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DEcember 2018 - 2019
An all-inclusive guide to what makes our paradise exceptional
The best of
banderas bay & Riviera Nayarit A complete guide on the best restaurants, hotels, spas, bars, tours and more.
As voted by the readers of the Vallarta Tribune Puerto Vallarta | Nuevo Vallarta | Bucerias | La Cruz de Huanacaxtle | Punta Mita | Sayulita | san Pancho
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thank you for your time and generousity.
A
t the Vallarta Tribune, we are always being asked for advice on where to go, what to do, where to stay and while we have our favorites, we also thought, we should poll all our readers and develop the definitive guide to the Best of Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit. So we did. Over the course of eight weeks last year, we surveyed over 4,000 people to gather the top votes for Best Restaurant, Best Cocktail Bar, Best Dentist, Best Kid-friendly Excursion and more. In fact, 150+ categories more, spread out between Puerto Vallarta, Banderas Bay North and Sayulita and San Pancho. We think you’ll find this directory helpful and informative in making decisions while you’re visiting the Bay of Banderas. We added some interesting articles that dive a little deeper into the most popular categories. Hang on to this free guide as you explore the wonders of Puerto Vallarta, Banderas Bay and north into Riviera Nayarit. Beginning the first week of December 2018 we will open the voting on the 2nd Reader’s Choice Awards, so if you have some favorites, jump online and share your wisdom with us. A huge thank you goes out to all our sponsors who donated prizes to the lucky winners who took the time to vote. We appreciate your time and generosity. In these pages, you’ll find many local businesses who make up the charm of this beautiful slice of paradise. Support them and let them know you found them through the Vallarta Tribune and the Best of Banderas Bay Reader’s Choice Awards. Safe travels,
Madeline Milne Editor, Vallarta Tribune
Voting for the 2019 Reader’s Choice Awards will run from December 2018 to January 12, 2019. The winners will be tallied and announced in February. Visit us online for all the details, to vote and to see the winners.
Vote online at: www.vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
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Welcome to Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit
At the Vallarta Tribune we want you to have the best and the safest experience possible while you explore Puerto Vallarta, the Bay of Banderas and Riviera Nayarit. Here are some helpful tips for traveling.
distance to puerto vallarta, mexico
San Diego
Tijuana El Paso
San Antonio
Monterrey Mazatlan
Cabo San Lucas
Los Angeles ......................... Vancouver ............................. Houston ................................ New York City ....................... Mexico City ........................... Cancun .................................. London .................................. Caracas .................................. Yucatan Peninsula
Tropic of Cancer
1,966 km 3,555 km 1,416 km 3,700 km 652 km 1,915 km 9230 km 4,228 km
preciated. Don’t urinate in the streets. Don’t flash your money or expensive gadgets. Pay attention to your surroundings. Know where you are going. Pay your bills (and don't forget to tip). And have fun!
Cancun
DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not Playa del Pacific Mexico worth it. Taxis or Ubers are cheap and Carmen Ocean City plentiful. Fines are as much as 12,000 Oaxaca pesos. You can be taken to jail and your Acapulco vehicle impounded. There are many TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalis- source varies greatly from what comes checkstops on the weekends, and you co is on Central Time, as is the southern out of the tap at the other end. So do be will be asked to blow if they suspect part of the state of Nayarit starting from careful. If you want to be doubly sure, you have been drinking. San Blas in the north. you can pick up bottled water just about LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the anywhere. BUSES: A system of urban buses can law is not a valid excuse in Mexico, or bring you from one end of the bay to MONEY EXCHANGE: Usually a bank anywhere. If you find yourself caught in the other and all the spots in between. will give you a higher rate of exchange a legal situation be aware that guilt is If you’re going further north than San than the exchange booths (Casa de presumed until your innocence can be Pancho or south past El Tuito, you’ll Cambio). You will need your passport. proven. This is a very difficult lesson to need to head to the main bus terminal Better yet, use your bank card to with- learn if you are visiting from the United to catch a bus. draw funds from any ATM. Note that States or Canada. Immediately contact ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use your consulate for assistance. TAXIS: There are set rates within de- and charge lower fees. fined zones of town. Do not enter a Important phone numbers taxi without agreeing on the price with EXPORTING PETS: Falling in love ALL EMERGENCIES CALL 911 the driver first. Make a note of the taxi with the street dog outside your hotel is number in case you leave something common and it’s relatively easy to bring POLICE - Tourist (322) 290-0507 behind. Drivers typically do not carry them home with you too. The process Police - Animal Abuse (322) 293-2192 change. is fairly inexpensive and only takes a Fire Department (322) 223-9476 day or two, if they are in good heath. Red Cross (322) 222-1533 UBER: New in 2017 Uber is typically You need a certificate of health from a PROFECO 01 (800) 468-8722 cheaper than a taxi. The benefits of local vet among other things. For the Consumer Protection using Uber are set fares and the ability most up-to-date information contact to follow up directly with your driver if the Puerto Vallarta SPCA at spcapv@ American Consulate (322) 222–0069 there is an incident or you leave an item gmail.com Local 4 - Int. 17, Paradise Plaza, N.Vallarta 24 hrs in Guadalajara (333) 268–2145 behind. COMMON SENSE: Just as you DRINKING WATER: While Puerto Val- wouldn’t walk around your hometown Canadian Consulate (322) 293-0098 larta’s water has been awarded a certifi- drunk and belligerent, it is not accept- Plaza Península, local Sub-F, Puerto Vallarta 01 (800) 706-2900 cation of purity for the past two decades, able to do that here. While Mexico is a 24 hrs the quality of the water tested at the tolerant culture, basic politeness is apPuerto Vallarta
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Merida
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table of contents
On the Cover: Humpback Whale Photo by Luis Chavez
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28
From Then to Now -
Protecting Pacific Sea Turtles
500 years of History in Banderas Bay
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Time to Take a Day Trip - The best beaches
11 World-class
36 Golf Courses in
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our Back yard
Emergency Numbers 2019 Holidays & Cultural Events Calendar Live Music Venues Mosaic Workshops Free Malecon Sculpture Tours Local Artisan & Farmer’s Markets Local Charities & Non-Profit Organizations Whale Watching in Banderas Bay Beaches of Vallarta Map of Banderas Bay 8 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
7 10 14 34 36 37 46 50 53 58
ABC’s of Buying Coastal Property in Mexico
Reader’s Choice Award Winners BEST OF BANDERAS BAY
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BEST OF PUERTO VALLARTA
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BEST OF BANDERAS BAY NORTH
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BEST OF SAYULITA & SAN PANCHO
56 FB.com/vtatribune
Featuring the Number 1 Drag Show on the bay
Plus two new world class tribute shows every week
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2019 Events
Holidays and Cultural Events in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Mexico
Month of September - Fiestas Patrias! Commemorated through the month of September, with Independence celebrations taking place on the 15th. September 14 - National Charro Day. Mexican Charros (Mexican cowboys) parade through the center of town in morning in traditional charro costumes with their horses in their finests saddles.
January 1 - New Year’s Day is a national holiday. Most spend this day recovering.
September 15 - Independence Eve. Starting in the evening the city hosts April 30 - Día del Niño a live music and cultural festival along May Cultural Festival – A month long the Malecon. At 11:50 pm the Grito! is government organized cultural festival recited. Midnight, fireworks begin. with events through the month, ending September 16 - Independence Day. with the City’s birth day celebration on The festivities continue on IndepenMay 31. dence Day, a national holiday celebrat-
January 6 - Three Kings Day is a gift-giving day for children who receive toys and gifts in honor of the Three Kings. This is the day you eat the Rosca bread and hope you don’t get the baby Jeed by a parade through the center of sus. Some local charities will visit hos- Third week of May - Pride Festival. A town. A National holiday, Banks and pitals, orphanages and communities to week long event with parade, commit- government offices are closed. ment ceremonies, events and more. deliver gifts to needy children. October 31 – Halloween. Usually a part February 5 - Anniversary of the Mex- May 1 - Labor Day. A national holiday. of the larger Dia de Muertos celebraican Constitution. A national holiday Banks and government offices closed. tions hosted by the city. Celebrated in with a parade through Centro. May 5 – Cinco de Mayo is in memory the bars with costume parties and along February 14 - Friendship Day Repre- of defeat of the French Army at Puebla the Malecon and in some neighboursenting not only love, but friendship. in 1862. A national holiday, banks and hoods with children trick-or- treating. government offices closed. Celebrated similar to US/Canada. November 1 - All Soul’s Day. On this February 24 - Day of the Mexican Flag. May 10 - Mother's Day. A national hol- day, Mexicans pay homage to the iday. Schools will honour mothers with souls of the children who have passed March 5 – Carnaval. Parade through a party. It’s a very important cultural on. Banks and government offices are closed. the center of Puerto Vallarta. event. March 21 - Benito Juarez Day is a na- May 31 - Puerto Vallarta’s Birthday. A November 2 - Day of the Dead. Vigils tional holiday honoring the former concert on the Malecon followed by are held at gravesites. Families build alters in their homes to honour those president. extensive fireworks. who have passed. April 14-27 - Semana Santa and Pas- June 1, Navy Day. A national event Last week of November - International cua. The week prior to Easter and the honouring sailors lost at sea. Gourmet Festival. Participating restauweek of Easter are the largest vacation holidays in Mexico and also often coin- Third week of July - Mexican schools rants invite international chefs to create special menus and events celebrating cide with spring break. Puerto Vallarta let out for the summer gastronomy in Banderas Bay. will be at peak occupancy. Last week of August – School resumes. 10 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
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November 20 - Mexican Revolution Anniversary. National holiday observed on the third Monday of the month. December 1 - 12 Guadalupana During these twelve days, religious processions beginning in the early evening take place along the streets of Centro to the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe in honour of Mexico’s Virgin de Guadalupe. As we get closer to December 12, the processions become larger and more boisterous. Lots of dancing, singing and excellent street food. December 12 - Virgin of Guadalupe Festival. An important religious and social holiday that marks the anniversary of the day the Virgin Guadalupe miraculously appeared in a field. December 16 - 24 - Christmas Week. Friends, family and businesses celebrate this week with posadas, traditional Mexican Christmas parties with a re-enactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. The main celebration of Christmas is a
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traditional family dinner on Christmas Eve, followed by attending Mass. December 25 - Christmas Day. Religious celebration and a national holiday. Banks and government offices are closed.
Statutory Holidays
Banks, government offices and schools will be closed. Often the day will include a parade through the main plaza. January 1st - New Years Day. February 5th - Anniversary of the Mexican Constitution. Observed on the first Monday of the month. March 21st - Benito Juárez Birthday. Observed on the 3rd Monday in March. May 1st - Labour day. September 16th - Mexico's Independence Day. November 20th - Day of the Mexican Revolution. Observed on the 3rd Monday of November. December 25th - Christmas Day.
December 31 - New Year’s Eve. Around the Bay of Banderas there are 100’s of parties. The streets of Old Town in Puerto Vallarta are closed off as people take to the streets in revelry. The fireworks displays from the towns and resorts will light up the bay for hours. It is not to be missed. Grab a seat on any beach and you’ll be amazed. For the most complete weekly calendar of events pick up a copy of the latest Vallarta Tribune or visit us online at vallartatribune.com for a calendar of events and live music as well as featured articles on specific events happening in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.
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Top 5
Diving with giant manta rays, why not? One of the largest fish in the ocean at 23 feet across, you can swim with these gentle giants on Puerto Vallarta’s southshore.
Things to do in Riviera Nayarit & Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, both offer an array of endless activities and attractions for visitors. But, how do you jam-pack it all into a week or if you’re lucky a two-week break? What are the real highlights to be found here? We’ve compiled the ultimate “Mustdo’s” which will ensure you fulfill that once-in-a-lifetime experience, with ease. Adventures & Wildlife – Take Embark on an evening tour to a ride on the wild side the sea turtle nursery camps, enjoy an educational program on the oth regions offer an abundance conservation and witness these of outdoorsy adventures, both stunning creatures in reality. on land and at sea and an If, swimming with wild dolphins is on unparalleled diversity of unique wildlife. your bucket list, it can be found and Start off by exploring the spectrum enjoyed here. Vallarta’s professional of marine life in Banderas Bay, along biologists are on hand to provide an with the coast of Puerto Vallarta and educational tour before introducing southern Riviera Nayarit; where along you to these beautiful creatures in their with diving, water-skiing, canoeing, natural, safe habitat- no cages or mansailing, and surfing, this is a fisherman’s made enclosures here! paradise offering some of the best sea www.wildlifeconnection.com sport fishing around. For those looking for an adrenalineIt is not however just fish that live fuelled force, mountain biking, jeep in these warm waters; they are joined safaris, horseback riding and even by gentle giants including whales and bungee jumping over the picturedolphins who dance around the Pacific perfect slopes of the Sierra Mountains, along with sweet sea turtles and even a is on offer. crocodile reserve. www.vallarta-adventures.com
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If you’re a surfer dude, Riviera Nayarit is the place to be. Head north to the “coolest” town of Sayulita, this colorful haven is bursting with hippy vibes and sandy toes along with the best surf around. This authentic slice of paradise is also carpeted with art galleries, quaint cafes, and restaurants, including the gorgeous Don Pedro’s palapa overlooking the sandy shoreline. The state of Nayarit is also home to over 500 species of bird and has its own bird watching reserve. This ecoregion has the highest concentration of migratory birds within its habitat and is home to the famous Blue-footed booby. If you are “snap-happy” and enjoy getting those binoculars out, this really is the perfect place to engage with the abundant wildlife in the region.
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While busy on weekends and holidays, Playa Destiladeras, between La Cruz and Punta de Mita offers a 3-mile stretch of flat white sandy beach, calm rolling waves and plenty of space to spread out.
The Blue-footed booby is found on the Marietas Islands and at Los Arcos National Marine Park.
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Coastline – Beach Bums Sometimes relaxation really is best, especially when jaw-dropping beaches are involved. Along with the beauty, which can be found in Banderas Bay, the regions are home to some of the best beaches in the world. Head down to Puerto Vallarta’s Playa Camarones for a chill local’s spot. Head to Punta Negra on the southshore to lap up endless stretches of powdery white sands and crystal clear waters.
The most famous of local beaches, Playa Los Muertos is a busy hub of tourists, locals, and vendors selling you everything from bobble-headed turtles to reflexology treatments. In Riviera Nayarit, water-sport enthusiasts will enjoy the coastal gem of Bucerías and its breath-taking 5-mile long beach. Kayaking, jet skiing, and kite-surfing are among some of the activities you can do here, before settling down under a palmed lounger and swigging back an ice-cold Corona. For a more laid-back experience, embark on a trip north to Chacala and indulge a meal of grilled red snapper, a local favorite, in a setting of complete tranquility. One of the hot spots and most spectacular beaches of the region is the hidden beach, often named “Playa del Amor” and can only be accessed swimming through a volcanic rock arch during low tide.
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Live Music Venues From Jazz to Rock to Cabaret, these venues typically offer live music throughout the day and into the evenings.
Delectable Gastronomy – Let’s talk Tacos & Tequila Mexican cuisine is one of a kind and one to savor. There is, of course, tacos and tequila in endless supply but also other delicious delicacies including yellowfin tuna and “Pescado Sarandeado” originating on the island of Mexcaltitan, in Riviera Nayarit, a slow grilled Red Snapper served with handmade tortillas on palm leaves. Embark on Vallarta Food Tour’s Mexology tour (vallartafoodtours.com) for a whirlwind of culinary adventure. Think tequila, cocktails, tacos, beer and an endless supply of fun while you roam around and experience the art and sounds of the Mexican streets. Love a bit of luxury and fine dining? The exclusive Punta Mita is sure to impress. Enjoy an evening of melting sunsets and excellent food at the established Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita (fourseasons.com/puntamita) and its selection of fine dining restaurants. Here, Mexican flavors are infused with sophistication and matched with toptier wines – compliments go to the award-winning chefs’ and their passion for perfection. 14 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
Act II Entertainment Basilio Badillo 330, Col. Emiliano Zapata
Devils Bar Live 527 Morelos Col. Centro
Akilez Restaurant Bar Francisco Villa 900 Local 5, Col. Las Gaviotas
El Río BBQ Bar Felipe Ángeles 245, Col. Paso Ancho
Bambinos Trattoria Aguacate #314 Col. Emiliano Zapata
Gringo Loco Cantina Francisco I Madero 403 Col. Emiliano Zapata
Babel Bar Aquiles Serdán 437 Isla del Cuale
Hardavos Lazaro Cardenas 315B Col. Emiliano Zapata
Captain Don’s Honduras 126 Col. 5 de Diciembre
Incanto Insurgentes 109 Col. Emiliano Zapata
Casa de la Hugo Hamburgo 146 Col. Versalles
Kelekai's Liberdad 516 Col. Playa Grande
Cuates y Cuetes Francisca Rodriquez 101 Olas Altas/Malecon
Kelly’s Pour Favor Lazaro Cardenas 245 Col. Emiliano Zapata
Celebrity Spotting – Live like an A-lister It’s no surprise that the rich and famous flock to the regions of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, seeking a quiet break away from the limelight. Many can be seen dotted around the areas of not only lavish Punta Mita, but also around the hidden coastal towns and beaches. Famous faces include the Kardashian clan who are repeat visitors, Gwyneth Paltrow, Eva Longoria, and Selena Gomez (to name a few). If, like these stars you love a little pampering then treat yourself to a stay in Punta Mita zone decorated with 5-star luxury resorts including W Punta De Mita or, enjoy a paralleled yet more “boutiquey” experience at Vallarta’s Hotel Mousai.(www.hotelmousai.com)
La Gata Café – Foro Matamoros 869-A Col. Centro
El Chivero Avenida Pacifico 9 Centro, Bucerias
PKDO Bar Francisco Villa 895-B, Col. Las Gaviotas
Encore Restaurant & Lounge 51 Lazaro Cardenas Zona Dorado, Bucerias
Que?Pasa 625 Aquiles Serdan Col. Emiliano Zapata Revolution Restaurant Matamoros #235 Col. Centro Roxy Rock House Ignacio L. Vallarta 217 Col. Emiliano Zapata Qulture Venusiano Caranza 466 Col. Emiliano Zapata Chasers Sports Bar Avenida México 570-A Nuevo Vallarta Drunken Duck Avenida Mexico Centro, Bucerias
Esquina 22 Av. México 22 Centro, Bucerías Luna Lounge 27 Av. Mexico Centro, Bucerias Octopus Garden Coral 66 La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Black Forest Restaurant Marlin 16 La Cruz de Huanacaxtle OSO’S Restaurant & Bar Del Mar 4, La Marina La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
Nightlife – Singing and Sombreros The region comes alive at night, yes there are the sleepy coastal towns where a little relaxation is the style, but there are dozens of great bars, lounges and clubs to be found where the Mexican spirit oozes at night. Catch a live band, or check out cabaret show at Incanto. (IncantoVallarta.com) Head to Vallarta’s Romantic Zone to catch a sunset at Cuates & Cuetes (101 Francisca Rodríguez, Emiliano Zapata Open 8am - 11pm) and then explore the neighbouring streets where you’ll find many LGBT friendly choices like the popular Mr. Flamingos with its great dance floor (Lázaro Cárdenas 257, Emiliano Zapata, Open 2pm 3am) or hit the malecon for discos that keep going until the early hours. FB.com/vtatribune
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equila might not have been your friend back in college, but you’re older and wiser and so too is tequila. Now we’re not saying you can’t shoot back a tequila with a dash of salt and a squeeze of lime, but with the quality mixologists we have in the bay, why not try something a little more sophisticated. The ‘agave spirits,’ including everyone’s nemesis tequila, trendy mezcal and their country cousin, raicilla, show up on cocktail menus around the bay. While tequila, mezcal, and raicilla are traditional Mexican spirits all made using varieties of the succulent agave plant, each is distinct and offers very different taste experiences.
Becoming Friends with Cocktails:
The Paloma
A primer on Tequila, Mezcal and Raicilla Tequila Tequila is Mexico’s national drink, and one of the symbols synonymous with the country. The ‘tequila’ mark is protected worldwide (similar to champagne), and production of the alcohol is tightly regulated: only a handful of Mexican states have production rights. The best tequilas emanate from Blue agave grown in the fertile volcanic soils situated in the state of Jalisco, home to Puerto Vallarta.
The highest quality tequilas are made from 100% agave, whereas less expensive varieties use a mixture of agave and sugar cane. Tequila can be enjoyed straight or mixed into a variety of cocktails, the most of the popular of which is the margarita. To learn more about Tequila and the nuances of its flavors book a tasting with Vallarta Tequila Tastings (vallartatequilatastings.com) – they’ll come to your hotel or villa or set up a tasting at a local restaurant and explain how it's so much more than one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor!
Tequila is made by harvesting the hearts (known in Spanish as piñas) of the Blue Agave plant, slowly baking them in large ovens, and then pressing the pulp into a sweet liquid that is passed through a prescribed distillation Mezcal process. Afterward, the tequila is Mezcal is distilled using a similar transferred into specially-prepared oak production process to tequila, but the wood barrels and left to age. tastes and nuances of the final blend 16 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
Contrary to popular belief, the Paloma – rather than the Margarita – is the most popular tequila cocktail in Mexico. 1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon sugar in glass 1/4 cup tequila 1/4 cup soda Kosher salt Rub a grapefruit slice around the rim of highball (tall) glass. Dip rim in plate of kosher salt. Stir the first three ingredients in a rocks or highball glass. Stir in tequila. Add ice. Top with soda and garnish with a grapefruit wheel. FB.com/vtatribune
Vote Best of banderas bay 2019 are quite distinct. As mezcal recently regained widespread popularity, the Mexican government acted to regulate its production, helping to improve the quality of mass-produced varieties and thus giving confidence to the broader market. As with tequila, mezcal is produced by baking the hearts (piñas) of the agave; but unlike tequila, which is made exclusively from Blue Agave, mezcal may be produced from nearly 30 different varieties of agave. Most mezcals are made using the Espadín Agave, although distillers also blend different varieties of the plant with the intention of creating unique flavors. The drink undergoes an aging process and, like tequila, the aged mezcals feel more robust and often smoother on the palate than the younger alternatives. The best mezcal, like the best tequila, is made from 100% agave; and like tequila, less expensive varieties
use cane sugars and contain other the bottle. flavorings. Mezcal has a distinctively In Puerto Vallarta, the beachfront smoky flavor which for many is an El Barracuda/Bar Solar (Paraguay acquired taste. 1290, Playa Camarones, www. Traditionally, Mezcal is taken straight elbarracuda.com) has an excellent with a pinch of sal de gusano: a mezcal cocktail list for those looking condiment made by grinding together to explore the flavors. Bar La Playa dried larvae, chiles, and salt. Mezcal (Lázaro Cárdenas 179A, facebook. may also contain a ‘worm’ (larvae) at com/BarLaPlayaPV) across from the base of the bottle—this is a ploy Lazaro Cardenas Park in Old Town related to marketing and does not alter makes excellent craft cocktails with the taste. Tequila never has a ‘worm’ in your choice of mezcal or tequila.
Raicilla There are reports going as far back as the 16th century of raicilla being made by indigenous communities, which equated its consumption with mystical experiences. The method for distilling raicilla is similar to that used for mezcal and tequila, the only difference being the type of plant and its age. The agave it is made from is known as lechuguilla and must be at least six years old before it is cut. Lechuguilla is native to Jalisco, which explains why raicilla is produced distilleries on the way to San Sebastian exclusively in that state. and El Tuito. But the best Raicilla we The best raicillas are often found off have ever had is at the El Rinconcito the beaten path. You can find some Hotelito (facebook.com/elriconcitolbp) great raicilla at the side of the road on Mayto Beach, two hours south in 18 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
Cabo Corrientes. Fernando, the owner of the hotel, gets it from a friend who makes it in a small town close to Mayto called Chacala (not the one in Nayarit). It is smoky and smooth with that slightly wild taste that makes raicilla so enjoyable. Head to Mayto for the day to enjoy the secluded beaches, and if you talk sweet enough, Fernando might be willing to sell you a jug from his personal stash. If Mayto isn't in your cards, the newly opened La-Lulú Raicillaria (España 305, Col. Versalles, Puerto Vallarta, www. arreluluraicilla.com) has one of the best selections and will happily craft you cocktails well into the night. FB.com/vtatribune
ven y conocenos, estamos en bucerias, zona dorada. cel: +52 322 101 8705
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REFUGIO DEL MAR
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T
he Spanish discovered Banderas Bay in the early 1500s about 2500 years after the local indigenous tribes. The name Banderas originated from the fact that native groups would carry numerous flags and banners with them
into battle. In the year 1525, at Punta Mita, which is the northernmost tip of Banderas Bay, Francisco Cortes de Buenaventura led 100 Spanish soldiers into the region to conquer the local people. When they arrived, they were carrying four big banners as well as the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe on a large pennant.
Malecon 1950s
It was quickly realized that they were outnumbered by the 20,000 Aztatlan who turned out to defend their lands. A frightened Spanish friar went down on his knees in front of the Aztatlan, consequently exposing the large image of the Holy Virgin directly behind him. Immense rays of bright sunlight illuminated the Virgin. The sheer brilliance of the light which reflected off the image both stunned and terrified the Aztatlan and they immediately submitted to the Spanish. The Spaniards convinced themselves that this whole thing was indeed a miracle. Throughout the 16th century, adventurers, sailors, and explorers used the Banderas Bay area as a pit-stop on long voyages. The region also served as a convenient hideout for pirates. Farther inland the Spanish seized native lands and enslaved the indigenous people. Horrifically, during the first 100 years of Spanish occupation, approximately 90% of the native population was wiped out due to smallpox, measles, 20 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
scarlet fever, diphtheria, and influenza. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, silver and gold were mined high up in the mountain towns of San Sebastian del Oeste, Talpa de Allende, and Mascota. Gradually over time agriculture became less of a focus in the area. As mining activities increased, so did the demand for salt to process the precious metals. In 1851, a 19-year-old boatman from Cihuatlan named Guadalupe Sanchez began importing large quantities of salt from the Marias Islands onto Los Muertos Beach in Banderas Bay. As business prospered, Sanchez found himself spending so much time in this beautiful, remote region that he decided to establish himself in the area along with his wife and several companions. Gradually a small town developed that Sanchez named Las PeĂąas. The port created there was called Puerto Las PeĂąas. In the early 19th century when the United States discovFB.com/vtatribune
ered silver, the price of this metal plummeted and so did the profitability of mining in the Puerto Vallarta area. Agriculture once again became the focus of displaced workers, specifically in the fertile valley of the Ameca River in the area now known as Nuevo Vallarta. As the region lacked a sufficient infrastructure of roads out of Las PeĂąas, the abundance of harvested agricultural products was shipped by boat to other parts of the country. Because of the growing importance of Puerto Las PeĂąas, on May 31, 1918, a Municipality was formed, and the port was renamed Puerto Vallarta in honor of the Governor of Jalisco, Ignacio L. Vallarta. By 1963, word of the beauty of Puerto Vallarta began to spread to the United States. Most
Winner of Best Clothing Store in Vallarta
Immense rays of bright sunlight illuminated the Virgin. The sheer brilliance of the light which reflected off the image both stunned and terrified the Aztatlan and they immediately submitted to the Spanish.
specifically as the result of gossip mills going into overdrive about big Hollywood stars Deborah Kerr, Ava Gardner, Sue Lyon and Richard Burton on location in Puerto Vallarta to film the movie Night of the Iguana which was being directed by famous American director John Huston. During filming Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, each who were married to other people, started a lusty romantic affair that made headlines around the world. Richard Burton purchased Casa Kimberly, a hideaway, for himself and Elizabeth. Paparazzi were on hand to record every juicy detail from the extra-marital affair going on, to the rumor that famous author Tennessee Williams was often seen on set with his pampered poodle that was believed to have suffered from sunstroke. Because of the presence of A-list celebrities in Puerto Vallarta, the city received an incredible amount of international media attention. Tourism demands from the general public exploded overnight. It FB.com/vtatribune
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Augustin Rodriguez 315, Colonia Centro lemongrasspv@gmail.com *Vallarta Tribune 2018 Reader’s Choice Awards Winner
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Vote Best of banderas bay 2019 Original hotel: Hotel Rosita
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard burton
In 1948 the Hotel Rosita was built in the center of the city, becoming the first hotel in Puerto Vallarta. In 1962 when filming “The Night of the Iguana” John Huston, the director, along with Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Ava Gardner and the staff working on the film often dropped by the hotel for dinner and drinks. Oh, if only the walls could talk... Located at what is now the north end of the Malecon, Hotel Rosita is emblematic of the original architectural style in Puerto Vallarta. This iconic hotel continues to welcome guests today, 70 years later. Hotel Rosita Paseo Díaz Ordaz 901, Centro, Puerto Vallarta (322) 176-1111 www.hotelrosita.com
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seemed as though everyone wanted to know more about this exciting, exotic location. In response to the heavy demands of tourism, from 1965 to 1971, Francisco Medina Ascencio, governor of the state of Jalisco, moved forward with a vision to create the development and infrastructure needed to mold Puerto Vallarta into a modern tourist destination. With firm backing by Mexico President Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, Puerto Vallarta officially became a city on May 31, 1968, and received the financial resources it needed to build bridges, roads, and an international airport, as well as bring in electrical power and telephone service. The population of Puerto Vallarta continues to increase
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each year dramatically as tourists become residents. Although expats in Puerto Vallarta hail from all corners of the globe, it’s primarily Americans and Canadians who choose this incredible location as their retirement destination. In addition to its residents, a steady stream of tourists fills the area year round. Today, Puerto Vallarta is Mexico’s second most popular vacation destination and host to more than 4 million visitors each year. To experience a little bit of the legacy left by Liz and Dick, enjoy dinner at the luxurious Iguana Restaurant and Tequila Bar (Calle Zaragoza 445, Centro, 6pm -11pm daily) in Casa Kimberly, their original home in Gringo Gultch, now converted into a boutique hotel (casakimberly.com).
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Shopping, Snorkling & Swashbuckling Insider Tips for Vallarta - Nayarit
P
uerto Vallarta is located in the middle of Banderas Bay, Mexico’s largest bay at nearly 100km in length. It is bounded in the north by Punta de Mita and in the south by Cabo Corrientes. It straddles the states of Jalisco and Nayarit, divided along the powerful Ameca River.
The bay is home to many charming communities with an abundance of natural and man-made wonders. In the winter and spring seasons, you can witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the humpback whales as they mate and calve in the warm waters of the bay; in the summer through December you can experience the majesty of the sea turtles hatching and returning to their watery world. The fall brings renewed vigor to the mountains and rivers with the fresh rains and revived vegetation. No matter when you visit, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will share their wonders with you.
Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens – this internationally acclaimed 64 acres botanical garden has a beautiful selection of orchids, an excellent restaurant, and great gift shop and spa situated above a beautiful crook in the river, just south of the impressive Le Kliff Restaurant on your way to El Tuito. 200 pesos gets you into a full day of natural beauty. Bring bug spray and your swimsuit. www.vbgardens.org/ Hiking from Boca to Las Animas – Whether you’re driving of taking the bus you need to head to the parking lot along the river in Boca de Tomatlan, cross the footbridge and follow the signs as you walk through the jungle along the ocean’s edge. Pass through a stunning private cove with the newly reopened Ocean Grill (reservations required, oceanlivelovegrill.com) and 24 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
a coconut plantation stretches along pristine beach. Expect one to two hours of intermediate difficulty. Be sure to bring water and sturdy shoes. Pull up a recliner at one of the many beach restaurants in Las Animas and make a day of it. Catch the panga back to Boca for 70 pesos. It is not advisable to do this hike during the rainy season. Vallarta Botanical Garden view
Shopping at Faith Colectiva on Basilio Badillo
Shopping in the Zona Romantica – this charming neighborhood is also called Old Town or colonia Emiano Zapata and is a popular residential area for expats, snowbirds and Mexican families. Along the main streets, you will find shops galore, filled with beautiful authentic crafts, clothing, jewelry, excellent restaurants, spas, theaters and more. Vibrant and friendly, this area offers an excellent day or two (or a lifetime) of exploring. Close to the FB.com/vtatribune
Vote for your favourite, person, place or thing in the 2nd Annual Vallarta Tribune Reader’s Choice Awards
Vote online! Open to residents and Visitors
www.vallartatribune.com/Best-in-Banderas-Bay-2019 All voting will take place between December 1, 2018 and January 12, 2019
Over 150 categories | Separate sections for Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
Best Fishing Charter Best Private Charter Best Whale Watching Charter Best Chiroprator Best Massage Therapist Best Nutricianist Best Naturopathic Clinic Best Optometrist Best Cosmetic Surgeon Best Weekend Getaway Best Romantic Hideaway Best Local Travel Agency Best Adventure Tour Company Best Wedding Events Planner Best Tour Guide Best Kid's Excursion Best Local Tour On The Water Best Local Tour On The Land Best Beach Club Best Day Pass Best Public Pool Best Place for a Margarita Best Place for a Michelada Best Place for Cheap Beer Best Hotel Bar/Lounge Best Place for Cocktails Best Hotel
Best Boutique Hotel Best Resort Best New Restaurant Best Fine-Dining Restaurant Best Restautant Patio Best Kid Friendly Restaurant Best View Restaurant Best Romantic Restaurant Best Vegan Friendly Restaurant Best Beachfront Restaurant Best Breakfast Best Brunch Best Taco Stand Best Sushi Best Restaurant Wine List Best Traditional Mexican Restaurant Best Seafood Restaurant Best Hamburguer Best Ceviche Best BBQ Best Brew Pub Best Sports Bar Best Bartender Best Happy Hour Best Coffee Shop Best Pipe, Bong and Accessory Shop Best Art Studio
Best Art Gallery Best Live Performing-Arts Venue Best Live Music Venue Best Gym Best Yoga Studio Best Pilates Studio Best Dance Studio Best Martial-Arts Studio Best Personal Trainer Best Medical Clinic Best Dentist/Dental Clinic Best Barbershop Best Hair Salon Best Salon for Mani-Pedi Best Spa Best Pet Supply Store Best Vetrinarian Clinic Best Doggy Daycare/Boarding Facility Best Pet Grooming Best Community Charity Best Fundraising Event Best Gay Bar Best Gay Tour Best Property Management Company Best Notary Best Real Estate Agent Best Real Estate Brokerage
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famous Los Muertos beach, consider ending your day with a sunset margarita or two at any of the many beachfront restaurants. Every other friday from November - April check out the Southside Shuffle along Basilio Badillo from 6-10pm. Sunsets on the Malecon - Sitting on the edge of the Pacific Ocean never fails to give us a sunset each night. Grab a seat at any of the number of excellent bars and restaurants along the Malecon, order your favorite cocktail and let it all slip away. Once the sun has set, the Malecon comes alive with families out for a stroll, plenty of live entertainment and later in the night, the nightclubs beckon. On Sunday evenings, stroll to the main plaza in front of the church to listen to live music and join in with the dancers. Markets – Haggle your way through the Rio Cuale Municipal Market looking for souvenirs – some tacky and some beautiful. From blankets to wrestling masks, cheap sunglasses to hand tooled leather purses or ornately decorated pottery you will be sure to find the perfect gift for those you left back home. If you’re feeling peckish, be sure to visit the large two-story building off the bridge - excellent authentic Mexican food on the second floor. Almost every day of the week from November - April you can find an artisan or farmers market around the bay. These markets tend to offer handmade, higher quality items, perfect for keepsakes and unique gifts. You can also finds all assortment of prepared fresh food. Fresh Seafood – The bay is generous, and each day we enjoy plentiful fish and shellfish. Head to the charming town of Bucerias where there are many excellent seafood restaurants on the beach serving the day’s catch. The beach in Bucerias is a pristine eight kms long and an excellent beach to practice stand-up paddle boarding. During whale season it’s not unusual to see whales breaching and putting on a show just off the shore. Fresh oysters, a shrimp cocktail or grilled red snapper, are some of our favorites. Check out Breaker’s Bar (#15 Avenida Del Pacifico, Bucerías, Daily 11am - 9pm) for live music most afternoons and a great menu. Sayulita – A short 45 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Sayulita is the surfing mecca of Riviera Nayarit. A funky town with tropical protected beach, this laid-back village has a hippie vibe with the organic cafes and the yoga studios to prove it. Excellent boutique shopping. Visit the Galeria Tanana/Huichol Center (Avenida Revolución #22, Sayulita) for some exquisite hand-made beaded jewelry or grab a surf lesson from one of the many vendors on the beach. Fish tacos for lunch are a must. FB.com/vtatribune
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Cooking Classes – Recognized as one of the world’s leading cuisines, there are some excellent Mexican cooking schools in the Puerto Vallarta area that will teach you how to master tortilla soup, enchiladas, salsas and more. Fresh seafood, abundant fruit and veggies, and a sophisticated palate make Vallarta a foodie’s dream destination. Look for a school that will take you to the markets or introduces you to the farmers and fishers for a truly cultural experience. Don’t want to cook? Try one the Vallarta Food Tours (www.vallartafoodtours. com) Eat like a local, and for three hours you will enjoy everything from tacos to pazole at the food stands and small comidas around town. Galleries – It is said there are more galleries per capita in Puerto Vallarta than any other place in Mexico. Many of these galleries are along the side streets that run through the Centro neighbourhood. Stop at the Tourism Office in the Main Plaza for a map or take advantage of their free walking tour. Many galleries carry high-quality local crafts, established Mexican and international artists and more. On Wednesdays, from the end of October through May, the Vallarta Artwalk (www.vallartaartwalk.com) opens its doors from 6 pm -10 pm with 13 participating galleries (2018-19) all within a few blocks of each other. Meet local and visiting artists, enjoy snacks and beverages and take in the cool, cultural mix of contemporary and traditional art. Canopy Tours, Horseback Riding, Jet Skis – There is something for every daredevil in Puerto Vallarta. The junglemountains lend the perfect backdrop to zipline canopy tours while the warm ocean waters below are perfect for diving, snorkeling, swimming or renting a jet ski and exploring the coastline. Catch a ride on an originalrepoduction of the Marigalante and enjoy of swashbuckling fun. The Pirateship Tour (pirateshipvallarta.com) offers a day trip suitable for children and in the evenings a more adult oriented tour features an exciting display of swashbuckling skills and fireworks. FB.com/vtatribune
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Protecting Pacific Sea Turtles Four protected species lay eggs locally: the Olive Ridley, the green sea turtle, the leatherback, and the hawksbill. Over one million sea turtles are liberated every year in Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit, which have become a sanctuary for these little chelonians thanks to the many turtle camps that dot its coastline. The sea turtle is so essential, in fact, that it is the official icon of Riviera Nayarit. Four protected species lay eggs here: the Olive Ridley, the green sea turtle, the leatherback, and the hawksbill. The most common is the Olive Ridley, which lays eggs three times a year producing an average of 100 eggs per nest, 80 percent of which hatch, though only one in one thousand turtles go on to reproduce. As each new generation of female turtles reaches maturity, they return to their beach of origin to lay their own eggs. The male turtles never return. Biologist Hermilo Esparza, Director of the Nuevo Vallarta Sea Turtle Protection and Conservation Center, explains that the official sea turtle release season begins during early August and ends in December. He explained the turtles arrive to lay their eggs in June; the hatchlings come 45 days later. Before they do, though, the staff from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) along with local volunteers set up watch on the beaches during the night to collect the eggs, protect them, and incubate them. Historically, Nuevo Vallarta’s beach registers the most significant number of arrivals in the region. The turtle camp is 14 km (8.6 mi) long (it’s been opened for 25 years by the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas), registering an average of 5,500 nests, releasing between 300 thousand and 400 thousand hatchlings every year. According to data from the National Program for the Conservation of Sea Turtles,
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there were 51 thousand Olive Ridley nests registered in the Mexican Pacific in 2012; about ten thousand of these were on the beaches of Nuevo Vallarta. In Jalisco and Nayarit in 2017, over 3 million eggs were collected, hatched and released. Hermilo Esparza points out, however, that even though it might seem a large number, the truth is very few of them survive. It’s estimated that only one or two of every thousand hatchlings reaches maturity and returns to reproduce. This is why it’s so important for local residents and tourists to take simple actions to ensure the beaches are safe for returning mothers by avoiding pollution, especially with plastic bags and soda bottles. Sea turtles often confuse them with jellyfish, eat them, and die of asphyxiation. If you see a turtle emerge from the sea, it must be left alone, do not touch it as it can lose its sense of smell and get disoriented. The turtle should be treated with respect, watched quietly and left to its own devices. Besides the Nuevo Vallarta turtle camp, there are another ten camps strung out along the coastline and offer visitors the opportunity to release hatchlings. If you are interested in learning more, volunteering or participating in a turtle release event, you can speak with your hotel concierge or visit one of the local Turtle Rescue Camps. FB.com/vtatribune
TURTLE RESCUE CAMPS Puerto Vallarta | Campamento Tortuguero Boca de Tomates www.facebook.com/ releasingseaturtleinPuertoVallarta Bahía de Banderas | Campamento Tortuguero Nuevo Vallarta www.facebook.com/Campamento-Tortuguero-deNuevo-Vallarta-oficial Sayulita | Campamento Tortuguero Sayulita www.facebook.com/campamentotortuguero. sayulita San Pancho | San Pancho Turtles (Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde) www.project-tortuga.org Lo de Marcos, Bahía de Banderas | Campamento Tortuguero Lo de Marcos www.facebook.com/ CampamentoTortugueroLoDeMarcosNay/ El Monteón, Compostela | Campamento Tortuguero Punta Raza www.facebook.com/ CampamentoTortugueroPuntaRaza/ La Peñita de Jaltemba, Compostela| Campamento El Naranjo www.campamentoelnaranjo.org.mx/ Chacala, Compostela | Campamento Tortuguero Boca de Chila www.facebook.com/pages/CampamentoTortuguero-Playa-Chila/ Playa Platanitos, Compostela | Campamento Tortuguero Playa Platanitos www.facebook.com/Playa-platanitoscomunidad-554340541339593/ Tecuala | Campamento Tortuguero La Puntilla www.facebook.com/tortuguerolapuntilla San Blas | Campamento Tortuguero Aayetsie Wakie facebook.com/ CampamentoTortugueroDeSanBlasAayetsieWakie/ FB.com/vtatribune
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W
inners of the 2018 Reader’s Choice Pata Salada Awards were voted on by the readers of the Vallarta Tribune through December and January 2018. Listed here are the results. You can vote for your favourite businesses in the 2019 Reader’s Choice Awards by voting online at www.vallartatribune.com
BEST IN BANDERAS BAY Best Tennis Courts Canto del Sol José Clemente Orozco No. 125, Zona Hotelera, Puerto Vallarta 322 226 0123 facebook.com/CantoDelSolResort www.cantovallarta.com/ Best Weekly Event Olas Altas Farmers Market Lázaro Cárdenas Park Puerto Vallarta facebook.com/olasaltasfarmersmarket/ Saturdays 9am - 2pm, Nov. - April BEST Artisan Market Olas Altas Farmers Market Lázaro Cárdenas Park Puerto Vallarta facebook.com/olasaltasfarmersmarket/ Saturdays 9am - 2pm, Nov. - April Best Local Artist Adrian Takano facebook.com/adrian.t.rojas.5 BEST Photographer Josef Kandoll 322 138 3788 www.josefkandollwphotography.com 30 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
BEST Private Chef Mavi Graf www.arteculinario-mavigraf.com Instagram @ArteCulinarioMG facebook.com/arteculinariobymavigraf/ 322 135 8570 Best Cooking Classes My Mexican Kitchen 11 Lazaro Cardenas Street Bucerías, Nayarit, Mexico mymexicankitchen.com/ 322 116 4493 Best Wine Shop Vinos America Av. Basilio Badillo #284 Col. Emiliano Zapata 322 222 0854 facebook.com/vinosamerica/ vinosamerica.mx/ Best Liquor Store La Playa Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio Puerto Vallarta 322 293 3055 09:00 - 23:45 facebook.com/laplayavta/ autoserviciolaplaya.com/ FB.com/vtatribune
BEST In Banderas Bay WINNERS Best Margarita No Way Jose 5 de Febrero 260, Puerto Vallarta 322 223 2853 facebook.com/NoWayJosePuertoVallarta nowayjosemx.com/ Best Local Beer Los Muertos Brewing Company Lázaro Cárdenas 302, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 0308 Daily 11am 12am facebook.com/losmuertosbrewing Best Place for Cheap Beer Sea Monkey Aquiles Serdan 174, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 2174 Daily 10:00 - 21:30 facebook.com/Sea-Monkey Best Hotel Bar/Lounge Hotel Marriott Paseo de la Marina Norte #435, Marina Vallarta 322 226 0000 marriott.com/ Best Place for Cocktails Garbos 142 Pulpito Street, Puerto Vallarta 322 223 5753 Daily 18:00 - 02:00 facebook.com/Garbo-Bar-Vallarta Best Place to for Premade Dinner Bella Napoli Calle Morelos 128, Puerto Vallarta
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322 223 8374 Open Daily 17:00 - 23:00 langolodinapolipv.com Best Local Designer -Jewelry Store Cassandra Shaw 276 Basilio Badillo, Puerto Vallarta 322 223 9734 Open 09:00 - 21:00 facebook.com/cassandrashawjewelry cassandrashaw.com Best Local Designer – Fashion Erica Maree Hidalgo #167, Centro Basilio Badillo #314, Emiliano Zapata 322-222-8149 Open 09:00 - 17:30 facebook.com/Erica.Maree ericamaree.com Best Local Designer – Furniture Muebles La Colección Madero 272, Puerto Vallarta 232 223 4236 facebook.com/La-Coleccion-Puerto-Vallarta la-coleccionpv.com/ Best Department Store Liverpool Francisco Medina Ascencio 2920, Puerto Vallarta 322 226 2400 11:00 - 21:00 liverpool.com.mx Best Shopping Mall La Isla
A popular bar for live music, sports and events, Nacho Daddy is also home to the Boutique Dinner Theater. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Puerto Vallarta 322 668 1453 facebook.com/LaIslaPuertoVallartaOficial laislapuertovallarta.mx Best Casino Emotion Casino facebook.com/EmotionCasinoOficial emotioncasino.com.mx Best Movie Theater Cinepolis VIP at La Isla facebook.com/cinepolisonline cinepolis.com Best Furniture Store Solutions Mexico Heroes de Nacozari, 126, Bucerias 329 298 6399 facebook.com/SOLutionsmexico solutionsmexico.com Best Bank Intercam Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio, 2902, Marina Vallarta Ignacio L. Vallarta, 130, Emiliano Zapata Carretera Tepic Puerto km. 144, Flamingos, Bucerias Av. Revolución 231 Int. B, Sayulita intercam.com.mx Best Internet Provider Infinitum/Telmex www.telcel.com/
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Vintage Spoon Jewelry & Boutique
Get involved! Leave a Legacy!
Mosaic Workshops
Handcrafted in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico using antique silver and plate spoons to create unique and beautiful collectible pieces of jewelry and accessories.
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VISIT THE NEW BOUTIQUE Basilio Badillo #325, PuertoVallarta 322.182.2144 Chantel_Mann@hotmail.com www.chantelvintagespoonjewelry.com
At the Parque de los Azulejos
T
he largest art installation in Puerto Vallarta was launched in 2017 with the intent to mosaic tile the fixed installations and benches of the entire Lazaro Cardenas Park. Spearheaded by Natasha Moraga, one of the most recognized names in the Puerto Vallarta art community for her signature mosaic style. Moraga’s public art installations can be seen all over Vallarta, from the Puerto Vallarta sign as you enter the city, to murals in the marina and the benches on the walkway to the pier. The massive undertaking of reshaping and transforming Lazaro Cardenas park is their largest project yet. This exciting project invites visitors and residents to volunteer to help create this public art installation. Closed for the summer, the efforts to finish the project start back up in November with the completion of the park scheduled to be completed in the late spring. They offer workshops that will focus on the newly retrofitted planters that line the perimeter of Parque de los Azulejos. Last year they tiled the columns with designs reflecting the unique personalities and the things held dear by those who contributed; think peace signs, rainbows, dogs, roosters and butterflies, and Frida. This year, it’s all about the abstract in their planter workshops. Designs that flow, moving seamlessly from one thing to another, with less focus on depicting objects and more emphasis on colors and patterns. For more information on how you can participate visit: www.tileparkpv.com 34 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
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Free Malecon Sculpture Tours
Millennium
G
aleria Pacifico offers free Malecon Sculpture Tours at 9:30 on Tuesday mornings, starting November 13, 2018. Free Sunset Malecon Sculpture The boy on the Seahorse Tours will begin at 6:00pm on Thursday evenings starting November 15. Sunset Malecon Sculpture Tours The owner of Galeria Pacifico, Gary Thursdays 6:00 pm Thompson, serves as the guide of both Malecon Sculpture Tours Meet at Galeria Pacifico´s second of these tours, and he is assisted by Tuesdays 9:30 am floor location on 174 Aldama Street, Memo Lira of Vallarta 101 (www. faceMeet at the north end of the Male- between Juarez And Morelos Streets book.com/welovevallarta) tour compacon next to the Hotel Rosita, where and only 75 feet from the Malecon. ny. The sculpture tours are in support of the creator of the Millennium sculpture, This hour and a half tour goes south Vallarta´s nonprofit library and cultural Mathis Lidice, speaks. along the Malecon to the Demetro center, Biblioteca Los Mangos, which Kevin Simpson of Peyote People Gal- Galeria (169 Lazaro Cardenas) across receives no government funding. Replery will explain the Huichol symbols from Lazarro Cardenas Park and fea- resentatives of Los Mangos are present created by small black pebbles imbed- tures the sculptor Jim Demetro, who at the end of both tours to explain their ded along the malecon. The tour ends explains his projects and how bronzes many worthwhile projects and services, at Galeria Pacifico (Aldama 174, Cen- are made, while his wife Eva offers wine and to gratefully accept any donations tro) where free beverages are served. and snacks. offered to help support these activities.
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Showcasing Local Artists
SPECIALTY COFFEE & TEA IN VALLARTA’S HISTORIC CENTRO NEIGHBOURHOOD
Fridays
*Marsol Friday Market by the Pier - 9:30 am -1:30 pm Open all year, located on Francisca Rodriguez at the Marsol Hotel lobby, off Olas Altas Sayulita Mercado del Pueblo - 10 am -2 pm On Calle Revolucion before the bridge Southside Shuffle - 6 pm - 10 pm Along Basilio Badillo in Old Town. Every second Friday.
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Saturdays
Olas Altas Farmer’s Market - 9:30 am - 2 pm at Lazaro Cardenas Parks, Old Town Three Hens & a Rooster Market - 9 am - 1:00 pm Lion’s Club, Francisco Madero #280, Old Town Tianguis Lo de Marcos - 9 am - 2:00 pm Located in the main plaza
Sundays
Huanacaxtle Farmer’s Market - 9 am -3 pm Located at La Cruz Marina
Tuesdays
Riviera Market 9 am - 2 pm Located in Nuevo Vallarta in the parking lot behind the Casino.
Wednesdays
Bucerias Forever Spring Market - 9 am - 1 pm In the Chedraui parking lot *Vallarta ArtWalk - 6 pm - 10 pm - 13 galleries located through the Centro neighbourhood of Puerto Vallarta. Runs through May.
Thursdays
Bucerias ArtWalk - 7-9pm - along Lazaro Cardenas Marina Vallarta Night Market- 6 pm -10 pm - along the marina FB.com/vtatribune
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Best in Banderas Bay WINNERS Best Tattoo Studio Black Cat Tattoo Timon 245, Marina Vallarta 322 223 7839 facebook.com/Blackcattattoopv Mon - Sat, 11-8pm Best Bike Shop Specialized in Marina Vallarta Plaza Neptuno, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Marina Vallarta 322 209 0716 10:00 - 20:00 Best Local Festival Gay Pride facebook.com/orgullovallartapride/ vallartapride.com/ Best Local Band Los Bambinos 222-4357 facebook.com/LosBambinosMusic/ losbambinosmusic.com Best Drag Show Crazy Bitches at Luna Lounge 322 192 8483 facebook.com/crazybitshow/ Best Place to Go Dancing Mr. Flamingos 295 Calle Lázaro Cárdenas, Emiliano Zapata 14:00 - 03:00 facebook.com/flamingospvr Best Nightclub La Santa Avenida Fluvial Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta 322 182 1803 Thursday - Saturday 11pm - 6am Best Place for Karaoke Kinky Lázaro Cárdenas 315A Col. Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 109 9703 16:00 - 04:00 facebook.com/KinkyKB/ Best Pickup Bar (M – M) La Noche Lázaro Cárdenas #263, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 3364 20:00 - 03:30 facebook.com/lanochebarpv/ www.lanochepv.com
Best Pickup Bar (M-F) Andale Olas Altas 425, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 1054 07:30 - 03:00 facebook.com/lanochebarpv/ www.lanochepv.com
In the evenings vendors set up along the Malecon selling all types of snacks from cups of roasted corn to sweet crepes.
Best Pickup Bar (F – F) Divas Francisco I. Madero # 388, Col. Emiliano Zapata Puerto Vallarta 322 222 7774 16:00 - 02:00 facebook.com/divas.bar1/ Best Gay Strip Club Anthropology Call. Morelos, # 101, Col. Centro, Puerto Vallarta 322 167 6556 21:00 - 04:00 Best Place For a First Date Coco’s Kitchen Púlpito 122, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 223 0373 08:00 - 15:00 facebook.com/cocoskitchenpv www.cocoskitchenpv.net Best Cruise Tour Pegaso Company 322 290 0705 facebook.com/ecosailbypegaso/ toursinvallarta.com/ecosail-by-pegaso Best Cruise Tour – Yacht Rhythms of the Night vallarta-adventures.com Best Fishing Charter Fifth Elements Local 7B Puesta del Sol, Marina Vallarta 322 139 9247 www.facebook.com/fiveelementsadventurecenter www.fiveelementsadventure.com Best Private Charter Seas the Day Marina Vallarta Slip M, Puerto Vallarta 322 889 6723 facebook.com/seasthedayluxuryyachts www.seastheday.mx Best Whale Charter Ocean Friendly 322 225 3774 facebook.com/oceanfriendlytours/ www.oceanfriendly.com Best Massage Therapist Essence Massage Calle David Alfaro Siqueiro, Hotel Zone, Puerto Vallarta 322 889 7481 facebook.com/Essence-massage-737151419695924/
Best Nutritionist Marcella Castallenos facebook.com/MarcellasWellness/ www.marcellacastellanos.com Best Naturopathic Clinic Bio Spa Plaza Marina, Local B-10 Plaza Marina Blv Francisco Medina Ascencio, Marina Vallarta 322 221 1607 facebook.com/HolisticBioSpa/ www.HolisticBioSpa.com Best Optometrist Costco Av Fluvial Vallarta 134, Fluvial Vallarta 322 226 2580 facebook.com/CostcoMex/ costco.com.mx Best Romantic Hideaway Casa Karma Carretera A Barra De Navidad 1247, Conchas Chinas, Puerto Vallarta 322 221 6047 facebook.com/casakarmaboutiqueresort/ www.casakarma.net Best Local Travel Agency Mex-ECO Tours Lázaro Cárdenas 39-B, Bucerías. 329 298 1232 facebook.com/mexecotours www.mex-ecotours.com Best Adventure Tour Company Vallarta Adventures Paseo de las Palmas 39, Nuevo Vallarta 888 526 2238 09:00 - 19:00 vallarta-adventures.com BEST Wedding/Events Planner Weddings Vallarta By Barbara 206 414 5247 www.weddingsvallartabybarbara.com www.facebook.com/weddingsvallartabybarbara
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2nd A NN UA L
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www.e s q u in a 2 2 .c o m The best of banderas bay vallartatribune.com | 39
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World-Class Golf Courses in our Backyard
From 9-holes to the longest golfcart bridge in the world, the ocean, jungle and mountain golf courses found around Banderas Bay will provide you with days of entertainment.
Litibu
Punta Mita Pacifico 40 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
Vidanta
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O
ver the past few years, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have become one of the greatest golf destinations in Mexico, increasing its fame among players by offering the best courses and the most celebrated tournaments. This is golfing at its highest level, not only because of the impeccable courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Tom Weiskopf, Jim Lipe, Robert Von Hagge & Baril and Percy Clifford, but also thanks to the magnificent mountain landscapes, the tropical jungle, and the beach, delighting golfers from around the world. Most of the courses are PGA certified—the top North American professional golf circuit for men—and have every high-end service available. And you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy a good round of golf! There are currently eight world-class golf courses ready to welcome players in the Riviera Nayarit area: El Tigre, Flamingos, Litibú, Campo Nayar, Campo Norman Signature and The Lakes en Vidanta Golf; Punta Mita Bahía and Punta Mita Pacífico, as well as two small 9-hole courses, Las Huertas in San Pancho and Campo de Ensueño Golf Club. In the Puerto Vallarta area, there are three courses: Marina Vallarta and Vista Vallarta with two courses. The longest golf cart bridge: The Riviera Nayarit has the longest hanging bridge for golf carts in the world. It’s 402 meters (a quarter of a mile) long and connects the Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus courses over the Ameca River. Both courses lie within the Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta complex. The bridge was built to ease the flow of players between the two courses. The most original green: Hole 3B, known as “Tale of the Whale,” is the only green in the world on a natural island and is part of the Pacífico golf course in the exclusive Punta Mita development. This place is so spectacular that even Jack Nicklaus, the prestigious ex-golfer and course designer, has described it as the best Par 3 he’s ever designed. Las Huertas in San Pancho Las Huertas is an unusual golf course immersed in the exotic landscape of San Pancho, a picturesque fishing community. The course is a 9-hole, par 32, and is surrounded by colorful fruit trees ripe with mango, grapefruit, tamarind, pepper, and soursop, presenting a challenge to visiting players. It extends along 1,953 yards in the town of San Pancho. Campo de Ensueño Golf Club The Campo de Ensueño is a 9-hole, par 29 course with 1,700 yards, located along Federal Highway 200, north of the town of El Monteón, just 5 minutes from Rincón de Guayabitos. FB.com/vtatribune
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BEST IN BANDERAS BAY WINNERS Best Party Venue Luna Lounge 27 Av. Mexico, Bucerías 322 182 9921 facebook.com/BuceriasLunaLounge/ lunaloungebucerias.com/ BEST Tour Guide Chuck Medina facebook.com/chuckmedina59/ BEST Kid’s Excursion Vallarta Zoo Camino al Edén #700, Mismaloya 322 228 0501 10:00 - 18:00 facebook.com/vallartazoo/ www.zoologicodevallarta.com BEST Local Tour On The Water Vallarta Adventures facebook.com/vallarta.adventures/ vallarta-adventures.com/en/ BEST Tour On Land Vallarta Eats Food Tour Independencia 231 #5, Puerto Vallarta 322 152 0224 facebook.com/VallartaEats/ www.VallartaEats.com
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BEST Beach Club Mantamar Malecón 169, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 6260 09:00 - 23:00 facebook.com/MantamarBeachClub/ www.mantamarvallarta.com BEST Day Pass Arryos Verde Avenida Estaciones 1099 Bucerías 329 298 6314 09:00 - 18:00 www.losarroyosverdes.com
Hotel Mousai Approximately 350,000 cruiseship passengers will visit Banderas Bay in 2018.
BEST Online Advice Website/Group Everything you wanted or needed to know facebook.com/groups/PVEverythingYouNeedOrWantToKnow/ BEST Car Rental Gecko Renta car 329-2980339 www.geckorentcar.com BEST Long Haul Busline ETN 01 800 800 0386 09:00 - 20:00 facebook.com/etnturistar www.etn.com.mx/
BEST In Country Airline Aeromexico facebook.com/AeromexicoMX/ www.aeromexico.com/ BEST Transportation Co. Uber facebook.com/UberEnPuertoVallarta/ www.uber.com
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CASA KARMA PR IVATE VILLA
Exclusively Yours Peace and Tranquility: Casa Karma is located on the beautiful shores of Conchas Chinas; just a short walk into the heart of Puerto Vallarta. Eight ocean-view guest suites, including a penthouse pool, original artworks and antiquities. Full staff, full service, a gourmet kitchen all well suited for events of 2 - 200 guests,
Casa Karma is
the ideal Hideaway for your next group event.
"Thanks for choosing us as the Best Romantic Hideaway� Deb Dudley Reservations Manager | Curator of luxury villas around the world.
email: hd961@aol.com phone: 1 800 pvvillas FB.com/vtatribune
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BEST IN PUERTO VALLARTA winners BEST Hotel Hotel Mousai Carretera a Barra de Navidad Km. 7, Puerto Vallarta 877-929-7977 facebook.com/HotelMousai/ www.hotelmousai.com BEST Boutique Hotel Casa Karma Carretera A Barra De Navidad 1247, Conchas Chinas, Puerto Vallarta 322 221 6047 facebook.com/casakarmaboutiqueresort/ www.casakarma.net BEST Resort Secrets David Alfaro Siqueiros #164, Hotel Zone, 322 226 2900 facebook.com/SecretsVallartaBay/ www.secretsresorts.com BEST Art Gallery Galeria Dante Basilio Badillo 269, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 2477 10:00 - 17:00 facebook.com/GalleriaDante/ http://www.galleriadante.com BEST Art Studio Art Vallarta 213 Calle Pilitas, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 6473 10:00 - 16:00 facebook.com/artvallarta/ www.artvallarta.com BEST Bakery Yarita Basilio Badillo 244, Col. Emiliano Zapata 7:30 - 21:30 facebook.com/panaderia244/ BEST Butcher Colin’s Gonzalez Gallo 191, Puerto Vallarta 322 293 3202 07:00 - 15:00 BEST Florist Flowers to Go Calle Rodolfo Gomez 126, Emiliano Zapata 322 223 5686 10:00 - 18:00 flowerstogovallarta.com BEST Grocery Store Mega Soriana Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio 1800, Hotel Zone Plaza Marina, Marina Vallarta Carretera 200 Km 144 Sur, Flamingos, Bucerias www.megasoriana.com/
BEST Organic Store Organic Select Francia 169, Col. Versalles, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 1015 08:00 - 16:00 facebook.com/OrganicSelectMexico www.organic-select.com BEST Live Music Venue Incanto Insurgentes 109, Rio Cuale, Puerto Vallarta 322 223 9756 09:00 - 23:30 facebook.com/IncantoVallarta www.IncantoVallarta.com BEST Performing-Arts Venue Act II insurgentes 330, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 1512 10:00 - 22:00 facebook.com/ActIIEntertainment/ www.act2pv.com
The award-winning Vallarta Botanical Garden offers 64 acres of lush tropical forests surrounded by cultivated gardens and conservatories featuring orchids, rhododendrons, bromeliads, magnolias and many more botanical delights. www.vbgardens.org BEST Martial-Arts Studio TaekwondoVallarta Prolongación Exiquio Corona s/n, Prados de la Higera Puerto Vallarta 322 306 9782 facebook.com/taekwondovallarta/
BEST Community Charity Internatonal Friendship Club Parian del Puente #13, Centro, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 5466 www.ifcvallarta.com
BEST Barbershop Alex Barbershop Francisco I Madero #287, col. Emiliano Zapata 322 138 5030 10:00 am - 9:00 pm facebook.com/PeluqueriaunisexAlex/
BEST Fundraising Event Deja New Fashion Show (Pasitos de Luz) www.pasitosdeluz.org What A Drag (Banderas Bay Woman’s Shelter) facebook.com/whatadragvallarta/
BEST Salon for Mani-Pedi Votre Salon Ignacio L. Vallarta 228 int. 2, Plaza Romy, Puerto Vallarta 322 113 0252
BEST Medical Clinic San Javier Hospital Francisco Medina Ascencio 2760, Puerto Vallarta 322 226 1010 facebook.com/sanjaviermarina/ www.hospitalsanjavier.com
BEST Hair Salon Salon Malecon 819 Calle Morelos, Centro, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 7783 facebook.com/Salonmalecon/
BEST Dentist/Dental Clinic Just Smiles Basilio Badillo 311, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 223 0505 09:00 - 20:00 facebook.com/clinica.just.smiles/ www.justsmiles.com.mx BEST Eyeware Store Costco Av Fluvial Vallarta 134, Fluvial Vallarta 322 226 2580 Mon - Sat 9am - 9pm, Sun 9am - 8pm www.costco.com.mx BEST Personal Trainer Vivefit Av. Francisco Villa 299, Col. Olímpica, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 5818 www.vivefit.mx
BEST Spa Metamorfosis Francisca Rodriguez #159, col. Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 6162 10:00 - 18:00 www.metamorfosisdayspa.com BEST Pilates Studio Yoga Vallarta 325 Basilio Badillo, Emiliano Zapata 322 222 1706 facebook.com/Yoga.Vallarta/ www.yogavallarta.com BEST Yoga Studio Yoga Vallarta 325 Basilio Badillo, Emiliano Zapata 322 222 1706 facebook.com/Yoga.Vallarta/ www.yogavallarta.com
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BEST IN PUERTO VALLARTA WINNERS BEST Bartender Alex at Bar La Playa Lázaro Cárdenas 179, Emiliano Zapata 322 100 2272 12:00 - 23:59 facebook.com/BarLaPlayaPV/
01 322 226 0404 facebook.com/sheratonvallarta.com.mx/ www.sheratonvallarta.com
BEST BBQ El Rio BBQ Felipe Angeles 245, Paso Ancho, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 2510 facebook.com/ElRioBBQ/ elriobbqbar.com BEST Beachfront Restaurant La Palapa Pulpito 105-3, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 5225 08:30 - 23:30 facebook.com/lapalapapv/ www.lapalapapv.com BEST Breakfast Freddy’s Tucan Basilio Badillo #245 Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 223 0778 08:00 - 15:00 facebook.com/fredystucanpuertovallarta/ www.fredystucan.com BEST Brunch Sheraton Hotel Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 999, Puerto Vallarta
BEST Coffee Shop Dee’s Coffee Company Francisca Rodríguez 111 y 117, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 1197 07:00 - 22:00 facebook.com/deescoffeecompany/
Just five minutes from the airport, Marina Vallarta offers a quiet and peaceful escape from the city with fine dining, shops and a beautiful boardwalk.
BEST Fine-Dining Bravos Francisco I Madero 263, Emiliano Zapata 322 222 0339 Opens at 17:00 facebook.com/bravospv/ www.bravospv.com
BEST Wine List Tre Piatti Lazaro Cardenas #292, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 2773 Opens at 17:30 facebook.com/TrePiattiRestaurante/ www.trepiatti.com
BEST New Restaurant Warique Restaurant Aquiles Serdan 280, Emiliano Zapata Puerto Vallarta 322 223 0889 Opens at 17:00 facebook.com/WariqueRestaurant/ www.warique.x10.mx
BEST RestauRant Patio Bachas Paseo de la Marina 245 #113, Puerto Vallarta 322 221 3506 12:00 - 23:00 facebook.com/BachasMexicanRestaurant/ BEST Seafood Restaurant Langosta Feliz Republica Dominicana #120 Altos, Col.Lazaro Puerto Vallarta 322 223 1309 11:00 - 11:00
BEST Restaurant Tintoque Local E1 · Plaza Neptuno Marina Vallarta · 322 221 0240 Opens at 17:00 www.tintoque.com
New Energy Consciousness Learn to find the love-light in yourself and others and everything around you • Healing Touch International • Massage Therapy • Energy Medicine Partnerships / Psychiatric Healing • Tibetan Usui Reiki Master/ Instructor • Hypnotherapy / Past Life / Life between Life • Bars Work • Chakra Balancing • Pain Management / Trauma Release • Distance Healing • Life Guide • Private / Group Courses
Catherine Morgan www.NewEnergyConsciousness.com cat@NewEnergyConsciousness.com MX cell 322-728-6897
Are you ready to Let Go? FB.com/vtatribune
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Local Charities and non-Profit organizations
Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly - Housing and care facilities for senior citizens. www.asilosanjuandiego.com.mx
Many of these organizations welcome donations of money, clothing or items specific to their cause, as well as your time and expertise. Many host fundraising events through out they year. Check the online calendar at www.vallartatribune.com/eventos. If you wish to donate or volunteer, contact them directly.
Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence. compassionforthefamily.org
Alano Club of Puerto Vallarta - to provide resources to keep you in touch with your recovery program while you are visiting Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area. RecoverPV.com
Becas Vallarta, A.C. – Provides scholarships to high school and university students. Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. becasvallarta.com
Amigos de La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: Contributing to the quality of life in La Cruz through cultural, educational, environmental and charitable assistance programs. Tax Deductible. www.amigosdelacruz.org
CANICA - Centre for Children with Cancer. Provides aid for treatment and American Legion Post 14: Raises services including transportation to resources and manpower to improve GDL. canicapv.org.mx facilities needing building maintenance. Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, americanlegion14.org abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. maximocornejo.org Amigos del Magisterio - Food delivery
Amigos De Bucerias - to help make Bucerias a better place to live, work and visit. Projects include community improvements, food drives and help for the needy. AmigosDeBucerias.com to workers at the PV dump, their families Los Amigos de Jaltemba - several and schools in Magisterio and Volcanes. community efforts to improve and Also, food to New Beginnings, Pasitos enhance the lives of the people de Luz.amigosdelmagisterio.com who live in the Jaltemba Bay area. LosAmigosDeJaltemba.com
Cheryl’s Shoebox - increase the quality of education in disadvantaged schools throughout the Banderas Bay region by providing shoes, and school materials to students as well as educational supplies to teachers.cherylsshoebox.org Clinica de Rehabilitación Vallarta- Santa Barbara AC Therapy for physical and speak rehabilitation, for children and adults. www.rehabilitacionfisicapv.com COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Sundays.FB/ @ ColinaSpayAndNeuterClinic
Corazon de Niña - A safe, loving, home-environment for 65+ children and youth rescued from high-risk situations. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally self-funded. fundacioncorazon.mx 46 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
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Impulso de Aguila - Supporting more than 30 institutions dedicated to social assistance, as well as promoting the inclusion in society of persons with physical disabilities. Desayunos para los Niños de facebook.com/impulsodeaguila Vallarta A.C. - Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. FB/ @desayunosvallarta Cruz Roja (Red Cross) - Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street.
Ecology and Conservation of Whales, AC. - research, protection and conservation of Mexico`s natural resources, specially the Humpback Whale in Banderas Bay. www.ecobac.org entreamigos - Focus is to increase educational opportunities for the children of San Pancho in Nayarit Mexico. entreamigos.org.mx.
Paraíso Felino AC - Refuge and Adoption Centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. www.paraisofelino.com Pasitos de Luz - Substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and more. pasitosdeluz.org
PuRR Project – no-kill feline rescue providing homeless cats and kittens a recuperative stay with the ultimate goal International Friendship Club of adopting them out to loving homes, - Provides medical, educational sterilized, vaccinated and disease free. and social services to those in www.purrproject.com need in Puerto Vallarta and area. PEACEAnimals - Free mobile spay/ www.ifcvallarta.com neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a
The Jay Sadler Project - Working with gov’t agancies to determine local need, they provide resources to improve institutions such as schools, senior centers, Families At The Dump: Supporting parks. www.jaysadlerproject.com families living in the landfill or Manos de Amor por Bahia - A home garbage dump thru education for 15-30 children that provide these and sustainable opportunities. children with food, clothing and familiesatthedump.org shelter, ensure that they attend school Food Bank of Puerto Vallarta - collects and church, and give them a safe and distributes 30 tons of food each haven for as long as necessary.www. month to approximately 800 families. manosdeamor.com
year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. Taxdeductible. peaceanimals.org Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta - raises funds for Los Mangos Public Library. www.bibliotecalosmangos.com Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza Orphanage for children aged 0-14. www.ccshf.ca
SETAC - Effectively reduce the incidence of HIV / AIDS in Puerto Vallarta and promoting respect for human rights of people living with HIV BancoDeAlimentosPV.org.mx Lions Club Puerto Vallarta - offering / AIDS www.setac.com.mx Fundacion Punta de Mita - Promote medical services for the blind, disaster sustainable community development relief and building elementary schools in Punta de Mita and around the LionsClubs.org Banderas Bay in the areas of community Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. development, education, environment raises funds to support the poor in and health.fundacionpuntademita.org Vallarta. christchurchbythesea.org Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. friendsofpvanimals.com
Puerto Vallarta Garden Club - striving to improve and beautify Vallarta through planting trees and flowers in public areas. SPCA PV – Provides long term VallartaGardenClub.com no-kill shelter and vet services well as rehabilitation and Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta- Puerto Vallarta Navy League AC – as adoption to rescued animals. To protect the ecology of Banderas Constructs playgrounds, organizes Bay. grupoecologico.com work groups to do painting and light www.spcapv.com Grupo Pro Sayulita - to bring together repair work for other charities, schools Vallarta Botanical Gardens - An award winning botanical garden the Sayulita community and to and government facilities. that offers research & education of recognize and preserve the benefits New Life Mexico - Focusing on social, native plant life, city beautification of its cultural and ecological diversity health and education programmes while improving the quality of life in both in Mexico and Guatemala programs, bird and butterfly watching, Sayulita. ProSayulita.org matching donors to projects. orchid garden and more etc. www.vbgardens.org www.newlifemexico.com FB.com/vtatribune
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Vote Best of banderas bay 2019 The Los Arcos Amphitheater is located along the Malecon in front of the main plaza and Church of Guadalupe. Most evenings people gather here to listen to live music, watch clowns and a host of city sponsored events.
Located to the south of Puerto Vallarta, the Los Arcos are granite islands in a protected national marine park that have two arches that you can swim, snorkle or even paddle board through.
BEST IN PUERTO VALLARTA WINNERS BEST Brew Pub Los Muertos Brewing Company Lázaro Cárdenas 302, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 0308 11am 12am facebook.com/losmuertosbrewing/ losmuertosbrewing.com/
BEST Romantic Restaurant La Palapa Pulpito 105-3, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 5225 08:30 - 23:30 facebook.com/lapalapapv/ www.lapalapapv.com
BEST Ice Cream Shop Lix Basilio Badillo 168, Puerto Vallarta 322 168 1746 14:00 - 23:00 facebook.com/lixpuertovallarta/ www.lix-pv.com
BEST Sports Bar El Torito Venustiano Carranza 243, Emiliano Zapata, 322 222 3784 11:00 - 23:00 facebook.com/ElToritoViejoVallarta/
BEST Vegan Friendly Restaurant Salud Superfood Olas Altas 534A, Puerto Vallarta 322 139 9398 09:00 - 17:00
BEST Bar w Live Music Nacho Daddy 287 Basilio Badillo, Puerto Vallarta 322 688 5566 11:00 - 23:45 facebook.com/NachoDaddyPV/ www.nachodaddymexico.com
BEST Taco Stand Panchos Tacos Basilio Badillo 162, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 1693 facebook.com/Panchos-Takos-192702504096731/ BEST Traditional Mexican Restaurant No Way Jose 5 de Febrero 260, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 223 2853 facebook.com/NoWayJosePuertoVallarta/ nowayjosemx.com/ BEST Sushi Kashi Sushi Av. Las Americas #343, Col. Lazaro Cardenas. Puerto Vallarta 322 222 0913 facebook.com/KashiSushi/ www.kashisushi.com BEST View Restaurant Barcelona Tapas Matamoros esquina con 31, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 0510 facebook.com/barcelonatapaspv/ www.barcelonatapas.net 48 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
Food Truck Marisma (Multiple locations) Calle Naranjo, Puerto Vallarta 322 221 2884 10:30 - 19:00 facebook.com/marismafishtaco/ www.marismafishtaco.com BEST Hamburger Derby City Burger Rodolfo Gomez 130,Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 223 3323 12:00 - 22:00 facebook.com/Derby-City-Burgers-125282564250005/ BEST Kid Friendly Restaurant Lukumbe Av. Los Tules #449, Jardines Vallarta Puerto Vallarta 08:00 - 22:30 facebook.com/RestaurantCafeLukumbe/ www.lukumbe.com.mx
BEST Happy Hour Signature Lounge facebook.com/SignatureLoungePV/ www.resortsbypinnacle.com BEST Gay Bar La Noche Lázaro Cárdenas #263 Puerto Vallarta 322 222 3364 Opens at 20:00 facebook.com/lanochebarpv/ www.lanochepv.com BEST Gay Tour Diana’s Tour Los Muertos Beach Pier 322 222 1510 www.dianastours.com BEST Pipe, Bong and Accessory Shop Gold Leaf Lázaro Cárdenas #379 Puerto Vallarta 322 222 1839 Horario: 10:00 - 20:00 facebook.com/goldleafsmokeshop/ www.goldleaf.mxw FB.com/vtatribune
BEST IN PUERTO VALLARTA WINNERS BEST Second Hand Clothing Store Deja New 280 Jacaradas, Puerto Vallarta 322 100 2316 Open 10:00 - 18:00 facebook.com/dejanewconsignment/
Ropero de Jovany Venustiano Carranza 300, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta 322 260 4943 Open daily: 10:00 - 19:00 facebook.com/RoperodeJovany www.roperodejovany.net
BEST Pet Supply Store WaWao De Los Tules 408, Jardínes de Vallarta 322 225 9191 Mon - Sat. 9am - 7 pm facebook.com/WawaoVeterinaria/
BEST Shoe Store 3 Hermanos (Multiple locations) 09:00 - 21:00 facebook.com/3hermanosmx/ www.3hermanos.com.mx
BEST Property Management Company PVRPV Lazaro Cardenas 205 Local 6, Puerto Vallarta 322 222 0638 facebook.com/Pvrpvcom/ www.pvrpv.com
BEST Swimwear Store La Sirena Reina Juarez 174B, Colonia El Centro Puerto Vallarta 322 223 5978 Open 10:00 - 17:00 www.facebook.com/LaSirenaReinaPuertoVallartaQualitySwimwearforWomen/ www.LaSirenaReina.com
BEST Real Estate Agent Dana Scapa (Re/Max) Las Palmas 2, Local 20, 159 Paseo de la Marina Sur, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta 322 147 3459 09:00 - 18:00 facebook.com/danascaparemax/ www.remaxinpv.com
BEST Vet Clinic-Hospital Sabuesos Colombia 1198, Col. 5 de Diciembre Puerto Vallarta 322 222 5775 Hours: 09:00 - 14:00, 16:00 - 20:00 www.veterinariasabuesos.com
Best Real Estate Brokerage Timothy Real Estate Ignacio L. Vallarta 130, Puerto Vallarta 3103566514 09:00 - 18:00 facebook.com/timothyrealestate/ www.timothyrealestategroup.com
BEST Doggy Daycare Casa de los Perros Miramar 399, Puerto Vallarta 322 888 2470 facebook.com/casa.de.los.perros.pv/
BEST Notary Notario No. 5 Rio Amarillo, Fluvial Puerto Vallarta, 333 630 3151 facebook.com/pages/Notaria-5/284910568187713 www.notaria5pv.com
BEST Pet Grooming Pet Home 322 113 0314 Hours: 09:00 - 14:00, 16:00 - 18:00 facebook.com/pethomevallarta/
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The Marigalante is an exact replica of the Santa Maria ship from Christopher Columbus’ maiden voyage to ‘The New World’. With four decks the ship has a capacity for 220 passengers and offers both a seven-hour day tour (geared towards families), and an evening sunset dinner cruise, complete with fireworks. www.pirateshipvallarta.com
REAL ESTATE
SPECIAL EVENTS
WEDDINGS GROUPS
Luis Chavez FILM + PHOTO
Auto-Body Shop MDP service Belice 1471 Col. Lazaro Cardenas, Puerto Vallarta 322 223 0296 facebook.com/MDP-Servicio-855865741184871/
+52 1 322.306.8060 photojoymx@gmail.com
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BEST IN North Banderas Bay WINNERS Including the towns of Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Best Resort Royal Decameron Bucerias Lazaro Cadenas 150, Bucerías 329 298 0226 www.decameron.com.mx Best Hotel La Cruz Inn, La Cruz 36 Calle Marlin La Cruz De Huanacaxtle 322 194 4800 facebook.com/lacruzinn/ lacruzinn.com Best Boutique Hotel Villa Amor Del Mar, La Cruz Calle Albatros 88 La Cruz De Huanacaxtle 322 127 5813 facebook.com/lacruzinn/ lacruzinn.com Best Art Gallery Lujo Lifestyles, Bucerias #500 Lazaro Cardenas, Bucerías 322 191 6345 09:00 - 14:00 facebook.com/lujolifestyle/
Best Brunch Marival Boulevard Nuevo Vallarta y Paseo Cocoteros S/N l, Nuevo Vallarta 01 800 326 6600 facebook.com/MarivalResort/ www.marival.com.mx Best Ceviche 8 Tostadas, Nuevo Vallarta Morelos 20 Oriente, Nuevo Vallarta 322 297 7605 facebook.com/8tostadasnuevovallarta/ www.ochotostadasnuevovallarta.com Best Coffee Shop Panino’s Calle Heroe de Nacozari s/n, Bucerías 329 298 2964 facebook.com/Paninos-Bucerias-644659895548217/ Best Casual Restaurant Esquina 22, Bucerias Av México No. 22, Bucerías 329 298 1922 08:00 - 23:00 facebook.com/Esquina22/ www.esquina22.com
Best Art Studio Galeria Monarca, Bucerias 156 E Lazaro Cardenas, Bucerías 612 816 6327 09:00 - 21:00 facebook.com/galeriamonarca/ www.sandranitchie.com
Lateral Cafe, Bucerias Heroes Nacozari 126, Bucerías 322 429 7483 08:00 - 15:00 facebook.com/lateralcafebistrobucerias/ www.lateralcafebistro.com
Best Bakery Paninos in Bucerias Calle Heroe de Nacozari s/n 329 298 2964 Best Bartender Gladys Bova at YoYo Mo’s, Bucerias Av Mexico 17, Bucerías 11:00 - 00:00 facebook.com/yoyomos.bucerias/ Best Breakfast Lateral Cafe, Bucerias Heroes Nacozari 126, Bucerías 322 429 7483 08:00 - 15:00 facebook.com/lateralcafebistrobucerias/ www.lateralcafebistro.com Best Pub Luna Lounge, Bucerias 27 Av. Mexico, Bucerías 322 182 9921 facebook.com/BuceriasLunaLounge/ lunaloungebucerias.com/
Playa del Amor or Hidden Beach is in a UNESCO protected, national marine park located in the Isla Marietas, 22 miles off the shores of Banderas Bay.
Best Fine-Dining Mark’s, Bucerias 56 Lazaro Cardenas, Bucerías 329 298 0303 facebook.com/marksbucerias/ www.marksbucerias.com Best Hamburger La Famosa Burgers Hidalgo#11, Bucerías 329 298 3184 08:30 - 21:00 facebook.com/lasfamosasburgers/ Best Happy Hour Equina 22, Bucerias Av México No. 22, Bucerías 329 298 1922 08:00 - 23:00 facebook.com/Esquina22/ www.esquina22.com
Photo Luis Chavez
Whale Watching in the Bay
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lthough humpback whales begin arriving in Banderas Bay in the month of November, the official whalewatching season does not commence until the first few weeks of December and ends in March. A typical tour is for four to six hours and will provide light lunch and beverages. It can be chilly on the water, pack a sweater. POPULAR WHALE WATCHING TOURS Ocean Friendly Whale Watching Adventures Mexico Phone: 322.225.3774 www.oceanfriendly.com Whalecome to Puerto Vallarta Mexico Phone: 322.224.5240 www.vallartawhales.com Ecotours de Mexico Mexico Phone: 322.209.2195 www.ecotoursvallarta.com
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Snowbirds
with a considerable influx of primarily Canadian and American snowbirds who come for four to six months each year and escape the chilly weather up north. This influx means there are fabulous An estimated 8,000 ‘snowbirds’ call Bucerias restaurants, galleries, and homes built to cater to this adventurous group of home from November to April each year. travelers.
Flock to Bucerias
W
a decidedly tranquil ambiance where you can relax while drinking a glass of lemonade or enjoying a delicious ceviche (lime-marinated seafood) tostada or shrimp cocktail.
And in the Main Plaza, you can observe the daily comings and goings of the locals as you enter the picturesque Thursday evenings from November church or walk a few meters towards through April, the Bucerias Artwalk one of the safest beaches in the region. takes places along Lazaro Cardenas This beach also happens to have Street, where galleries and shops open recently been listed among the their doors from 6-9pm. cleanest on the Mexican coast by the
hen you arrive in Bucerías, the first thing to enchant you will be the simple charms of this traditional Mexican town with cobblestone streets, brightly colored homes with enormous wooden doors It is common to see people bicycling and an overall feeling of tranquility. down the streets of Bucerías towards The ambiance is further enhanced by the beach or walking through the the serene ocean, friendly people and public market to shop for items such as impressive sunsets that can be admired silver jewelry, handicrafts, clothing, and traditional sweets. from the scenic highway.
Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).
What truly sets Bucerias apart is the fresh seafood restaurants in the plaza and on the beach. If you are looking for the freshest catch of the day, On the corners of the main streets of prepared by the experts, Bucerias is Bucerías is one of the most visited destinations of the Riviera Nayarit the town are restaurants and bars with the place for you. Best Kid Friendly Restaurant Fajita Republic Paseo de los Cocoteros lote 8 Nuevo Vallarta 322 222 3131 facebook.com/FajitaRepublicPV/ Best Restaurant Mezzogiorno Avenida Del Pacifico 33, Bucerías 329 298 0350 facebook.com/mezzogiorno.bucerias/ www.mezzogiorno.com.mx Best Restaurant Wine List Masala Coral #10, La Cruz De Huanacaxtle 322 101 8884 facebook.com/Restaurant-Masala-Bar-Grill-124314697635879/
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Best Restaurant Patio Adriatico, Bucerias 43 Lazaro Cardenas, Bucerias 329 298 6038 Open daily at 15:00 www.facebook.com/adriaticoristoranteitaliano/ www.adriaticoristorante.com
Best Beachfront Restaurant Karen’s, Bucerias Benito Juarez 12 Bucerias 329 298 3176 facebook.com/Karens-Place-Bucerias-232336806894744/ www.karensplacebucerias.com
D Stock at Marival Residences Boulevard Nuevo Vallarta y Paseo Cocoteros S/N Nuevo Vallarta 01 800 326 6600 facebook.com/MarivalResort/ www.marival.com.mx
Best Sushi Nicksan, Nuevo Vallarta Paseo Cocoteros No.53, Nuevo Vallarta 322 297 2464 Open daily 2pm -11pm facebook.com/NicksanNuevoVallarta/ www.nicksanmexico.com
Best BBQ Luna Lounge, Bucerias 27 Av. Mexico, Bucerias 322 182 9921 facebook.com/BuceriasLunaLounge/ lunaloungebucerias.com/
Best Taco Stand Tacos on the Street, La Cruz Huachinango 9, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle 322 139 4081 Opens at 17:30 facebook.com/Tacos-on-thestreet-1015200751877513/ The best of banderas bay vallartatribune.com | 51
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The Best Beaches Outside of Puerto Vallarta
Time to Take a Day Trip
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lthough the downtown and hotel zone of Puerto Vallarta has some fabulous beaches, sometimes it’s fun to step out of your comfort zone and explore the out of the way places. With that in mind, we compiled a list of fabulous beaches that are well worth the day trip.
Playa Cabellito: A few years ago this beach became a popular spot for hikers on their way from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas. It’s now home to the ultra chill Casitas Maraika Beach Club. Accessibly only by boat or hiking, you’ll need a reservation on the weekends.
Best Beach for Snorkeling – Playa Majahuitas There are many beaches in the Bay of Banderas that vie for the distinction of “Best Snorkeling” due to the incredible number of rock formations along the shore. However, our favorite has to be Playa Majahuitas located on the south coast between the small villages of Quimixto and Yelapa. This beach is secluded and hard to get to, but it’s worth the effort due to the plethora of sea life that make their home around the underwater boulders. Here you’ll find puffer fish, spotted eagle rays, garden eels, octopi and nudibranchs. To get to Playa Majahuitas take the water taxi from Boca de Tomatlan, a small fishing village 20 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. We recommend going in the afternoon to avoid the large tour companies that visit this tranquil spot most mornings. Best Beach for Fresh Seafood and Margaritas – Playa Las Animas
grill. Delicious! To get to Playa Las Animas, you can take the same water taxi from Boca de Tomatlan. Or for the more adventurous, you can hike along a well-marked path from Boca to Las Animas. It takes approx. 2 hours and is of moderate difficulty. Best Beach for a Romantic Walk -- Playa Destiladeras Our choice for “Most Romantic Beach” is Playa Destiladeras, located about 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta at km 9 along the highway to Punta de Mita. This long, flat, white sand beach is perfect for strolling hand in hand with your loved one as you watch the sun set behind Las Marietas Islands. To walk from one end of the beach and back takes about 50 minutes but we like to stop at the stylish beach club of Los Veneros for a midway cocktail to enjoy the full experience.
Just before Playa Majahuitas on the south shore lies our choice for the best beach to go to for the freshest seafood and coldest margaritas in the bay, Playa Las Animas. This golden sand beach is lined with 5 or 6 beachfront, thatched roofed restaurants to choose from. We recommend ordering the local Best Beach for Boogie specialty of Huachinango Zarandeado, Boarding -- Playa Punta de Mita which is whole red snapper rubbed Most visitors to Punta de Mita head with spices and cooked over a wood to local favorite Playa El Anclote, which 52 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
Playa Punta Mita
is located in front of the main street and lined with seafood restaurants. However, our favorite is the lesser known Playa Punta de Mita that is located south of the small marina and is the perfect spot for playing in the gentle waves. Take the stairs across from Hotel La Quinta del Sol and spend the day enjoying the surf rolling in along this perfect white sand beach. FB.com/vtatribune
So maybe you don’t want to explore too far from your comfort zone, in that case this list offers a quick guide to the most popular beaches from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, south to the village of Yelapa.
The Beaches of Vallarta Playa Sayulita
Best Beach for Wildlife– Playa Escondida (Las Marietas Islands) Playa Escondida, or the Hidden Beach, is located on the protected nature preserve of the Islas Marietas and is best reached by taking one of the many small panga charters available from the marina in Punta de Mita. The trip over takes about 20 minutes and along the way you are likely to see dolphins, jumping stingrays, pelicans and, from December to April, humpback whales. The islands are uninhabited and home to over 90 species of birds, including the famous blue-footed booby. To reach the beach, one must swim under an archway in the island past a fantastic snorkeling spot filled with a variety of fish and marine life. Best Beach for People Watching – Playa Sayulita Located about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta along the Riviera Nayarit, you will find the once sleepy fishing village of Sayulita that has grown into a bustling and funky surf town. This is our favorite beach to grab a sun chair from any of the number of restaurants spread out in front of the central section in the pueblo and settle in for a day of great people watching. You’ll see surfers catching some incredible waves, mariachi bands looking to play you a tune, and lots of unique characters just doing their thing. This isn’t the beach for those who are searching for peace and solitude but is perfect for those who are looking for pure entertainment. FB.com/vtatribune
Boca de Tomates: A great spot to see crocodiles, eat fresh caught seafood and visit the Turtle Rescue Camp. The beach isn’t great for swimming as the Rio Ameca runs just north of it, making the waters muddy and the bottom silty.
The Night of the Iguana was filmed. Located in front of the excellent dive and snorkel spot of Los Arcos you can book snorkeling and jet skis off the beach. A couple beach restaurants and vendors will keep you content throughout the day.
El Holi: Located at the mouth of the Pitillal Boca de Tomatlan: Mostly a boat River in front of Plaza Peninsula. Occasionally launch, there is a small beach/tributary. This has a good surf break. is where you hire water taxis to the beaches Playa Camarones: Sometimes further south. Beaches south of Boca de rocky, sometimes sandy, this beach Tomatlan are only accessible by boat or hosts Barracudas and El Solar, two great hiking, depending on your fitness level. beachfront places to hang, day or night.
Olas Altas: You may find the waters suitable for surfing or boogie boarding near the River Cuale. Olas Altas starts at Daiquiri Dick's excellent restaurant and runs north to the River. It attracts fewer sunbathers then Los Muertos but gets lively during holidays.
Colomitos: Many in the know, hike to this beach, which is moderate 45 minute hike. It’s also home to the popular Ocean Grill restaurant. Reservations are a must to eat at Ocean Grill.
Playa Caballo: A relatively new edition to the beach club scene, Maraika Beach Los Muertos: Puerto Vallarta’s original Club makes this a popular spot for beautiful beach, Playa los Muertos (Beach of the people. Reservations during the weekends Dead), is action central for both locals and if you want a beach table. tourists alike. The flat stretch of sand starts Las Ánimas: Because of its shallow waters, south of the River Cuale and runs about Playa las Animas is ideal for children and 1.5 km (one mile) south while hugging the often fills up with families on weekends and Romantic Zone. There is a non-stop parade holidays. Seafood restaurants line the sand. of vendors hawking grilled fish on sticks, Quimixto: Charming tiny town with just a jewellery, sombreros and sarapes. You can couple restaurants and a beautiful waterfall take a banana-boat ride, rent a stand-up hike. Rent horses and make a day of it. paddle board, try out the jet boots or go para-sailing. A string of restaurants run the Majahuitas: Often touted as the best length of the beach, most with umbrellas snorkeling and dive spot in the bay. The and lounges for daytime and romantic waters here are clear and there is plenty of fish and sea turtles to spy on. This is where tables for candlelight dining. the Pirateship day tour stops. Conchas Chinas: South of Vallarta, this beach features hidden coves with crystalline Las Caletas: Former home of John water and millions of white shells broken Huston, this beach is the home of the and polished by the waves. The individual Rhythms of the Night as well as a popular coves are ideal for secluded sunbathing spot for weddings and a stopping point on many Vallarta Adventure tours. and snorkeling. Garza Blanca: White pristine sand, Yelapa: This once tiny hippy haven has beautiful beach in front of the ritzy Garza boomed in recent years and now sports both electricity and cell phone towers, Blanca resort. but remains only accessible by boat. Still Playa Las Gemelas: The cleanest and a treat for a day or a week, the beach is most accessible beach south of Vallarta. A lovely. The town is charming and there are huge swath of fine white sand with lots of two relatively accessible waterfalls. If you’re families having picnics on the weekends. a nature enthusiast, the flora and fauna Playa Mismaloya: Where the movie, around Yelapa are amazing. The best of banderas bay vallartatribune.com | 53
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Best Traditional Mexican Restaurant La Cava Calle Camaron 22, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle 329 295 5160 facebook.com/La-Cava-De-Las-Martinez-548206455353759/ Best View Restaurant Mezzogiorno Avenida Del Pacifico 33, Bucerías 329 298 0350 facebook.com/mezzogiorno.bucerias/ www.mezzogiorno.com.mx Best Romantic Restaurant Sandrina’s, Bucerias Calle Lázaro Cárdenas 33, Bucerías 329 298 0273 13:30 - 22:00 facebook.com/Sandrinas-Restaurant-and-Boutique-272625206172274/ www.sandrinas.com Frascati’s, La Cruz Malecon de La Marina Local 1-A Cruz De Huanacaxtle 329 295 6185 Open daily at17:00 facebook.com/frascatilac/ www.frascatilacruz.com Best Vegan Friendly Restaurant Organic Love, La Cruz Calle Delfín #14, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle 329 295 5331 facebook.com/organicfoodwithlove
Best Ice Cream Parad*Ice, La Cruz Av. Langosta #3-A, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle 329 295 6326 facebook.com/veganparadicecream/ veganparadice.com.mx 54 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
Dancing Octopus Garden, La Cruz Coral 66, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle 322 182 4026 www.hikuri.com
Best Produce Store Mega, Flamingos Blvd. Riviera Nayarit No.1297 Col. Flamingos, 329 298 6079 megasoriana.com/
Best Live Music Venue The Drunken Duck,Bucerias Avenida Mexico, Centro Bucerias 329 298 1441 facebook.com/ddnayarit/
Bucerias Sunday Market Along the dry river bed Every sunday from 9am - 2pm
Best Performing-Arts Venue Luna Lounge, Bucerias 27 Av. Mexico Bucerias 322 182 9921 facebook.com/BuceriasLunaLounge/ lunaloungebucerias.com/ Best Sports Bar YoYo Mo’s, Bucerias Av Mexico 17, Bucerias 329 298 6073 Open daily 11:00 - 00:00 facebook.com/yoyomos.bucerias/ Best Organic Store Organic Love, La Cruz Calle Delfín #14, La Cruz 329 295 5331 Open: 09:00 - 14:00, 18:00 - 22:00 facebook.com/organicfoodwithlove/ Best Florist Cattleya, Bucerias Heroe de Nacozary #14, Bucerias 329 298 3628 facebook.com/flowershopCattleya/ www.cattleya.com.mx Best Grocery Store Mega, Flamingos Blvd. Riviera Nayarut No.1297 Col. Flamingos, Bucerías 329 298 6079 megasoriana.com/
Best Seafood Store La Cruz Fish Market La Cruz Marina 329 295 5426 Best Clothing Store Gloria’s, La Cruz Delfín 14 , La Cruz de Huanacaxtle facebook.com/GloriasPlaceBucerias Best Swimwear Store Walmart Carretera Tepic No. 430, Mezcales 322 297 2959 www.walmart.com.mx Best Barbershop Player’s Club Av. Mexico 11, Bucerias Centro 322 243 1954 facebook.com/Barber-Shop-The-Players-ClubNayarit-319210138529921/ Best Spa Elements, Bucerias Avenida Lázaro Cárdenas 36, Bucerias 329 298 1728 Open: 09:00 - 18:00 Best Salon for Mani-Pedi Diva Salon, Bucerias Melchor Ocampo 51, Bucerias 329 298 2372 Open 10:00 - 17:00 divasrivieranayarit.com
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Bright & Shiny: Nuevo Vallarta Dazzles
N
uevo Vallarta is one of the most visited beach destinations in Mexico, bringing together luxury and the abundance of nature and an enchanting escape with excellent hospitality, comfort, and entertainment.
Marina Nuevo Vallarta is home to top notch restaurants, bars and exclusive neighbourhoods, perfect for a luxurious vacation.
BEST IN North Banderas Bay Best Hair Salon Fer Salon 33 Calle Agustín Melgar, Bucerias 329 298 2314 Open 10:00 - 19:00 facebook.com/FerSalon/ Best Medical Clinic San Javier, Nuevo Vallarta Paseo de los Cocoteros 55, Nuevo Valalrta 322 226 8181 facebook.com/sanjavierriviera/ www.hospitalsanjavier.com Best Dentist/Dental Clinic Dr. Adrian Malja, Bucerias Av Heroe de Nacozari 280 Esquina Javier Mina Bucerías 329 298 1249 Open 10:00 - 18:00 facebook.com/DentistAdrianMalja/ adrianmalja.com/ Best Gym Bahia Fitness, Bucerias Plaza La Mega, Local SA2, Bucerias Open 06:00 - 22:45 facebook.com/BahiaFitness/ Best Yoga Studio Harmony, Bucerias Av. México #16, Centro Bucerias 329 298 3833 Open 09:00 - 05:00 facebook.com/spaharmonycenter/ www.spaharmony.com.mx Best Community Charity Amigos de la Cruz facebook.com/AmigosLaCruz/ Best Property Management Company Bienvenidos Real Estate, Bucerias Locale 14, Plaza Los Amores, Bucerías 329 298 1733 www.bienvenidosrealestate.com Best Real Estate Brokerage Elements Realty Av Mexico 23, Bucerías 329 298 6011 facebook.com/elements.realty.group/ www.homeinmexico.com FB.com/vtatribune
A master-planned community, this entryway into Riviera Nayarit has the second highest number of hotels in the country, with a first-class infrastructure easily seen in the impeccable and vast golf courses, luxurious condominiums, exclusive restaurants and two of the country’s most important marinas.
Black Forest Restaurant Marlin 16, La Cruz De Huanacaxtle 329 295 5203 Open 5pm - 10pm, Closed Saturdays. www.blackforestpv.com
The hotels and resorts of Nuevo Vallarta, in addition to luxury and comfort, also offer a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy their stay to the fullest. Options include beach sports, golf, scuba diving, surfing, yoga classes, tennis, as well as spas where you can enjoy treatments for mind, body, and spirit such as hydrotherapy, sauna treatments, and hydro-reflexology.
Best Fundraising Event John Ozzello Food Bank www.buceriasfoodbank.com Best Auto-Body Shop Gecko’s Rent a Car, Bucerias Héroe de Nacozari 15, Bucerias 322 298 0339 www.geckorentcar.com Best Mechanic Car Doctor, Bucerias Av. Tepic 949, local 9 y 10, Col. Flamingos, Bucerías, 329 298 5076 Open 08:00 - 18:00 facebook.com/The-CAR-Doctor-527466547430153/ Best Animal Hospital Pet Vet & Care, Bucerias Heroe de Nacozari # 69, Bucerias 329 298 1622 Open 9:30 - 15:00, 16:00 - 18:30 facebook.com/Pet-Vet-and-Care-258252497611231/ Best Pet Grooming Pet Vet & Care, Bucerias Heroe de Nacozari # 69, Bucerias 329 298 1622 Open 9:30 - 15:00, 16:00 - 18:30 facebook.com/Pet-Vet-and-Care-258252497611231/ Best Pet Supply Store Pet Vet & Care, Bucerias Heroe de Nacozari # 69, Bucerias 329 298 1622 Open 9:30 - 15:00, 16:00 - 18:30 facebook.com/Pet-Vet-and-Care-258252497611231/
Twice a week there are artisan-farmer’s markets perfect for picking up fresh produce and ready-made dishes as well as souveniers and unique gifts. Hanging gardens, endless pools that visually meld into the ocean and luxurious suites are just some of the tempting delights tucked away in these resorts with elegant architecture and surrounded by the natural wonders of the tropics and the beauty of the Pacific coast. Rent a bike and enjoy the wellmaintained bike paths that wind through the village, stopping to enjoy the variety of flora and fauna of the region such as white herons, iguanas and crocodiles. And as the sun sinks below the horizon and paints the skies with luminous tones of orange, pink and purple, the festive nightlife calls to those visitors eager to continue their adventures in one of the local bars or restaurants.
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Exploring Sayulita
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he beach rules the rhythm of this picturesque corner of the Mexican Pacific. With a cosmopolitan atmosphere, paved streets, art galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants make you remind you of a sophisticated village, with the perks of having the ocean only a few steps away. Surfers from all over the world flock to these beaches. When dusk falls, you will see their silhouettes skim across the water, bodies dive and emerge awaiting the next wave, painted in the dazzling tones of the sun’s descent into the sea. A boho chic vibe focused on love and peace, gathering together in nature. A more youthful crowd, people come together in this town to celebrate a simple laid back beach lifestyle. If you decide to spend your vacation in Sayulita, you can stay in sophisticated boutique hotels with whimsical gardens
and comfortable rooms, elegant villas with all the services for a luxurious visit, small and colorful hotels, or for those adventurous visitors, there are campsites near the beach where you can pitch a tent and park RVs. Along the cobblestone streets of town, you will find local businesses selling delicious meals, bakeries offering a wide variety of fresh-baked treats that can be enjoyed with fresh organic coffee and of course, elegant restaurants set along the beach where you can take pleasure in a romantic candlelit dinner. Art can not be overlooked in Sayulita; here you will find art galleries and Mexican handicraft shops, offering some of the best quality beaded jewelry, silk rebozo shawls, wicker baskets, clay sculptures found in Mexico. If nothing else, go for the shopping, it’s superb.
BEST IN SAYULITA & SAN PANCHO BEST Art Gallery Galeria Tanana Avenida Revolución #22 Sayulita 329 291 3889 facebook.com/galeriatanana/ www.tanana.org
BEST Beachfront Restaurant Alas Blancas Delfin #219-A Col. Centro, Sayulita 329 291 3438 Open 12:00 - 21:00 facebook.com/alasblancassayulita/
BEST Art Studio Z Studio Avenida Revolución, Sayulita 322 157 4048 www.zoeypierce.com
BEST Breakfast El Espresso Revolución 51, Sayulita 329 291 3440 Open 06:00 - 18:00
BEST Boutique Hotel Haramara Retreat Sayulita 329 291 3558 facebook.com/haramara/ www.haramararetreat.com
BEST Coffee Shop Choco Banana The Plaza, Sayulita 329 291 3051 Open 06:00 - 18:00 facebook.com/Chocobanana-267970223042/ sayulita-life.com
BEST Hostel Miscelanea Sayulita Revolución 34 Planta Baja, Col. Centro Sayulita 294 941 1583 facebook.com/Miscelanea-Sayulita-685130931674515/ instagram.com/miscelaneasayulita BEST Resort Villa Amor Camino a Playa los Muertos, Sayulita 541 482 9311 facebook.com/villaamorsayulitamexico/ villaamor.com 56 | vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019
BEST Ceviche Alas Blancas Delfin #219-A Col. Centro Sayulita 329 291 3438 Open 12:00 - 21:00 facebook.com/alasblancassayulita BEST Fine-Dining Miro Vino Calle Jose Mariscal 15, Sayulita 322 173 3800 facebook.com/mirovinosayulita mirovinosayulita.com BEST Hamburguer Km 5 Surf Bar Carretera Pta. Mita KM#5 Higuera Blanca 322 135 8680 Open 12:00 - 23:00 BEST Happy Hour Latitude 20 79 Manuel Navarrette, Sayulita 329 291 3798 Opens at 16:00 sayulitalife.com/latitude20 BEST Ice Cream Shop Wakika Avenida Revolucion 40, Sayulita 322 133 7993 Hours 10:00 - 22:30 facebook.com/wakikasayulita
BEST Brunch Mary’s Mexican Restaurant Avenida Revolución, Sayulita facebook.com/pages/Marys/378803098962044
Best Kid Friendly Restaurant Chocobanana The Plaza, Sayulita 329 291 3051 Open 06:00 - 18:00 sayulita-life.com
BEST Pub Sayulita Public House Calle Marlin 26, Sayulita 329 291 3712 Open 11am - 12:00am facebook.com/SayulitaPublicHouse/ sayulitapublichouse.com
Best New Restaurant La Rustica Sayulita Av. Revolución 40 C, Sayulita 322 100 7379 Open 11:00 - 23:00 facebook.com/larusticasayulita/ larusticasayulita.com FB.com/vtatribune
BEST IN SAYULITA & SAN PANCHO
BEST Restaurant Mary’s Avenida Revolución, Sayulita facebook.com/pages/Marys/378803098962044 BEST Restaurant Wine List Miro Vino Calle Jose Mariscal 15, Sayulita 322 173 3800 facebook.com/mirovinosayulita/ mirovinosayulita.com BEST Romantic Restaurant Don Pedro’s Restaurant & Bar Marlin #2, Sayulita 329.291.3090 Open 09:00 - 23:00 facebook.com/DonPedrosRestaurant donpedros.com BEST Vegan Friendly Restaurant Tierra Viva Calle Marlin #10 Col. Centro, Sayulita 329 291 3280 Open 07:30 - 22:00 facebook.com/tierravivasayulita tierravivasayulita.com
BEST Live Music Venue Atico Jose Mariscal #33, Sayulita 322 116 7186 www.facebook.com/Atico-Sayulita-172385559834737/ BEST Clothing Store Buddha Gallery Calle Marlin#10, Sayulita 329 291 3406 Hours 09:00 - 09:00 facebook.com/Buddha-Gallery-and-Spa-Sayulita-151505544880372/ BEST Swimwear Store Buddha Gallery Calle Marlin#10, Sayulita 329 291 3406 Hours 09:00 - 09:00 BEST Pipe, Bong and Accessory Shop Manyana Calle Marlin 18, Sayulita 329 298 8676 Hours 10:00 - 20:00 facebook.com/Manyana.co manyana.co BEST Organic Store Terrenal Ave. Revolución #56, Sayulita 329 291 3454 facebook.com/TiendaTerrenalSayulita/ terrenalsayulita.com BEST Produce Store Sayulita Farmers Market Every Friday 10-2 November - April www.facebook.com/Mercado-del-Pueblo-108731729164555/ FB.com/vtatribune
BEST Dance Studio Casa Cultura www.facebook.com/casadelacultura.sayulita.5 BEST Pilates Studio Mexifit Calle Gabriel Rodríguez Peña, Sayulita 312 490 5705 Open 07:00 - 20:00 facebook.com/MexiFit/ mexifit.com
BEST Pet Supply Store Animalove Vet Clinic Avenida Revolución, Sayulita 329 291 3295 Horario: 09:30 - 19:00 facebook.com/animalove.veterinaria/ sayulitalife.com/animalove
BEST Yoga Studio Hotelito Los Suenos Calle Rosalio Tapia 10 Sayulita 329 291 3690 facebook.com/hotelitosayulita/ hotelitolossuenos.com
BEST Vetrinarian Clinic Animalove Avenida Revolución, Sayulita 329 291 3295 Horario: 09:30 - 19:00 facebook.com/animalove.veterinaria/ sayulitalife.com/animalove
BEST Spa Nirvanna Spa Delfin #10, second floor, Sayulita 329 291 3702 sayulitalife.com/nirvanna Open Daily 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM BEST Hair Salon Jungle Hair Design 15c Libremiento Punta de Mita, Sayulita 329 291 3402 Hours 11:00 - 17:00 facebook.com/junglehairdesign/ BEST Animal Hospital Animalove Avenida Revolución, Sayulita 329 291 3295 Horario: 09:30 - 19:00 facebook.com/animalove.veterinaria/ sayulitalife.com/animalove
BEST Pet Grooming Animalove Avenida Revolución, Sayulita 329 291 3295 Horario: 09:30 - 19:00 facebook.com/animalove.veterinaria/ sayulitalife.com/animalove
BEST Community Charity La Casa Clu facebook.com/lacasaclu/ lacasaclu.com BEST Fundraising Event San Pancho Circo de Los Niños Ave. Tercer Mundo #12, San Francisco 322 779 1519 www.facebook.com/circodelosninosdesanpancho
Cast your vote for your favourite businesses in the 2019 Reader’s Choice Awards www.vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019 The best of banderas bay vallartatribune.com | 57
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1. GALERIAS VALLARTA 2. WALMART/SAMS CLUB 3. COSTCO 4. LA ISLA 5. PLAZA CARACOL 6. MEGA/ LA COMER BUCERIAS 7. WALMART NUEVO VALLARTA
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POINTS OF INTEREST 1. TURTLE RESCUE CAMP 2. WHALE OF A TALE HOLE 3. PLAYA ESCONDIDO 4. KISSING BRIDGE 5. EL CORA CROCODILE SANCTUARY 6. PUERTO VALLARTA SIGN 7. ESTERO EL SALADO 8. PITILLAL PLAZA
9. 5 DE DEC. CEMETARY 10. MIRADOR CERRO DE LA CRUZ 11. MALECON 12. VIRGIN DE LA GUADALUPE CHURCH 13. LOS ARCOS AMPITHEATRE 14. ISLA CUALE 15. LAZARO CARDENAS PARK 15. OLAS ALTAS FARMERS MARKET
16. HIDALGO PARK 17. THREE HENS MARKET 18. MARSOL MARKET 19. MUNICIPAL MARKET 20. EMILIANO ZAPATA MARKET 21. CUALE CULTRAL CENTER 22. 5 DE DEC MARKET 23. HUANACAXLE MERCADO
24. FOREVER SPRING MARKET 25. BUCERIAS ARTWALK 26. RIVIERA FARMERS MARKET 27. MARINA ARTISAN MARKET 28. MOVIE + PICNIC 29. RED CROSS 30. LOS ARCOS NATIONAL PARK
The ABC’s of
Buying Coastal Property in Mexico You came. You saw. Now you want a place in Vallarta – Nayarit to call your own. That’s understandable, owning property in a foreign country is the dream of a lifetime for many. Rest assured foreigners can safely buy property in Mexico.
A
ll foreigners have the full protection of the law erties fall into the restricted category. Outside the zone, with regards to real estate transactions. You do you can own property with a title issued in your name. not have to be resident in Mexico to own property The fideicomiso is a bank trust in which the bank acts here, so there is no need to immigrate or even qualify for as a trustee by holding the trust deed for the purchaser resident status in order to invest in property in Mexico. who is the beneficiary of the trust. The fideicomiso is auThe Fideicomiso – Bank Trust thorized by the Mexican government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The bank is the legal owner of the The Mexican Constitution had previously banned for- real estate, but the beneficiary retains all legal rights of eign nationals from owning property within the restrict- ownership and as a result may sell, rent, and bequeath ed border zones. This was intended to protect Mexican the fideicomiso or property to whomever they choose or soil from foreign invasion. The Foreign Investment Law their heirs. of 1973 was a constitutional amendment which changed this allowing foreigners to now purchase real estate free The trust is established for a 50-year period, which is outright except inside the “restricted zone’; consisting renewable for another 50-year period after that. If the 50of all lands within 100km (64 miles) from an international year period expires without renewal, the owner has 10 border and 50km (32 miles) from the coastline at high year to submit an application for renewal. When a home tide. For properties within this zone, foreigners need to or land is purchased with an existing fideicomiso, the use a bank trust called a fideicomiso. remainder of that trust is merely transferred to the new owner or can be renewed at that time. The bank charges All real estate transactions involving these trusts are gov- an annual fee for holding the property, which is based erned by federal law. Puerto Vallarta and all coastal prop- upon its value.
Expert Real Estate Advice With the help of your real estate agent you will write a formal offer and once the property price has been agreed, a “Convenio de Compra/Venta” is drawn up, which includes deadlines. This is the written initial agreement to sell/buy. A 5%-10% deposit is expected from the buyer. Obtain a permit from the Foreign Secretary’s Office. The buyer will be required to sign the “Calvo Clause”, stating that foreign jurisdiction will not be sought to deal with the property transaction. The seller will then have to provide a copy of the Land/Property Deed. It is important to hire a lawyer to review the document. Once the deed is transferred to the buyer, the buyer will have to turn over the payment to the seller. Cash or monetary instruments of any kind over US$10,000 must be declared when entering Mexico. There are no limits on how much can be transferred in or out of the country. The whole process of registering a property can be completed in around 48 to 108 days. The Buyer’s Lawyer A Mexican attorney should be involved to draw up contracts and to review the conditions and terms of sale. Additionally, an attorney can do a title search and point out any problems or alternatives a buyer may have. The buyer should always have his or her own attorney rather than using the attorney of the seller or some attorney used by a real estate company free of charge. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for, and usually if someone’s services are offered free of charge you are probably paying for them in some other way. There are other additional fees that the buyer should expect to pay at closing. The buyer generally pays the transfer of acquisition tax and all other closing costs as well. The acquisition and transfer taxes both run around 2% of the sales price. The rest of the closing costs vary from 3% to 5% of the stated value. The Notario – Notary Public Services of a notary public are required in any real estate transaction in Mexico. The notary ensures that all documents are in order and that all proper legal procedures have been followed. Buying a home, business, or other property in Mexico can be an exciting and stress-free experience; as long as you have knowledgeable and trustworthy people working on your side to guide you through the process here in Mexico.
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