| | |  Travel & Outdoors | November 2008 
From Eco-Adventures to Bullfights, Mexico's Puerto Vallarta Offers More Than a Tan
 Michael Nassar - NYDailyNews
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| | Puerto Vallarta's wealth of natural resources and ecological attractions make it ideal for outdoor recreation and adventure travel vacations. Biologist Oscar Aranda Mena shows us some natural wonders in this beautiful tropical environment. (PromoVision) | | |
Puerto Vallarta may be the second-most popular destination for American tourists heading south of the border - Cancun still reigns supreme - but this former sleepy fishing village along Mexico's Pacific coast is far from second-rate.
In fact, for travelers seeking a few more thrills than a week spent baking on the beach, the town made famous by Liz Taylor and Richard Burton has enough high-octane adventure to keep your heart pumping as hard as if you were being chased by the paparazzi.
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah
Hold your breath and zip along more than 2 miles of cables at speeds of up to 30 mph on the largest (14 lines) canopy tour in Mexico. A shuttle takes you into the lush jungle forest of Los Veranos, three miles south of Puerto Vallarta, where the trained staff secures your harness and gives you a concise briefing. Then you're off to the first cable, a short 25-foot practice run. As you hike from platform to platform, guides point out local flora and fauna, including reptiles, coffee trees and vanilla plants. A highlight - and a pure adrenaline rush - is the line crossing the Rio Horcones gorge: 500 feet up and over 1,000 feet long. Thankfully, the final line deposits you at the palapa bar, where you can kick back with a Tecate (or tequila) and have a splash in the river. Adults: $79; children: $58.
Jungle fever
Heading out into the jungle and surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains on an ATV quad bike is a full-day adventure that weaves its way through valleys, rivers and mountain roads for spectacular views. As you drive higher into the hills, waterfalls and jungle streams give way to mountain pines and fields of agave and coffee trees. Lunch in the mountain village of San Sebastian is followed by a hike to the old gold and silver mines. If you're feeling lucky, turn on the lights and hunt for some treasure. Adults only: $165; www.puertovallartatours.net.
Toro, toro, toro
Steeped in centuries of tradition, and not lacking for controversy, the pomp and posture of a bullfight will nevertheless take your breath away. Divided into three formal parts, or tercios, the matador's successive poses are as choreographed as ballet moves; each pose initiates a different aspect of the fight. After weakening the bull with the help of his banderilleros, the matador at last faces the bull alone. Not for the faint of heart. From late November to June, Wednesday nights at 5 p.m. at La Paloma bullring in Marina Vallarta.
Come sail away
If you want to explore the natural wonders found in Puerto Vallarta's Banderas Bay but don't want to take a "booze cruise," Pegaso's half-day excursions aboard a classic sailboat are the perfect alternative. Start off sightseeing along the coastline, enjoying breathtaking views of Conchas Chinas, the mystical islands of Los Arcos and Mismaloya - where Liz and Dick filmed "Night of the Iguana." At one of the snorkeling spots, grab your gear and chase the tropical fish. Enter the cove of Yelapa, a famous isolated beach town accessible only by boat, where lunch is served on the beach. Adults: $50, children 5-12: $25. Includes food, beverages and snorkeling equipment.
See-worthy pirates
Each morning a mist hangs over Puerto Vallarta. The sun rises behind the foothills of the Sierra Madre, so for a few hours, the mists do not burn off. And so it seems entirely logical each day to see a triple-masted pirate ship drift slowly out of the haze and across the bay.
However, the Marigalante pirate ship is no phantom boat. It's a full-fledged adventure for the entire family, led by Captain Sam and his crew of pirates, that includes breakfast, lunch and a mock battle en route to Majahuitas beach, the land of pirates. Ahoy, matey! Adults & children: $85; www.marigalante.com.mx.
Hungry for more?
It's not all tacos and tortillas down Mexico way. PV, as the locals call it, has almost as many restaurants per capita as Mexico City, making it a gourmet destination, also.
Trio easily has the best ambiance in the city: Art Nouveau stylings, Roman columns, local artists on the walls and a warm, inviting menu of local brasserie fare like rabbit, lamb and succulent octopus (www.triopv.com).
Chef Thierry Blouet's Café des Artistes is one of the most renowned restaurants in Mexico. Grab a cozy corner in the wine bar, a quick meal in the bistro or splurge on a special meal in the romantic outdoor garden (www.cafedesartistes.com).
Vitea, along the malecon (boardwalk), serves up refreshing bistro food with a European flair. Enjoy a sandwich or light salad on the terrace overlooking the Bay and you'll think you are on the French Riviera. www.viteapv.com.
IF YOU GO ...
Away from the crowded hotel zone (and five minutes from the airport), every room at CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta offers a balcony overlooking the bay. From mid-December through mid-March, you can watch humpback whales enter the bay to give birth.
The Escape! all-inclusive family package starts at $289 per room with daily breakfast, lunch and dinner for two adults and two children; unlimited house wine, domestic drinks and beer, and use of the Kid's Club. Good through February 2009 (use promotional code NCL at www.casamagnapuertovallarta.com).
The Sand Dollars package starts at $179 per night, per room. It includes a $100 resort credit and complimentary fifth-night stay. The offer is valid from now through February 2009 (use promo code S29).
Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa is an inviting retreat within walking distance of downtown Puerto Vallarta's colonial district and its famous boardwalk. The hotel's AAA Four Diamond ambiance comes with Mexican furniture and art, whirlpool tubs and private terraces overlooking the Pacific.
New amenities include a pillow menu, butler service and a rejuvenating Oxygen Bar. The winter package is priced at $560 per room, per night (double occupancy) and includes three-night/four-day accommodations in a Premiere oceanfront guest room with indoor Jacuzzi, one 80-minute therapeutic massage per person and daily American breakfast for two (www.premiereonline.com.mx).
Penny pincher
Save 15% by booking your zip-line online at www.canopytours-vallarta.com. Save 10% if you book your sailing adventure online at www.vallartatraveladvisor.com/pegaso.htm.
Book a pirate adventure online at www.vallartaonline.com to save 15%.
Reserve an ATV tour through www.puertovallartatours.net and receive a free Puerto Vallarta savings card, valid for discounts at more than 160 restaurant, nightlife and shopping locations.
For more information: www.visitpuertovallarta.com. |
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