommending the resort but there is a good surf break here.
This is our favorite local beach. No services but nice local scene, no one hassling you, beautiful water, etc. Take an Uber or be adventurous and try the local bus. Walk to the highway (down Aguacate and make a left, follow púlpito past Serrano’s Grill and down the hill). You’ll see a bus stop across the street. 10 pesos per person, tell the driver to let you off at Conchas Chinas, walk a little further up the highway after the bus drops you and they’ll be a road down to the beach. Maybe take an Uber the first time to scope out the route.
46 lokalkjente anbefaler
Conchas Chinas
This is our favorite local beach. No services but nice local scene, no one hassling you, beautiful water, etc. Take an Uber or be adventurous and try the local bus. Walk to the highway (down Aguacate and make a left, follow púlpito past Serrano’s Grill and down the hill). You’ll see a bus stop across the street. 10 pesos per person, tell the driver to let you off at Conchas Chinas, walk a little further up the highway after the bus drops you and they’ll be a road down to the beach. Maybe take an Uber the first time to scope out the route.
Shopping
Beautiful pillows, bedspreads, weavings, and more. Family owned and fairly priced.
Casa Oaxaca Art & Home Decor
377 Aquiles SerdánBeautiful pillows, bedspreads, weavings, and more. Family owned and fairly priced.
Without doubt the best handicrafts in Vallarta. They come from all over Mexico and South America. Expensive. But oh so beautiful. Lots of very good silver jewelry too.
Galeria Alpacora
226 Ignacio L. VallartaWithout doubt the best handicrafts in Vallarta. They come from all over Mexico and South America. Expensive. But oh so beautiful. Lots of very good silver jewelry too.
Here's where to get well-priced glassware and talavera dishes. This isn't fine art, it's great everyday pieces.
6 lokalkjente anbefaler
Mundo de Azulejos
374 Venustiano CarranzaHere's where to get well-priced glassware and talavera dishes. This isn't fine art, it's great everyday pieces.
Several pieces of art in the house are from this little shop. The proprietor has a great eye and has curated amazing stuff (and you’re paying for that curation).
Only problem is hours are a bit unpredictable. Great to catch her open during the Wednesday night Art Walk.
http://mannmademexico.com/
Or message 322.182.7453 for hours/appointment
Mannmade Mexico
672 Calle Gpe. SánchezSeveral pieces of art in the house are from this little shop. The proprietor has a great eye and has curated amazing stuff (and you’re paying for that curation).
Only problem is hours are a bit unpredictable. Great to catch her open during the Wednesday night Art Walk.
http://mannmademexico.com/
Or message 322.182.7453 for hours/appointment
Råd om byen
Gå ikke glipp av
Wednesday Night Art Walk
Wednesday nights October through May, explore El Centro as you gallery hop https://puertovallartaartwalk.com/about_us.html
Slik kommer du deg rundt
Uber
Your Uber app will work here and it's the easiest and cheapest way to get around. Much preferred to haggling with a cab driver.
Slik kommer du deg rundt
Airport Transport - PRICES MAY INCREASE DUE TO GAS PRICES
Exit the airport past all the people selling timeshares and promising taxis. Ignore all of that.
You can't get an Uber from the airport so you can either pay the slightly higher regulated taxi fare there (someone will sell you a ticket at the curb) which is 350 pesos at last check or you can exit out of the building to your left and cross a pedestrian bridge over the highway where you'll see cheaper cabs lined up. Tell them you want to go to Alta Vista and negotiate the fare before getting in. Should be about 220 pesos.
Ubers can take you to the airport when you are departing.
Slik kommer du deg rundt
Villa Nellcote/Villa Jazmin Google Pin
We've dropped a Villa Nellcote pin on Google maps to make it easier for you to find. Google is still "verifying" so sometimes it doesn't come up or brings you to the original Villa Nellcote in France. You can always search for the previous name Villa Jazmin or Zen Palacio, two names the previous owner’s used, as that's more consistent.
https://goo.gl/maps/hh5iy9ZQYUMsx7zYA
Slik kommer du deg rundt
Stairs to the Zona Romantica
There is a new set of very well-made steps straight down the hill on Aguacate. Go out the front door and to your right on Calle Hortensias. Make an immediate right down the hill on Aguacate. Walk around the switchback and continue down Aguacate to the stairs.
Slik kommer du deg rundt
A Second Route to Walk to the Zona Romantica
The second way to get to town is to walk past Serrano’s Grill, then turn right down the alleyway just past the restaurant. There is a staircase at the end of that alley that goes down toward Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes.
Gå ikke glipp av
Wash Fruits & Vegetables
Please soak all fruits, vegetables and eggs in tap water sprinkled with a few drops of Microdyn for at least 20 minutes before using to get rid of pesticides and anything that might make you sick. Better safe than sorry.
Slik kommer du deg rundt
Chartering a Boat
If you would like to charter a boat to go to beaches, snorkel, or maybe visit Las Tres Marietas islands where you’ll see blue-footed boobies and where you can swim in to Hidden Beach, go to www.puertovallartatours.net/yacht-charters. We haven't done it but are told it costs around $400 for a half day.
You can also just go to the pier on the Malecon and make a deal with a panga/boat owner on the spot. Won't be as lux but will be less expensive.
Slik kommer du deg rundt
Scuba Diving
The previous owners were avid scuba divers. The diving here cannot be compared to great diving destinations of the world, but they said there are three good sites worth visiting: La Corbetena, Las Tres Marietas, and the Wall at Los Arcos. The best diving company by far is Twin Dolphins. Phone 293-1905 or www.twindolphinspv.com
Slik kommer du deg rundt
Snorkling
You can book a snorkelling trip to Los Arcos, which is the group of big rocks just off Mismaloya beach about 15 minutes south of Vallarta. We think the best way is to go to the Los Muertos pier and book a boat there. It’s really nicer if you go on a smaller boat instead of the big ones. The boats have all the gear you’ll need. Not sure what it costs (you should bargain) but way way cheaper than chartering your own boat.
Slik kommer du deg rundt
Zip Lining
Glide on a wire across and high over the jungle. It’s a thrilling ride, and don’t worry… you are well-harnessed. You'll ride a mule up, go swimming and have lunch too. It’s a fun day. The best and most fun tour is Canopy River. You can find them here: http://www.canopyriver.com/
Slik kommer du deg rundt
Golf
We're told Vista Vallarta is the best course near here. www.vistavallartagolf.com
Slik kommer du deg rundt
Need a doctor?
For smaller issues (broken limb, heat stroke, fever, etc.) Medasist Hospital at the bottom of the hill on the Carretera to Mismaloya is a very good choice. For more serious issues (heart attack, etc.) we recommend San Javier on the highway going north. The number for Global Ambulance is 209-1123.