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In Vallarta and the surrounding coastal areas both north and south, you will find numerous activities to entertain the entire family, you as well as your children. Whether you are visiting on a winter family vacation or searching for a new home in Mexico as a secondary home, for future vacations or part of your retirement plan; For your convenience we have listed many of the free things to do and places to see in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas like Bucerias. There is no other place for your family vacations in winter that compare to the exquisite beaches all along the magical Bahia de Banderas coastline promising sun filled days of swimming for the beginner to the most experienced surfer. From one mile of sandy beach stretching to another you will find local caballeros with their sweet horses available for half hour to day long horseback rides, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and boat trips....or you can simply improve your tan by doing what you deserve, lounging under the Pacific coast sun, observing the daily cruise ships arriving in the famous puerto, while the beach vendors come to you with their colorful native offerings and delicious authentic Mexican treats. Family vacations in winter in PV is one of nature's more magnificent alternatives to Disney! You will become part of the Ask Gringo Realtors family, who will assist you with most all of your vacation needs, from fetching you at the airport to transport you to your vacation rental ,to appointing a personal director (PD) who can be reached by dialing 1 on the cell phone provided to assist you with finding free fun family activities on the beach or in the Sierra Madre Mountain range, during your winter vacation stay. Your guide or PD can help you arrange a day full of adventure, reservations for recommended Puerto Vallarta restaurants for families or more romantic dining without the kids, great special offers, national parks, rates and tours and even swimming with the dolphins in Nuevo Vallarta. We offer exceptionally friendly "special policy" for all our customers who plan their family winter vacations and stay with us at one of our many exceptional vacation rentals ; as well as for those whose plan is to make Puerto Vallarta a temporary or full time home. The rest of our Vallarta group is more than happy to assist you if you wish to prolong your winter family vacations by making Puerto Vallarta your new family home so you can spend time here in the spring, summer and fall as well. Get ready for the time of your life! Start planning for your family vacations in winter now! To book your trip online, please click for the Puerto Vallarta reservations. You may also email or call us at our Marina Vallarta or American based center with any questions you may have for your group trip to a PV destination and/or about Vallarta itself. |
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When you participate in Gringo's Palapa
Vallarta Vacation Signature Plan; you may have your Personal
Director assist you with making reservations and/or travel plans for
any of the activities above.
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Adventures Activity List |
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Huichol Indians About an hour drive from PV you will find the community of the Huichol Indians living in a very remote mountain village still residing in pre-Columbian times. They have been able to follow their customs and traditions because of their secluded location. Please use honor and respect when interacting with these highly spiritual people. Their beaded and threaded artwork are definitely articles you would be more than happy to ad to your collection. |
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Mazamitla This little town is located in western Mexico in the State of Jalisco, nestled in the heart of Sierra Del Tigre where you can still view golden eagles, mountain lions and deer in the pine and oak covered hillsides. You can enjoy a beautiful windy mountain drive north along hwy 2oo where there are many fruit and vegetable stands beginning north of Guayobitos. Mazamitla is approximately 5 or 6 hours from Puerto Vallarta. |
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San Sebastian The quaintest of villages in the Sierra Madres, San Sebastian is approximately one and a half hour drive from Puerto Vallarta. A special day trip can be arranged to drive or you can choose a shorter trip by air to fly in over the majestic mountains landing within row upon row of "Agave", the native plant is grown in abundance here, of which Tequila is manufactured. You can enjoy the warm mountain breezes while you dine on the terrace of one of the authentic cafes and afterward you can leisurely stroll the narrow cobble stone streets lined with historic architecture occupied by many shops offering the delightful creations of the local Artisans. Back to Jeep Tours |
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| Eco
Tours Activity List |
Since 1991 PV's Nature Tour operator. Tours include: | ||||||
| Ignacio L. Vallarta #243 Tel: 223-3130 Website |
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| Hiking and Biking | Outdoor Vallarta Mountain Biking, Hiking and Surfing Adventures. Professional experienced guides. All levels of ability. Tel: 293-1142
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| Jeep Tours Activity List |
Discover Mexico This tour takes you deep into the foothills to an ancient hieroglyphics site, overlooking a quaint Mexican village. snack and refreshments. Small groups only |
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| Sierra Madre
Jeep Tour Up to the quaint little mining town of San Sebastian, in the foothills of the Sierra Madres...with bi/lingual guides and drivers. Learn about local flora, fauna, wildlife and customs...taste the food and experience the charm of old Mexican ways. Includes: Lunch, Soda and lots of fun For info and reservations: |
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| Liz Taylor's House Casa Kimberley the former home of Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, with original furnishings. Daily Tours Tel: 222-1336 |
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| Steamboat
Dinner Cruise Classic Steamboat including cast iron boiler and polished brass fittings. Explore the tropical jungle canals where you can see exotic birds. Daily |
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Hacienda Dona Engracia
In the foothills of the Sierra Madres |
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Vallarta Adventures
Info and Reservations or contact your
PD |
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Beaches Activity List
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Bucerias The Beach of Bucerias, fifteen minutes drive from Puerto Vallarta and the Mexico home beach for most of Gringo Palapa's Vallarta Vacation Rentals. You can walk for miles on the sandy beach along the gentle surf and encounter horse back riding, multiple beach front cafes and numerous water sports activities.
Bucerias Weather .
Surfing .
Bucerias Beachfront Rentals |
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Boca de Tomatlán An enchanting little cove beach located at the edge of the lush jungle about 3 miles or 4.5 kilometers south of Mismayloya. This precious little town is an authentic Mexican fishing village approximately 20 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta where you can catch the water taxi's to Las Animas, Quimixto, Majahuitas, and Yelapa (beaches only accessible by sea) |
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Boca de Tomates A place more suited for the environmentalist, as this beach area is dedicated to the preservation of it's environment by protecting the many species of turtles, and other marine life. |
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Destiladeras |
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El Anclote El Anclote, one of the two public beaches in Punta de Mita a peninsula at the north end of Banderas Bay where you can charter a boat for day of sport fishing Activity List |
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San Pancho The San Pancho (formerly named San Francisco) Beach, in the State of Nayarit is a Pacific coastal jewel and just a short 40 minute drive from Puerto Vallarta. In San Pancho the rich culture of the indigenous people magically blends with the newer customs of their North American neighbors. The surf is a bit stronger here, and more appropriate for surfers, yet is swim able most days. In San Pancho exists a true Mexico Artist Co-op that holds an annual Art Festival during Christmas Week Ask Gringo Realtors about properties in this area. |
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Garza Blanca A city beach located along the Barra Navidad road on the way to Mismaloya. Bring your own lunch as there are no amenities provided for the beach visitors. |
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Las Animas South of Puerto Vallarta and only accessible by boat, Las Animas is a place for those seeking isolation. You can catch a water taxi in Boca de Tomatlán |
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Las Caletas Caletas a secluded beach reachable only by boat on the Bay of Banderas is a Vallarta coastal hideaway perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and other water sports. Activity List |
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Marina Vallarta Info coming soon |
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Mismaloya On Hwy 200 south of Puerto Vallarta, where the Sierra Madres meet Banderas Bay more famously known for the location of the movie "Night of the Iguana" directed by John Houston in 1963. This single event caused Puerto Vallarta to transform from a simple Mexican fishing. Playa Mismaloya in located in a beautiful cove with a great view of the Los Arcos sea rocks. The scuba diving and snorkeling is exceptional here. There are several restaurants and beach vendors to satisfy your shopping desires. |
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Punta de Mita Located in the State of Nayarit just 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta where the beaches are some of the loveliest in the area. Besides the many incredible restaurants, there are boat tours, horse back riding, surf, boogie board and jet ski rentals read more about Punta de Mita ! |
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Quimixto The only way to get to this fishing village is by boat. Many tourist are not aware that this incredible spot exists so close by to Vallarta. It is a quiet village with a few shopping opportunities. You can enjoy the horseback riding and jungle explorations. The boat ride is wonderful as well. |
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Sayulita Sayulita, a thriving little coastal town along Hwy 200. This beach is a surfer's haven, but accommodates swimmers of all levels as well. |
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| Yelapa About 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. There is a road, but it is more easily accessed by boat, A fishing village located on a quiet cove with little to no traffic. There is a long stretch of beach divided by an inlet. An excellent day adventure to explore the restaurants and art community. Transportation departs daily from numerous places in Puerto Vallarta. |
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Bungee Jumping Open Daily Perfect Safety Record Tel: 228-0670 |
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| Dolphins Activity List
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Nuevo Vallarta Dolphin Center SWIM AND PLAY WITH A DOLPHIN... Our Swim with Dolphins program offers you the rare opportunity to swim and play with a beautiful Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin. Website |
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Fishing and Boating
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Fishing With Carolina 30 ft. UNIFLITE Sportfisher. Fully equipped Penn & Penn International. New twin Cummins. Experienced
crew, Snorkel equipment
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| Master Baiter's Sport Fishing and Tackle. Two time WBS Champion, Best Captain, Best Boat, Fun, T-shirts-Souvenirs-Tours 1/3 back Catch Guarantee Main Marina Store Tel: 322 209-0499/98 Downtown by McDonalds |
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Fine Art,
Galleries and
Cultural Events
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Puerto Vallarta's cultural arts community is led by
the combination of the Department of Culture, the Puerto
Vallarta Convention & Visitors' Bureau, The University of
Guadalajara, Buenaventura Hotels and Sheraton Bougainvilleas Resort and
joined by art dealers, gallery owners, visitors and artists from all
over Mexico. The Malecón in Puerto Vallarta is a jetty along the beach front of Bahia de Banderas, where the evidence of a very active artist community exists. PV is hailed by critics as Mexico's Art Mecca with more than 30 galleries located in the Vallarta area. The infamous Art Walk season, organized by the downtown gallery owners, is held every Wednesday from November through April. During the Art Walk season you can stroll from gallery to gallery enjoying the most recent art offerings while savoring free wine and canapes. The Marina Vallarta Galleries arrange Art Walks each Friday There is an annual Mexican film festival where a series of classical films are displayed in an open air screen at Los Arcos in the center of town, while the premiers are held at Cinema Bahia. At the sea side amphitheater next to City Hall, on the first Thursday of every month there are music concerts and dance presentations. In late March or early April there is a Poetry and Short Story Festival, with submissions from local writers and attended by nationally known literary figures. The Festival de Arte, held in May simultaneously celebrates the anniversary of the city with a magnificent fireworks display in the main plaza. If you are a lover of cultural events and fine art we strongly encourage you to join us in Puerto Vallarta, the city by the sea. If you would like more detail information regarding any of the events above, please don't hesitate to Ask Gringo Realtors. When you participate in our Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rental Signature Program, your personal PD can assist you with making arrangements to participate in any of the above. |
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Puerto
Vallarta
Art Galleries Activity List Puerto Vallarta art galleries exhibit various types of Mexican and international art for multiple tastes. |
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| Galeria Arte Latinoamericano 155 El Centro Tel: (322) 222-4406 Main Website Josefa Ortíz de Domínguez |
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| Galería Córsica 230 El Centro Tel: (322) 223-1821 Leona Vicario |
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| Galería de Ollas Corona 176 El Centro Tel: (322) 223-1045 Mata Ortiz potters |
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| Galeria EM La Marina Marina Las Palmas II L-17 Marina Vallarta Tel: (322) 221-2228 Estela Herrera and Mariano Pérez |
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| Galería Omar Alonso Leona Vicario 249 El Centro Tel: (322) 222-5587 Photography, Engraving and Sculpture |
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| Galería Pacífico 174 El Centro Tel: (322) 222-1982 Aldama Ramiz Barquet and Patrick Denoun |
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| Galerie des Artistes 248 El Centro Tel: (322) 223-0006 Leona Vicario Rivera, Orozco and Coronel |
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| Galleria Dante Basilio Badillo 269 El Centro Tel: (322) 222-2477 Claire and Joe Guarniere Gabriel Colunga, Guillermo Gómez, Luis Espiridión, Meg Munro, Bill Megrail, Tellosa, Oscar Capeche, Jonás Gutiérrez, Meridy Volz, Rocio Sánchez. Introducing Bernardo Colunga, Edgar Martínez, Israel Zepeda and Boback Emad |
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| Mata Ortiz Art Gallery 268-A El Centro Tel: (322) 222-7407 Lázaro Cárdenas Mata Ortiz pottery Jewelry designs inspired by the ancient pre-Hispanic culture of Paquimé |
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| Meg Munro Studio Ecuador 1225 El Centro Tel: (322) 223-1142 Meg Munro Master Watercolorist |
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| T Fuller Fine Art Corona 169 El Centro Tel: (322) 222-8196 Davis Birks, painter Morales family, master potters Chad Buck and Carlos Terres. |
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| The Loft Corona 176-A El Centro Tel: (322) 222-6353 Ruben Cham and John Strawn Contemporary Art |
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| Art V Galería Libertad 278 Tel. 22 2 04 00, |
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| Arte de Las Américas Marina Vallarta. |
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| Galería Arte Popular Mexicano Libertad 285 Tel. 22 2 69 60 |
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| Galería EM Marina Vallarta. Estela Herrera and Mariano Pérez Custom-made stained glass |
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| Galerías de Ollas Corona 176 Tel. 22 3 10 45 Mata Ortiz potters |
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| Galería Omar Alonso Leona Vicario 249 Tel. 222-5587 |
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Galería Piramide Downtown Hand-carved and beaded Huichol art, pre-Columbian reproductions, masks and paintings by local artists. |
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| Galería Rosas Blancas Downtown Juarez 523 Tel. 22 2 11 68 Works by Mexican and local artists, promoting young talents and showing the most recent works of renowned sculptors and painters. |
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| Galería Uno Morelos 561 Tel. 222 09 08 Paintings, graphics, sculpture and posters from all over México by many famous artists including Colunga, Felguérez, Tamayo, Raymundo González and Conrado Domínguez |
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| Galería Vallarta Juarez 263 Tel. 22 2 02 90 |
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| Judith Ewing Morlan Miramar 237 Tel. 223-2179 Contemporary Art |
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| Activity List | |||||||
Malecon  |
Vallarta Beach Front Jetty Walkway top | ||||||
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Museums |
Information Coming Soon! | ||||||
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Night Life |
La Iguana Mexican Fiesta The original Fiesta since 1962. Authentic music, dance, entertainment, food and drinks of Mexico. Thursday and
Sunday |
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| Mexican Fiesta Vallarta's most spectacular, traditional and popular celebration of Mexican culture, music and food. Includes full
buffet, open bar, and show Reservations: |
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Restaurants Activity List Due to the many exquisite restaurants in the Puerto Vallarta Bay of Banderas area, we have a page dedicated to those we recommend and have applied a rating to for your convenience. Please Review Ask Gringo Realtors Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Guide for more detailed information about the Restaurants below |
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| CAFÉ DES ARTISTES | |||||||
| EL COLEGUITA | |||||||
| EL COLEGUITA 2 | |||||||
| DUGAREL PLAYS | |||||||
| MEZZOGIORNO | |||||||
| LA PALAPA | |||||||
| LE KLIFF | |||||||
| THE RIVER CAFE | |||||||
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| ZTAI | |||||||
| AGAVE GRILL | |||||||
| Special
Events |
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| Theaters |
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| Tennis |
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Vallarta Zoo Activity List Open Daily 10 am - 6 pm Calle 5 de Mayo 700 in Mismaloya (700 meters from the Hwy) Tel:
228-0955/0501 |
Long time dream of the Casteneda
family, this privately owned zoo features over 300 animals living on
a wildlife preserve of 62 hecteras, set in the jungle in the hills
above the little town of
Mismaloya. Stroll the tropical grounds at your leisure while viewing the animals i their enclosures You'll find animals from around the world and from here in Mexico. Rare White Tiger The zoo has a strong record in successfully breeding animals so there are always young ones to see. Take a break and enjoy a meal at the two tiered observation deck/restaurant. The tree top view of the surrounding jungle is breathtaking, so bring your camera.
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| Water
Sports Scuba Diving and Snorkeling  |
Twin Dolphins Resort Center/Your
Best Choice in Diving |
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84 Av.Politecnico opposite the Bull Ring |
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| Surfing
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Tranquilo Surf Adventures and Surf
School is a small low-impact surf company located in Punta de Mita,
Nayarit Mexico. |
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Whales Activity List
Action Tropical |
Whale watching season is from 15
Dec. to March 30th You can identify the official boats for Whale watching, as they will be displaying a green flag with a humpback whale design. To the left you will find a current list of the boats authorized by SEMARNAT, (Federal Dept of Natural Resources) to take you safely and environmentally responsibly to watch the whales in the Bay of Baneras. If a boat is not displaying a flag it is not authorized with an official permit. Please make sure the boat is carrying a permit, as the list changes. |
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Ask Gringo Realtors is not affiliated in any way with any of the /individual/s, corporations/companies provided on this page. The information is provided for your exploratory purposes only, to assist you in finding multi sources for services provided in Mexico |