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Vallarta Living

Living in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

For many the thought of living in - or even near - a major tourist resort is about as appealing as a buying a condo in Disneyland. But here in Vallarta, the incredible natural beauty, combined with a small town atmosphere and the inherent warmth and friendliness of the local people, attracts foreign residents who enjoy the good life.

With a colorful blend of the old and the new, the Banderas Bay region offers an unrivaled combination of simple pleasures and sophisticated charms. Fine dining restaurants, art galleries, upscale shopping centers, internet cafes and nightclubs peacefully coexist alongside taco stands, street-side vendors and open air markets selling Mexican handcrafts, and strolling Mariachi bands.

But much of Puerto Vallarta’s magic is in the hearts of her people. Often described as “one big, happy family,” Vallartenses are known for their hospitality and for going out of their way to welcome foreign residents. And, since the Mexican people are extremely tolerant of different lifestyles, international residents and Mexican locals can live side-by-side in harmony – provided that the expatriate can learn to be creative and adaptable.

Puerto Vallarta is an unhurried refuge for people seeking more than just a beautiful beach. Those of us who choose to live here embrace the challenge of learning patience and understanding. Taking the time to “stop and smell the roses” along the road to becoming bicultural gives us the opportunity to grow – and to enjoy a more relaxed way of life.

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Vibrant Vices: Sometimes Half a Wish Can Come True in Full

When I was a kid one of my more astute schoolteachers dared ask what the lot of us wanted to be when we grew up. I remember answering 'myself' ...half-wish, half-quip. A couple of decades later, I'm happy to report that this ideal has fully manifested itself in my adult life.

Puerto Vallarta Chili Cookoff – The Latest Was The Greatest!

With 14 chili chefs, 624 attendees and $230,000 Pesos raised for Toys for Tots and the Jay Sadler Project AC, this year's Puerto Vallarta Chili Cook-Off, held on February 17 at Rancho Alegre, turned out to be a most successful event. Captain Don's won 1st place, and Nacho Daddy came in 3rd, in both the popular and professional votes.

Spring Breathwork Workshop & Lunch at Vallarta Botanical Garden

Candice Bernes, Unified Mindfulness teacher and breathwork practitioner from Ottawa, Canada, will present her internationally-acclaimed breathwork workshop from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday, March 22 and again on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at the Vallarta Botanical Garden.

Art, Food, and Artist Encounters at Galleria and Di Vino Dante

Puerto Vallarta's largest art gallery, Galleria Dante, in the heart of the Romantic Zone, offers a unique fusion of artistic discovery and culinary delights. Art enthusiasts can not only browse works by over 60 resident artists but also engage with some of them directly during the exclusive 'Meet the Artist Nights' on March 8th & 22nd.

What a Drag Raised Over 3 Million Pesos for Casa Esperanza

The vibrant community of Puerto Vallarta rallied together once again on March 3rd, raising over 3 million pesos in support of the Casa Esperanza Women's Shelter during the 10th annual What a Drag event. This incredible achievement marks the second consecutive year that the event has surpassed the 3-million-peso mark.

Get Your Green On Early and Help Kids at Murphy’s Irish Pub!

Calling all Irish food and music lovers and those who want to help kids! Murphy's Irish Pub is hosting a pre-St. Patrick's Day charity dinner on Thursday, March 14th to benefit the Jay Sadler Project's Toys For Tots Puerto Vallarta program. Traditional Irish food will be served and live music will keep the party going.

March News from Puerto Vallarta’s PuRR Project Shelter

March news and upcoming events for PuRR Project, a non-profit feline shelter near Puerto Vallarta that provides homeless cats and kittens a recuperative stay with the ultimate goal of adopting them out to loving homes sterilized, vaccinated and disease free.

Democrats Abroad Annual Meeting & Social Event March 28

Are you a U.S. citizen living in Puerto Vallarta? If so, mark your calendars for the Democrats Abroad Costa Banderas Chapter's (DACB) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Happy Hour Social on March 28th, 2024, at Whiskey Kitchen. The event will run from 4:00-6:00 pm.

PV Garden Club March 2024 Volunteer and Social Events

The PV Garden Club supports not only a more beautiful, clean and verdant city, but is also making it more attractive to tourism, thus creating a vibrant economy to support all the other great causes in Puerto Vallarta. Here’s what the PVGC has planned for March.

Vibrant Vices: Fake Kings Delivering Tangible Results

In this edition of Vibrant Vices, AJ Freeman talks about a central aspect of the Old School leadership practiced in some of the first nations of our world being the strict relationship between 'power' and 'responsibility'. How does that relate to his life here in Puerto Vallarta? Read on...